A STEADY stream of residents are coming to the polls in Harrow to have their say on the future of politics in this country.

St Peter's Church in West Harrow is one of a host of community buildings which have been commandeering as a polling station for today's general and local elections.

Kenneth Holder, 30, brought his son along with him as he cast his vote, and said the freedom to decide is one of this country's great institutions.

He said: “We have the freedom to vote in this country, and I don't think that's something we should take lightly.

“In other countries, people have to kill and fight to be able to vote and we are lucky it is not that way here.”

Mr Holder added he found the televised leaders' debate “disappointing” because it took the focus away from policies and on to personality.

Peter Kemp, 74, says he always votes without fail, and believes it is important to get to the ballot box today.

He said: “I've always voted, I always come along because if you make a mistake in there then it's your fault.”

The pensioner said immigration and the financial state of the country have been two of the key issues for him during the campaign, and added recycling in flats is a problem in Harrow that he would like to see sorted.

West Harrow looks set to be a keenly contested Harrow Council ward since the introduction of a controversial controlled parking zone.

The issue split the residents down the middle, with Labour opposing and Conservatives in favour, and the divide could contribute to a close-run result.

The results in the council elections will be announced tomorrow afternoon, and the next Harrow West MP will be elected in the early hours of tomorrow morning.