Autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
A magazine about housing and your town
Here for you Recovery edition Support for you and your business pages 4-12
The winter edition of Harlow Times will be out in December
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To download the NHS COVID-19 app, search for “NHSCOVID-19” in the App Store / Google Play Store on your phone
Working together for Harlow
We’ll continue supporting you as the town recovers Councillor Mark Ingall, Leader of Harlow Council It’s been seven months since Harlow, together with the rest of the country, locked down. During this time we’ve seen some restrictions eased and new restrictions introduced. We know the winter and spring could be tough, adding further uncertainty to our lives. But something positive has been happening in our town. Residents and organisations continue to be there for each other, community facilities have reopened in COVIDsafe ways and local shops and businesses have reopened. I know things can change so quickly and as you read this more restrictions or a lockdown may well have been announced. Whatever is happening we will support you and plan for a secure future. Harlow’s recovery from this pandemic is our priority.
The town will come out a stronger, more resilient place, a place where opportunities are created and taken and we have worked to agree a recovery plan to do just this. Councillors from the Labour administration and the Conservative opposition are working together to find ways to reduce future infections and ensure our town has the best possible recovery. Now more than ever we have to put politics aside and work together for you. Harlow Times is full of information (pages 4 to 12) on the support available to you as either a resident or someone who runs a local business. A new wave of coronavirus infections remains the biggest threat to our recovery, but together can we keep infection rates low. Keep washing your hands, covering your face and stay at least 2 metres away from others.
Ten things we can all do to help strengthen our community in these difficult times: • Donate to Harlow Foodbank • Keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours • Download the NHS COVID-19 app • Shop locally (see pages 6 to 7) • Practice social distancing and self-care - exercise, good diet, time out (see pages 8 to 9) • Continue supporting our frontline workers • Set up a local WhatsApp group to stay in touch • Give blood • Volunteer • Have a flu jab
In this edition News in brief Princess Alexandra Hospital Recycling and bin collections Harlow Police update Your councillors Useful numbers and websites
2-3 13 14 15 16 17
4 Creating & opportunity 5 The plan for recovery
6 Shop and & eat local 7 Support local businesses
Cover:
Photo by Paul Blake and shared on Natural Beauty of Harlow Facebook page. Thank you Paul
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8 Tips for your health & and wellbeing 9 Looking after yourself
10 Managing your & finances 11 Help with bills harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
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News in brief
Annual election canvass
Every year we carry out the annual canvass to check that the information on the electoral register is up to date. All households have been sent a (yellow) letter or (white) form. You are only legally required to respond if you have received a white form. If you have not responded you may receive a visit from one of our canvassers who will be out until 6 November 2020. You can respond online at www.householdresponse. com/harlow. You need the security codes printed on the form. The form is not a registration form, any new eligible individuals will be invited to register online at: www.gov.uk/registertovote A new register will be published and available for inspection on 1 December 2020. For more information visit our website, call us on 01279 446042 or email us at registration@harlow.gov.uk
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harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
Pets’ Corner is top of the world! Pets’ Corner is one of the best visitor attractions in the world according to the Internet review site TripAdvisor. Based on the high level of reviews, the farm received a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award - placing it in the top 10% places to visit worldwide.
This is a major accomplishment for the council-run service and is a testament to the hard work that the staff and volunteers put in every day to make it such a great place for families to visit. Pets’ Corner has recently reopened with a new booking system in place.
We are cleaning up A new team is in town dedicated to tackling the nuisance of fly-tipping, dog fouling and littering. Harlow Council has agreed a year’s trial with National Enforcement Solutions (NES) to provide environmental enforcement services in the town. A team of environmental crime officers are targeting those antisocial people who
don’t dispose of their litter in a responsible way, fail to pick up after their dogs or dump waste. Anyone caught fly-tipping can be issued with a £200 fine or if they are observed littering, they will be issued with an on-the-spot £80 fine. Dog fouling carries a £50 fine. You can help by reporting issues to us at www.harlow.gov.uk
News in brief
Special listing for town park Hospital microsite launched Harlow Town Park is now a Grade II listed site having been added to the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest by Historic England. It is unusual for a public park to be given listed status, but the Town Park - planned by Sir Frederick Gibberd and designed by landscape architect Dame Sylvia Crow - was considered significant because of its association with the new town and its picturesque planning.
