The Harrow Conservative leader has promised to prioritise “deliverable” goals if his party triumphs in the upcoming local elections.

Paul Osborn outlined some of his group’s plans if it is successful on May 3, including changes to the bin collection service and increased free parking.

He noted that it is important to focus on things that will make a real difference to Harrow residents while envisioning a wider approach.

“We are trying to promote a positive message going forward,” he said.

“We want to talk about stuff that is deliverable and what we can achieve. We don’t want to overpromise things.”

The Conservatives have vowed to extend free parking in the borough from 20 minutes to 30 minutes to support and promote business in the region.

But Cllr Sachin Shah, leader of Harrow Council, is sceptical about Mr Osborn’s proposal.

He said: “I’m pleased to see the Harrow Tories have finally come around to the Labour idea of giving free parking to Harrow residents.

“Labour first put this in our budget in February 2013, which the Conservatives voted against. Suddenly there is an election and now in favour. No one will believe them.”

Mr Osborn said it was vital to make further changes to the parking situation to avoid it falling behind its ‘rivals’.

He said: “We need to match neighbouring boroughs otherwise our businesses will be at risk. It’s something they have in Hillingdon and we need to follow suit.”

He added that his party would seek to introduce more police officers in Harrow town centre, reduce the number of tower blocks being built and reduce the cost of the garden waste service.

This final point was dismissed by Mr Shah, who questioned how his opponents planned to pay for the changes.

He said: “With Tory cuts to Harrow Council of 97 per cent, the real question is how will the Harrow Conservatives pay for this promise?

“Which libraries will close or whose parents will not get the care they need?

“It’s time for the Tories to fess up. How are they going to pay for this? What is clear, it’s only Labour that can be trusted to keep Harrow taxpayers’ money safe.”

Local elections in Harrow are taking place on May 3. The deadline for voter registration is April 17.