Sandra White on her 'daunting' role in the Harlesden Pride in Place project

 Sandra White (Photo: Brent Council)

Sandra White, chosen by Brent Council to head up the Pride in Place project, added some context to the Next Door link to the Wembley Matters article published recently. 

   

I am both honoured and humbled by taking on this role. The Community Panel will choose how the funds are spent - No one individual will have power, and the ideas will be presented and put forward by local residents - Obviously we can't and won't do everything, but we will have a good go at it.

 

Pride in Place Programme funding over a 10-year period is split into 63% capital and 37% revenue. Capital Funding (63%) is money used for physical assets and infrastructure.

 

Usage: Building or upgrading community facilities, parks, sports grounds, high streets, and public spaces. Revenue Funding (37%) is Money used for day-to-day operational costs and services.

 

Usage: Running local programs, community engagement events, staffing, and civic capacity building.

 

This a huge role, a daunting role, but this investment can be used to make a difference and by coming together and taking action together we can hopefully build a sustainable foundation for change for the future of Harlesden. Just to add... I'm not a politician but I am a grafter, and I am here to serve. Also just to make this clear - this is a voluntary role - there is a £5K stipend, so not a paid post.

 

Funded by City Challenge money to encourage SMEs in Harlesden (Photo: Brent Council)

The Harlesden City Challenge project, part of an urban regeneration programme initiated by Tory Minister Michel Heseltine in the early 1990s, may have lessons for the Pride in Place project. Gerry Davis was the Chief Executive of Harlesden City Challenge and was based in Challenge House in Harlesden High Street.

£150,000 was spent on artworks some of which still remain scattered around Harlesden, but the real question is what wider impact did the project have on employment, social cohesion on equality. 

The £37.5m 4 year  project is claimed to have created 2,000 jobs, mainly in Park Royal and improvements in housing in Stonebridge and Harlesden. It funded High Street improvements including new street furniture and public art and restored and expanded  adult education and community services at the Victorian Morland Gardens villa. See Philip Grant's article HERE.

Time permitting I hope to look deeper in the City Challenge experience 

 

  

 

Marcus Garvey Exhibition Harlesden Library August 17th 6-8pm

 

 

BTWSC/African Histories Revisited, Friends Of Marcus Garvey Bust Collective and Brent Museum and Archives present the 2026 Marcus Garvey Annual Pan-Africanism Presentation at Harlesden Library Centre with presentations within the Brent Reggae Album Covers Exhibition. 

Local independent history researcher and historical musicologist Kwaku will mark his birthday with The Marcus Garvey Annual Pan-Africanism Presentation. There will be two mini-presentations: 1916-2026: Marcus Garvey And Black Music Beyond Reggae' and 1916-2026: 110 Years Of The UNIA In The United States'. £Free. https://BBM.eventbrite.com

Residents urged to take part in summer holiday consultation on far-reaching changes to Brent Housing Allocations Scheme

 

There are several ways of reducing the council's housing list - one is to build more council and social housing, something that Andy Burham has said he wants to do. Another way is to change the criteria for admission to the housing register to make fewer people/families admissible -  something that Brent has done in the past.  

In 2024 Brent launched a campaign urging homeless residents to move out of Brent to move to affordable private rented accommodation elsewhere in the country. LINK

Following a re-registration exercise aimed at people on the D Band - families who do not qualify to bid for homes under the Locata system - it appears that some still wished to remain on the list nevertheless and so Brent now wants to remove that band entirely, Alongside this a 'one offer' rule would be introduced. Families would be expect to accept that offer and if they don't could be moved down the priority list or lose access to further offers.  This is likely to put pressure on families to accept an offer even if it doesn't match their needs and be interpreted as 'accept or else'.  Additionally bedroom sharing rules are proposed to be changed so that same sex members of a household who are over 21 years old will be expected to share a bedroom rather than have separate rooms.

None of this would reduce the actual housing need but would improve the figures that recently have been publicised to the detriment of Brent's reputation.  

Brent Council has launched a consultation on its proposals during the summer holiday - not an ideal time!

