HARROW
www.harrow.gov.uk December 2009
Keeping you better informed about Harrow Council Christmas Market Harrow Town Centre goes festive Healthy living Inside Harrow’s new health clinics
Get your skates on and win tickets for London’s best day out! Are you missing out? It’s your money! Difficulty paying your rent?
Behind with your Council Tax payments?
You don’t have to be unemployed or a pensioner to get it!
Housing and Council Tax benefits are intended to help people on low income meet their housing costs. You will be aware that the Government has been taking a number of steps to ensure that the economic downturn has the minimum possible effect on those with low income. As part of this initiative we want to make sure you are not missing out on any of the We can arrange a Home Visit for you help you are entitled to with Council Tax and or your One of our experienced visiting officers will visit you at housing costs. your home to help you with your application form. If you are a pensioner and you get Pension Credit A home visit will be arranged for you of you fall in one of guarantee credit, you are likely to be entitled to these categories. Council Tax Benefit if you are liable for Council Tax. This means you may pay less Council Tax. You could • Housebound even get it backdated for up to three months. But you • Disabled must make a claim to get it. • Elderly • Long term ill And if you rent your home, you may be able to get help with your rent by claiming Housing Benefit. If you would like assistance with completing the claim form, please ring us on 0208 424 1644. One of our Are you getting what visiting officers will get in touch with you to arrange a you should? convenient and suitable time to visit you at your home. To find out if you qualify, visit www. harrow.gov.uk and check our benefit calculator. Welfare Benefit health check How to claim We have a Welfare Benefit take up service. This initiative is aimed For more information call us on to make sure that Harrow residents receive all the welfare benefits’ 0208 424 1644. they are entitled to. We can assess your eligibility for any welfare benefits and help you complete any relevant forms. If you would an application form to claim Council Tax or Housing Benefit, please ring us For an appointment please call 020 8424 7636. on 0208 424 1644. ha r r o w contents Regulars 4 News Leader of 24 What’s on the Council 26 Ward Focus Councillor David Ashton Features With Christmas nearly here, budgets 9 Your money are on everyone’s mind - whether Have your say on council you are a household braced for big spending bills or a business gearing up for the 10 Cleaner and safer streets New Year. Anti-social behaviour team While finalising the council’s budget, I went out for the day in Harrow 19 Day in the life town centre to ask residents what Caring for our carers our spending priorities should be. 7am, morning mist, Harrow Recreation Ground This issue of Harrow People reveals your answers - and without giving the story away, you may not be surprised to learn that clean streets and supporting the vulnerable are high on your list.
With spending in mind, read about how our trading standards department is protecting Christmas If you have any story ideas, shoppers against potential cons. On please email the Editor at a happier note, I hope you visit and [email protected] enjoy the Christmas market taking or call 020 8424 7504 place for the first time in the town For editorial and advertising centre. enquiries contact: Editor Angela Hart on 020 8424 7504 In whatever way you are spending Photography Dermot Carlin the festive period, can I extend best Design Subo Kathiresan wishes on behalf of the council. Please recycle this copy of Harrow People when you have finished or pass it to a friend.
Harrow Council has been recognised as one of the best performing local authorities in the country in the prestigious Municipal Journal (MJ) Best Acheiving Council award.
Harrow People is printed by Annodata Print Services on chlorine free paper from sustainable forests and distributed by Letterbox Distribution. Harrow People is published eight times a year by Harrow Council as part of keeping local people informed. It is distributed to 100,000 homes, businesses and other outlets in the borough. Comments, products and services published do not necessarily carry the council’s endorsement.
www.harrow.gov.uk 3 News
Have your
A redevelopment project on a say Pinner estate has been given the green light following a secret ballot by residents. Residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of transferring the ownership and management of Mill Farm Estate to Catalyst Communities Housing Association in a secret ballot last month – which encouraged residents to get involved in the decision about the future of their estate. You said: Eighty-eight per cent of the tenants who voted in the ballot were in favour of the transfer and 100 per cent of the leaseholder voters were also in favour of the vote. We did: Subject to planning approval and the Secretary of State approving Class act at Stanburn! the plans, the redevelopment of the estate is likely to take place next year. The redevelopment will involve A school in Harrow is the first in during World War II. replacing the existing buildings to London to have been rated as Anne Drakeford, headteacher provide modern, high-quality homes ‘Outstanding’ after the school at Stanburn for the last 20 years, and building new homes for rent and inspection body Ofsted introduced said: “Credit goes to all those sale. new tougher criteria. involved - children, parents, staff Cllr Barry Macleod-Cullinane, portfolio Stanburn First school in Stanmore, and governors.” holder for adults and housing, said: has been awarded top marks after Cllr Anjana Patel, portfolio “With such an overwhelming majority its recent inspection, where it was holder for schools and children’s this is a fantastic outcome and described as an ‘excellent school development, said: “I am very opportunity for all involved. which embraced new developments pleased with the results of this “The challenge now is to make sure to ensure pupils receive the highest inspection. For any school to inspire it happens in the timescales we quality learning experiences’. such praise from both from Ofsted have agreed with residents and I am A striking example of the school’s and from parents is an excellent confident we can achieve this through innovative teaching is the history achievement. The team at Stanburn the excellent partnerships we have lessons held in the school’s very First school is providing the best built with the residents and Catalyst own ‘Blast Shelter’, where pupils education for its pupils and should Communities Housing Association.” are taught in small groups about life be proud of itself.” Harrow’s streets get a new seal of approval! We have blast off! Harrow Council has begun a brand new treatment which “seals” streets against the plague of dropped chewing gum, oil stains and other pollutants by blasting them with water - then layering them with a protective coating. One of Harrow Council’s top priorities is to deliver cleaner and safer streets, and four popular shopping centres and two tube stations in the borough are on the list for the deep clean treatment.
