A new community cafe has been officially opened after a long-running campaign.

Members of the public and councillors gathered in West Harrow Park on Sunday to celebrate the official opening of the new Parkview Cafe, launched by the Friends of West Harrow Park group.

Run by community entrepreneur Syd Peyman, the café will be open from 7.30am to 6.30pm on weekdays and between 10am and 4.30pm weekends, selling hot drinks and snacks.

Park-goers enjoyed a barbecue, entertainment and free refreshments at the launch on Sunday afternoon, as well as a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Harrow Mayor Councillor Ajay Maru.

Work to launch the cafe began nearly two years ago, when the council supported the Friends of West Harrow Park group to clear ivy from the previously disused building’s roof.

Friends of West Harrow Park lead Vicky Widenka said: “A big thank you from Friends of West Harrow Park to the many people who have pulled together to get this long-wished-for café and toilet open.”

The group’s next project is to renovate the public tennis courts.

Mr Peyman said: “I hope the café will be a place that park lovers will enjoy. It’s a place for people to meet up, socialise, and enjoy good food and drink in the middle of a beautiful setting.”

Cllr Adam Swersky added: “Parkview Cafe stands as a shining example of how a community can join forces with its Council to bring new life to their area.

“This is just the start of how, together, we will transform West Harrow Park.”