Harlesden
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Template:Infobox London place Harlesden is a district in the London Borough of Brent. Harlesden is regarded as one of the most friendly and up-and-coming multicultural districts in Northwest London (although see below). Its main focal point is the Jubilee Clock which is situated at the beginning of the High Street and was erected to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee. The High Street has all the character of a West Indian bazaar, with loud music, bustling crowds, sticksmen and traders selling fruit, vegetables, fish and meats. The population is primarily made up of people of Afro-Caribbean heritage but also has a large number of Irish Catholic, Somali and Indian families. Harlesden never suffered the problems of racial tension or rioting like Brixton or Notting Hill. In recent years, however Harlesden has had a documentary made about it and there has also been a number of infamous drive-by shootings [1]. The area is slowly becoming gentrified [2] but remains somewhat notorious for the high crime rate, one of the highest in the borough. Of particular infamy is the Stonebridge Estate. There is a real sense of community and (apart from the crime) the area is generally regarded as being very friendly. It is not far from Central London; taking the tube (Harlesden Station or Willesden Junction) takes between 30 and 40 minutes, and by car it is just 20 minutes. The local park called Roundwood Park has a café and a playground for children. There are plenty of community activities. Most of the houses are Victorian terraces and parking is being controlled by parking permits.
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