Continue reading »]]> Guest column from Cllr Navin Shah…

In recent months the “Harrow Council for Racial Justice” (HCRJ), which also calls itself the “Harrow Council for Justice” (HCJ), has become active in spreading rumours and falsehoods about various individuals and organisations in Harrow. I believe that HCRJ / HCJ is a front organisation run by Cllr Husain Akhtar. It is not a ‘Council’ of any sort or a democratically elected body. From time to time the group raises it’s ugly head to propagate their agenda, which is largely to peddle their extreme and mostly very personal diatribe against individuals and organisations who disagree with them. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and tarnishes all of us who are involved in local government in Harrow.

The organisation was set up when Cllr Akhtar crossed swords with the Harrow Council for Racial Equality (HCRE), thus the name HCRJ was invented to confuse it with the HCRE. Cllr Akhtar’s actions demonstrate a self-centered approach and an arrogance that completely ignores the concerns of ordinary residents in our borough. After attempting to be elected as an ‘Independent’ to the Council, he joined the Lib Dems and then the Labour Party, followed by the Conservative Party where he finally succeeded in being elected to the Council. On his falling out with the Conservative Leader he once again became an Independent and then re-joined the Labour Party. Since the Labour Group did not pander to his un-democrtic demands and expectations, he’s now part of the splinter break-away group who are orchestrating a scurrilous campaign against the Labour Group of councillors in Harrow.

The HCRJ have attacked Cllr Hall, Cllr Perry, the Labour Group, my family and myself. I am deeply saddened by these tactics but am sadly not surprised. Residents in our borough are struggling with a cost of living and housing crisis in addition to deep cuts to our frontline emergency services. As locally elected councillors these are the issues that we must tackle. The kind of underhand campaigns being run by Cllr Akhtar have no place in our borough, and I’m sure they will receive this message loud and clear at next year’s council elections.

Cllr Navin Shah
Kenton East Ward

Continue reading »]]> Carers can shop around for services under one roof at an event hosted by Harrow Council in which organisations will showcase what they have to offer.

Harrow Council’s ‘shopping centre’ of services will help carers find the services that suit them best while avoiding the time consuming need to contact providers individually. A range of companies, which provide homecare, respite and day care services, will be on show at the event during Carer’s Week in June.

Harrow Council Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing Cllr Krishna James said: “Carers do a wonderful, selfless job of looking after their loved ones. Harrow Council is committed to doing everything it can to support them, and the people they look after, as part of our commitment to help those most in need in our borough. Hopefully this event will take away one element of stress for carers. Rather than the time consuming task of contacting care providers individually, they will be able to shop around under one roof.”

Arvinda Patel, from Harrow, cares for her mother who has advanced Alzheimer’s.

She said: “Part of the challenge in finding the right people is the process of shopping around and this is why it is so important for carers to have as simple process as possible. Carers do not have the time to search for organisations and a lot of carers are still not able to use a computer or have an understanding of the internet so I think it is a great idea that Harrow will be hosting a shopping centre event during carers week, as this will allow carers to come and meet the organisations face to face and ask questions.”

The event is being held between 10am and 1pm on Thursday June 13, in the Members Lounge at the Civic Centre.

Allie Brice, Carer Lead Officer for Harrow Council said: “It is vital that carers have easy access to support providers and organisations so they are able to have more choice and control in who provides the support to their cared for person and how personal budgets are spent.”

A whole host of activities are planned for the week aimed at celebrating and supporting carers. To find out more about what is happening contact Allie Brice on 020 8901 2680 allison.brice@harrow.gov.uk or Harrow Carers on 020 8868 5228.

For more information log onto: www.harrow.gov.uk/carersweek

Continue reading »]]> Harrow Council has been crowned the best council in London to do business with at a prestigious awards ceremony held at 10 Downing Street.

Harrow Council received the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) award for supporting small and medium-sized businesses and making it easy for local entrepreneurs to bid for Local Government business.

