Great news for North Harrow as the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has awarded the area with £360,400 to help North Harrow for marketing and promotional events to give the area a much needed boost.

These events will help promote food, the arts, culture and faith and will take place between September 2011 and March 2012.

Councillor Keith Ferry (Labour), portfolio holder for planning and economic development at Harrow Council, said: "Our shopping centres are at the heart of our communities and we have made it a council priority to support them and help our traders compete.

"A combination of the economic downturn, internet shopping and the growth of out of town shopping are making it increasingly tough for our high streets.

“We can make a difference by working with businesses and the entire community to promote what’s on offer, make these areas more attractive and make sure they meet local demand.

“We worked hard to secure this additional funding for the borough and showing the work already underway in areas like North Harrow really helped clinch the deal.

“The money will be put to excellent use, working in partnership to create events and activities that will attract visitors, improving the look of the high streets, increasing parking, and helping traders to promote their businesses effectively.”

Councillor Susan Hall, leader of the opposition Conservative group, said: "It's excellent news that Harrow's bid for this funding has been successful, and it'll do a great deal to revitalise the town centre and North Harrow. I'm sure that local traders in particular will be pleased at the extra investment and promotional activities this funding will provide.

"The Outer London Fund is another example of Boris Johnson providing support and opportunities to Harrow and other outer London boroughs in a way that Ken Livingstone never did when he was mayor."

Independent Headstone North Councillor James Bond said: “This is a welcome windfall that if spent wisely could help North Harrow. I strongly urge the council to address the issue of parking first and foremost so to encourage more passing trade in the town centre.

"This needs to be the top priority ahead of everything else otherwise spending on business directories, a website and promotional gimmicks will prove to be utterly pointless.”

Source: Harrow Observer