Taking the reins as of today, the new cabinet contains only five members and two non-executive members.
]]> The previous cabinet consisted of ten members, however certain roles have now been incorporated.Leader of the council councillor Thaya Idaikkadar will be in charge of finance, contracts and procurement, business transformation, customer service and communications and corporate services.
He has appointed four other members of his rebel group to sit on the cabinet including deputy leader councillor Asad Omar, who is the new cabinet member responsible for environment, community and culture and housing.
Councillor Zarina Khalid will hold the portfolio for for children, families and schools.
Councillor Krishna James will hold the portfolio for adult social care, health and wellbeing, and the latest member to join the rebel group councillor Will Stoodley will hold the portfolio for planning and regeneration
Controversially Mr Idaikkadar has also invited the leader of the Conservative Group Councillor Susan Hall and deputy leader of the Conservative opposition Barry Macleod-Cullinane to be non-executive members of cabinet, allowing them to ask questions but not affording them a vote.
Mr Idaikkadar said: "I am delighted to announce the make-up of Harrow Council's new cabinet. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to make Harrow a better place for our residents.
"There will be no great changes in policy. The council has agreed a two-year budget and Corporate Plan which will continue to set the direction of the council. However, we will review one or two areas to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect the services that our residents care about."
Mrs Hall said: "Harrow residents deserve a Council that puts them first, and the Conservative Group will do what it can to help steady the ship.
"As well as apparently harassing and trying to pick off the Independent Labour councillors, the Labour Group has made it clear that they view working with Conservatives as abhorrent. Thankfully, though we may differ politically with the Independent Labour Group, they seem to share our view that the most important thing is that the Council can function for the benefit of Harrow's residents."
Mr Idaikkadar wished to reiterate that his rebel Labour group are not currently in coalition with either of the other parties.
]]>The Harrow branch of the Oddfellows club will hold the event at Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End on Thursday May 9 from 2pm to 4pm and anyone is welcome to join.
Thousands of people are part of the club in other areas of London.
At the event there will be a presentation about the 1960s with a light-hearted look back at the people, fashion and music of the time.
Guests can make new friends, learn about the advantages of membership and enjoy a free afternoon tea and refreshments.
Paul Fitton, the Oddfellows London Social Events Organiser, says: "Everyone is invited to these free, local monthly events. Examples of presentations vary from Rodgers and Hammerstein Musicals to Jack the Ripper: Whodunnit and Tracing Family History to musicians. You will discover the great range of benefits available for members, such as discounted entrance to top attractions, plus nearly 100 days out every year in London, part-reimbursement of dental and optical fees, free legal and care advice plus other advantages of membership of this long-established organisation."
To book please call Paul on 07751 360399 or just turn up on the day.
For more information, visit www.oddfellows.co.uk.
]]>On Wednesday Councillor Akhtar, the newly-formed Independent Labour Group's secretary, announced a nine-strong list of councillors who had split away from Labour Group after the then council leader Thaya Idaikkadar was ousted at the Labour Group's annual general meeting, replaced by Councillor David Perry.
]]> The Observer can reveal that the nine rebel members signed the following statement: "We, the undersigned, concerned about the cavalier setting aside of Labour Party rules and the toxic atmosphere being created believe that it is impossible for us to fully exercise our rights as Labour Group members... We believe the situation is irretrievable and hereby resign."Councillor William Stoodley is now the latest to defect from the Labour Group, restoring the Independent Labour Group's numbers to nine after Councillor Raj Ray rejoined the Labour Group.
Mr Ray told the Observer on Friday that he was 'misrepresented' and that he does not recognise the Independent Labour Group, however it was confirmed this morning that he did sign the initial statement and briefly joined the rebel group.
Mr Akhtar, on announcing Mr Stoodley joining the splinter group, said: "This a symptomatic of disaffection within the Labour Group."
Mr Akhtar claimed that life had been made hard for the Independent Labour Group members since the split.
He said: "Our members have been on the receiving end of repeated harassment from some members of the Harrow Labour Group.
"While Councillor David Perry and some of his colleagues have chosen to target our members and systematically harass them, Councillor Thaya Idaikaddar is preparing to announce his new cabinet and concentrating on getting back to the business of running the council and delivering the service that residents deserve."
Mr Idaikkadar will be announcing his new cabinet today.
INDEPENDENT LABOUR:
Thaya Idaikkadar
Krishna James
Husain Akhtar
Asad Omar
Nana Asante
Zarina Khalid
Nizam Ismail
Mano Dharmarajah
William Stoodley
HARROW COUNCIL'S POLITICAL MAKE-UP:
Labour 25
Conservative 25
Independent Labour 9
Independent 3
Liberal Democrat 1
]]>On Wednesday Councillor Akhtar, the newly formed group's secretary, announced a nine-strong list of councillors who had split away from Labour Group.