Only nine other Councils from across the country received a DCLG ‘Best Council to do business’ award on Wednesday (May 15). The winners were selected by a panel of industry experts and Local and Central Government representatives. Speaking at the event, Local Government Minister, Brandon Lewis, praised the ten winning authorities for cutting unnecessary red tape.

Harrow Council received the award for its outstanding practice and ability to understand local businesses. The Council’s Procurement Strategy adopted in 2011 has resulted in an increase in the percentage of spend with local small and medium sized businesses.

The judges were particularly impressed with the Council’s engagement with local businesses through the borough’s extensive network of traders’ associations, chamber of commerce, banks, Federation of Small Businesses, Large Employers, and Harrow in Business enterprise agency. The Council was praised for hosting the online Harrow Business Directory in which more than 1,000 registered firms receive monthly newsletters and events; researching the market extensively before tendering contracts to small and medium sized businesses; identifying relevant suppliers from the Harrow Business Director; and organising and promoting pre-market events.

Harrow Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Contracts and Procurement, Cllr Thaya Idaikkadar, said: ”We are extremely proud to have won such a prestigious award – supporting local businesses is at the heart of what we do and we are delighted that the Government has recognised this. By cutting unnecessary red tape and making it easier for small to medium sized businesses to bid to run our services we have bolstered the local economy. Our business growth rates are among the best in North West London and we outperform the economic powerhouses of Islington and Camden. The future of this borough is bright because it is dependent on our local businesses, town centre, and district centres which are thriving.”

Continue reading »]]> The countdown to Under One Sky is hotting up with just over a month to go until the festival hits Harrow.

Glastonbury act Ska Cubano will be playing on the main stage, topping what promises to be an exuberant programme of dance and world music to be held at Byron Park, Wealdstone, from 12.30pm to 9pm on Sunday June 30.

Up to 10,000 people are expected at the festival, organised by Harrow Council, but Ska Cubano are used to playing big crowds, triumphing at big name festivals like Glastonbury, Big Day Out and Womad.

The twelve piece band is fronted by Natty Bo, famed for his unusual outfits often wearing brilliant mohair suits. He said:

“We are really looking forward to putting on a great show, getting everyone involved and bringing people together for a memorable occasion.

“The band merges unstoppable Jamaican rhythms with crazy Cuban brass. With four horns and three percussionists they cook up a huge sound. Natty Bo said: We get our main influences from Jamaican, Cuban & Colombian music from the 30′s, 40′s 50′s and 60′s. During our Under One Sky performance Harrow will get to experience great rhythm, beautiful melodies, crazy antics and wild dancing!

“Feeling part of a community is life enriching – it promotes friendships and helps people grow, and getting people together doing things for the good of the community is very rewarding.”

There’s something for everyone at this year’s festival with more than 100 acts and activities which will keep children and adults entertained throughout the day. The festival will feature a carnival parade; open air cinema; outdoor pool; dance village and a circus and children’s village.

Revellers can also expect to find a wealth of information and advice from experts at numerous marquees, stands, and stalls. Find out more about your local services, gain advice on employment opportunities, as well as starting up or expanding your own business at Harrow Council’s Enterprise Village. Healthy living help and advice can be found at the Sports and Healthy Lifestyle marquee from representatives at NHS Northwest London, Watford and Barnet Football Clubs and Harrow Council’s Sports Development Services.

Harrow Council Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services, Cllr Asad Omar, said:

“Ska Cubano promise to be a fantastic addition to the festival and I would like to see as many Harrow residents come along as possible and have a good time. It’s the perfect opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate our diverse borough.”

Entry fee costs £3 per adult, free entry for children under 12. For further information visit the Under One Sky 2013 page at www.underoneskyharrow.co.uk

Continue reading »]]> Shop vacancy rates across Britain’s recession-hit high streets are at an all time high, but latest figures reveal Harrow’s rates to be amongst the lowest in the country.

A survey of the British Retail Consortium shows Greater London shop vacancy rates to be at 7.4 per cent while Northern Ireland has the most empty stores at 18.1 per cent. Harrow’s empty shop rates have dropped over the past three years and currently stand at four per cent in the Town Centre.

