The Brent Magazine issue 87 February 2009
HEART in Harlesden
A group started by concerned residents to improve their area is stronger than ever ten years on and preparing to mark its founding.
Rubbish, dumped mattresses and graffiti coated walls - the environment Harlesden residents saw in 1999.
While some lived with the decay, one resident decided that she had had enough, called a public meeting, and persuaded shops to put up posters advertising it.
"I was very nervous," recalls Cecilia Greene. "I'd never chaired a meeting before in my life, and had no idea about how many people would show up.We met at Tavistock Hall in the high street.
There were about 60 people there, which was amazing, including Brent Council officers. I remember thinking that if we do not do something, the area is just going to deteriorate further and become crime ridden."
A few months later, thanks to that meeting, Harlesden Environmental Action Residents and Traders or HEART was founded and Cecilia became its first chair. It liaised with council officers about problems in the area at regular monthly meetings, which continue today. Gradual improvements in Harlesden began.
"We focused on the practical things such as more litter bins in the streets.When we saw wasteland at the top of Burns Road, we started a shrub garden to put it to use," she said.
"From there the focus moved on to encouraging people to recycle more as well." HEART also started litter pick days to clean up neglected streets and areas.
Its work was noticed across Brent and members even met a delegation from New York which visited in 2001 and the group has also won ten awards.
"Our ethos is about taking responsibility and ownership of your area, taking pride in where you live instead of complaining and waiting for others to do something.
"It's about being a good neighbour, a community-minded person, and looking out for one another," added Cecilia.
"HEART has survived ten years and has been so effective because of monthly meetings and commitment from officers at Brent Council and the police. We have an exemplary working partnership with the council and police which has strengthened over the years."
Rupert Mikely, who took over as chair from Cecilia in 2002, said:"We have made a tremendous difference. Harlesden is cleaner, has less graffiti and problems are taken care of. It has come a long way in the last few years and so has HEART, but although a lot has been done there is still more to do."
HEART celebrates its 10th year on 25 April at Tavistock Hall, with a litter pick, music by girl rock band 'Sleepless Beauty' and recycling competition results.
For more information, visit www.heartofharlesden.org.uk or call 020 8965 0613. If you are a resident concerned about environmental problems call Brent Council's StreetCare on 020 8937 5050.