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    <title>Communities - South Harrow &amp; Rayners Lane</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/" />
    
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2008-02-08://88</id>
    <updated>2009-07-08T13:17:58Z</updated>
    <subtitle>Read South Harrow and Rayners Lane news in our South Harrow and Rayners Lane London community website. All the latest on local news, sport and events.</subtitle>
    <generator uri="http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/">Movable Type Enterprise 4.21-en</generator>

<link rel="self" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/Communities-SouthHarrow" type="application/atom+xml" /><entry>
    <title>Berkshire police ordered South Harrow house search - but won't say why</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/KZYX_Tqy4y8/berkshire-police-ordered-south.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.154212</id>

    <published>2009-07-08T13:10:36Z</published>
    <updated>2009-07-08T13:17:58Z</updated>

    <summary>POLICE have refused to disclose why Harrow officers searched a house in Capthorne Avenue in South Harrow at the weekend on behalf of officers from Slough in Berkshire. A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "The Metropolitan Police Service carried...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Ian Proctor</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Crime" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="berkshire" label="berkshire" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="capthorneavenue" label="capthorne avenue" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="harrow" label="harrow" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="police" label="police" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="raid" label="raid" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="slough" label="slough" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="thamesvalleypolice" label="thames valley police" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>POLICE have refused to disclose why Harrow officers searched a house in Capthorne Avenue in South Harrow at the weekend on behalf of officers from Slough in Berkshire.<br />
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "The Metropolitan Police Service carried out a house search in the area of Rayners Lane, Harrow, on Sunday to assist their colleagues at Thames Valley Police, who are currently investigating an incident.<br />
"Due to a number of live inquiries, Thames Valley Police will not be commenting on the incident any further at this stage. <br />
"However, we will provide a full update when we are in a position to do so.<br />
"Thames Valley Police would like to make it clear that there was no raid conducted in Rayners Lane and that the incident is not terrorism related or one which affects the wider community."</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/07/berkshire-police-ordered-south.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Roxbourne School seeks permission for six new classrooms</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/ZolI3EHWZfo/roxbourne-school-seeks-permiss.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.143383</id>

    <published>2009-06-01T09:06:10Z</published>
    <updated>2009-06-01T09:16:17Z</updated>

    <summary>SIX new classrooms may be built at Roxbourne First and Middle Schools in Torbay Road, South Harrow. The extension would replace a pre-fabricated block of four classrooms that was knocked down in March 2008 and two portable classrooms. The school...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Ian Proctor</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Local Authority" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
        <category term="Schools/colleges" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="harrowcouncil" label="Harrow Council" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="roxbourne" label="roxbourne" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="school" label="school" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>SIX new classrooms may be built at Roxbourne First and Middle Schools in Torbay Road, South Harrow.</p>

<p>The extension would replace a pre-fabricated block of four classrooms that was knocked down in March 2008 and two portable classrooms.</p>

<p>The school has lodged its application for planning permission with Harrow Council.<br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/06/roxbourne-school-seeks-permiss.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Dragon boat fundraisers wanted to help Harrow hospital</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/OhuukOBHiU8/dragon-boat-fundraisers-wanted.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.134220</id>

    <published>2009-05-01T14:24:45Z</published>
    <updated>2009-05-01T14:25:23Z</updated>

    <summary>FIFTEEN volunteers are needed to pick up a paddle and take part in dragon boat race to raise cash for the UK's only specialist hospital for colorectal disease. St Mark's Hospital Foundation, which supports St Mark's Hospital in Watford Road,...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Ian Proctor</name>
        
