RESIDENTS' views are being sought during two public meetings forming part of a wider consultation on improvements to the River Brent area.

With £1.5 million worth of funding secured for the restoration project, Brent Council wants residents to tell them and the Environment Agency and Halcrow Ltd their ideas.

Both meetings take place on Friday (Feb 15), the first in Oakington Manor Primary School in Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley between 3pm and 3.30pm, for parents and teachers of the school.

The second meeting, which is for the general public, starts at 7pm in St Raphael's Community Centre in Rainborough Close, St Raphael's Estate.

Cllr Ian Bellia said: "The River Brent scheme proposes to restore up to 2km of the river and will involve a number of improvements.

"The scheme will provide the local community with traffic-free access to the Wembley Industrial Estate, helping local people to take advantage of the jobs and facilities on offer in the Wembley area. It will also provide opportunities for recreation, public access and improving safety."

The consultation period also includes a painting competition inviting primary and nursery school children to express their vision of the River Brent in the past, present or future.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr David Coughlin, said of the ambitious project: "We want to get the river back to its natural state and introduce new and former wildlife."