 

Pete Firmin, a long time Brent tenant and campaigner said:

   

I encourage everyone to fill out this consultation. As ever, Brent may ignore comments, but if we don't submit any, they can claim there are no objections to their proposals. 

 

The big flaw behind their proposals is that they are proposing to restrict the access to Council housing at the same time as the new Prime Minister is saying he wants a massive council home building programme. So, instead of cutting access, Brent should be encouraging that. 

 

The individual proposals in the consultation are awful: 1) abolishing band D on the waiting list - i.e. telling people they are rejected as having any chance of ever getting a Council home. Compounded by the comment in the accompanying papers by the statement "There are lots of resources to help you find a suitable home in the private rented sector, including family homes and shared housing." Have they actually looked at the cost of private rented? They know most of the people on Brent's waiting list are there because they cannot afford the rents the private sector is asking for. 

 

2) Proposing that those on the waiting list are only made one offer. There are too many examples of people being made unsuitable offers, such as flats inaccessible for disabled applicants, distance from children's schools etc for this to be acceptable. 

 

3) "The council is proposing that same-sex adults aged 21 and over who are part of the same household be expected to share a bedroom". Really? Is that even a serious proposal?

 

So far only 11 people have taken part in the consultation. Go to LINK to take part. The consultation closes on September 13th 2026.

BRENT COUNCIL FAQS ON THE PROPOSALS

 

  

Brent Green Party welcomes PM's gambling reform announcement but warns of 'long road ahead' as another Wembley gambling licence is granted

Brent Greens campaigning against against gambling centres

 

From Brent Green Party

    

BRENT, LONDON Brent Green Party has cautiously welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent briefing announcing the intended scrapping of the controversial "aim to permit" rule under Section 153 of the Gambling Act 2005, over 20 years after its introduction by a Labour government.

Like many campaigners, affected families, and individuals who suffer from gambling harm, the Brent Green Party strongly supports ending the legal presumption that leads local authorities to believe they have no option but to approve new betting shops, casinos and 24-hour Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs).

However, the Brent Green Party warns that without a published White Paper, statutory document, or formal government policy roadmap, the announcement remains little more than a press statement. With legislation unlikely to be introduced until early next year, and heavy corporate industry lobbying expected during consultations, the "aim to permit" mandate will continue to hamstring local councils for the foreseeable future. The announcement also has no impact on the 80+ betting shops and casinos already in operation across Brent.

Furthermore, we have deep concerns about the Labour government’s true resolve to implement meaningful reform, given the government's close financial ties to the gambling industry; public records show the Labour Party and senior ministers accepted over £1 million in donations and gifts from betting executives and industry bodies in recent years, including a £25,000 leadership campaign donation to Keir Starmer from the head of Bet365 and VIP event hospitality for key Cabinet members. 

Gambling Harm Continue to Costs Brent £18 Million Annually

According to estimates from GambleAware, gambling-related harms cost the London Borough of Brent over £18 million every year. Despite these devastating economic and social impacts, local communities remain largely powerless under the current statutory framework. Where Green Party ward representatives are active, they have successfully mobilised residents against proliferation:

Willesden Green Ward: In June, a controversial Adult Gaming Centre application was formally rejected by the licensing committee following strong community opposition. This decision was unprecedented in the history of Brent.

Kilburn Ward: A major bingo hall/gaming application was forced into withdrawal ahead of its scheduled committee hearing in July due to organised local pressure.

This record contrasts with a recent decision of Brent Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee which granted a new premises licence to 312 Investments Limited to operate an Adult Gaming Centre at 574 High Road in Wembley Central, a ward represented by the Liberal Democrats at council level.

Speaking on behalf of Brent Green Party, Cllr Suzanne Gallagher said:

While we welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition that the 'aim to permit' rule is broken, a press briefing does not stop fixed-odds betting terminals or 24-hour slot machines from opening on our high streets today. Under Brent Labour, the industry has exploded in our borough with over 80 gambling venues, including ten within a ten minute walk of each other in Harlesden.