    </author>
    
    <category term="dragonboat" label="dragon boat" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="fundraising" label="fundraising" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="stmarkshospital" label="st mark's hospital" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>FIFTEEN volunteers are needed to pick up a paddle and take part in dragon boat race to raise cash for the UK's only specialist hospital for colorectal disease.<br />
St Mark's Hospital Foundation, which supports St Mark's Hospital in Watford Road, Harrow, has entered a team into the 12th Rotary Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday May 17 but the original scheduled participants have had to pull out.<br />
Dragon boat racing involves a crew of around 20 sitting two abreast in a long canoe-like boat and paddling in synchronism to the sound of a drum beat.<br />
The races will take place on the River Thames at the Docklands Sailing Centre located at the Millwall Outer Dock in south-east London between 10am and 3pm.<br />
An entry fee of £10 per person is required along with a minimum guaranteed sponsorship of £100, and all participants get a T-shirt.<br />
n For more information and to register, call Maxine McNeil, the foundation's fundraising manager, on 020 8869 2371 or email maxine.mcneil@nwlh.nhs.uk</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/05/dragon-boat-fundraisers-wanted.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Latest scheme for Rayners Lane Estate regeneration submitted</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/Y18IJMVq34U/latest-scheme-for-rayners-lane.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.129849</id>

    <published>2009-04-14T16:16:52Z</published>
    <updated>2009-04-14T16:51:14Z</updated>

    <summary>PLANS to built 21 new properties on the Rayners Lane Estate have been lodged with Harrow Council. The scheme is the latest phase of the multi-million pound regeneration project being carried out by Eastcote-based housing association Home and concerns a...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Ian Proctor</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Local Authority" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="harrowcouncil" label="harrow council" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="home" label="Home" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="raynerslaneestate" label="Rayners Lane Estate" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>PLANS to built 21 new properties on the Rayners Lane Estate have been lodged with Harrow Council.<br />
The scheme is the latest phase of the multi-million pound regeneration project being carried out by Eastcote-based housing association Home and concerns a vacant plot of fenced-off land in Coles Crescent previously occupied by 24 homes.<br />
Home are proposing to construct a four-storey block comprising two two-bed wheelchair-accessible flats and six two-bed flats, with a row of staggered terracing to the south-west containing four two-bed houses, five three-bed houses and four four-bed houses.<br />
Twenty-three parking spaces and eight bicycle spaces are included.<br />
Documents submitted to the council reveal that when Home's architects approached the authority's planning officers for pre-application advice, they were told the "flats needed a complete redesign".</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/04/latest-scheme-for-rayners-lane.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Rayners Lane estate regeneration firms raise £15k for local charity</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/_p8KLJHLUTQ/rayners-lane-estate-regenerati.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.129105</id>

    <published>2009-04-07T11:12:13Z</published>
    <updated>2009-04-07T11:13:36Z</updated>

    <summary>THE two firms behind the regeneration of South Harrow's Rayners Lane estate have raised £15,000 for an Eastcote based charity. Housing association Home and property builder Inspace held a charity auction in central London to generate cash for the Ivor...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Ian Proctor</name>
        
    </author>
    
    <category term="home" label="Home" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="inspace" label="Inspace" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="ivorhigginstrust" label="Ivor Higgins Trust" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="raynerslaneestate" label="Rayners Lane Estate" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>THE two firms behind the regeneration of South Harrow's Rayners Lane estate have raised £15,000 for an Eastcote based charity.<br />
Housing association Home and property builder Inspace held a charity auction in central London to generate cash for the Ivor Higgins Trust in Field End Road.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/04/rayners-lane-estate-regenerati.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Harrow Open Studios gets National Lottery funding</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/OH5727QHHB4/harrow-open-studios-gets-natio.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.129006</id>

    <published>2009-04-06T16:08:24Z</published>
    <updated>2009-04-06T16:09:44Z</updated>

    <summary>A SCHEME which allows artists to open their homes or studios as galleries has received funding from the National Lottery for its second outing this summer. Held for the first time last June, Harrow Open Studios sees painters, jewellery makers,...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Ian Proctor</name>
        
