Why Do We Need CAPRA?
Public bodies responsible for matters affecting Canons Park residents do not always consult very widely and could possibly seek to act without any consultation; there has to be a body to keep a continuous eye on what is going on and act as the voice of the residents of Canons Park. We are accepted by the London Borough of Harrow as the local consultation point.
Is It Only Public Bodies We Have To Watch?
No. There are also other groups for example property developers who are only interested in changing our area and then move on, leaving residents to deal with any resulting problems. Reaction has to be early, swift and forward looking.
Why Can’t I Do This Myself?
Because you will usually only know about matters raised via social media or reported in local papers. Only rarely will you get an individual notification. If you write to the Council with a comment, your views will be recorded but they will not necessarily respond. CAPRA is notified and can get members’ views so is well placed to object or suggest improvements in good time. It can organise evidence and if needed get professional advice or even take legal action. The voice of CAPRA is much more powerful than the separate voices of even a large number of individuals.
Who is CAPRA In Touch With?
In each field where public consultation bodies have been set up, CAPRA takes care to participate. But it also has direct access to the Council, and other public bodies and liaises with other like-minded associations.
POLICING
CAPRA has previously liaised with various bodies with regard to policing matters. These have included police community and partnership units. We are represented on the local Safer Neighbourhood Team Ward Panel.
ROADS & TRAFFIC
Liaising with Police or Council, CAPRA covers traffic flow, parking and road safety issues. It has been instrumental in the introduction of a number of road schemes to improve traffic flow and reduce parking problems.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
CAPRA is in contact with HPTUA (Harrow Public Transport Users Association and takes up issues that may arise.
ENVIRONMENT
In consultation with the Council, CAPRA aims to keep our green spaces, to make sure our streets are regularly cleaned and to improve our historic parkland. In short, to make Canons Park a nice place in which to live. CAPRA was a supporter of the Heritage Lottery Restoration Plan for Canons Park and is both a Stakeholder of Canons Park and is represented on the executive of the Friends of Canons Park.
DEVELOPMENT
CAPRA liaises with the Harrow Council Planning Department to safeguard our area from inappropriate and unwanted development and to see that all communications are swiftly dealt with. We strive to maintain the character of our area. We were instrumental in preventing the redevelopment of Canons Park Station Car Park to the detriment of Canons Park and the local area and are active in various other local campaigns.
LOCAL NHS SERVICE
CAPRA gives general updates on the latest developments taking place from time to time. However CAPRA does not get involved in any individual case.
How Does CAPRA Keep In Touch With Members?
Periodic newsletters are delivered to members. We hold our AGM in November where representatives of the police, fire services, public transport, the NHS and Harrow Council etc have attended to answer questions and explain procedures and plans. Any major issues that arise during the year are notified in our newsletter or by email.