Furthermore, this announcement must be coupled with a comprehensive strategy to encourage local independent businesses to not only survive, but thrive. Small, independent enterprises present on our High Streets are currently suffering under punitive rent increases, extortionate commissions demanded by delivery platforms like Uber Eats, and a broader cost-of-living crisis impacting essential utility bills. The Green Party believes in actively promoting and protecting the local businesses that enrich our communities and drive our wider circular economy ambitions.

The recent approval of yet another gaming centre in Wembley Central where local representatives failed to even show up to the hearing to defend their residents proves exactly why we cannot wait months or years for legislative promises. The Brent Green Party will continue the good fight against gambling harms alongside our communities, pushing back against applications that threaten our town centres.

Sandra White, Harlesden community leader, to oversee £20 million investment programme in her community

 

Sandra White

 

From Brent Council

Sandra White has been offered the role of Independent Chair of the Neighbourhood Board that will decide how £20 million will be spent to improve Harlesden – part of the government’s Pride in Place programme –over the next 10 years.

Pride in Place is a major government investment programme, designed to deliver visible improvements in places across the country that are facing high inequalities.

Subject to completing the formal appointment process, Sandra will lead the Harlesden Neighbourhood Board, which will develop a long-term plan for the area and ensure that decisions about how the money is spent are made by and for local people.

It builds on recent investment in Harlesden town centre, including the transformation of the iconic Picture Palace into a new community hub, the restoration of historic buildings on Harlesden High Street, and the celebration of cultural heritage with the Harlesden Walk of Music. Together, these improvements to public spaces provide a strong foundation for the next phase of community-led change in Harlesden.

Sandra brings extensive community leadership experience to the role. A Harlesden resident for more than 20 years, she has worked with young people and supported a wide range of community initiatives across the area. She has a longstanding commitment to Harlesden and its diverse communities and has played a key role in community-led decision-making, most recently serving as Chair of the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: "Pride in Place represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Harlesden. The success of the programme will depend on strong local leadership and genuine community involvement, and Sandra brings both in abundance. Her experience, credibility and deep connection to the area make her an outstanding choice to lead the Neighbourhood Board as we begin this exciting new chapter for Harlesden."

Georgia Gould MP for Queen's Park and Maida Vale said: “Sandra has a proven track record of bringing people together and delivering for the diverse, creative and entrepreneurial community in Harlesden.

“I have seen firsthand her passion for Harlesden and commitment to community led change and I know she will make sure that Harlesden’s residents are leading this programme.

“I am really excited by the huge interest there has been in being part of Pride in Place, and I am looking forward to seeing their ideas come to life.”

Sandra White said: "Harlesden has been my home for more than 20 years, and it is a place and community I care about deeply, so I am genuinely honoured and excited to have been offered the role.

“This investment gives us a rare opportunity not simply to change how Harlesden looks, but to help strengthen and heal our community, build on the incredible talent, creativity and resilience that already exists here, and create new opportunities for our young people and future generations.

“I want this to be a chance for Harlesden to show what is beautiful about our neighbourhood, while also being honest about the challenges we face. I look forward to bringing everyone together to shape a shared vision and create lasting change that Harlesden can truly be proud of."

Harlesden is one of two Brent neighbourhoods selected to receive Pride in Place funding over the next decade, alongside St Raphael’s Estate. The Chair for St Raphael’s will be announced in due course.

If you have an idea for how the money should be spent in Harlesden or St Raphael’s, share it with the Neighbourhood Board by filling out an online form.

 

Construction of natural turf sports pitches in Gladstone Park

 Friends of Gladstone Park have passed on this information from Brent Council:

Please find below some information about works for the drainage and construction of natural-turf sports pitches in Gladstone Park – in Gladstone Park Annexe and at the sports training area south of the railway line.

Works are commencing, from Monday 10th August 2026, on the construction of a natural-turf rugby (or potentially for other natural-turf sports) pitch at Gladstone Park Annexe and for the drainage of the existing sports training area in Gladstone Park.

 

Gladstone Park Annexe is located approximately between Parkside (road) and Gladstone Park Gardens Allotments.