4 www.harrow.gov.uk News
Have your
The council is drawing up a say new plan for the borough called the Local Development Framework (LDF). Included in this is the Core Strategy which sets out how population, housing and economic growth in the borough is to be accommodated over a 15- year period. The Core Strategy Preferred Option document is now out for public consultation for anyone to comment on. This runs until 11th January 2010. The council will Young people takeover the council! be holding a series of workshops Amel Rahmoune, 20, took over chief executive, Michael Lockwood’s during December. These role at Harrow Council as part of Youth Takeover Day. She said: workshops will offer residents the “The role of chief executive on this youth take over day involved me chance to discuss the options with choosing, researching and presenting a subject of my particular planning officers as well as any interest to the ‘real’ chief executive and if he likes my suggestions I other issues you think we need to might soon see a change in anti-social behaviour.” address. It was a chance for young people in the borough to have their say For details of the workshops on how council services are run and to put forward creative ideas as to or to view the documents email how the services can be improved, particularly for young people in the [email protected] or borough. For more information on young people’s events in Harrow www.harrow-consult.limehouse. visit www.harrowyouth.co.uk co.uk
All change for Freedom passes Harrow’s older and disabled Freedom Pass holders should renew their passes in the new year so they can continue to enjoy free travel across the borough. The Freedom Pass allows Londoners aged 60 and over, plus eligible disabled residents, to travel for free on buses, trains and the underground. For additional security, the new passes will include a photograph of the owner on the card itself rather than on a separate photocard as is currently the case. For more information on renewal Sea scouts joined war veterans as they marched through go www.freedompass.org or call Harrow at a ceremony to honour Britain’s heroes. The annual Remembrance Day ceremony honours those who have lost their lives in conflicts since the start of the 0845 275 7054. First World War. More than 500 people gathered to watch the procession.
www.harrow.gov.uk 5 LOOKING FOR A NEW CAREER AS A PLUMBER OR ELECTRICIAN? Harrow College can get you started with quali cations in Plumbing and Electrical Wiring including C&G 6129 Plumbing
Call now to get your new career off the ground Tel 020 8909 6000 WHITEFRIARS Training Centre email [email protected] www.harrow.ac.uk
6 www.harrow.gov.uk build stronger communities
Swami comes to Harrow A well-known Hindu Swami visited Harrow Council to announce the opening of a new temple, for which Harrow’s Gujarati community raised funds. Mahant Swami Dharmanandan Dasji, who is the Head of Swaminarayan Temple in the Gujarat city of Bhuj, met with councillors, staff and members of the Hindu community at a special reception to announce that the new temple will be open in Bhuj in May 2010. A total of £1.25m was raised Turning the tables by the Hindu community in the UK after the Swaminarayan temple An inspirational Radio DJing participation team. was destroyed in the earthquake course has helped some Margo Cash, 10, who that struck the city in 2001. Harrow youngsters to turn the lives on the estate, and has tables on anti-social behaviour just completed the Radio on an estate in Pinner. Broadcasting training, said: The teenagers from “Being on the radio course has the Pinner Hill estate have made me proud of myself, and transformed their lives after it keeps me out of trouble and joining the three-month Radio stops me walking around the Production and Broadcast streets. You never know what course, organised by I’ll be in the future now.” Harrow Council’s youth
Black History in focus
Voluntary organisation BTWSC Planning course, and also (Beyond the Will Smith Challenge) raised funds for the Mayor’s held its African History Month event, chosen charity Easy Riders called In Search Of Achievers Closer Wheelchairs. To Home, at the Council Chamber, Those who attended in October. Harrow Mayor Cllr described the event as inspiring and closer to home.” Eric Silver and the Mayoress Mrs motivational, and welcomed the diversity “For example, when you ask Evelyn Silver were special guests of fields the achievers came from. about civil rights, most people at the event which highlighted the “I thought the session was well think of Martin Luther King and contribution of British African male put together and informative, and I Rosa Parks, but few are aware of and female achievers in various really liked the focus on black British the likes of community activist Paul fields, including academia, business, history,” said Patrick O’Dwyer, Harrow Stephenson and the Bristol Bus civil rights, education, law, politics, Council’s Senior School Improvement Boycott, which ended on the same the sciences and the voluntary sector. Professional. day Martin Luther King delivered his The event, which was funded by Event co-ordinator Kwaku said: “Too ‘I Have A Dream’ speech in 1963.” BTWSC, was organised with students often we seem to be more aware of For further information on BTWSC go on BTWSC’s OCN accredited Event African American achievers, than those to www.btwsc.com
www.harrow.gov.uk 7 43581 Primary poster A4:Layout 1 12/10/09 13:45 Page 1
Harrow Cosmopolitan, Confident, Cohesive
Newly Qualified Teachers Primary Nursery to Year 6 Secondary Years 7 to 13
• Looking for exciting teaching opportunities, with excellent induction in a supportive environment? • We’d like to hear from you today. We encourage diversity in our workforce and welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly members of black and minority ethnic communities. £1500 interest free loan Induction – high quality and accredited Early starts possible Employee Assistance Programme Well-being schools Well equipped Teachers’ Centre For information, ring Jacqui on 020 8736 6508 or email: [email protected] Primary Pool closing date: 5 February 2010 Interviews planned: 2 and 3 March 2010 Apply online www.harrow.gov.uk/teaching
A36583 Reddiford Advert Update:Reddiford 14/10/09 09:21 Pag
REDDIFORD SCHOOL
An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2 years 9 months to 11 TESTING FOR RECEPTION ON THE 9th JANUARY 2010 ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW
