Notes from HRA Open Forum held at the AGM at North Harrow Methodist Church on 29 June 2011
Headstone North councillors: Janet Mote (JM), Anthony Seymour (AS), James Bond (JB)
Licensed event in Yeading Brook Open Space
Residents reported that a Hindu wedding of about 350 attendees was to take place on Sunday 3 July, setting-up on the day before and clearing-up the day after. A licence had been granted a year before, but neighbours had only been notified about eight days before the event. There was no objection to the wedding itself, but to the lack of consultation and notice and there were questions about parking on the narrow surrounding roads.
AS said he had had a huge number of communications about this; residents were very unhappy. Eight weeks notice would have been helpful. It would be a private event but the space would not be closed to the public; there would be caterers and loos. Details were sketchy but a temporary event licence had been granted so there would probably be music.
Residents had had a letter signed by David Corby, Service Manager of Public Realm Maintenance. This letter stated that a Temporary Event Notice had been granted [under s100 of the Licensing Act 2003] for music including jazz until 22:00. It also said that the legislation prohibited public consultation.
A resident pointed out that Yeading Brook Open Space was not a park but part of [the West London] Green Chain and should therefore not be used for events. Did policy E45 [of Harrow’s adopted UDP] apply?.
JM said that council staff would be on or near the site during the event; she had been worried about the serving of food and about litter.
JB objected to the secrecy, and said residents had been confused by a council letter so poorly written that some had thought it a fake.
A resident asked if it might not set a precedent; the council might promote the idea as a cheap way to hold a large event.
JM questioned the appropriateness of events in green spaces.
AS said the council needed a proper policy.
A resident said that if an event were proposed in a park, the council would have to consult residents. They should not happen in the Green Chain.
JM said the site should be vacated by 10:15pm. This was met with laughter and scepticism.
A resident said there was an existing consultation process; an event at Zoom Leisure on Harrow View had had to be cancelled following objections. There should be yellow signs displayed near the site. Other residents said there had been none relating to the Yeading Brook event.
A resident pointed out that there were no gates at the site. Cars could be driven in. It was suggested that the Borough Commander could get an event cancelled because the police insisted on traffic management.
Future of North Harrow library
A resident expressed fears that the North Harrow library might close once Harrow Childrens' Services moves out of the upper floor of the building. The council could appoint an auctioneer and sell the building cheaply.
JM pointed out that library staff had access to toilets in the upper floors. This had to be considered when Childrens' Services moved out.
Heavy Lorries along Headstone Lane
A resident of Headstone Lane had long been lobbying the council about the high number of articulated lorries going through the width restrictions or making U-turns by Pinner School. Warning signs should be positioned in the proper places. Drivers couldn’t see the Headstone Lane sign until they were in Headstone Lane. The problem had a simple solution but the camera-operated restrictions were a council “cash cow”.
A resident of Northumberland Road, near the junction with Lincoln Road, had experienced the same problem. Lorry sat-navs may be responsible.
AS said the problem had not been forgotten and was a matter for the Highways Department. He would help to keep the pressure up and not be fobbed off.
JM suggested getting a street inspection.
Do our local councillors share information and work together on local issues?
Are councillors’ activities co-ordinated to the benefit of residents and the community as a whole?
JB said the Headstone North councillors may have differing ideologies but felt that the biggest opponent was paid government. He pointed out that Harrow Council had recently been awarded “Best council” [Best Achieving Council at the MJ Awards 2011 on 23rd June for outstanding performance in local government] yet he felt it was often a battle to get some council officers to be more co-operative.
All the councillors present held regular Saturday surgeries; JM and AS at North Harrow library and JB in the Scout Hall behind North Harrow Methodist Church and in the Scout Hall, Northumberland Road. Details are on the council website.
There was disappointment that Headstone South councillors had again been unable to attend, though they had each sent their apologies.
There was much interest in having regular Open Forums every four or six months.
The meeting ended at 10:00pm
