THE second phase of the New Harrow Project was launched yesterday morning (Wednesday) amid promises of major improvements to the town centre and Wealdstone.

Council leader Councillor Archie Foulds joined the Mayor, Councillor Mano Dharmarajah, and invited guests from the community, to launch the second phase of the project in St Ann's Road, Harrow, accompanied by music from pupils of Harrow High School in nearby Gayton Road and Harrow Young Musicians.

New council cleaning equipment was paraded through the town centre, displaying the council's new logo.

The extension of the project into Marlborough, Greenhill and Wealdstone wards follows the pilot scheme in South and West Harrow, which was praised by the Audit Commission in July.

It will involve an intensive programme of environmental work, with litter and street maintenance teams on the streets from 6am until 10pm. Work has already begun on replacing street furniture in the town centre, and the council has commissioned an architect for the redevelopment of Harrow-on-the-Hill station and the surrounding area.

Councillor Foulds said: "This is an important day for Harrow town centre and Wealdstone. People in South and West Harrow have already experienced the improvements of the New Harrow project, and residents, businesses and independent auditors have told us what a difference it has made."

Mary Hopkins of Longley Road, Harrow, who has lived in the borough for 28 years, said: "It’s about time. I am always complaining about the rubbish in Harrow."

 To report fly tipping, abandoned vehicles and graffiti in Greenhill, Marlborough and Wealdstone, call 0845 225 2602; fax 020 8424 1239; e-mail centralharrow@harrow.gov.uk, or write to Central Harrow Customer Service Centre, Freepost (PAM 6213), PO Box 147, Harrow, HA1 2BR. South Harrow residents should continue to call 0845 225 2600.