The second ‘Week of Action’, organised by Harrow Council, took place in Rayners Lane last week from October 30 to November 3.
Various teams from the council, alongside the police, Trading Standards, and the London Fire Brigade, collaborated to address concerns raised by the local community. They focused on tackling problems such as fly-tipping, houses with multiple occupants, business activities, parking issues, and street cleanliness.
The council revealed that shops along Alexandra Avenue and Rayners Lane were inspected with 5 notices issued on waste management. One unregistered business was found to operate without electricity supply, poor cleaning and health and safety issues.
Trading Standards carried out checks on compliance on the sale of fireworks and tobacco. One business was cautioned and others will be followed up for further inspection.
Numerous fly-tips were investigated and cleared while graffiti from public land was cleared. 14 fines were also issued offences including littering, spitting and street drinking. Council officers were joined by the police on a weapon sweep in alleyways who also made two arrests for criminal offences and burglary.
Properties suspected to be Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and those reported for disrepair underwent thorough inspections. Among them, one property was discovered to be unlicensed, facing severe overcrowding. Over 10 adults and 3 children were found living in cramped quarters, with minimal kitchen space for food preparation.
Alarming hazards such as exposed wires and inappropriate sockets for appliances were identified. The matter is under ongoing investigation, and the landlord is being contacted for further inquiry.
Cllr Anjana Patel, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Community Safety at Harrow Council said: “Keeping our borough clean and safe for our residents and we are tackling the issues that matter most to them. While I know that many businesses and individuals have been compliant and taking care of their neighbourhoods, the few found to be blighting the area have been fined.
“This is our second successful week of action in the borough and it has shown us what can be achieved through excellent partnership and collaboration. Our teams will follow up with landlords and businesses where we have identified issues and take any further action against those found to flout the rules.
“Thanks to the work of our officers and partners which is helping to restore pride back in Harrow.”
Superintendent Matt Cray, from Harrow Borough Police commented: “I was delighted that my officers supported this second week of action coordinated by Harrow Council. It was great to see us working collaboratively to address community concerns and make the borough a safer place for all.
“My teams will continue to prioritise neighbourhood policing and seek to support such initiatives going forward as I believe they make a real, positive difference to people’s lives.
“I was delighted that my officers supported this second week of action coordinated by Harrow Council. It was great to see us working collaboratively to address community concerns and make the borough a safer place for all.
“My teams will continue to prioritise neighbourhood policing and seek to support such initiatives going forward as I believe they make a real, positive difference to people’s lives.”
