Lowlands Recreation Ground, located next to Harrow-on-the-Hill Station, is set to get new lights as part of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy funding awarded to Greenhill ward.
The application for funding was approved after a petition with more than 230 signatures was submitted to Harrow Council complaining about the park’s safety at night.
Students at Harrow College had raised concerns of increasing levels of antisocial behaviour and harassment. They, alongside school staff and residents, have been campaigning to get measures installed to reduce the number of incidents taking place within the grounds.
Harrow College Principal, Clive Hodge, said: “Concerned about safety at night, our students took the lead in raising issues about Lowlands Recreation Ground. Their voices sparked meaningful discussions and action with local ward councillors, with our successful campaign resulting in lighting currently being installed—an important step toward making the park safer after dark.”
He added: “We’re incredibly proud of our students for championing this cause and working hand-in-hand with the local community to make a difference.”
Harrow College itself has been calling on the council to act on the issue for more than a year, with ward councillors for Greenhill and Harrow-on-the-Hill, Cllr Aneka Shah-Levy and Cllr Stephen Hickman, later launching a campaign to assess local support for the security measures.
The installation of the lights is currently in its first phase, it should be completed by September when the new term comes around and the days begin to get darker earlier. It is hoped that the extra measures will allow residents to feel safe walking through the park in the evenings.
Cllr Shah-Levy, said: “I was thrilled to be able to help residents, students and staff that frequently walk across Lowlands recreation ground after dark. As an ex-student of the college, I understand how important feeling safe in the area is and I would like to thank all those who got involved for getting this important work off the ground.”
