Harrow Council has promised to continue its fight against youth crime and anti-social behaviour.

Its cabinet was challenged by members of the Harrow Youth Parliament, which is concerned about the rising levels of crime among the younger members of society.

It also pointed out that, with the summer holidays about to begin, there is likely to be a spike in anti-social behaviour among schoolchildren.

The council vowed to tackle both issues, with Cllr Christine Robson, responsible for schools, noting the various activities available to young people.

She said: “We do share your concerns during this long, hot summer and we are doing our best to engage with young people.”

The council pointed to the list of activities tailored for young people in the borough via the Wealdstone Hub.

Taking place at several centres across Harrow, they offer cultural workshops, sporting activities and educational sessions for nine to 19-year-olds.

Cllr Robson added that the new administration is “focused on prevention” when it comes to youth crime.

She said it is important to nip any crime issues in the bud but criticised central government for its approach to dealing with crime across London and the UK.

“This prevention has been handicapped by cuts to the police,” she said.

“We are swimming against the tide of government indifference, but we will continue to try our best.”

Her points were backed up by Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, who described tackling youth crime as “a key area”.

“We are committed to working with the community, including the youth,” he said. “We have various projects to raise awareness around crime and general safety.”

Harrow has been blighted by a number of high-profile incidents of violent crime this year, including a double-shooting in Wealdstone, in which two teenagers were injured.