Dozens of popular community events will be under threat if council proposals to charge peopl to use parks and public highways go ahead.

That was the message from residents' associations and volunteers this week who fear events such as summer bandstand concerts, Remembrance Day parades and St George's Day celebrations will stop if a policy change by Harrow Council is approved.

The council is consulting on its proposed events policy, which sets out a fee structure for events held in parks, open spaces and highways in the borough.

The policy aims "to enable the delivery of a diverse events programme that creates a vibrant place to visit whilst ensuring the sustainable use of Harrow‘s open spaces".

But Gordon Williams, who has organised St Georges Day celebrations in Pinner for the past 10 years, called the proposals "short sighted".

The Cuckoo Hill Road, Pinner, resident said: "Obviously the council needs to save money, whether this is the right way to go about it I have grave doubts.

"The council may be shooting themselves in the foot if these proposals go through. A lot of organisations who put on community events will be affected.

"This is a very short sighted policy.

"Many of the people who organise these events are volunteers who give their time for nothing, if they have this on top they may well not bother.

"The council cannot be promoting community events and at the same time knocking them on the head."

Cynthia Wells, from Pinner Association, which organises free open air Band Concerts in Pinner Memorial Park, said under the new policy it would cost an additional £2,616 to hold four such concerts - even with the 40 per cent discount for charities.

She said: "We make no money out of these events, we do it for the community. We are very worried by these proposals and very disappointed to think the council is considering this, particularly as it states an aim of enhancing the community in the area.

"At least exempt charities and non profit making organisations from the changes."

Mrs Wells said the concerts attracted as many as 400 people last summer and it would be a great loss to the community if they could not continue.

She said: "The concerts bring a lot of enjoyment, especially if you're on your own it gives you somewhere to go and be with people.

"We also get a lot of families come and bring a picnic - do the council really want to stop all this?"

The proposed events policy also lays out a scheme to hire out parks and recreation grounds for weddings at a daily rate of £3,000.

The council report said: "The Events Policy will provide a clear and consistent approach on approving events held in public spaces including the fees structure.

"These are introduced to ensure that the full costs of providing the service are recovered, and will be reviewed as part of the annual fees and charges setting process."