No Harlow fireworks display this year
Council staff, volunteers and HTS have worked hard in recent years to restore the park back to its very best. This status will help to preserve and protect the park for future generations.
Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust (PAHT) has launched a microsite as a hub of information about the progress towards a new hospital. The site, part of the PAHT website, is the place to go to find out all about the new state-ofthe-art hospital for Harlow. The site will continue to be populated with up-to-date information as the timeline moves along to build a new hospital by the end of 2025. You can visit the microsite at www.pah.nhs.uk/newhospital
Sadly there will be no Harlow fireworks night in the town park this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Current government public health restrictions on large gatherings mean the event cannot take place this year. We are also advising people and organisations to not hold their own events instead.
Fireworks are dangerous and can cause injuries if not used safely. This would be terrible for you and put additional pressure on our front-line workers at the hospital, the ambulance service, the fire service and the police at an already demanding time. For further information please visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk
harlow times ¡ autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Here for you - our recovery plan
Our plan for our town’s The coronavirus pandemic is testing the town’s courage and resilience. During very difficult times our residents, businesses, community groups and council staff are responding positively, rallying around and being there to support others. Harlow will rebuild and recover from the impact the pandemic is having on our town. We have a plan, which aims to build a stronger Harlow as a result, and a town that creates, takes and opens up opportunities.
Our priorities
Our recovery plan
We have five priorities for improving the town and improving your lives. But we now have a sixth priority, a new top priority.
We will work to our six priorities and all our councillors, staff and partners will work together in promoting and delivering this recovery plan.
Our priorities are:
We will lead on our town’s recovery working together with residents, businesses, community groups and other public sector organisations.
Recovery and resilience
More and better housing
Regeneration and a thriving economy
Wellbeing and social inclusion
A clean and green environment
Successful children and young people
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harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
• We will keep you informed about what we and other organisations are doing for your safety and wellbeing
Create, take and open up opportunities: • We will help make it easy for people to access jobs, services and other social economic opportunities • We will, for your benefit, improve the way we work across the council and with the organisations we work with
Create a stronger and more resilient Harlow: • We will support and work with our local businesses and organisations so the Harlow pound stays in our town • We will secure the best possible regeneration and infrastructure improvements for the town’s economic recovery and for your health and wellbeing
Be prepared for the future: • We will work with other public organisations to ensure, if there are future outbreaks or emergencies, that you are given the best possible health protection • We will ensure that the public services that we provide and others deliver on our behalf continue and where necessary restore the services impacted by the pandemic • We will ensure that our services after COVID-19 meet your changing needs
Here for you - our recovery plan
recovery – here for you Do your bit... Whether you are a resident, community group or business we must all do what we can to limit the spread of this virus so we can avoid another lockdown. We need you to: • Follow the latest public health advice • Limit your contact with others • Wash your hands, cover your face and make space • Stay at home and get a test if you have symptoms
And we want your views… We want your feedback on this plan. This vital feedback will help ensure that our plan is reviewed regularly and updated to meet your needs. You can tell us what you think using:
• Download the NHS COVID-19 app, the simplest way to help protect those we love
• Our online form www.harlow.gov.uk/contact-us
• Call the police on 101 or visit their website www.essex.police.uk if you are concerned that someone is breaching restrictions
• Phoning 01279 446655
• Keep your business COVID-19 safe for your customers and staff
• Contacting your local councillor (see page 16)
• Report a business to us which is not following the rules. Please email us at env.health@harlow.gov.uk • Stay updated on what’s happening and what to do in case there is a local outbreak
• Our Facebook and Twitter pages • Writing to Our town’s recovery, Civic Centre, Harlow, Essex CM20 1WG • Emailing communications@harlow.gov.uk
Find out more We will keep you updated through our Facebook and Twitter pages, our website – www.harlow.gov.uk/coronavirus, this magazine and in the local media. You can stay updated on the national situation on the government’s website www.gov.uk If you don’t follow us on social media it is probably the best time to start - it will also help you stay updated on what is going on.