• Academic excellence in a warm caring environment Looking for a local venue for hosting meetings? • Wrap around care available Harrow Teachers’ Centre • Regular scholarships gained to leading independent Looking for a local venue for hosting meetings, There is free on-site parking, disabled secondary schools presentations, conferences, interviews or access and hearing aid facilities • Means tested bursaries available private party, then the Teachers’ Centre in available. Our on-site restaurant can Wealdstone is your affordable solution. Our provide a variety of catering options to • Childcare vouchers accepted in Early Years Department facilities cater for a minimum of 2 up to a rooms upon request. maximum of 300 people. For a prospectus, or to visit the school at work, please contact: Contact details The Admissions Secretary, Mrs Di Murro, All rooms come with; Data Projector, Tel 020 8416 8899 Fax 020 8427 2418 Reddiford School, Video, Whiteboard, IT Keyboard, and Email: [email protected] Flipchart Stand with Flipchart Paper & Harrow Teachers’ Centre, Tudor Road, 38 Cecil Park, Pinner, Middx HA5 5HH Pens as standard. Wealdstone, Harrow HA3 5PQ Tel 020 8866 0660 Fax: 020 8866 4847 [email protected] www.reddiford.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 312641 money
You said: Nearly 650 people answered questions on the budget, with 93% agreeing that Cleaner and Safer streets should be regarded as a priority, while 84% think Support for Vulnerable People should receive priority funding. Nearly 60% support the priority Build Stronger Communities. The support for all three of the council’s suggested priorities was higher this year than in 2008. Have your on how the council should say spend your money s the council prepares to Adraw up its spending plans Cllr David Ashton, leader of the Here is what some of the residents had to say: council, took to the streets to Owen and Jill Cock (right) from Pinner, find out how residents want to said: “Supporting vulnerable people see their money spent next year. has to be the most important priority of The responses will be used the council. Also it frustrates me that the to influence the decisions the council have to pay so much money to council is making and ensure keep the streets clean, when this can be it allocates its resources in the done by residents themselves. I think it way residents would like. would be great to encourage This year, the council focused more people in funding on three key areas: the borough to delivering cleaner and safer volunteer – this Wendy Dearborne (left) from streets, improving support for really contributes LA, said: “I used to live in Harrow vulnerable people and building to building but moved to Los Angeles 17 stronger communities, where a stronger years ago. I have seen a lot of millions of pounds have been community.” changes in the borough and the invested. town centre is really nice.” Cllr David Ashton, leader of the council and PC Kotze and PC Pindolia (left) portfolio holder for finance, from the town centre police team, said: “It was great to get said: “The borough’s town centre out on the street and has definitely seen a marked improvement since I gauge what residents think lived here five years ago. Residents say they feel about how the council is safer and it’s a lot cleaner. Knowing that we have progressing. the support of our partners, like the council, is really “I am always pleased to important and I think it makes a real difference to hear the thoughts of those using residents.” the services and encourage Further information everyone to get in touch with the council if they have an opinion You can email your comments and questions on council services to on what next year’s tax money [email protected] should be spent on.”
www.harrow.gov.uk 9 cleaner and safer streets
Could you be a Neighbourhood Champion?
Harrow Council has announced plans to deliver cleaner and safer streets through a new Neighbourhood Champions programme.
orking in partnership with the Wpolice, the scheme will launch “I welcome the in the New Year with volunteers from Neighbourhood Harrow’s established and very successful Champion Neighbourhood Watch scheme. It will scheme. Harrow’s be extended in Spring 2010 when all Neighbourhood Harrow residents will be invited to join the Watch is one of the programme. The scheme will see us recruit a largest in London and network of volunteers, who will help keep plays an important role us informed about local problems or working alongside issues that can arise. the police to fight The scheme has overwhelming crime and enhance support with nearly 90 per cent of you community cohesion thinking that Neighbourhood Champions are a good idea*. throughout Cllr Susan Hall, deputy leader and Harrow. I look portfolio holder for the environment, forward to seeing said: “We would like our Neighbourhood the Neighbourhood Champions to help us to look after the Champion scheme streets of Harrow, acting as our eyes becoming just as and ears, and alerting us to problems successful..” they think we should know about. This isn’t about being a nosy neighbour, quite Inspector Dave Burgum, simply, it’s about having the input of Harrow Police somebody who is proud of their street and wants to improve life for their friends and neighbours.”
*Source: August Reputation Tracker as part of which 500 Harrow residents were interviewed 10 www.harrow.gov.uk cleaner and safer streets
Could you be a Neighbourhood Champion? So what does a Q&A Neighbourhood Q With all these stories about councils spying on their Champion do? residents, should you be doing this? The most important part of the A This is definitely not a licence to “snoop”. All the council is doing is creating Champion’s role is to communicate a system that will allow a Neighbourhood Champion to report street level with the council, ideally via our website nuisances. These are problems that, as before, it is down to the police and www.harrow.gov.uk, highlighting the the council to fix. Nobody wants or expects the Neighbourhood Champions issues we can help with. to act as vigilantes! Typically the key role of volunteers will be to contact the council with Q When can I sign up? problems arising from street issues, A The scheme will launch in the New Year with the recruitment of such as Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators. From Spring 2010 all residents will be • Street cleaning invited to join. If you are interested in becoming a Neighbourhood Champion, • Broken street lights please register your interest (see below). We will then contact you in the • Fly-tipping Spring with further details. • Graffiti • Abandoned vehicles Q How many do you want to sign up? And how • Noise nuisance • Petty vandalism long for? A The plan is to sign up 2,000 by the end of two years. We will assess the • General anti-social behaviour success of the scheme in 2011 to see whether the council and police want to We are looking forward to the extend it further. champions helping to create the kinds
of neighbourhood we’d all like to live in, and hope that you’ll support the Q Do Neighbourhood Champions get paid? Do they scheme by either becoming a receive any form of expenses? Neighbourhood Champion yourself, A No - this is a volunteering initiative. Neighbourhood Champions take part or by working with your local because they want to help deliver cleaner and safer streets for all residents. Champion to make Harrow streets cleaner and safer for all.
