A group of mums have organised a community festival to “bring the feel-good factor” back to where they live.

Julia Hylton and her friends want to recapture some community spirit in Wealdstone, Harrow – an area which has faced increasing disparagement over the past few years.

Concerns over crime and anti-social behaviour have cast the area in a negative light, but Julia wants to show that this is not the case.

She said: “We’re all a bit fed up with the negativity in Wealdstone. You mention it and people immediately think it’s the worst place in the world to live.

“But the people are nice, it’s got some nice places and those who live there want to highlight that.

“It’s all about bringing the community together, putting a smile back on people’s faces and hopefully giving Wealdstone some good press for once.”

The festival, which will be held from 1pm-4pm on September 8, will feature a mix of activities to cater for all.

There will be circus performers and a face-painting stand, bike MOTs and bike security-marking sessions.

Wenzel’s is donating party food for the event, and representatives from the Gym Group will run exercise classes and offer health checks.

The group decided to hold the event in the square between Subway and Holy Trinity Church.

This area has been highlighted as a particular problem-zone, with several people complaining about the prevalence of those drinking on the street there.

Harrow Council vowed to tackle these issues, and an online petition calling for greater action has been signed by more than 500 people.

Julia explained that the event will give people the chance to chat about how to improve and celebrate Wealdstone.

She added that the police should be left to tackle the issues of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.