    </author>
    
    <category term="harrowopenstudios" label="harrow open studios" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>A SCHEME which allows artists to open their homes or studios as galleries has received funding from the National Lottery for its second outing this summer.<br />
Held for the first time last June, Harrow Open Studios sees painters, jewellery makers, sculptors and others invite visitors to drop by their properties at specific times to view and discuss their works and even buy or commission pieces.<br />
This year's showcase, which features 31 exhibitors and will be held between Friday June 12 and Monday June 15, has attracted a £5,000 grant from Arts Council England.<br />
The organisers say the money will enable them to provide access ramps for wheelchair users at a number of venues as well as an adapted minibus to transport people and their carers between venues.<br />
On top of this, there will be a children's art competition and wider publicity to complement the growing event.<br />
Funding co-ordinator Joy Trpkovic said: "We are delighted with the grant from Arts Council England and the recognition it gives to our Open Studios.<br />
"It means that we can improve on last year's event, which was widely recognised as an outstanding achievement and a welcome innovation for the borough. <br />
"We are very grateful for the initial support from local businesses last year who helped us get started and welcome new sponsors that are coming forward.<br />
"Those individuals and business supporters are an investment for the future and will benefit from inclusion in our advertising and web presence."</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/04/harrow-open-studios-gets-natio.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Met and Jubilee lines pay out most late-train refunds</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/7nNaR9MVQL8/met-and-jubilee-lines-pay-out.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.126620</id>

    <published>2009-03-19T14:39:00Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-19T14:39:24Z</updated>

    <summary>In the latter half of last year more passengers were paid refunds for journeys delayed by late-running trains on the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines than on any other underground lines. Figures obtained by the Observer under the Freedom of Information...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>David Tilley</name>
        
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>In the latter half of last year more passengers were paid refunds for journeys delayed by late-running trains on the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines than on any other underground lines. </p>

<p>Figures obtained by the Observer under the Freedom of Information Act show Tube bosses doled out £118,447 for 26,273 claims relating to the Met line between June and November. Jubilee Line passengers received paybacks totalling £73,907 for 19,369 claims in the same period. </p>

<p>Travellers can apply to Transport for London (TfL) for a reimbursement equivalent to a single fare if their journey is delayed by more than 15 minutes. </p>

<p>Performance figures for roughly the same six months reveal the District line suffered the most late-running trains, an average of 28 a month.</p>

<p>The Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines held the second poorest record with 24 delays each a month, followed by the Central line's 22.</p>

<p>Those using the Jubilee line experienced an average of 13 services a month in which arrival was more than a quarter of an hour overdue.</p>

<p>However, these are absolute numbers and do not take into account the total number of services run on each line.</p>

<p>There may be a number of reasons why TfL pays out more to Metropolitan and Jubilee line passengers than any other.</p>

<p>Statistics show travellers using the Met have the longest average journey time of any line - around 41 minutes.</p>

<p>This, combined with the fact the line stretches from zone 1 to zone 9 and therefore a typical fare may be more expensive, could explain why a Met passenger would be more inclined to seek a refund than someone who hops on the Northern line for a handful of stops within two or three zones at relatively low cost, for instance.</p>

<p>Furthermore, long sections of the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines run on the surface, especially in north-west London, so are susceptible to the impact of bad weather compared to, for example, the Victoria line, which is entirely underground.</p>

<p>Anthony Wood, chairman of the Harrow Public Transport Users' Association, attributes the large number of claims on the Metropolitan to three factors.</p>

<p>He said: "One, the average journey on the line is longer for each person, so the fare is higher. Two, the line has the oldest trains on the system so there's more failures, and three, the signalling system is the oldest on the network, so there are more faults.</p>

<p>"These are the main failures but these are being sorted within the next seven to eight years - a much longer period than we were originally told."</p>

<p>He added: "There are a large number of passengers who know the customer service charter and are quite rightly making claims."</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/03/met-and-jubilee-lines-pay-out.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>More roads to get controlled parking</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/XtGKLUEgrOU/more-roads-to-get-controlled-p.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.126508</id>

    <published>2009-03-18T16:41:24Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-18T16:41:50Z</updated>

    <summary>Parking measures will be imposed on the streets of Harrow's County Roads estate, Harrow Council has controversially decided. Councillor Susan Hall (Conservative), portfolio holder for environment and community safety, provisionally signed off the plan on Thursday, March 12 despite residents...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>David Tilley</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Local Authority" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Parking measures will be imposed on the streets of Harrow's County Roads estate, Harrow Council has controversially decided.</p>

<p>Councillor Susan Hall (Conservative), portfolio holder for environment and community safety, provisionally signed off the plan on Thursday, March 12 despite residents earlier handing in several petitions against the idea.</p>