Further information
The Neighbourhood Champions scheme is your opportunity to get involved in making Harrow a better place to live, cut here work and play. If you are interested in becoming a Neighbourhood Champion or would like to know more, please complete the below form and send to: Divisional Director of Environment, Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XF. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] Name: Address: Email Address:
*Source: August Reputation Tracker as part of which 500 Harrow residents were interviewed www.harrow.gov.uk 11 supporting vulnerable people
12 scams of
Twelve Phishers phishing Eleven fraudsters calling 12 Typically, you’re directed Christmas11 Watch out for fraudsters to a fake website with a tempting threatening to cut off your BT offer. But once you fill in your phone line unless you pay arrears personal details your information using your credit card. Always can be sold to identity thieves. check by calling the number on Always use your credit card for your phone bill. purchases over £100.
Nine scammers scamming 9 Charity scammers may pose as representatives of real 8 charities or ones that sound real. Be VERY wary of high-pressure pitches. Always ask for ID and never give out credit card details.
Five fake friends Six cheap plonk drinking 5 You may receive an e-card 6 Cheap drink can include email from an unnamed dangerous levels of ingredients “friend” which can be viewed such as methanol. Always by clicking on a link. But the check carefully anything that is link may unleash anything suspiciously cheap. from spyware and pop-up ads to viruses and Trojans.
Three cardboard tubes 3 A two or three metre roll of 2 Christmas wrapping paper offered by a street vendor at a cheap price turns out to be nothing more than a cardboard tube with a narrow strip of paper on it.
12 www.harrow.gov.uk supporting vulnerable people
To help you avoid getting caught out Harrow Council has drawn up the 12 scams of Christmas to keep you on your guard.
Ten brand names faking ChristmasWatch out for counterfeit 10 batteries which may leak and will not last long. All counterfeit goods are sold at bargain prices and are often of shoddy quality and fall apart in days.
Eight lights a flashing Seven food goods perishing 8 Ensure any electrical items 7 Check the recommended carry a small mark with the best before date on perishable words CE on it. If badly made the items is not before Christmas products can be a fire risk. Day.
Four cheap perfumes 4 Copies of brand perfumes are heavily diluted and the scent wears off in minutes. The contents can also cause allergic skin reactions.
Two dodgy dvds 2 Pirate dvds are not only of poor quality but you may be And a hole sponsoring organised crime with your purchase. in your back pocket!
Further information
For further information contact Harrow and Brent Trading Standards on 020 8937 5555 or Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
www.harrow.gov.uk 13 Registered Charity No. 248565 (Harrow Branch) 44 Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2SQ We wish you a very happy festive season If a little emotional support will help you through the holiday, we’ll be available 24/7. But what we really hope is that if you’re having so much fun, you won’t give us a second’s thought! Happy Christmas .... EVERYBODY. Sometimes, the thing that 020 8427 7777 can help most is just to talk. National No. 08457 909090; e-mail:- [email protected] ACCIDENT? INJURED? DO YOU WANT COMPENSATION? NO WIN NO FEE CALL FOR A FREE discussion SLP solicitors SPECIALIST PERSONAL INJURY DEPARTMENT 51 - 53 THE BROADWAY STANMORE MIDDX ha7 4dj 0800 917 4644 [email protected] http://www.wantcompensation.com
Add an extra dimension to your home with a new conservatory
Celebrating 25 years in business From concept to completion. Timber, Aluminium or U.P.V.C Windows, Doors and Conservatories Tel/Fax: 020 8428 5433 Mobile: 07969 619 922 Email: [email protected]
Web: www.williams-windows.co.uk Cleaner and safer streets
Dreaming of a
greenChristmas…
green things to do this Christmas t is estimated that every person 5 Iin the UK throws away their own weight in rubbish every 1 Shop ‘til you drop. But take old ring on low, and only opening the oven seven weeks. During the festive bags! And use public transport if you door when absolutely necessary, will period, belts have a habit of can. help keep your kitchen cool as well as widening, and our bins get fatter 2 Christmas wishes. Many saving energy. too. This Christmas, up to 1 billion charities produce a range of beautiful 4 Saving water. Having worked up Christmas cards will end up in Christmas cards and wrapping a sweat from lugging the tree, not to bins (that’s 17 per person) and paper from recycled paper. After mention those enormous presents, into the UK will produce 83 sq km of Christmas you can throw cards and the sitting room, take a shower instead wrapping paper, enough to wrap wrapping paper in your blue bin to of a bath. It uses half as much water. up Guernsey and give it as a be taken away by the council for Recycle all empty bottles, glass or Christmas present. recycling. plastic in your blue bin. But there are a number of 3 Christmas Dinner. The main event 5 The Tree. A real tree is traditional, things we can do over Christmas of Christmas day, when the kitchen just make sure that after Christmas, to keep our bins slim while we still piles up with pans and baking tins and you either chop it up and put it your have a good time. the room boils from simmering pots brown bin (max 10cm in diameter), and a baking oven. Using a small hob or take it to the Recycling Centre in ring on a high heat instead of a large Forward Drive, Wealdstone. Christmas Collection Calendar Please leave your rubbish for collection on the revised collection days named in the calendar. If two days are given, please put your rubbish out on the first day. If it is not collected on this day, it will be collected on the following day.
