RESIDENTS' associations across the borough are being urged to unite and make their voices heard in the community.

Hillingdon Alliance of Residents' Associations (HARA), which represents all residents' groups in Hillingdon, aims to harness their energy to increase opportunities to speak out about local issues and concerns.

Recently appointed HARA chairman, Tony Ellis, hopes to breathe new life into the group by organising regular monthly meetings.

Mr Ellis, who is also chairman of the Northwood Residents' Association, told the Gazette: "It's really all about having strength in numbers, fighting for a common purpose, with one voice.

"This means that if we have something we want to take up with the council, for example, we can do so as a larger body.

"All the residents' associations across the borough are invited to become members.

"At the moment, most in the north of the borough have signed up, and we hope those in the south will do the same.

"Before I became chairman we didn't have a formal meeting place, but Councillor Jonathan Bianco (con, Northwood Hills), has now agreed the council will provide us with a free meeting room in the civic centre in Uxbridge."

The first meeting will take place on Monday (18) in committee room six, at 7.30pm. Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner MP, Nick Hurd, will also be attending the event to talk about the Localism Bill.

Mr Ellis added: "The purpose of this first meeting is to establish what issues are particularly important to all members, as well as discuss future meeting dates. Non-members are most welcome to attend."

For more information, email Mr Ellis at tony.ellis@home8.co.uk or call 01923 821237.