We, the residents, are petitioning Harrow Council to take positive action to address the growing and unpleasant problem of fly-tipping and littering in the borough.

We and our children expect to be able to enjoy our parks and streets without vermin scurrying at our feet due to discarded food waste. We want to be able to enjoy the outdoor life our government is so keen to encourage, without constantly worrying about where we tread and without the view being spoiled by the uncaring. The amount of broken glass, cigarette butts, gas canisters, and both human and dog faeces, as well as other general litter, is a depressing reflection of council inaction.

Although there are laws in place to address the issue, they are rarely used and there are few if any, enforcement officers in the borough. We expect and deserve to live in a safe and clean environment. Additionally, our wildlife must be protected. 

Whilst Harrow Council is happy to provide us with litter-picking equipment, this merely pays lip service to an unacceptable and entirely preventable problem, and absolves them of their responsibilities, shifting the blame onto their residents and taxpayers. 

We would like to see enforcement officers in the same numbers as PCN officers and for them to issue on-the-spot fines. There is also a need to make private landowners accountable for their inaction, and the penalties should be pursued in line with the law.

To summarise: Harrow Council needs to wake up and smell the roses, and then perhaps their residents will be able to, too!