New Year Usual Christmas week Further information collection day week If you have any questions, Tues 29 Dec or wish to report a missed Monday Mon 21 Dec collection, please go Tues 29 Dec orW ed 30 Dec Tuesday Mon 21 Dec or Tues 22 Dec to www.harrow.gov. Wed 30 Dec or Thurs 31 Dec uk/recycling or call the Wednesday Tues 22 Dec orW ed 23 Dec council’s refuse and Thurs 31 Dec or Sat 2 Jan Wed 23 Dec or Thurs 24 Dec recycling centre on Thursday 020 8424 1770. Sat 2 Jan Friday Thurs 24 Dec
www.harrow.gov.uk 15 Cleaner and safer streets
Keeping you
nti-social behaviour doesn’t just Amake life unpleasant. It creates an environment where more serious crime can take hold. It has a negative effect on many people’s lives, and Harrow Council is committed to tackling it. A new team of anti-social behaviour ward officers, dedicated to addressing local issues in Harrow, have now been recruited. Neil Watson – one of the three new ward officers – says that he gets into their actions are doing to others work never knowing what he will have safewhich stops them from behaving in to deal with, but that - in essence - is this way.” why he enjoys his new role at Harrow For example, a panel made up of Council so much. officers across a number of agencies Harrow Council has employed a has been set up to work with young problem which could easily spiral out new team to work closely with the people who have been linked with of control. Although we don’t have a police, the fire brigade and housing anti-social behaviour offences. The big problem, we do not tolerate anti- associations to get to the bottom of Early Intervention Panel aims to stop social behaviour in Harrow and will anti-social behaviour – and so far, people under the age of 18 from re- do everything we can to stop these the results have shown it has been a offending, by giving them one-to-one offences from happening. great success. mentoring, putting them into work “This is all linked to the work Neil has recently been dealing placements and offering parents a we are doing to build a stronger with one family who have proven training course to help prevent these community in the borough and to be nightmare neighbours at their offences from happening. ensure Harrow remains one of the worst using racial abuse, intimidation, The panel is made up of a safest boroughs in London.” littering and harassment to make number of services, including fellow residents’ lives a misery. children’s services, the council’s Further information He added: “Issuing injunctions, youth offending team, the police and If you need any advice on anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) family intervention services. coping with anti-social or Acceptable Behaviour Contracts Cllr Susan Hall, deputy behaviour, call one of the team (ABCs) can help to minimise anti- leader and portfolio holder for or go to www.harrow.gov.uk/ social behaviour but sometimes it is Environmental Services, said: asb or call 0845 371 4110 just a case of helping them see what “Anti-social behaviour is a national
16 www.harrow.gov.uk Cleaner and safer streets
Meet the team…
Neil Watson Wards: Harrow Weald, Hatch End, Pinner, Pinner South, Rayners Lane, Roxeth, Roxbourne “Many people think anti-social behaviour always involves young people, but it’s more than that – it could be a dispute between neighbours, an out of control dog, racial abuse or littering.”
Janice Noble Wards: Greenhill, Harrow on the Hill, Headstone North, Headstone South, Marlborough, Wealdstone, West Harrow “Now there is a team of us working closely with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour in Harrow, we hope we will be able to make changes to all those people affected by these crimes.”
Sarah Harris Wards: Belmont, Canons, Edgware, Kenton East, Kenton West, Queensbury, Stanmore Park “Anti-social behaviour can be one of a number of things which can make their victim’s lives a misery. We want to urge more people to report these crimes to ourselves or the police. That way, we can help stamp it out for good.”
Ian Cartmell - ASB Co-ordinator Team Manager “My specially trained officers will do everything they can to make the residents of Harrow live safer, and stop safe offenders affecting people’s daily quality of life so they can live without fear of others.”
Contact the team on 0845 371 4110.
Nuisance neighbour
study receives five year asboThe perpetrator, was given a five case O at Harrow magistrates in their garden and trespassing. It only year ASB ended after Harrow Council’s anti- November 2008 after the court heard Last year, a resident of HarrowO for social behaviour team worked with the catalogue of incidents against received a five-year ASB the victims. The court was told that conducting a five-year campaign of the police for 12 months to put a case together, with evidence including the perpetrator’s behaviour was so misery against her neighbours which bad the victims felt unable to go on included throwing sanitary towels into 143 DVDs of CCTV footage and a statement from former neighbours holiday for fear of what they would their garden. return to. The ordeal of the victims included who suffered similar nuisance verbal abuse, their garden being behaviour. flooded, rubbish being thrown into
www.harrow.gov.uk 17 The quality of private dental care at the price of NHS treatment – Guaranteed!*
Register with Ideal Dental Care today and enjoy all the benefi ts of Photograph courtesy of the MPS high quality private dental care, with dedicated consultation time and state-of-the-art facilities at exactly the same price you would pay on the NHS – guaranteed for six months, with no further commitments. Community and Police Working together Come to the meetings of The Harrow Police & Community Consultative Group to Voice your concerns
d G Hear updates on crime prevention a a o y R to ’s n n d h R a o o o J a T R t d y ote S Lyon Road b pc u Question senior Harrow Police and Council e he r S n
L Sta a tion ad n Ro e y l Wa Greenhil officers on safety.
Harrow-on-the-hill Tube Station Call 020 8420 0530 For further information call 020 8424 1785 or visit Ideal Dental Care - Harrow www.hpccg.org.uk Bank House, 7 St Johns Road, Harrow HA1 2EE www.idealdentalcare.co.uk
* The prices will accurately refl ect NHS prices for 6 months. Offer subject to acceptance and available to new patients only.
Tony McNulty MP for Harrow East
Advice Surgeries are held regularly on Saturday mornings from 11 am by appointment at his constituency office - Harrow East Labour Centre, Could you be a 18, Byron Road, Wealdstone, Harrow, HA3 7ST foster carer? Harrow Childrens Services are looking for a range Please ring 020 7219 4108 for an appointment. of foster carers as diverse as our children.