Harrow Council is doing everything in its power to support the town centre, local shopping districts, and local businesses. Over the past 12 months the Council has attracted thousands of extra shoppers to the town centre. Regular European Markets, Antiques Markets, breathtaking light displays for Diwali, and a live performance by X-Factor star and local resident, Kye Sones, at last year’s Christmas light switch-on have all played a part. To boost local trade further the Council will roll out 20 minutes free parking across the borough during the run-up to Christmas.

Mohamed Saleem, 37, is the latest entrepreneur to start up a business in Harrow. The grand opening of his Restaurant, Cafe and Events venue , ‘The Global Village’, took place on Friday. According to Mr Saleem:

“The cultural diversity of the borough and the amount of effort the Council makes to ensure local businesses thrive was the main attraction for coming to Harrow out of all other London Boroughs.

“The Global Village attempts to Celebrate the Colours, Cultures and Communities we live in through international cuisine. Currently offering a range of Indo Pakistani, Chinese, Afghan, and Sri Lankan food prepared in our live kitchen with unique desserts in our adjoining coffee and dessert bar. Along with this we are also setting up ‘The Global Village Project’ as a charity to give back to the Harrow community as we progress.

“Harrow is a great location to do business and it’s no surprise that the shop vacancy rates are amongst the very lowest in the country.

“The Council’s relationship with the local business community is fantastic and its finger is on the pulse when it comes to new and innovative ideas to keep the momentum going.”

Harrow Council Leader, Cllr Thaya Idaikkadar, attended the grand opening of the Global Village, with the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Nizam Ismail. He said:

“It is absolutely vital that we support our local businesses in any way that we can and these latest figures which show vacancy rates to be so low is testimony to that fact. We welcome the Global Village with open arms and I’m sure we will continue to see quality businesses choosing Harrow as place to start up a new venture.”

Source: Harrow Council

Continue reading »]]> A true friend stands by their friends so it is with a touch of irony that I find myself defending two councillors from the same party but who are now on opposite sides of a political divide that, in these past weeks, has poisoned local politics in Harrow.

Cllr Victoria Silver (Labour) is accused of racism for comparing Cllr Thaya Idaikkadar (Independent Labour) to the Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe in a comment posted on Twitter.

Knowing Victoria as I do, long before we were both elected three years ago, I can state without hesitation that she is not a racist. Her view, and in essence the motivation to tweet the words “Why do I keep thinking of #Mugabe” was to highlight a leader who had lost an election but had clung onto office regardless. This is her opinion however hard it is for her detractors to stomach and it should be respected as such. Any rational person should be able to see that there is no racist motive in this comparison and I share Victoria’s view that this row has been distorted to such an extent that it will sadly fuel a drip feed of accusations.

I will also stand up for Victoria because I am appalled by the hate inspired campaign being mounted against her. The demands for her resignation as a councillor are motivated by malice and nothing more, as are the moves to refer her to the Standards Committee. Even Harrow Council for Justice is on its high horse and is calling for Victoria to go. Enough I say! Victoria is an outstanding councillor of integrity and honour and one of the best we’ve ever had. Her ongoing work to champion the cause of carers in Harrow, for example, is second to none and I for one will not stay silent and watch others attempt to sully her good name with vexatious complaints.

Cllr Nana Asante (Independent Labour) is also someone I have immense respect for. She knows that in her hour of need I stood up for her when she was the victim of an injustice and a gross misrepresentation of the facts. This week, God willing, Nana will ascend to the position of Mayor of Harrow. I have made no secret of my view that I think Nana will be an outstanding first citizen for the borough of Harrow. I have been a fan of hers since she was lined up for this role a year ago when she was appointed deputy mayor.

But when a communication on twitter is twisted to suggest that another councillor has the human rights record of an African dictator I despair for that person’s intelligence. Our reputation as local politicians could not be any lower right now. What must our residents think? If we are not careful we are heading for the lowest turnout in Harrow election history next May leaving thousands of residents disillusioned and disenfranchised. Is this going to be the legacy of the 2010-2014 council?