<p>The original postal consultation, held in September last year, showed that in the County Roads area 50 residents supported the idea of a controlled parking zone (CPZ) - but 89 did not, with 11 having no opinion.</p>

<p>The CPZ will be introduced to the whole of Devonshire Road, Dorset Road and Oxford Road, the eastern sections of Pinner Road and Sussex Road, the southern sections of Rutland Road, Bedford Road and Pinner View and part of Neptune Road.</p>

<p>It will mean that drivers must display a permit to be able to park their vehicle within the CPZ between 11am and 12 noon on weekdays or risk attracting a parking ticket.</p>

<p>Extra short-term pay-and-display parking bays will be created at the southern ends of Devonshire Road, Oxford Road, Rutland Road, Bedford Road and Pinner Road.</p>

<p>In addition, certain junction throughout Headstone South ward will be painted with double-yellow lines as part of the scheme.</p>

<p>Ms Hall was recommended to approve the plan by the council's Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel which met to consider the issue on November 26.</p>

<p>Traffic officers at Harrow Council will now publish the legal notices required to confirm the introduction of the CPZ and, if there are no legal objections, the measures will come into force.</p>

<p>Six months after implementation, further consultation will be held to see if residents support an extension of the area covered by the residents-only parking.<br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/03/more-roads-to-get-controlled-p.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Rayners Lane branch of Nationwide to close at end of month</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/3SITm3aHySY/rayners-lane-branch-of-nationw.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.125761</id>

    <published>2009-03-16T11:28:34Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-16T11:31:04Z</updated>

    <summary>Nationwide's branch in Rayners Lane, South Harrow, will shut on March 31, as announced in December. The building society's premises is one of just six to be closed across the UK....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Ian Proctor</name>
        
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Nationwide's branch in Rayners Lane, South Harrow, will shut on March 31, as announced in December.</p>

<p>The building society's premises is one of just six to be closed across the UK.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/03/rayners-lane-branch-of-nationw.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Decision on Afghan community centre plan postponed</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/dBuCmSsBrM8/afghan-community-centre-plan-p.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.125068</id>

    <published>2009-03-10T16:40:44Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-10T16:44:20Z</updated>

    <summary>A decision on whether an Afghan community centre can be opened in a South Harrow street has been postponed for a site visit. The Imam Hussein Foundation has applied to Harrow Council to change the use of empty Veneto House...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>David Tilley</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Local Authority" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>A decision on whether an Afghan community centre can be opened in a South Harrow street has been postponed for a site visit.</p>

<p>The Imam Hussein Foundation has applied to Harrow Council to change the use of empty Veneto House in Park Drive into a place where visitors can enjoy educational, cultural and religious activities.</p>

<p>On February 25 members of the authority's development management committee opted to postpone taking a decision on the scheme in order to make a site visit.</p>

<p>The charitable foundation behind the plan has submitted a petition of 925 names in support while residents have raised their own petition because they feel the proposed location is entirely unsuitable.</p>

<p>Veneto House neighbour Vyan Gresty, 58, said parking and traffic problems, and more disturbance, were people's main concerns.</p>

<p>He said: "It's the total unsuitability of the building itself. We've against even limited use.<br />
"We've got four schools around us within 200 yards and we get lorries delivering to the tile shop - from 8am we get that.</p>

<p>"Realistically, I cannot see how the council could possibly have taken a decision without seeing the site."</p>

<p>Documents submitted to the council by the foundation state it intends to teach languages, particularly English, in groups of up to 15 students, and to hold religious services mainly comprising poetry and prayers. </p>

<p>Women's groups and youth groups, and lectures and seminars on educational topics, would also be arranged, and the foundation has the community centre capacity would be 100 and that its community use would be restricted.</p>

<p>Mr Gresty said when the warehouse was operational "it never had more than six people working there."</p>

<p>He added: "I haven't seen a proposal like this in all the time I've lived here."</p>

<p>The site visit is scheduled for later this month prior to the development management committee's next meeting.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/03/afghan-community-centre-plan-p.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>£4.2million grant to improve sports facilities</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/0TCcxJAgSHg/42million-grant-to-improve-spo.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.124862</id>