We have children of all ages, including disabled children who are Accommodation We need lodgings NOW waiting for people just like you to welcome them into your home for our list of clients We offer a package of training, support and allowances to wanted We offer personal advice enable you to meet the challenge of this task. and support - FREE! Do you want You will never be bored! Can you offer a helping hand – All clients are interviewed wanted to earn up to before they are introduced if so call 0800 064 1000 or visit www.harrow.gov.uk or e-mail [email protected] £4249.96 per to the landlord. annum TAX FREE? For further information We hold regular information evenings on the last Thursday of contact Sheena on every month at the Harrow Civic Centre at 6.45 p.m. Do you own a 01895 678053 property that SOLO – singles opportunities for lodgings in Harrow, Hillingdon, Ealing can be rented in and Brent rooms? Accommodation THE PARADIGM HOUSING GROUP No fees to pay 43/45 High Street, Ruislip, Middx HA4 7BD Email: [email protected] supporting vulnerable people
Top five steps... to getting support
Step one Recognise you’re a carer! Many of us do not see ourselves as carers straight away. We are simply doing what anyone would - caring unpaid for a loved one or friend. Step two: Contact your council for help. Adult Services are part of your local council and provide a range of services to carers and people with A day in the life disabilities. As a carer, you are entitled to a carer’s assessment, which looks at your needs and how you, as a carer, can be supported. They can look at Caring for carers flexible options which best suit you and support you in your caring role. llie Brice is Harrow Council’s voice 28-year-old daughter Natasha who has a Step three: Tell your GP. Afor carers in the borough and learning disability and impaired hearing. Although there isn’t a national register spends much of her time ensuring they Christine said: "I had been caring for for carers, make sure you tell your GP get the support they need. my disabled daughter without support you are a carer, and ask them if they Many people in the borough care for a long time and I was getting quite will provide an annual healthcheck. for an elderly relative, a sick friend desperate. It was so isolating because Step four: Talk to your family and or a disabled family member. They I couldn't get out of the house to see friends. It is important that you do not do it unpaid and often without any anybody. try to cope alone, as this can impact support, despite there being plenty "Now I get respite care one weekend on your own health. of help available. Allie says: “We are a month which means I get a much- Step five: Claim your entitlements. here to help improve the lives of carers needed break. I am free to go out or stay Remember that the benefits system is by providing information, advice and in and sit and do nothing if I want to! there to help and you are entitled to support and by ensuring they are aware "With help from the council I am now claim. Call Harrow Carers on 020 8868 of the financial help available to them. able to use direct payments to pay for 5224 for advice. “Carers make a valuable contribution transport for my daughter to be Facts to Harrow in the care and support that dropped off and collected from they provide. However, it is so important her day centre. For the first time in Carers can receive information that people who care for others get years I can go out to work. I now about support available to them a break from what can be a very have a role working in the café at and meet other carers at the rewarding role, but one that is also very Byron Neighbourhood Resource borough’s three Neighbourhood tiring and stressful. Centre. I absolutely love being able Resource Centres on the first “If someone makes contact with to go to work. Monday of every month. me, one of the first things I’ll do is a "If it wasn't for the council I For information on your nearest carer’s assessment, then we can draw would not have known how much centre to www.harrow.gov.uk/nrc up a care plan for them, talk about what help was available for carers.” breaks they may need, look at the health needs of the carer and make sure they Further information get any financial support they need.” If you are a carer call 0208 424 1726 or email [email protected] Christine Couch (above right), who for details of help and support you can receive. lives in Stanmore is the sole carer for her
www.harrow.gov.uk 19 health focus
NHS Harrow
HS Harrow and Harrow Council A&E / 999 life-threatening injuries or Nare working together to bring illnesses you this new feature in Harrow People, so that you can find out cuts, sprains, rashes, infections, Walk-in centre fever more about your local NHS – what we do, the services available to you and how you can get involved in GP aches and pains, infections, rashes, fever, diarrhoea shaping the future of healthcare in Harrow. cold symptoms, over-the-counter In these pages, starting with Pharmacist medication, health advice the next issue, you’ll find a regular interactive feature called Ask Your Doctor, where you can write in NHS Direct many minor illnesses or injuries with your questions for Harrow’s Director of Public Health, Dr. Self-care sore throat, cough, headache Andrew Howe. We’ll also tell you about public consultations and give you tips on how you can live a healthier lifestyle. Send your questions about any health related concerns to [email protected] and Andrew will answer them in the next issue.
