Now that the hurly burly of the Mayoral Elections is finally behind us,we can focus our minds squarely on marching forwards briskly with fresh directives, no doubt from City Hall,in conjunction with the Commissioner of Police at New Scotland Yard.The MOPC has the onerous task of getting our Police and public fully engaged, once again, before getting caught up in the excitement and frenzy of the Olympic games. We have the previous Mayor of London as well as the former GLA member for Brent & Harrow both back in the saddle for a further four years.Our congratulations to both on their new term in office.Time to settle down and get set for some solid work!High time City Hall fixed their minds on POLICING ACCOUNTABILITY in Harrow and got us back on track.
Before I utter another word,let me please remind Boris that we expect a GREAT DEAL from him in Harrow.I had the opportunity to speak with him at the Asian Rally at the Kadwa Patidar Centre on 29 April and sought his firm assurance about extending all sorts of promises made for Harrow in his 9 point plan, which he readily agreed---especially for POLICING.
He assured me that he has funds ear-marked for us from the Outer London Fund which should help breathe new life into the Harrow Town Centre.He will have to fulfill his promises to Harrovians during his mayoralty.We eagerly look forward to their implementation.We might even persuade him to go that extra mile and re-consider his plans for Harrow-on-the Hill tube station.Everything is possible!We must speak out and let the Mayor realise how passionately we feel about such issues.I also expect the GLA member for Brent and Harrow to bat for us,as promised ,and deliver to Harrovians.All those who have promised us their support and asked for ours ,must now start delivering promptly.They owe it to us!
On a happier note,it's really heartening to see how hard our Police are trying to stretch hard-won resources.The Borough Commander has just told us that they have recently started GRIP and PACE meetings ---thrice daily,in addition to regular briefings with their officers.This means that Senior managers from Harrow Police will be targetting coveted resources of their CID,Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Emergency Response teams throughout Harrow to achieve best outcomes and hit criminals hard.Harrow Police deserve praise for this initiative.The Special Constables and their supervisors are a really valuable asset and volunteers for the Metropolitan Police are always in demand.
However,I feel compelled to voice my concerns for the closing of the custody cells and movement to neighbouring BRENT.This will definitely impact on Harrow's CID officers and many more resources may be lost from Harrow.Our cells will remain closed but will be available for use in a real emergency.It seems they do not measure up to the required standards and monies are not forthcoming to make them fit for purpose.It is worrying to see we first had our Magistrates' Court closed,then Crown Prosecution Service and Victim Support were transferred to Brent.What next?
I firmly believe we Harrovians need to move fast ,before we become a MERE SATELLITE OF BRENT! We have our own distinct identity and are a very proud borough with a unique history and heritage which is second to none. Let us collectively work to keep it that way.Harrovians have specific needs and demographics which are very different from those of Brent.Besides,they are flushed with funds,unlike Harrow.One appreciates crime is more challenging in Brent but surely Harrow has special needs too.If we allow our borough to be stripped systematically and slowly drained of valuable resources we may find ourselves in a place which is totally unlike the Harrow we know and cherish.Our MPs and Councillors must fight our corner more vigorously.We are far too polite and need to make our voices heard loud and clear!
Harrow Police is coming up with innovative schemes to help keep the borough safe.All that remains to be seen now is how we are directed and supported by those in charge of all 32 London boroughs for our safety,in other words CITY HALL.
We desperately need to re-group effectively and come up with a new style of Policing accountability ,working independently with the community of Harrow in a manner ,which the people of Harrow feel is truly democratic,inclusive, cost-effective,and above all,non-political.The sooner the better.
More power to Harrow!
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