The sports training area is located south of the railway line to the west of the Rickyard depot. It is a natural-turf pitch.

 

The contractor is Cleveland Land Services Ltd.

 

The main works are expected to take several months, depending in part on the weather and ground conditions, which will be followed by a longer period of grassland establishment into 2027.

 

The other existing natural-turf sports pitches will remain in use during the construction period.

 

The works will be surrounded by temporary protective fencing. The fencing will not bisect hard-standing paths, for example that at Gladstone Park Annexe. Access for the works in Gladstone Park Annexe will initially be via Oxleys Road but may later use an access via Parkside (road) that is currently being used as a compound area for separate utility works. The compound for the pitch works, will be in Gladstone Park Annexe.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE DECISION 

 

Decision details

Authority to award a contract for the construction of a Natural Turf Rugby Sports Pitch and Sports Training Area with Drainage System at Gladstone Park (non-key officer recordable decision

Decision Maker: Director - Public Realm

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To request authority to award a contract for the Construction of a Natural Turf Rugby Sports Pitch and Sports Training Area with Drainage System at Gladstone Park.

Decision:

That the Director of Public Realm:

i)               Approves the award of contract for the construction of a Natural Turf Rugby Sports Pitch and Sports Training Area with Drainage System at Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill, London, NW2 to Cleveland Land Services in the sum of £447,347.25.

Reasons for the decision:

The Council requires the provision of construction of a Natural Turf Rugby Sports Pitch and Sports Training Area with Drainage System at Gladstone Park. Officers have undertaken a procurement exercise and identified Cleveland Land Services as the contractor providing the most advantageous offer in accordance with agreed evaluation criteria, and therefore recommend award of a contract to this contractor.

Alternative options considered:

Officers considered whether the Construction of a Natural Turf Rugby Sports Pitch and Sports Training Area with Drainage System could be provided by the Council itself, but concluded that it is best provided by a contractor.

Officers reviewed a range of procurement options including the use of a framework but considered that a tender process was the most appropriate means of procuring the contract.

Wards Affected: Cricklewood & Mapesbury; Dollis Hill; Willesden Green;

Cabinet/Committee Decision or Scheme of Delegation: officer scheme of delegation - non-key officer recordable decision

Parties Consulted: Ward councillors have been updated on progress of the project.

Contact: Leslie Williams, Project Officer Email: Leslie.Williams@brent.gov.uk Tel: 020 8937 5628.

Publication date: 05/08/2026

Date of decision: 05/08/2026

 

 

So what is happening in the old Barclays building in Willesden Green?

 

There has been some speculation about the fate of the former Barclays bank in Willesden Green, at 5 High Road. It has fine facade and stands almost opposite to the firmer Lloyds Bank, recently refused a licence for an adult gaming centre.

Permission was granted for the conversion of the former Barclay's Bank to commercial premises and six flats in August 2025. The flats involve a lot of internal changes plus a separate entrance.

 

The internal changes are most visible from the rear of the building:

 

The six residential units comprise 1 2 bed- 4 person, 4 1 bed - 2 person, 1 single person flat. A viability assessment was claimed to demonstrate that a payment in lieu of affordable accommodation would mean that the project could not go ahead. Because of the nature of the site Biological Net Gain did not apply.

The commercial premises is designated Class E and a drinking establishment or takeaway is ruled out.

Possibilities:    

Class E(a) - For the display of retail sale of goods, other than hot food, principally to visiting members of the public.

• Class E(b) - For the sale of food and drink principally to visiting members of the public where consumption of that food and drink is mostly undertaken on the premises.

• Class E(c) - For the provision of financial services, professional services or any other service appropriate to provide in a commercial, business or service locality where the service is principally to visiting members of the public.

• Class E(e) - For the provision of medical or health services principally to visiting members of the public.

• Class E(g) - For use as an office to carry out any operational or administrative function, research and development or any industrial process being a use which can be carried out in any residential area without detriment to the amenity of that area (ie what was previously classified as a light industrial use).

 

 If anyone hears about the future use, do let us know. 

