A discussion about the decision to close a public car park each night descended into a shouting match as councillors defended their responsibilities to residents.

Harrow councillors from both the Labour and Conservative Groups refused to back down during the final question from non-cabinet members at a meeting last night (November 14).

It erupted out of a seemingly calm back-and-forth about the decision to close the Harrow Viewpoint car park, in Old Redding, at 6pm each night following reports of anti-social behaviour.

This led to a fierce verbal confrontation between Cllr Stephen Greek, who asked the initial question, and environment lead member Cllr Varsha Parmar.

The leader of Harrow Council, Cllr Graham Henson, attempted to intervene, describing Cllr Greek’s reaction as “appalling” and stating that it would be reported back to the standards authority.

Cllr Greek had asked about the impact this would have on nearby roads and the business of a local pub – The Case is Altered.

“We know there’s anti-social behaviour in that car park and it needs to be dealt with,” he said.

“We need to be careful that, in solving one problem, we don’t create others at the same time.

“It is in the interests of the council that residents are able to park without endangering the highway and the pub isn’t made derelict again.”

He did not take kindly to Cllr Parmar’s response, which she ended by referring to him as “darling”

She said the council would continue to monitor the situation as standard and that it was a council’s job to look out for all residents when a few “can’t behave”.

Cllr Greek retorted that he was also acting on behalf of his residents, particularly given his role as a Harrow Weald councillor.

This then led to an interaction between both councillors, as well as Cllr Henson and those sitting in the public gallery, who tried to get their points across through raised voices.

The council decided to close the Harrow Viewpoint car park after several “unacceptable” instances of anti-social behaviour.

An online petition has since been launched by the team at The Case is Altered asking them to reverse or modify the decision.