    <published>2009-03-09T12:03:04Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-09T12:04:13Z</updated>

    <summary>Young people across Harrow are to benefit from impressive new sports facilities now that the borough has secured a £4.2million grant. A multi-use sports hall, gym, IT suite, art room, recording studio, cafe and outdoor pitch will be constucted on...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>David Tilley</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Local Authority" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Young people across Harrow are to benefit from impressive new sports facilities now that the borough has secured a £4.2million grant.</p>

<p>A multi-use sports hall, gym, IT suite, art room, recording studio, cafe and outdoor pitch will be constucted on the Cedars Estate in Harrow Weald thanks to the project, entitled The Pitch, A Place to Go.</p>

<p>It was announced on Tuesday that Watford FC's Community Sports and Education Trust would work with Harrow Council to develop the idea, after the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) gave the multi-million pound grant the go-ahead.</p>

<p>If planning applications are approved it is hoped yougsters between 11 and 19, as well as disabled people up to the age of 24, will steer clear of antisocial behaviour and use the club to socialise and hone their sporting skills.</p>

<p>But far from just being a centre for children to enjoy football, council chiefs say the site will offer a diverse range of activities, including karate, basketball, art, music and cookery.</p>

<p>It is anticipated that the council and Watford FC will also look to use the facilites to help improve young people's health, diet, fitness and social skills, as well as provide important information on issues ranging from education, training, sex and mental health.</p>

<p>Speaking after the announcement Paul Clark, the council's corporate director of children's services, expressed his delight at securing the money.</p>

<p>He said: "This grant is fantastic news. Young people helped us choose the design and shape of this application so we will be delivering facilities they have actively been asking for.</p>

<p>"Over the next few weeks we will be working with residents, voluntary and private groups, and young people to ensure we put the right planning application forward and secure approval for what I am sure will prove to be a great legacy for Harrow."</p>

<p>Chris Norton, Chairman of Watford's CSE Trust, said: "We are delighted to receive this grant, which will now allow us, working closely with Harrow Council, an opportunity to make a real difference through sport and learning outside of the Watford area.</p>

<p>"We are honoured to be able to help deliver a project of this scale, demonstrating the expertise within, and the development of our community trust."</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/03/42million-grant-to-improve-spo.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Thief steals scooter in Shaftesbury Circle</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/YfogYdwwKCk/thief-steals-scooter-in-shafte.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.124287</id>

    <published>2009-03-04T15:07:32Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-04T15:08:33Z</updated>

    <summary>An opportunist thief stole a red Gilera scooter on Sunday after spotting the owner had left the keys in the ignition. The 18-year-old owner had left the keys and his crash helmet with the bike while he went into a...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>David Tilley</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Crime" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>An opportunist thief stole a red Gilera scooter on Sunday after spotting the owner had left the keys in the ignition.</p>

<p>The 18-year-old owner had left the keys and his crash helmet with the bike while he went into a nearby shop in Shaftesbury Circle in South Harrow.</p>

<p>A black male was seen getting on the bike and driving off down Roxeth Green Road at about 2.30pm. </p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/03/thief-steals-scooter-in-shafte.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Harrow PCT to outsource drug treatment programmes</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/lXIHK48P21M/harrow-pct-to-outsource-drug-t.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.123968</id>

    <published>2009-03-02T17:32:57Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-02T17:33:26Z</updated>

    <summary>Addicts in desperate need of treatment may revert to crime if health bosses carry out plans to hand responsibility for drug treatment programmes to private firms. That is according to a senior source at Harrow Primary Care Trust (PCT), who...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>David Tilley</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Health" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Addicts in desperate need of treatment may revert to crime if health bosses carry out plans to hand responsibility for drug treatment programmes to private firms.</p>

<p>That is according to a senior source at Harrow Primary Care Trust (PCT), who says plans are in the pipeline to commission out the services in a bid to cut costs - raising fears the quality of the provision will be compromised.</p>

<p>The whistleblower approached the Observer because of growing concerns that drug users will no longer get the attention they desperately need and that drug-related crime could rise as a result.</p>

