Christmas-in-Pinner – Song and Video.

On Wednesday 26th November the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, switched on the Christmas Lights in Pinner High Street and they look splendid again this year.  This is an important landmark in the Pinner calendar and is something the local community certainly appreciates which is why the Pinner Association is pleased to fund these attractions every year.

This year, as well as carols and songs sung splendidly by choirs from Reddiford and West Lodge Schools, the event had a surprise addition.  The Mayor launched the Pinner Association’s seasonal song – Christmas In Pinner.   The song is on the Pinner Association Instagram and Facebook sites with a festive video of the event on Wednesday. 

If you do not use Instagram or Facebook you can hear the song and see the video using this link:-

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRmaCnhjvZc/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

You can send the song and video to friends and family and / or post it on your social media.

 

Season’s Greetings from The Pinner Association.

 

To join The Pinner Association to help us to continue to support everyone in Pinner go to:

https://www.pinnerassociation.co.uk/membership/joinnow/

Pinner Memorial Park Lake Improvement Works

The London Borough of Harrow have published an update on the major works being undertaken to repair the leak in and remove years of built-up silt from the lake in Pinner Memorial Park:

https://talk.harrow.gov.uk/pinner-memorial-park

Refurbishment of entrance of the Paines Lane Cemetery.

The pillars, walls and gates at the entrance to the historic Paines Lane Cemetery have been repaired and repainted, funded by the Pinner Ward Councillors’ NCIL funds (a levy on building developments in Harrow to provide money for works which benefit local residents) after a request from The Pinner Association that the rather dilapidated entranceway be brought back to its former glory.

The cemetery, which is no longer in use for new burials, contains the Grade II Listed Structure grave of Horatia Nelson, the daughter of Emma, Lady Hamilton, and Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson and also official War Graves registered with the War Graves Commission.  It is Locally Listed and a Designated Open Space.

New Children’s Playground open in Pinner Memorial Park.

The much awaited opening of the refurbished children’s playground has been greeted with much enthusiasm by many of the younger Pinner residents and their parents and carers.

The playground has bee resurfaced, with mostly new equipment apart from a few of the old favourites from the old playground included.

The photo is of the Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Anjana Patel and Pinner South Ward Councillors Hitesh Karia and Jean Lammiman.

Wreath Laying at Dove of Peace War Memorial in the Peace Garden, Pinner Memorial Park.

On Thursday 23rd October 2025 the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, laid a poppy wreath at the Dove of Peace War Memorial in the Peace Garden in Pinner Memorial Park.

The Peace Garden was initiated by The Pinner Association to be an area for quiet reflection within Pinner Memorial Park, itself purchased by public subscription as a memorial at the end of  World War II.  It was opened in 1975 for the 50th anniversary of the end of that war.  The Dove of Peace was designed by pupils of Nower Hill School and is a registered War Memorial.  The Peace Garden is maintained by Pinner Association volunteers and looked lovely for this annual ceremony which was attended by pupils from West Lodge School.

The photo shows the Mayor of Harrow with Pinner South Ward Councillors Jean Lammiman and Hitesh Karia.

London Borough of Harrow – Cracking down on fireworks and noise nuisance.

London Borough of Harrow – three-week enforcement campaign to tackle fireworks misuse and noise nuisance across the borough:

Cracking down on fireworks and noise nuisance

Fireworks

To prevent a repeat of reckless and antisocial use of fireworks in streets and parks, the London Borough of Harrow is launching a three-week enforcement campaign.

  •  3-week crackdown during fireworks season
  • Dedicated line opened to report nuisance
  • Officers will patrol every evening and every weekend

A three-week enforcement campaign to tackle fireworks misuse and noise nuisance across the borough will seek to prevent a repeat of the reckless and antisocial use of fireworks in streets and parks last year which caused distress for many residents in Harrow.

Starting on Friday 17 October, a three-week operation will see the council’s enforcement teams out in force every evening and weekend from 6pm to 10pm. They’ll be engaging and advising businesses and residents, while also taking action against those who think the rules don’t apply to them. Under the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) anyone caught risks getting £100 fine.

A dedicated hotline – 020 4604 2775 – will be live daily from 6pm to 10pm. Residents can report dangerous firework activity and noise complaints incidents in real time. Officers will be backed up by the Council’s CCTV room – who will be monitoring activity in real time helping officers to take swift action. After 10pm, fireworks that are illegally set off should be reported to the police on 101. (999 should only be dialled if there is a crime happening, threat of violence or danger to life).