20 www.harrow.gov.uk www.harrowpct.nhs.uk health focus
Better care, closer to home
Our aim is to bring you better Medical Centre, is set to open on healthcare, closer to where you Mollison Way (East Harrow) in live. To do this, we’re putting January. more services in local health At these centres, you can walk What is centres that are open on evenings in and be seen by a GP without and weekends, every day of the an appointment even if you’re not NHS Harrow? year. Some of these services, registered there. You might like such as physiotherapy and heart to register if you find the opening tests, have previously only been hours more convenient, particularly We are responsible for paying available in hospitals. if you work or have young children. for all local NHS services on your You’ve told us that you need Your own GP should always be behalf, managing their performance easier access to our services, so your first point of contact for and overseeing them to ensure we’ve been working hard to make medical care, but you can go to the quality of care you receive is sure this happens. As well as three Alexandra Avenue, The Pinn or always improving. We manage all new walk-in centres open from Harness Harrow when you need NHS services provided by GPs, 8am to 8pm every day, 80 per urgent access to health advice or pharmacists, dentists and opticians cent of our GPs now offer longer treatment during evenings and in the borough. We also pay for opening hours. weekends, when your own GP hospital care on behalf of patients In addition to your own GP, you surgery might be closed. registered with Harrow GPs, care for now have the choice of visiting People often go to accident mental health patients, prescriptions two types of health centres – a and emergency departments at and community healthcare like polyclinic or a GP-led health centre. their local hospital with minor health visitors and district nurses. These centres have local GPs and illnesses or injuries that could We’re your local healthcare many other services and are open have been treated locally. The new watchdog. That’s why we rely on from 8am to 8pm every day of centres were designed as a way of you to get involved and give us the year. Harrow’s first polyclinic, giving you an easier option, closer your views on local NHS services, at Alexandra Avenue Health and to home, where you will be seen as well as your NHS experiences in Social Care Centre (near Rayners more quickly. You can use them hospitals. Lane and South Harrow), is also for minor illnesses and injuries You can do this through our one of the first in London. Our that you may otherwise have gone Patients Advice and Liaison Service first GP-led health centre, The to an accident and emergency (PALS) on 020 8966 1090 or by Pinn Medical Centre (Love Lane, department with, like minor cuts emailing [email protected]. Pinner), has also opened recently or wounds that need dressing, uk. and another, Harness Harrow sprains, rashes, bites, urine We also give you a way to check infections, earache, thrush or fever. the best GP services in the area through our GP Scorecard, which rates local practices according to their patients’ views of them, using criteria like ease of access, range of services and how well they act on patient feedback. There’s a national website (www.nhs.uk) where you can leave feedback about your GP experiences, see what others have said and comment on any hospital Further information treatment you receive. You can find the scorecard on our Alexandra Avenue Health website www.harrowpct.nhs.uk. and Social Care Centre 275 Alexandra Avenue, Rayners Lane HA2 9DX Tel:020 8966 6300 Email: [email protected] The Pinn Medical Centre 37 Love Lane, Pinner HA5 3EE Tel: 020 8866 5766 Website: www.thepinn.co.uk Sarah Crowther, Chief Executive PCT
www.harrowpct.nhs.uk www.harrow.gov.uk 21 Private Fostering Arrangements
Harrow council is committed to safeguarding children and young people living in the borough. At times children are unable to live with their birth parents for many different reasons. A child who lives with a family friend, a great aunt or cousin for more than 28 days is referred to under the law as a Private fostering Arrangement. Children under the age of 16 (18 if disabled) can be privately fostered. If you know of a child that is living in such an arrangement please inform us as soon as possible. If in doubt, please contact the Duty and Assessment Team on 020 8736 6942.
For advice and information about Private Fostering Arrangements please contact the Family Placement Team 020 8736 6971
For more details on all the great indoor activities visit:
11 Dec – 3 Jan cleaner and safer streets
This is the amount of litter dropped on the streets of Harrow town centre in just 24 hours. espite there being around 145 Dbins dotted around the centre of the town it seems a minority of people would rather throw rubbish on the floor. Street cleaners responsible for keeping Harrow tidy piled up more than 20 bags of rubbish they had collected over 24 hours, including crisp packets, chocolate wrappers and drinks cans, in the hope of making people think twice about dropping litter. The huge pile of trash left passers- by shocked, with many stopping to stare and find out where the rubbish had come from. Residents in Harrow have said Rebecca Wigley-Smith: cleaner and safer streets are the “This is pretty bad. I biggest issue for them which has resulted in Harrow Council had no idea how much investing an extra one million rubbish the street cleaners pounds into street cleaning. have to clean up. Cllr Susan Hall, deputy leader and portfolio holder Pauline McDaide: for environment “It’s disgusting actually, services, said: “The Brian young people need hope is that this McDaide: it drummed into pile of rubbish may “People will them when they’re at shock some of buy fast food, school.” those people who stand right don’t think twice beside a bin when about dropping they eat it and then chuck the rubbish on the floor into mending their ways. wrappers on the floor! It’s not “The council is committed to rocket science is it - throw it providing cleaner and safer streets but in the bin that’s right next to we need residents to do their bit as you!” well.” Further information or 020 8424 1770. If you want to report flytipping, please contact www.harrow.gov.uk/flytipping
www.harrow.gov.uk 23 What’s on What’s on What’s on What’s on What’s on What’s on What’s on What’s on Christmasmarket comes to Harrow town centre
Christmas gift ideas like crafts, jewellery and ceramics. There will also be stalls selling German bratwurst sausages, leigh bells will steak sandwiches, Belgian waffles, Sbe ringing in mulled wine and German beer. Harrow this year, as the Cllr Marilyn Ashton, portfolio borough is hosting its first holder for planning, development and ever Christmas market selling enterprise, said: “After a difficult year, everything from arts and crafts to we are very aware of the importance bratwurst sausages. of this Christmas for our town centre Fourteen German-style chalets will retailers and businesses, and it is for this line St Ann’s Road in the town centre reason, that we have decided to stage to give an extra special Christmas feel the market. to the borough. The market began “By transforming St Ann’s Road into trading on Saturday 28th November a festive winter village, we also hope that and will open seven days a week up our residents will visit the market and until 27th December, excluding support the shops and local Christmas day. businesses that are right here on The European-style market, which their doorstep.” has been organised by Harrow Council For more details call the in partnership with major town centre Regeneration Officer on 0208 736 6084. retailers, will be sampling a range of Shop happy in Harrow town centre Prizes: this Christmas 1st prize: £250 Debenhams shopping trip To help your festive season really sparkle, Harrow town 2nd prize: £250 Marks & Spencer gift vouchers centre retailers are offering an amazing prize draw worth 3rd prize: Two digital photo frames courtesy of Currys over £700. Complete your details below and return the tear 4th prize: £50H & M gift voucher off slip before 12pm,15th December, to the competition 5th prize: £50 H & M gift voucher boxes in either Debenhams or Marks and Spencer in 6th prize: £50 TK Maxx gift voucher Harrow town centre.