Your actions and your help will protect you and others and protect our local services and businesses such as our hospital and healthcare organisations, our shops, our factories and our offices.
Meetings of our cross-party recovery working group take place regularly. These as well as our regular council meetings can be watched online on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/harlowcouncil
harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Here for you - supporting local businesses
Keeping the pound in town shop and eat local The pandemic has led many of us to shop online even for basic necessities, but there’s lots of good reasons to shop and eat local. Every time you shop or eat local you are supporting the local economy, keeping local people in jobs and helping the environment as it doesn’t involve deliveries, particularly if you are able to walk or get there by bike or an electric scooter. It is also an opportunity for social interaction, so important for our mental health, and thanks to measures taken by the council and retailers, it’s safe! You just need to remember to wear your face mask inside any shops and socially distance. Here is our quick guide to what is in four of the town’s neighbourhood shopping centres. We will be featuring more areas in the winter edition of Harlow Times out in December.
High Street Old Harlow Antonio’s Barber Shop & Tattoos Auckland Electronic Parts
Howick & Brooker Partnership Estate Agents
Bangalore Cottage
Intercounty
Barclays Bank
J&L Nail Bar
Cafe Blue
Joe Jennings Bookmaker
Centurion Property
Little Piece of History Coins & Antiquities
Co-op Food Co-op Funeralcare Cross Keys Cafe D’n’G Barbers Dorringtons Douglas Jones Accountants Erman’s (Marquis Lounge) Fine - Beers and deli, wines and spirits Flower Box Garden Grill Genesis Estate Agents
“Every time you shop or eat local you are supporting a business run by someone’s mum, dad, grandad, nan, daughter, son, sister or brother. You are helping to keep the pound in the town.”
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harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
HG Evans Garage Ltd
Geoffrey Matthew Estates Grace America Dry Cleaners Golden Dragon takeaway Gothic Insurance Brokers Harris Barber Lounge Harris Cuffaro & Nichols solicitors Helping Hands - charity shop
Loveday Opticians Masterson Funeral Home Nel’s Coffee Shop Old Harlow Dental Practice PJ Conveyancing Ramco Pharmacy Raj Lodge Select Interiors Ltd Sue Ryder Sugar Palm Thai Restaurant Shwe - Beauty Salon Studio Hair and Beauty Tasty Fish Bar The Centre - osteopathy, chiropody and podiatry The Chequers The Crown Wilson Davies & Company Solicitors Zenz Oriental Restaurant
Here for you - supporting local businesses
The Stow shopping centre
Bush Fair shopping centre
Albert English Funeral Directors
One Stop/Post Office
Apinya Thai massage and therapies
Peaches Wedding Shop
Belash Indian Best Bodies Fitness Boots Pharmacy Cafe Delight Chastons Carpets and Bedding Core Physiotherapy Dial Indian Doherty Shoe Repairs and Key Cutting Dorringtons Essex Pizza Farmhouse Pizza Fashion Avenue Gasko’s kebabs & burgers Golden Dragon Chinese Grizzly Vaper Harlow Dry Cleaners Joe Jennings Bookmakers JP’s Snooker and Pool Club Luxe Barbers/Hair and Beauty Lee Valley Cycles Luigi’s Fish and Chips Mezmerize Flowers Mo Afro-Caribbean shop Munchies Pizza
Papadom Indian Takeaway Pets Xtra RSPCA Stort Valley branch Salon 112