]]> However Councillor Raj Ray, initially announced as one of the members leaving Labour Group, has said that his inclusion in such a movement is false.Mr Ray told the Observer: "They misrepresented me. I do not recognise this Independent Labour Group. At Harrow Council, and in this country, we are one Labour.
"I never considered to join."
Crucially, this now gives restores Labour's lead over the Conservative members at Harrow Council, albeit now only by one councillor.
Labour Group leader Councillor David Perry said: "I can confirm that Councillor Raj Ray is continuing as a member of the Harrow Labour Group and will not be a member of the recently formed 'Independent' Group."
"We are in contact with other members of the 'Independent' Group, who are unhappy at the prospect of the independents working with the Harrow Conservative Group."
On Wednesday Mr Akhtar told the Observer that his Independent Labour Group were 'open minded' about working with the 25 Conservative members of Harrow Council.
He said: "We will welcome any positive suggestions. This is something that we have to work out, and it is ongoing.
"We want to have a key part in an administration. We are very open minded."
INDEPENDENT LABOUR:
Thaya Idaikkadar
Krishna James
Husain Akhtar
Asad Omar
Nana Asante
Zarina Khalid
Nizam Ismail
Mano Dharmarajah
HARROW COUNCIL'S POLITICAL MAKE-UP:
Labour 26
Conservative 25
Independent Labour 8
Independent 3
Liberal Democrat 1
]]>Students from North London Collegiate School, Canons Drive, Edgware, created a business called sMUG, a travel mug project which won the award for best presentation.
A ceremony was held for the HSBC Young Enterprise Innovation Awards 2013 on Thursday, April 25, at the University of West London.
Deborah Lock, director of The Business School at the University of West London, said: "It is inspiring to see so many talented young people setting up their own small businesses.
"Their efforts in this competition are equipping them with the skills they need to pursue new opportunities and help them achieve their own business ambitions in later life. We are looking at the leaders of the future British economy."
Infinite, a company set up by sixth form students from Latymer Upper School, in Hammersmith and Fulham, won the best overall title, beating seven other London schools to be top of the region.
They won in this category and for most innovative product for a speaker made of natural wood.
]]>The Independent Labour group has been created in the wake of the election of Councillor David Perry as the new leader of the ruling Labour group at its annual general meeting on Monday April 15.
This new nine-strong group announced its formation with Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar, who was deposed by Mr Perry but remains the leader of Harrow Council at least until the Mayor-making annual council meeting on May 21, as its leader today.
Councillor Krishna James, the Independent Labour group chairwoman, said: "It is with great regret that we have to form the Independent Labour Group. It was impossible to ignore the lack of fairness, equality and justice, and attempts to resolve matters have not been successful.
"The Independent Labour Group subscribes to Labour values and its members remain members of the Labour Party."
Nine councillors in total have joined the breakaway faction.
The current Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Nizam Ismail, and the Deputy Mayor of Harrow and new mayor-elect, Councillor Nana Asante, are also among the rebels.
Twenty-five councillors are left in the 'ruling' Labour group - the same number as the Conservative opposition.
Consequently no one group has overall control of the council and throws into question the future administration of the authority.
BOX:
INDEPENDENT LABOUR:
Thaya Idaikkadar
Krishna James
Husain Akhtar
Asad Omar
Nana Asante
Zarina Khalid
Raj Ray
Nizam Ismail
Mano Dharmarajah
HARROW COUNCIL'S POLITICAL MAKE-UP:
Labour 25
Conservative 25
Independent Labour 9
Independent 3
Liberal Democrat 1
]]>Harrow Council has been fixing the potholes, reported by the public, since February. An additional £200,000 was made available after prolonged winter weather damaged road surfaces.
Harrow Council portfolio holder for environment and community safety, councillor Phillip O'Dell, said: "Roads in the borough are generally in a good condition compared to many other London boroughs thanks to the investment we have made in repairing potholes."
Harrow Civic Residents' Association chairwoman, Helen Webster, of Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow, added: "I have seen improvements in my area since Harrow Council invested in additional funding to tackle the problem and I am looking forward to seeing further improvements made in the future."
]]>
Harrow Mencap's benefit night, A Seriously Wilde Night, in Harrow School's speech room, featured Irish band Seanachie Og accompanied by acting performances from Rob Lynch, Siobhan Dunne, Jerome Dowling, Irina Dowling and Mike Dowling.
"I would like to thank all of the musicians, actors and everybody who worked behind the scenes."
Free sessions will be taking place from June 5 at Elmfield Church, Imperial Drive, North Harrow, as members of the church are set to team up and help their local community.
]]> Those at Elmfield Church have been undergoing specialised training from the Christians Against Poverty charity to provide attendees with advice on how to manage their household income and keep a firmer eye on their expenditure.Money coach Jonathan Cunnington, who will be leading the sessions, said: "With households feeling the squeeze on their disposable income, we've all got to get a bit more savvy about our money to get through these tough times.
