Residents of Sydney’s Little India precinct say they’ve been ignored by the local council after their plan to erect a giant welcome gate to the area was whittled down to a sculpture of flowers on the side of the street. Buoyed by a large increase in visitors, Harris Park’s Indian community won $3.5 million from the federal government in 2022 to improve the area’s streetscape. The sign that currently welcomes visitors to the area, on Wigram Street in Harris Park. Credit: Jessica HromasIncluded in the grant, awarded by local member Andrew Charlton, was money for a “gateway” to the area. Locals were promised a Chinatown-style arch over the main road that signified to visitors they were entering the main area of food, nightlife and culture.