Cllr James Bond
Independent
Headstone North Ward

Continue reading »]]> Cllr Will Stoodley, Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration

Will brings the following key skills to the role:

• Communication Skills (written and verbal)
• Professional Experience from the Land Registry, Legal Training & Experience of the Planning Committee
• Local knowledge & the importance of balancing the needs of diverse communities

Will Stoodley was born in Edgware and spent his childhood between boarding school in Berkshire, his Aunt and Uncles’ home in Hendon and, from 1976 to 1979, his father’s auberge [an Inn, in French-speaking countries] in Brittany, during which time he became fluent in French. Will left school in 1982 for an apprenticeship in Woodwind Musical Instrument making, becoming a partner of the firm and a highly skilled craftsman in the process. Regrettably John Major’s recession killed off demand for the Oboes, Cor Anglais and Clarinets that Will was making, so he joined the Civil Service and served 20 years at H.M. Land Registry in Lyon Road, Harrow, until its closure. During that time Will was promoted twice, becoming a senior member of staff and also branch chair of the local union, as well as studying part time for a degree in law at Coventry University in which he achieved a 2:1 with Honours. After the Harrow Land Registry closed he took the Legal Practice Course and qualified to work as a trainee solicitor for a firm in Pinner and then Willesden Green.

Since his election in 2010 Will has served Harrow Council on the Corporate Parenting Panel, the Grants Advisory Panel, the Licensing and General Purposes Committee, the Licensing Panel Shortlist, the Local Development Framework Panel, the Personal Appeals Panel Shortlist, the Planning Committee and the Supporting People Advisory Panel, and is a representative for the Bentley Priory Nature Reserve Management Committee, the Harrow Association of Disabled People and the Port of London Authority.

Will said: “My experience and expertise gleaned from 20 years’ service with the Land Registry which included producing maps and plans in both manual and computerised form, combined with the legal knowledge that I have from being in Practice and sitting on the Planning Committee makes an excellent font of knowledge with which to take on the portfolio for Planning and Regeneration and I am delighted with my appointment.”

Continue reading »]]> Cllr Husain Akhtar, Secretary of the Independent Labour Group in Harrow, appears have got into an argument with the London Regional Director of the Labour Party over his membership of the party, a row which culminates with a threat to wipe Harrow out in Labour in the 2014 and 2015 elections.

Documents sent to iharrow.com over the weekend includes emails as well as other written correspondence between Cllr Akhtar and others on the issue of his continuing membership of the Labour Party.

On May 9, 2013, the Chief Whip of the Labour group, Cllr Mrinal Choudhury, wrote to Cllr Akhtar warning him that as he’d resigned from the Harrow Labour Group, it was likely that he’s be ineligible to remain a member of the Labour Party.

May 14, 2013, see Alan Olive, London Regional Director of the Labour Party get in touch. According to Mr Olive the rules are quite clear that elected members of the local authority who do not register as members of the Labour Group are “…ineligible to be or to remain a party member.” It goes on to remind Cllr Akhtar that unless he returns to the group within a 14-day period, his “…exclusion from the Labour Party will be automatic…”

Cllr Akhtar disagrees: “I will challenge your interpretation of the Labour Party rules – let the judiciary decide who is right and who is wrong – being father of a solicitor, I know what I’m talking about!” He continues that, “… the Labour Party is already in serious danger of being wiped off in Harrow now, and in 2014 and 2015 because of the local arrogance!” To add weight, he copies his correspondence to Ed Miliband, Harriet Harman, Sadiq Khan, Keith Vaz, and a whole load of other people.

He closes off his letter with what might be a veiled threat: “Sad that you missed the opportunities to intervene previously and before the Harrow volcano erupted – a matter that might interest your line managers!”

Continue reading »]]> Harrow Police’s weekly blog, written this week by Borough Commander Simon Ovens…

I was invited to the official opening ceremony of Harrow Primary School in Gayton Road which is the first independent day school in Harrow with an Islamic ethos. I had a tour of the school and met with the school’s founders, teaching staff and Head teacher. The facilities are impressive and the pupils and staff must feel very privileged to be working in such a positive environment.

