An opposition councillor has called on the current administration to fix its “personality problem” when it comes to customer service.

Cllr Marilyn Ashton, deputy leader of Harrow Conservatives, said there is a “real problem” with how the council handles complaints.

She questioned council leader Cllr Graham Henson at a cabinet meeting earlier this month, citing the council’s refusal to grant Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue a parking dispensation for its High Holy Days.

She also criticised the way it “frightened the living daylights” out of drivers who had always parked on the street in Green Lane, Stanmore, by sticking signs to their windscreens threatening them with potential fines.

But Cllr Henson said he was satisfied with the council’s customer service – that it “pays for bronze and gets gold” – and that it was vital to uphold the rules.

“They are doing all they can to be helpful and user-friendly, but the upshot is that we have to enforce government legislation,” he said.

He added that, in the synagogue’s case, there had been efforts to “find a solution” and suggested that the customer service team had “gone beyond the call of duty” by warning drivers in Green Lane.

Cllr Ashton agreed that the council can be “very helpful” but accused it of being “high-handed” at times – something she warned is causing “reputational damage”.

She urged Cllr Henson to address what she views as a serious problem to help regain any trust that has been lost.