Harrow Council is preparing another bid for funding from Transport for London (TfL) to help improve the streets in one of the borough’s most deprived areas.

Having been unsuccessful in 2018, it hopes to be part of TfL’s ‘Liveable Neighbourhoods’ scheme, putting forward a case for work to be carried out in Wealdstone.

The programme allows councils to submit bids for up to £10 million to encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport in specific areas.

According to the council, Wealdstone is an area with great potential due to its small to medium sized businesses, nearby green spaces and upcoming developments.

But it also faces “many challenges”, such as the high level of cars and issues relating to crime, particularly gang violence.

The council intends to stress the need for improvements in terms of access to Wealdstone, such as in Headstone Drive, The Bridge and both ends of High Street.

It will also look to improve connectivity between the six surrounding ‘sub-neighbourhoods’, that will encourage travel into Wealdstone by foot, bike or public transport.

According to a council report, it is also necessary to promote a behavioural change when it comes to travel.

“Simply building infrastructure will not achieve the increase in active travel in isolation,” it stated.

“It is therefore necessary to work with communities to encourage and promote the necessary change in travel behaviour and explain the wider benefits of active travel.”

This is linked to a desire for “greater community engagement” following advice from TfL.

Last month, the council launched a webpage dedicated to garnering public opinion about improvements in Wealdstone.

Several residents have commented on the levels of rubbish in the town centre, while others are concerned about the access to green space and general congestion.

The bid is part of a wider scheme tasked with revitalising Wealdstone.

It includes plans for bus route improvements and involvement in the Mayor of London’s cycleway network.

Overall, the council hopes to facilitate 5,500 new homes, two new schools and around 3,000 new jobs in the area by 2026.