Local Authority

Restoration of an unsafe moat bridge at Headstone Manor will help bring the 14th Century attraction back to its full glory.
The three-arched 18th Century brick bridge is the only way across the watercourse onto the island where the Grade I listed building, constructed in the 14th Century, stands, but has been fenced off recently due to its poor condition.
Harrow Council now proposes to address the bridge's structural defects, vegetation growths and damp problems, and provide gates and fencing akin those present in the early 1900s, in order to bring the crossing back into use for pedestrians and vehicles.
The channel will be partially drained to allow experts to examine the bridge's foundations and discarded historic bricks dredged up from the bottom of the moat may be used to patch up the bridge's walls.
The conservation plan for the Scheduled Ancient Monument site is contained in a planning application that the council has had to submit to itself for approval.
Reports submitted in support the scheme say: "These works will also provide the opportunity, wherever possible, to record and evaluate the existing bridge, moat and retaining walls., in order to provide additional historic knowledge and evidence about the site.
"In particular, it is hoped that some evidence of earlier structures or artefacts may still remain in the moat, which could verify its age and previous usage of the site."

An illegal house crammed with immigrants who were using a ditch in the garden for a toilet has been uncovered by Harrow Council.

Officials today (Tuesday) found 14 suspected Chinese illegal immigrants living in a three-bedroom house in Warham Road, Wealdstone.

A banqueting suite is to open in Wealdstone after Harrow Council granted the firm a premises licence.

The premises, run by Premier House Banqueting on the first floor of Premier House in Canning Road, will be available for private hire.

By Ian Proctor

Children and teenagers will be able to swim for free during the summer holidays, Harrow Council has announced.
Youngsters aged up to 16 (inclusive) can take a dip without paying at Harrow Leisure Centre, Christchurch Avenue, Wealdstone, or Hatch End Swimming Pool in Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, between Monday July 21 to Sunday August 31.
The scheme is valid from seven days a week from 10am to 7pm and to benefit children must register their name and address at the reception desk each time they visit. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.
Councillor Chris Mote (Conservative), portfolio holder for community and cultural services, said: "Harrow Council knows this is a difficult time for families with the rising cost of living.
"The summer can be particularly problematic with parents wondering how to amuse their children without resorting to expensive theme parks and outings to the cinema.
"Now children can get active instead of spending hours watching TV or playing computer games.
"By investing money not only in swimming but the Passport to Culture and Summer University scheme, we have laid on a range of exciting opportunities on our young people's doorstep.
"Long-term we are hoping that this summer of fun encourages young people to get active and experience new things."
Harrow Council's Passport to Culture scheme is a series of action-packed events and activities while Summer University Harrow is a programme of over 100 activities and courses for 11- to 21-year-olds (up to 25 years old with special needs) during the summer vacation.