Northwick Park Hospital and accident and emergency services were in the headlines again in December.

It was announced an independent inquiry would review the impact of accident and emergency closures in West London on Northwick Park Hospital.

The commission was set up by set up by Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing, Brent and Hounslow councils and is backed by Harrow Borough Council.

Its aim is to look at impact of the closures of the A&E departments at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith Hospitals in September this year, which council’s say led to increased pressure on Northwick Park Hospital.

Following the announcement of the inquiry London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Northwick Park Hospital, said it welcomed all constructive engagement and involvement, and would work with partner organisations.

December also was the month when Harrow Borough Council announced its draft budget proposals for the next financial year.

One area which caused controversy was the plans to charge people £75 a year for fortnightly collections of garden waste.

The proposal was branded a “stealth tax increase” by the opposition Conservative group on the council.

The group attacked the Labour administration for putting the extra cost on residents and warned it could lead to less recycling and the council paying more to send waste to landfill.

However the council said the policy would save money in the long run and put it in line with other authorities in London.

Families from across the borough joined together for the Harrow town centre Christmas party.

The event included a Santa’s Grotto, an appearance from Peppa Pig, live music and fireworks.

Harrow Community Hero Keith Chilvers, voted for by readers of the Harrow Times, switched on the town centre lights.