Road closures and bus diversions in Wembley Park August 14,15, 16, 18 and 19

 Buses affected post event 18, 83, 92, 182, 206, 223, 224 and 483

Chair's casting vote ensures approval of controversial Wembley Hospital planning application

 

Proposed development of Wembley Hospital site, Chaplin Road

There has been much interest in how Labour has clung on to power in Brent following the local election result. The 'arrangement' reached with the Tories where they were recognised as the main opposition group, given chair positions on committees and the deputy mayorship was decisive but in the case of the ostensibly non-political Planning Committee rested with the Chair, Cllr Saqib Butt, brother of Labour leader Muhammed Butt, who has a casting vote in the event of a tied vote.

 This fell apart at a previous committee considering the Wembley Hospital planning application where an initial vote of approval, based on the chair's casting vote, was overturned when it was revealed that one approval vote was invalid as the councillor concerned had not been present for the whole meeting. This meant that the application was refused but officers moved quickly to suggest the item was deferred to a future meeting after officers had considered the validity of reasons for refusal.

The item was heard again this week and again there was a tied vote, with the chair using his casting vote for approval. Although the Planning Committee is 'non-political' Labour members voted for the application and Cllr Harshabhai Patel (Conservative). Cllr Michael Maurice (Conservative), Cllr Iman Ahmadi Moghaddam (Green) and Cllr Anton Georgiou (Liberal Democrat) voted against.

 Their reasons  they opposed approval followed similar lines and included the failure to meet affordable housing guidelines, concerns over parking overspill into nearby streets, loss of daylight and sunlight to neighbouring properties, density and lack of rigour in addressing potential problems of overheating.

Planning Officers confirmed this time that all the reasons given were valid in planning terms.

 

 

Preston Park Children's Playground closed due to safety risk to children

 Preston Park Children's Playground yesterday

Following concerns about the state of the children's playground in Preston Park and safety concerns LINK, Brent Council Parks Department yesterday decided to close the playground pending completion of repairs.

In a message to councillors the Head of the Parks Department wrote:

I am writing to make you aware that we have made the decision today to immediately close the children’s play area in Preston Park, due to safety concerns.

 

I appreciate that it is the summer holidays; however, the surfacing underneath almost all pieces of equipment has now deteriorated to such a condition that we consider it to be a risk for children using the space.  We do not take this decision lightly, but we have a responsibility to provide safe places for play.

 

We had identified some surfacing issues previously and had been obtaining quotes for their repair. Unfortunately, contractors have advised us that temporary repairs will not work and full scale resurfacing of the safety surface is needed. This is not something that can be undertaken immediately and we are therefore closing the playground today whilst we get quotes for the works.

 

The closest alternative children’s playgrounds can be found at Northwick Park, John Billam Open Space and Woodcock Park.

 The news comes after the local controversy over the proposals for a Multi Use Games Area on one of the park's tennis courts during which the state of the children's playground was raised and spending priorities questioned. 

 

Clearly the closure is not ideal during an especially hot summer school holiday and last night it was reported that the playground was still in use, but questions are being asked about how it was allowed to deteriorate to this extent, and how it managed to achieve Green Flag status given the situation.

 

Friends of Gladstone Park statement on plans for the Gladstone Centre

 The proposed Centre

 

The Gladstone Centre

 

There has been much discussion about plans for the development of the Gladstone Centre, which is still in Pre-planning stage.

Some people are for the new development, and some are against it. 

 

The Friends of Gladstone Park was formed to represent the views of all users of the park.

 

Therefore, following a vote, of the eligible trustees of the Friends of Gladstone Park, on the ongoing plans for the new Gladstone Centre development, we find that at this point we are neutral (neither for nor against). 

 

Below is a detailed statement of our position. 

 

 

There will be a public consultation in the future, at which everyone will be able to have their say. When the date is announced we will post it here.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The Gladstone Centre

Statement 5 August 2026

 

Friends of Gladstone Park (FoGP) has been concerned about the Gladstone Centre for many years and have made requests on behalf of the community, to Brent Council to repair or rebuild it.

