MP and community leaders team up on borough economy

AN MP has teamed up with Harrow Council and leaders from voluntary and community organisations to address the economic issues facing the borough.

Nick Hurd, Conservative MP for Northwood and Pinner, visited The Wealdstone Centre on Friday last week to discuss some innovative ways in which he and the council can provide services to support the work done by volunteers and community organisations as a part of an ongoing consultation that began in February.

The council is consulting on its plans to devise an independent body to represent the views of the voluntary and community sector, and how to best to fund training and recruitment.

Mr Hurd said: “We had a useful conversation about the new world we are working in and the challenges the sector faces.

“It is very important for all of us to be aware of the challenges we face and how we can work together to meet them. We’ve also got to think about what we can do to inspire more people in Harrow to get involved in their communities.”

Councillor and portfolio holder for community and cultural services David Perry praised the great work that voluntary and community organisations do.

He said: “Harrow Council is committed to working with the voluntary and community sector to help it strengthen its abilities to support those members of the community who are most in need of their services.

“I hope it was a useful event for the organisations involved, who play a vital role in improving the quality of life of people in Harrow.”

Members of Voluntary Action Harrow were pleased to get the chance to meet Mr Hurd and discuss key issues.

Rachel Wright, director at Voluntary Action Harrow, said: “It was interesting to meet him. He was listening to what people were saying and he seems to understand the issues and be quite knowledgeable.”

A survey has been distributed to 280 voluntary and community organisations to get broader input into the ongoing consultation.

Sixty organisations, including Voluntary Action Harrow, have been invited take part in another consultation event on Tuesday next week.