Name: Postcode:
Telephone: E-mail:
24 www.harrow.gov.uk What’s on What’s on What’s on What’s on What’s on What’s on What’s on What’s on
Black History Month forum events A meeting of the Black History Seasonal Month Forum will take place on Thursday 10th December 2009 at Chanukah: Cinderella at the Harrow Arts Harrow Civic Centre, from 6.30pm- Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Centre – 18th-23th December 8.30pm which everyone is welcome to Sunday 13th December. Make sure you don’t miss Harrow Art’s attend. For more information visit www. 4.30pm - 5.30pm. Centre’s fantastic community btwsc.com Candle lighting at 4.50pm. Pantomime. The classic story of Junction of The Broadway and overcoming obstacles and finding true Eid-ul-Adha Dennis Lane, Stanmore. love will be brought to life by talented Date: 5th December. Menorah lighting ceremony to celebrate local people. Ages 5+. Time: 2pm-6pm. Chanukah. Call 020 8736 6084. Tickets £8 / £6 concessions. Family Venue: Harrow High School, Gayton tickets £23. Call 020 8416 8989 or go to Road, Harrow, HA1 2JG Bjorn the Polar Bear Meet & harrowarts.com Entrance: By ticket only. Call 020 Greet and Creative Workshop – 8416 8328. Celebration in respect 5th December. Christmas Tree Carols of Eid-ul-Adha, also known as ‘The Amazingly realistic! Learn about this Come and join us in singing carols and festival of sacrifice’. Activities to wonderful creature and join in our free traditional Christmas songs. include talks, a cultural display of workshop at the St Ann’s Shopping Saturday 12th December. costumes, musical entertainment, Centre (11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm). 3.30pm onwards. Everyone welcome children’s quiz and DVD presentation. Corner of Station Road and St Ann’s Carol Singing Quartet Road (Next to Katie’s Statue). Carol Service at St Ann’s Shopping Centre – E-mail community.development@ Date: 14th December 6th December. harrow.gov.uk or call 020 8416 8328. Time 6pm - 7.30pm Enjoy a performance of traditional carols Venue: Council Chamber/Members (11am – 4pm). Traditional pantomime Lounge, Civic Centre. Cinderella Entrance: Free. Everyone welcome. Father Christmas and Candy Arrow Players present the St Edmund’s Carols and readings and a Nativity in Cane giveaway – Parish Pantomime Cinderella. At the Council Chamber will be followed 12th,13th,19th, 20th December. St Edmund’s Hall, Pinner Road, by light refreshments in the members Father Christmas returns to the St Ann’s Northwood Hills, HA6 1QS. lounge. Mayor of Harrow will be Centre with more candy canes to give On January 2010 - 9th @ 2-30pm & present. Call 020 8416 8328. away while stocks last between 11am – 6pm, 10th @ 3pm, 13th, 14th, 15th @ 4pm*. Plus be entertained 7-45pm, 16th @ 2.30pm & 7.45pm. Mayor’s New Year’s Day Parade by Elf Buzz on Sunday 13th December. Tickets £7, some concessions £5. Call This year’s parade kicks off at 12pm the box office on 020 8868 7785 or go to with Harrow’s contribution organised www.arrowplayers.org.uk around a model Bi-Plane, built by students at Nower Hill, High School, highlighting the exploits of Harrow’s own, World War One fighter Ace, Leefe Robinson. Call 020 8416 8328.
Win tickets to the largest outdoor ice rink in central London at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. London’s largest and most dazzling winter event returns to the heart of the capital for six whole weeks of festive fun. The event is open from 10am to 10pm Saturday, 21st November 2009 to Sunday, 3rd January 2010. See www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com for more details. For a chance to win family tickets to the event on December 19th, send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: The Editor, Harrow People, Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XF before December 14th.
www.harrow.gov.uk 25 ward focus
Getting the beststart Want to find out arrow Council is introducing 16 Currently, there are 10 sites up and Hnew children’s centres by March running in Harrow Weald, Edgware, about services for 2011 – but do parents know what they Marlborough, West Harrow, Harrow on have to offer? the Hill, Kenton East, Pinner, Stanmore families in your local In the past few months several and Wealdstone, and there are plans for children’s centres have been opened six more – set to be ready by area? Harrow across the borough March 2011. Council’s Sure Start offering a wide range of One parent, Ketan Dattani services to parents and (pictured left), has been children’s centres are their toddlers. Other than attending a fathers’ group providing childcare to all with his 16-month-old son, a great place to start. children under five, either Shailen, at the Gange onsite or via a linked pre- Children’s Centre in We focus on Gange school or childminder, they Canning Road for about Children’s Centre in provide services ranging 11 months and says the from ante-natal to classes on Saturday meetings have Marlborough parenting skills. been invaluable to him. You can discover sessions The 36-year-old said: “It has been like messy play, music or access incredibly helpful. Not only does it give specialist services like health visitors, me a great chance to bond with Shailen speech and language therapy and because often he is asleep when I leave receive advice on healthy eating and or come back from work, but it has given finance. me a great opportunity to speak to other dads and swap advice. Further information “I have made some great friends and Shailen is interacting and enjoying There are more than 3,000 children’s centres in England. The playing with all the toys. centres offer childcare, family support, health services, plus “ At the centre, you can get all the employment and training support. To find out more visit help you need under one roof – whether www.childrenatthecentre.org it’s working out your tax and other finances or looking for employment.” Marlborough
David Gawn Krishna James David Perry 020 8248 5865 07769 837623 020 8424 1897 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
26 www.harrow.gov.uk
A limited hardship STOP PRESS fund has been released to help our small hardship businesses in Harrow.
Not entitled? don’t forget you may be eligible for fund • Small Business Rate relief (SBRR) now • Central Government Deferral Scheme available! • London Borough of Harrow scheme to extend payments to March 2010.
Don’t let these opportunities go down the drain apply today! Applications and criteria are available at www.harrow.gov.uk
For details of all of these schemes, see www.harrow.gov.uk, www.businesslink.gov.uk or www.realhelpnow.gov.uk or contact the team on 020 8424 1412.