Harrow Council insists changes to some of the borough’s roads and pavements will be a positive step, despite residents’ criticism.

It intends to use almost £640,000 worth of funding from Transport for London to introduce low-traffic neighbourhoods, new cycle lanes, and additional safety measures near schools.

Part of the ‘Streetspace’ programme devised by the Mayor of London, there are also plans to widen some pavements and work with shops to encourage outdoor use where possible to help combat the spread of coronavirus.

While some of the schemes have received favourable feedback, many residents have criticised those which reduce road space, arguing that it will lead to traffic “chaos” in other areas.

An online petition against plans for road closures in Stanmore gained more than 2,000 signatures, while Harrow East MP Bob Blackman has written to constituents urging them to oppose a project near Harrow and Wealdstone Station.

But the council noted what it sees as clear environmental and health benefits of the schemes, particularly in a world affected by Covid-19.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “Like any London borough we want to improve our environment, encourage better health for our residents through active travel and reduce the chance of people catching Covid.”

She encouraged people to continue to make use of the portal – at harrowstreetspacesproposals.commonplace.is – to voice their opinions on each scheme.

The proposals are also set to be discussed at a special traffic and road safety advisory panel on Monday (August 10), which will be broadcast on the council’s website.