Harold who-where?

21 October 2005

a live radio show on Capital FM was bombarded with insults on Harold Hill last week, when people were invited to phone in with comments about the area.

The Richard Bacon Go Home show, on Capital FM on Thursday, October 13, attracted a surprising barrage of criticism from some 30 listeners living in and around the area.

During each show, Richard gives a brief weather report about one area of London. He talked about the climate in Harold Hill, but added he was unsure where it was, and asked listeners if they could help?

This kick-started the flood of negative comments.

Remarks, which were telephoned and texted in between 4pm to 7pm, included concerns about the town's derelict appearance and high crime rates, and ranged from the sarcastic to downright negative.

One person complained it was full of "old cars with no wheels", while another woman listener advised people to "never leave your car unattended there".

Another person sarcastically called the area "a hidden gem" and "picturesque", and that The Pompadours pub, in Hilldene Avenue, was "one of the loveliest pubs ever".

Other unflattering descriptions of the 'Hill included "scary" and "a karzy".

Only one person insisted Harold Hill was "not a dump".

Over the years, the area, with its lack of high street shops, has generally been portrayed as an undesirable place to live.

The Harold Hill estate datesfrom 1945, mostly housing ex-servicemen and to accommodate a residential overspill from London.

Residents have recently grown increasingly worried about intimidating groups of teenagers and vandalism.

The trouble has got so bad that the police and council are planning to introduce a Dispersal Order in and around the Hilldene Avenue shops within the next few weeks.

A Capital Radio spokesman said: "At the end of each weather report, the presenter quotes the temperature in a certain part of London. In the Harold Hill reference, Richard Bacon asked where it was, as he had never heard of it, which sparked an influx of calls and texts from listeners sharing their views of Harold Hill.

"No personal opinions of Capital Radio or Richard Bacon were broadcast."

Havering Council said more than £8 million has been spent on a regeneration programme for Harold Hill.

However, many residents feel this has not amounted to much.

l What are your views on Harold Hill? Email us on news.desk@romfor drecorder.co.uk or write to Harold Hill Views, 3 River Chambers, High Street, Romford, RM1 1JD.