by Nadia Sam-Daliri Grime-busters donned overalls to tackle their area s graffiti and rubbish for the tenth year running. Harlesden Environmental Action Residents and Traders (HEART) is a group of volunteers from all walks of life, from s

by Nadia Sam-Daliri

Grime-busters donned overalls to tackle their area's graffiti and rubbish for the tenth year running.

Harlesden Environmental Action Residents and Traders (HEART) is a group of volunteers from all walks of life, from schoolchildren to the elderly, and was set up a decade ago to bring people together and improve the area.

On Saturday volunteers dedicated their time to the yearly clean-up while being entertained by girl band, Sleepless Beauty at Tavistock Hall forecourt, in Harlesden High Road.

Cecelia Greene, HEART's founder and president, said: "I started up HEART because I was fed up with rubbish in our area.

"Since then, it's become a yearly event and young and old come together to do something good for the environment.

"It's a bit of entertainment and let's people meet each other while helping our area too."

In providing a cleaner environment, the group believes there is a knock-on effect on crime, making their area safer.

Regular briefings with police community support officers and council chiefs are organised to give residents the opportunity to bring up issues they are concerned about.

For information on the group go to www.heartofharlesden.co.uk.

nadia.sam-daliri@archant.co.uk