A community group which has grown to more than 2,000 members celebrated its one year anniversary with stories of success and friendship.

The #Fixit Harrow Network was set up on 19 December 2016 after founder Caren Duhig came across human faeces and used toilet paper in an alley next to her home.

Inspired by the “need to do something about it”, Caren created the Facebook group in the hope of raising awareness and introducing improvements across the whole of Harrow.

Starting out with around 20 members, the community has swelled in size and now boasts more than 2,000 users.

Caren explained that she never expected things to grow in the manner they have but that she is proud of everything the group has achieved.

Members often post pictures of overflowing bins to help raise awareness of the issue (Photo: #Fixit Harrow Network)

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She said: “We have helped raise awareness of certain issues and have helped people overcome a number of problems.

“There’s a real sense of togetherness that allows us to try and improve situations or look at how to tackle things.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved in the past year and I can’t wait to see what we can do in 2018.”

As well as the social and environmental campaigns, Caren noted how the group has led to countless new friendships and has allowed her to build up relationships with people from across the borough.

She recalled how one woman, whom she has never physically met, sent her a bunch of flowers over Christmas as a way of thanks for her involvement in #Fixit.

#Fixit played a big role in getting the street lights in Aldridge Avenue, Stanmore, switched back on (Photo: Kuha Kumaran)

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And she also believes that the group has had a positive effect on Harrow Council; in her eyes, it has stepped up its environmental efforts over the past 12 months.

“I think we’ve seen a positive response from the council since #Fixit was set up,” Caren said.

“They appreciate that there is a problem in the borough but they know that people are trying to do something about it. And so are they.”

And while she noted that it is important to hold the council to account, she believes it is better to work with it as opposed to against it in order to obtain the best results.

“I’m trying to advocate a working relationship with the council,” she added. “It is important that they are made aware of any continuing issues but the best way to achieve things is to work together. I think this group has shown that.”