Borough bosses launched a proposal to co-ordinate planning strategy, street design, and funding allocation across the Kilburn High Road. Cllr Paul Lorber, leader of Brent Council, and Cllr Keith Moffitt, leader of Camden Council, agreed to launch a joint

Borough bosses launched a proposal to co-ordinate planning strategy, street design, and funding allocation across the Kilburn High Road.

Cllr Paul Lorber, leader of Brent Council, and Cllr Keith Moffitt, leader of Camden Council, agreed to launch a joint Kilburn strategy in response to criticisms the area has been neglected because it falls between the two boroughs.

Both councils agreed to follow a single planning document, which sets out the planning agenda for the area and a more strategic 'place plan' which will cover a range of services, including building new schools, supporting businesses, and co-ordinating funding for community projects.

Anis Kapadia, manager of the Kodak shop in the High Road, said: "It can only be good thing that the two councils agreed to work together rather than having two different councils that pursue different strategies. But I hope the councils aren't using it as an excuse to cut costs by merging departments."

Councillors say they hope that by working together they will create a common Kilburn identity, as well as provide better support for businesses and residents, and improve the physical layout of the road.

Cllr Keith Moffitt described the agreement as a big step forward.

He said: "We recognise that Kilburn is an area that has struggled, particularly in the recession, but by approaching things strategically we can pool our resources and provide a stronger High Road for the community."

He added that while there are no plans for the councils to create a joint funding stream for the High Road, he hoped that funding from Camden and Brent could 'dovetail' to improve services.

Cllr Paul Lorber said: "It's important we take a joint approach to planning issues to allow the High Road to have a consistent look and feel. We're exploring ways in which we can remove street clutter and jointly lobby the government to change planning laws to give councils greater powers to limit and control betting shops."

Kilburn ward councillors have been calling for Brent and Camden to take a more

co-ordinated approach to the area for same time, particularly in supporting small businesses which they fear risk being squeezed out by the expansion of Brent Cross.

Both councils said firming up the strategy would be a priority once the elections, expected on May 6, had taken place.