Fireworks at night cannot be set off between 11pm and 7am except on the following days:

  • until 1am on the night of the Chinese New Year
  • until 1am on the night of Diwali
  • until 1am on New Year’s Eve
  • until midnight on 5th November (Bonfire Night)

If you see a trader selling fireworks illegally report them to Trading Standards.

Cllr Pritesh Patel, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets and Public Protection said:

“Many of us enjoy watching fireworks. They can be fun but they’re not for everyone. Loud bangs and noises can cause distress and affect the quality of life for some residents – and pets. Last year we saw fireworks let off dangerously on our streets which is completely irresponsible and unacceptable.

“That’s why we are stepping up enforcement with a three-week crackdown during the peak of fireworks season. With our dedicated phone line, CCTV room, and officers on the ground – we’ll be taking action against those setting off fireworks dangerously and causing a nuisance. It’s our way of putting residents first and keeping our borough safe.”

 

Renewed Paths in the Peace Garden

The Peace Garden in Pinner Memorial Park has reopened now that the paths have been re-laid with the special Breeden Gravel surface which has been funded by the Pinner South Ward Councillors using some of their Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy that is collected by councils from new developments to fund local community projects.

The refurbished paths have enhanced this special place and the beautiful planting so well maintained by The Pinner Association volunteers.

Pinner Memorial Park Pond Improvement Works

We have been informed by Harrow Council of the following works.

Introduction

Funding has now been approved to carry out essential repair works at Pinner Memorial Park Pond. These works will address a leak in the pond and restore it for long-term community use and wildlife health.

While the work is underway, we will also be de-silting (sometimes referred to as dredging) the pond. This will improve water quality, increase the pond’s depth, and create a healthier environment for fish, birds and other wildlife.

Due to the nesting season for local birds, the works are expected to start in October.

Why Is This Needed?

The pond has developed a leak that requires significant repair. Without intervention, water levels will continue to drop and require topping up which is wasting water and finance and will affect both the park’s appearance and the habitats that depend on it.

The problem became more apparent following the recent capital improvement works in the playground, which highlighted the extent of the leak and prompted us to bring forward this intervention sooner than originally planned.

Years of natural silt build-up have also reduced the pond’s depth and water quality. Removing this silt will:

  • Improve water quality by reducing nutrient build-up that can cause algae.
  • Restore pond depth, helping it hold water more effectively and reducing future flooding risks.
  • Support wildlife, providing better habitats for fish, waterfowl and other species.
  • Enhance the park’s appearance, making it a more enjoyable space for residents and visitors.

What Will Happen

The works will be carried out in carefully planned stages to ensure the pond is repaired properly while keeping wildlife and visitors safe.

First, contractors will set up the site, fencing the pond area and creating safe access routes. The pond will then be gently drained into the existing drainage system. If any fish or other water animals are found, they will be kept safe, with our contractors responsible for their care throughout the project.

This includes the much-loved waterfowl in the park, which we know residents value. All species will benefit from the works, as the restored pond will provide a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Next, de-silting (dredging) will remove the silt from the pond bed. The silt will be dewatered on site and stored temporarily on the adjacent lawn, which will be fully restored and improved after the works. De-silting will enhance water quality, restore depth, and make the pond a better habitat for wildlife.

The existing liner will be inspected and most likely a new self-sealing clay bentonite liner will be installed to make the pond watertight, and rebuilding walls and edges.

Finally, the surrounding area will be restored. Clean material will be replaced, paths resurfaced where needed, and the lawn repaired following silt storage. Once complete, the pond area will be cleared and reopened for everyone to enjoy.

Timeline

  • The contractors are expected to start site set up the week of the 22nd of September.
  • Completion –it is expected to last 10 weeks meaning works will be completed by end of November 2025.

Impact on Residents

PMP Pond access during works
Contractors will access the site via the West End Lane car park and will fence off the pond area for safety. Some paths near the pond will be temporarily closed, but residents will still be able to walk around the park and enjoy other areas.

The silt removed from the pond will be stored on the grassed area beside the site, and the lawn will be improved as part of the restoration. Access across the car park to the work site will be carefully managed by a banksman to ensure safe movements. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption while keeping the park accessible.

For the complete story visit Pinner Memorial Park – Works.

Temporary Closure of The Peace Garden in Pinner Memorial Park.

The Peace Garden in Pinner Memorial Park will be closed from 15th September 2025 while path resurfacing works to the paths are carried out by the London Borough of Harrow.

Pinner memorial Park - Peace Garden

These works are expected to take approximately two weeks, though this may vary if delays occur.  This temporary closure is necessary to safely separate the work area from the rest of the park, which will remain open and accessible to visitors throughout. 

Updates will be provided online at harrow.gov.uk/parks and notices posted around the park.