Harrow’s only equalities watchdog is set to close its doors for the final time on Thursday despite the danger of a “more fractured” community caused by the EU referendum.

Harrow Equalities Centre, on Milton Road, helps local people on a wide range of issues ranging from race and religion to disability and immigration.

However, despite making repeated requests for emergency funding, the centre has been unable to secure any and began to wind down its services several weeks ago.

According to Frank Anti, the charity’s director, the timing of the closure coincides unfortunately with a potential rise in xenophobia triggered by the result of the recent referendum.

“For us it couldn’t have come at a worse time. We are mindful of the increase in hate crime that could come from the referendum result,” he said.

“We were the only advice centre for hate crime and immigration rights in Harrow – who can deliver that now?

“This is one of the most diverse boroughs in the country but the community is going to become more fractured. I can see tensions increasing.”

Mr Anti is concerned that some of the most vulnerable people in the Harrow community, especially those with poor spoken English, will suffer as a result of the closure.

“I am thinking about the people who require these services – it makes a real difference to their lives,” he said.

“People respond to the face to face advice service we provide but many are not going to be able to get the help they need with immigration.

“It is a real issue for us – where are they going to go?”

Securing sufficient funding had been an ongoing battle for the staff at the equalities centre, one which has finally been lost.  

“For the past three years it has been a struggle to secure core funding to enable us to deliver sustainable quality services,” added Mr Anti.

“We know it’s been difficult for others too in the voluntary and public sector but the real shame is that the organisation is a lifeline for so many vulnerable people who rely on our services, which will no longer be there.

“The services are needed now more than ever. It is a sad time.”

Established in 2010, Harrow Equalities Centre has assisted more than 2,000 residents and groups during its existence.

Other services, including the Citizens Advice Bureau, will still be available in the area after the closure, although they do not provide the same level of aid as the equalities centre.

Announcing the closure, the board of trustees thanked its supporters but reserved special praise for its staff, stating they had been “superb in these very difficult times”.