- Greenhill Councillor revealed in a question to the Leader that nearly £180,000 of taxpayers’ money has been wasted on the failed installation of concrete planters in the town centre
- Intended to improve the look and feel of the town centre, the planters instead attracted graffiti, litter and anti-social behaviour
- After a flood of resident complaints, the concrete planters were removed, causing severe disruption as the entire area surrounding the planters had to be repaved
Greenhill Ward Councillor Aneka Shah-Levy made the shocking revelation at this month’s meeting of Harrow’s Full Council that poor planning has led to nearly £180,000 of taxpayers’ money being wasted by Harrow Council on the failed installation of concrete planters in the town centre.
Labour ward Councillors had warned Council officers about the potential for these planters to attract graffiti, littering and anti-social behaviour, but these concerns were ignored in favour of installing the planters in a rush with adequate preparation being ignored.
Within weeks the size of these planters became an issue, with disabled residents expressing anger about the severe accessibility issues to the town centre caused by the planters. The planters also quickly attracted graffiti, littering and anti-social behaviour due to the poorly planned installation which resulted in the planters being massively oversized compared to initial designs.
In response to rafts of complaints being received from disgruntled residents, Harrow Council finally removed the planters with the intention of re-installing downsized versions at an unspecified later date. The whole process of installation and removal cost nearly £180,000, with more costs incoming when the planters are re-installed.
Of the waste of taxpayers’ money, Cllr Shah-Levy said:
“While I and my fellow ward Councillors always greatly appreciate investment into Harrow town centre to support the wonderful work done by the Harrow Business Improvement District, it is disgraceful to waste nearly £180,000 because of the Council’s incompetence.
Harrow town centre has received £7 million pounds of investment directly from the government this year through the Future High Streets fund, but this money needs to be spent with care and following proper consultation with ward Councillors. I will continue to express resident concerns over the issue of wasted money in our town centre to ensure we are always providing value and transparency for our residents.”