We continue to see a decrease in the number of burglaries reported, however by no means are we complacent. Just as I am writing, a call came in from a Stanmore resident reporting that he had seen a man jump into his back garden. There were also reports of another man in the same area acting suspiciously. Colleagues from the Air Support Unit assisted officers on the ground who stopped and detained two men in Ennerdale Avenue matching the descriptions. They are now on their way to the police station for further questioning. A good job done by all.

And at court last week, a 24-year-old man received a two-year suspended prison sentence for carrying out a burglary in Wetheral Drive, in Stanmore. The man and an accomplice stole a flat screen TV from a house whilst a 15-year-old boy was at home at the time in his bedroom. The boy heard banging downstairs and just thought a family member had come home. It was only when the banging got louder and he heard someone running up and down the stairs that he became concerned and looked out of the window. He saw two men loading a flat screen TV into the boot of a taxi and immediately called police giving the registration number of the taxi. Acting swiftly on this information the officers located the taxi driver who took them to the address where he dropped the men off and arrested the defendant. A second suspect who ran off is still being pursued by officers.

A motorist was given an £80 fine by Sgt Roni Doyle of Pinner Safer Neighbourhoods Team for parking illegally outside West Lodge School in Pinner. Several parents had complained to us about this driver’s inconsiderate parking and when PCSOs Walker and O’Brien spoke to him he was very abusive and refused to move his car. Sgt Roni Doyle issued the driver of the black Volkswagen Golf with a fine for abusing members of her staff. Parking restrictions are in place for reasons especially outside schools and in this case it was clear the driver of this vehicle was putting his convenience before that of the safety of school children.

Harrow’s police cadets have been busy taking part in role play activities at Hendon Training School. Over 30 cadets were involved, enacting out scenes of burglary, criminal damage, drugs and public order offences to offer a realistic environment for trainee police officers which tested their knowledge. One trainee officer’s diversity skills were put to the test when one of the young cadets refused to allow him to search her due to religious beliefs.

During the recent Bank Holiday weekend, the cadets were helping out at the May Day event at Heritage Museum in Pinner View. Harrow Council hosted the family event which was visited by several hundred residents. In addition to assisting with stewarding and collecting entry tickets the cadets seized the opportunity to promote the police cadets scheme to which fourteen new recruits signed up to.

Continue reading »]]> Cllr Krishna James – Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health & Community Well Being

Krishna brings the following key skills to the role:

• Communication Skills (written and verbal)
• Professional Health Experience & Experience of chairing Health Scrutiny in the past year
• Up to date knowledge of Changes in Health & Social Care and an ability to discuss alternatives

Krishna grew up in a multicultural, multiracial town – Mombasa in Kenya. She was 14, when she arrived in this country. She spent her teenage years in Aylesbury and moved to Harrow when she was 21. Following 8 years in Banking, she trained as a Nurse at Northwick Park Hospital. She qualified as a Registered Nurse and worked in and around Harrow for 15yrs.

Suffering ill health she left nursing but went on to University and completed a degree in Art History/Women’s Studies in1996. Krishna has led women’s projects and produced multimedia work for public education, combining her interests in Art and Health. She has volunteered with Harrow User Group and Mindfor the last 20yrs. Her passion is raising awareness of mental health stigma and working to eradicate discrimination. She is a Mental Health Champion Councillor.

Krishna was first elected in 2008 as a result of a by-election; her share of the votes was 43%. This is her second term as a Marlborough Ward Councillor and she firmly believes in Labour Values of Social Justice, Fair play and Equality.

Krishna lists hers priorities as:

Mental Health

• Children’s Health – access to Emergency Care needs to be looked at so it is available to all our residents. Children’s health is different from Adults and it is important that we do not lose sight of the need to give them appropriate care.
• Maternal Health: It is important to remember that Northwick Park lost 10 mothers and there was an enquiry
• Services for Senior Citizens
• Tackling increased child mortality at our local hospital

Krishna is a Marlborough Ward Councillor, Women’s Officer in Harrow East CLP and Mental Health Champion. She is married to Trevor and has 1 son, Sathya.