A&A Trade Direct windows, doors, conservatories
La Bellezza Within beauty salon
Andersons Bakery
Liivs Lashes
Andrews & Hart Electrical Contractors
Luminescence
Balti Indian Takeaway
Mr Moustache barbers
Betfred
Salvation Army
Bush Fair Barber Shop
Sayona News Shakatan Tanning and Beauty Stow Convenience Store Stow Tyres Sweeney Todd’s Unisex Hairdressers Tales of India Tandoori Restaurant Tiara’s Hair and Beauty Toning Table Therapy Centre Top Form Schoolwear Town Taxis
Bush Fair Food Centre Bush Fair Off Licence
The Stow Butchers The Grooming Parlour The Stow Launderette The Stow Off Licence The Stow Tailoring and Alterations Village Kebab
Quick Stop Baby Shop
Boots Pharmacy (North House) Blooming Dogs Grooming Salon Cafe Pizzeria
Tangles Hairstylist
F.J. Pinnock & Son Funeral Directors Gadgie Shakes Garden of India Goong Thai takeaway
Harper’s Hair Joy Flowers Kapasi Auto Parts
Papa John’s Pizza
Scotch Bonnet Caribbean takeaway
Garden Cafe Hair Candi Harlow barbers Imatech UK
Martin newsagents/post office
Wills Food and Wine
McDonald’s Metwest Pharmacy
Top 2 Toe beauty Wisebuys Off Licence
WPA King Ltd plumbing, heating and bathroom
L
t S u pp o r LOCAL
The Chop N Shop Tip Top Ironing and Cleaning
West Essex Mind Wellbeing Centre
LOCA
Subway
Lidl
Vintage Rose Hairdressers
ort Lo p c p
St. Elizabeth’s Centre
The Food Shop
Tye Green Co-Op
Sh op
op
Sh
KFC
TSA News
EAT LOCAL
l
Sally Salon Services
Tommy Tucker Fish and Chips
ca
Poundland
Dorringtons
Su
Moonlight Restaurant
Domino’s Pizza
The Harlow Angling Centre
al
BG Trapeza Food Shop
Tennessee Express takeaway
Vape Shop
Harlow Dry Cleaners
Mid West Kebab
S&C Electricals
Smiles Montessori Preschool
Essex automatic transmission
Harlow Carpets
Betfred
Royce Power
Smart Sounds car audio and security
Clubb Cards
Staple Tye shopping centre
Reyland Johnson Estate Agents
St Elizabeth’s Centre
Cash 4 Clothes
Greggs
Well Pharmacy
P.a.b. Autos
Post Office
Emerald Kitchens
The Stow Barbers
MRB Recruitment Services
Poplar Kitten
Boots Pharmacy (Bush House)
Dial A Kebab
The Essex Skipper
Mr Saver
Pace sheet metal
Bush Fair Launderette
Cafe Pizzeria Express
TGF Pizza
Martin’s newsagent
a n d E at Lo
Opening hours and business operations of those listed is subject to change
harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Here for you - health and wellbeing support
Looking after yourself Other helpline services include Independent Age on 0800 319 6789, Age UK on 0800 055 6112, or Friends of the Elderly on 0300 332 1110 where you can receive a weekly or fortnightly friendship call from a volunteer who enjoys talking to older people. Community Network brings people together on the phone each week. To join or start a telephone group, call 020 7923 5250.
Looking after your body Throughout the pandemic, many of us have had to self-isolate to prevent catching or spreading the coronavirus. For older and vulnerable people in particular this may have caused or increased anxiety and feelings of loneliness or isolation. If you live in a tower block or supported housing we would like your ideas on what could be done to support you if there are more lockdowns or further restrictions. Please call 01279 446655 or email communications@harlow.gov.uk
Stay in touch with others Keeping in contact with family and friends over the phone is the next best thing to being with them. You can also call The Silver Line, a helpline for older people on 0800 470 8090.