 

FoGP campaigned to get the centre reopened after it was closed during COVID. It became clear it needed considerable investment just to patch it up. Redevelopment or demolition were the realistic options. Brent Council was not willing to take it on. FoGP suggested a sports centre, but Brent Council was not in favour, citing other options nearby.

 

FoGP held public meetings and events where park users were asked what they would like to see happen to the building. These were the most common requests and FoGP maintains these goals for the new centre:

A community space of the same size as before
The community part of the building to have an independent entrance - and management.
Is available to the public every day including evenings and weekends
There is a cafe that is accessible to all
There are toilets that are reasonably accessible for park users
The visual aesthetics of the building must fit in with the environment
The size of the building to be confined to the existing footprint and never allowed to go above the treeline (at today’s height)
The building must be aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with a park environment.

FoGP again approached the council with our requests, but it was clear that the Council would not solely fund a community centre. The only concrete option that arose was the proposal from Willesden Green Surgery (WGS) to redevelop the building as their new surgery.

 

With no real alternatives on the table, FoGP felt the best course of action was to engage constructively with WGS and Brent Council, and to try to ensure that the design allowed for the requirements the community had asked for – as per the list above.

 

FoGP requested that the new building be built on the same footprint* as the existing centre and would ideally be only two storeys high. We understood that the Kilburn Cosmos Rugby Club, who have rented part of the Gladstone Centre building for many years, would be offered an alternative space in the Sports Pavilion, and the Pavilion café would be relocated into the new building.

 

*Friends of Gladstone Park Trustees, in line with the wishes of the park users, do not condone or support any reduction of open space in the park itself.

 

Plans have evolved, but FoGP has never wavered from pursuing the objectives that the park users originally requested. FoGP is conscious that we represent ALL park users and there are people for and against the development. At this stage the development is at the pre-planning stage and will need to go before the Planning Committee at Brent Council for approval. This will be in public so anyone who wishes to can have their say.

 

The Friends of Gladstone Park Trustees feel it is right to step back and let due process take its course.

 

FoGP is an apolitical group and Trustees who happen to be councillors do not have voting rights on matters related to Brent Council.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who are and what is the Friends of Gladstone Park (FoGP?

 

· FoGP is a group of ordinary local residents who care about the park and volunteered to act as a conduit between the park users and Brent Council.

The mission statement is to Protect, Preserve and Promote Gladstone Park

· The group has grown in 12 years from 6 to 13 in number, meeting once every few months

FoGP is an apolitical group and trustees who happen to be councillors do not have voting rights on matters related to Brent Council.

· To let people know the FoGP existed for everyone, public meetings, walks, talks and litter-picks are held during the summer months.

 

· The Gardening Group of volunteer gardeners was formed to maintain the Walled Garden, shortly followed by the Woodland Copse group. It was at that point Friends of Gladstone Park became a charity and the original regular volunteers became trustees. This meant we could accept donations for plants, seeds, compost, tools – and obtain public liability insurance. We have virtually no admin costs as everyone gives their time free of charge.

FoGP communicates regularly with the Parks Department at Brent Council. (It is worth noting that while Gladstone Park is one of the larger parks in the Borough, Brent has over 85 parks and open green spaces, and FoGP is just one of the groups who fiercely protect their local park.)
FoGP successfully campaigned for the public toilet near the Walled Garden and will continue to campaign for more toilets in the park
FoGP continues to lobby the council and campaign against motor bikes and other motorised vehicles
FoGP continues to campaign against littering in the park, support litter picking, lobby for more bins and other initiatives to combat the problem
FoGP continues to plant and maintain the Walled Garden and the Rose garden
FoGP continues to protect and maintain the Woodland Copse which is now a designated Local Nature Reserve
FoGP supported the campaign for the refurbishment of the lower children’s playground
FoGP continues to lobby the council to maintain the pond
FoGP continues to lobby for drinking fountains in the park
FoGP continues to lobby against commercialisation of the park
 
Gladstone Park is a beloved and necessary open space in a busy city, for families, walkers, runners, dog owners, sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, bird watchers, pond watchers. Our aim is to protect it.
 
FoGP represents ALL users of Gladstone Park