Labour Councillors from Greenhill and Harrow on the Hill celebrated a major win recently as their campaign to combat anti-social behaviour and harassment in a park by Harrow on the Hill station took a vital next step towards success.
After a months-long campaign led by Councillors Aneka Shah-Levy and Stephen Hickman (of Greenhill and Harrow on the Hill wards respectively), Greenhill ward NCIL money has been approved to fund new lights to be installed in Lowlands recreation ground over the summer.
Harrow College have been calling on Harrow Council to act on this issue for over a year, arguing that measures must be implemented to tackle the growing complaints around anti-social behaviour and harassment experienced by students, staff and local residents after dark in Lowlands Recreation ground.
While Harrow Council dragged their heels on action, refusing to implement CCTV or lighting themselves, ward Councillors took the initiative after launching a campaign to assess local support for new lighting. Thanks to the overwhelming support of over 230 resident, students and staff, Greenhill Councillors were able to successfully apply for this funding by using the petition to prove to the Council that measures were needed.
The installation of the lights is currently in its first phase and should be completed by September when the new term comes around and the days get darker earlier and earlier.
Clive Hodge, Principal of Harrow College, said of the new lighting and Councillor’s efforts:
“Concerned about safety at night, our students took the lead in raising issues about Lowlands Recreation Ground. Their voices sparked meaningful discussions and action with local ward Councillors, with our successful campaign resulting in lighting currently being installed—an important step toward making the park safer after dark. We’re incredibly proud of our students for championing this cause and working hand-in-hand with the local community to make a difference.
I would also like to take this opportunity to say special thanks to local Greenhill and Harrow on the Hill ward Councillors Aneka Shah-Levy and Stephen Hickman for spearheading these efforts to reduce incidents of harassment and anti-social behaviour in Lowlands. ”