"If you know how to save and budget effectively, it can have a hugely positive impact on the whole family."
The course, called the CAP Money Course, is taking place across over 1200 churches, providing help to people coming from all kinds of situations - whether they are students, newly retired people, or mothers coping with bills that are piling up.
Mr Cunnington added: "We hope that we can help people, quietly and confidentially, take control rather than relying on guess work so they can plan for the future and weather the storm."
The first course takes place at Elmfield Church, 91 Imperial Drive, starting at 7.30pm on June 5th.
To find out more about the CAP Money course visit www.capmoney.org and to book your place on the Harrow course telephone 020 8866 0813 or email capharrow@outlook.com
]]>Tuesday's Harrow and Brent meeting was held as part of the London-wide consultation being carried out until June, which proposes to close 12 fire stations and cut 18 fire engines across the capital.
]]> Harrow looks set to benefit from the plans, with Stanmore one of four stations to gain a fire engine.David Brown, third officer of London Fire Brigade, said: "It's a strategic approach, so if there's a large incident in Brent, then fire stations across all of London would attend. It isn't just about a borough-based service, it's a London-based service."
Labour London Assembly member for Harrow and Brent, councillor Navin Shah, who is also vice chair of the London Fire Emergency Planning Authority, said: "We cannot be complacent - do not think that we are safe.
"What happens in other areas of London will impact negatively in the areas of Brent and Harrow."
Mr Shah claims he has not met a firefighter who supports the closures, something Councillor Susan Hall, Harrow Conservative leader and member of the London Fire Emergency Planning Authority, dismissed.
Mrs Hall said: "There are very few members of the public here and that's because they have faith that we will continue to fight fires, that we will continue to do preventative work, and that they will continue to get a jolly good service."
Uma Kumaran, 26, from Pinner, was the only person to attend the consultation and questioned councillor Hall's endorsement of the plans.
She said: "If you look at it throughout London, the thinning out of the service means that one in six people are not in a safe distance from having a fire station near them. This is not scaremongering, it is a fact.
"People say that we are gaining a fire engine. That's great. But what about my friend who lives in Enfield?"
]]>The Bakerloo line has reopened after being closed between Queen's Park and Harrow and Wealdstone due to a minor fire at Queen's Park.
The London Fire Brigade was called at 6.20am to a fire at Queen's Park station which was under control an hour later.
A spokesperson for Transport for London said it broke out in the trackside area at Queen's Park station and the likely cause was electrical.
There is no damage to any infrastructure.
On the rest of the service there are severe delays on the Piccadilly Line between Acton Town and Heathrow and Uxbridge and minor delays on the rest of the line due to a trespasser on the track at Hyde Park Corner.
]]>Mark van den Berg, of Bethecar Road, Harrow, formed Mighty Fine Entertainment and could not be happier to win the award.
He said: "I'm overwhelmed. We worked really hard and it's just nice to be recognised for that, but to be voted the best in the country is very humbling and also very satisfying."
The 48-year-old DJ, who also goes by his stage name, Mark Luvdup, became a wedding DJ after growing tired of the international clubbing scene.
"I was in the top 25 international DJs in the world at one stage in the raving days of the 90s, but the whole club thing was quite boring," he said.
After DJing around the world for 33 years, there is nothing Mark would rather be doing alongside his fellow DJs Max Mistry, 44, and John Dullaghan, 48, than performing at weddings.
He said: "We are part of this really positive day and everyone's really happy. Nothing is more satisfying at the end of the night when you've got a really happy couple, a happy family, and everyone's coming up to give you a hug. The job satisfaction is fantastic."
]]>"I'm honoured to receive this award in recognition of my community work with Harrow Asian Deaf Club," Mr Iqbal said.
The awards aim to showcase the brilliance of the British Muslim community, celebrating the triumph of multiculturalism and the great contribution from men, women and young people throughout the Muslim community.
Mr Iqbal added: "Deaf people can achieve whatever they dream. If I can do it, they can do it too. So please ensure wherever you go, whenever you meet deaf people, please empower and support them to be included and achieve their full potential. Simple things like positive attitudes and using body language can go a long way."
Mr Iqbal's powerful acceptance speech was greeted with a standing ovation at the ceremony held at the Grosvenor Hotel in Victoria, central London.
Harrow Asian Deaf Club is hosting Harrow's Deaf Awareness Day on Monday, May 13, in the member lounge room in the council chambers at Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow, from 9am until 4.30pm.
The event, which is being supported by the Observer, will offer an opportunity for service providers, council staff, deaf children, adults and their families and community groups to have a say on how they access services, the barriers they face and what support/improvements need to be in place to remove such barriers.
To book your place for the event, email hadc@hotmail.co.uk.
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