<p>The source said: "If all the services are put out for tender it is likely that voluntary groups will run substance misuse programmes for a lot less money.</p>

<p>"These services do offer decent treatment, of course, but they have a history of having lower standards because they don't have to meet the same government criteria.</p>

<p>"Because of this they are not required to hire staff with greater qualifications and are therefore, comparatively, less qualified to deal with these vulnerable patients."</p>

<p>If these plans do go ahead, the doctor says staff who currently work within the service will be moved or redeployed, not necessarily within the same field, and crucial relationships with users will be lost.</p>

<p>They added: "Statistics show that the best kind of treatment for drug users comes when they deal with the same person on a regular basis. </p>

<p>"If staff are moved around, this rapport will be lost and, therefore, so will the effectiveness of the treatment.</p>

<p>"If this happens then more drug users face failing to deal with their problems and potentially there will be higher levels of crime in the area."</p>

<p>The medic added that at present there are seven programmes set to go out to tender, used by 642 people, according to the latest figures - many of them for the use of drugs like heroin and crack cocaine.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/03/harrow-pct-to-outsource-drug-t.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Youngsters flock to vote in Youth Parliament members</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/ukvHJThW38s/youngsters-flock-to-vote-in-yo.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.123530</id>

    <published>2009-02-26T17:42:14Z</published>
    <updated>2009-02-26T17:42:40Z</updated>

    <summary>A record number of youngsters flocked to polling stations this year, wanting to ensure their favourite candidate was elected to the UK Youth Parliament. More than 7,000 young people voted at more than 20 polling stations across Harrow in the...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>David Tilley</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Local Authority" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>A record number of youngsters flocked to polling stations this year, wanting to ensure their favourite candidate was elected to the UK Youth Parliament.</p>

<p>More than 7,000 young people voted at more than 20 polling stations across Harrow in the week leading up to the announcement - almost 2,000 more than in last year's election.</p>

<p>Harrow's two places in the UK Youth Parliament were won by Aakash Bharania, and Rhiya Pau, both 15, while  Amar Chandarana and Mahek Metha claimed deputy spots.</p>

<p>The budding Gordon Browns and Boris Johnsons, who had all been nominated for the posts by their peers, were given the results at the Civic Centre last week and will now join members drawn from all over England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.</p>

<p>The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) was set up nine years ago as a way to improve youth participation in decision-making.</p>

<p>Harrow had previously been allowed just one elected Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) on the UKYP and one deputy, but has been asked to elect two of each for the past two years.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/02/youngsters-flock-to-vote-in-yo.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Award for internet course that teaches Muslim mums to detect extremism</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Communities-SouthHarrow/~3/XoLEmJ1-p6Q/award-for-internet-course-that.html" />
    <id>tag:southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk,2009://88.123336</id>

    <published>2009-02-25T16:44:57Z</published>
    <updated>2009-02-25T16:49:00Z</updated>

    <summary>An internet class that helps Muslim women detect the tell-tale signs of extremism in their children has been praised by government officials. The Harrow Council scheme, launched earlier this month, was one of three Harrow-run projects up for awards in...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>David Tilley</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Local Authority" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="harrowcouncil" label="harrow council" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>An internet class that helps Muslim women detect the tell-tale signs of extremism in their children has been praised by government officials.</p>

<p>The Harrow Council scheme, launched earlier this month, was one of three Harrow-run projects up for awards in the Prevention of Violent Terrorism awards, held last Tuesday.</p>

<p>Labelled the E-safety training workshop, the idea saw off competition from Brent, Hounslow and Lambeth in the best women's project category.</p>

<p>The class aims to cover safety advice on the use of internet messaging, social networking websites and chat rooms, but also helps to alert Muslim mothers about teenagers who might be enticed to look at websites which promote terrorism or extremism.</p>

<p>The event, which was organised by the Government Office for London and the London Prevent Network, was hosted by minister for London and Harrow East MP, Tony McNulty.</p>

<p>Harrow was also shortlisted for prizes in the best youth project and innovation categories. </p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://southharrow.harrowobserver.co.uk/2009/02/award-for-internet-course-that.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

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