Getting the help and treatment you need While everyone is being told to stay at home, it can be hard to know what to do if you are unwell.
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harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
When self-isolating at home, it can be difficult to get out for some exercise, but there are ways you can keep active at home. Social.Active.Strong offer a free 12-week programme of activity to help you build strength, improve mobility and help sustain your day-to-day activity levels. Classes take place in a socially distanced setting, with an option for people to take part online. To register for free classes call 01992 564561 or email csreception@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
Further support If you are concerned about your mental health, talking to your GP is a good place to start, or you can call 111 for further advice.
• For help from a GP – use your GP surgery’s website, or call the surgery • For urgent medical help – use the NHS 111 online service, www.nhs.uk or call 111 if you are unable to get help online • For life-threatening emergencies – call 999 for an ambulance If you are advised to go to hospital, it’s important to go.
You can use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service at https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 if: • you are worried about your symptoms • you are not sure what to do Call 111 if you cannot get help online. Do not go to places like a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy.
Here for you - health and wellbeing support
Have you had your flu jab? The flu vaccine is offered every year by the NHS to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications. Changes have been made to make sure it’s safe for you to have the flu vaccine. For more information speak to your GP or pharmacy.
Get fighting fit for winter Physical activity is good for everyone - it’s about finding what is right for you. To prevent serious illness from coronavirus the Better Health Greater Essex campaign is supporting residents to get moving and get healthy. For lots of great free opportunities to help you lose weight and eat healthier, visit www.activeessex.org Need help to quit smoking? More and more people have quit smoking during the pandemic. If you need help giving up visit www.nhs.uk/better-health or phone the National Smokefree Helpline on 0300 123 1044
Domestic abuse – don’t suffer in silence Advice to self-isolate due to coronavirus does not apply if you need to escape from domestic abuse. Domestic violence includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members. If you feel at risk of abuse, there is help and support available. You can: • contact the Essex Police Domestic Abuse Unit by calling 101 extension 180340 • women can call 0808 2000 247, the free 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline • men can call 0808 801 0327, the Men’s Advice Line In an emergency always call 999.
Young people’s mental health With schools now reopened children and young people might face difficulties in being back at school or college, or have worries about getting or passing on the virus. It’s also still uncertain what further changes we all may face.
There is support available if you feel you or your child need it. Please visit Every Mind Matters at www.nhs.uk/oneyou If your child needs to talk to someone Childline can help. Call them free on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk
harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Here for you - help with your finances
Have your finances been Go online and save yourself time
We know that the coronavirus pandemic has affected people’s finances in lots of different ways.
Accessing your housing services online If you are a council tenant or leaseholder you can now access your accounts online and make payments using the MyHome service.
If you are looking for money guidance but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. There are local organisations as well as national organisations that can help you. Whatever your situation always seek help as soon as you can. Further advice and support: Citizens Advice Harlow 0344 477 0808 www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk Harlowsave Credit Union 01279 451234 www.harlowsave.coop Harlow Advice Centre 01279 704002 www.harlowac.org.uk
Help if you have to self-isolate You may be entitled to a oneoff payment of £500 if you are required to stay at home and self-isolate. You must meet all of the following: • You have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace • You are employed or selfemployed
Once you have registered for a MyHome account you will have a safe, secure and flexible way to access your account online at anytime. Some of the tasks you can do include: • View your rent account details or print a copy of your statement • Request a change of payment method • View your tenancy details • Request repairs to your home
StepChange Debt Charity 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org
• You cannot work from home and will lose income as a result
• View your service charges
The Money Advice Service 0300 500 5000 www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
• You are claiming at least one of the following benefits:
For more information please visit https://selfserve.harlow.gov.uk and click on My Accounts.
Turn2us 0808 802 2000 www.turn2us.org.uk BeGambleAware 0808 802 0133 www.begambleaware.org Peabody Outreach Support Service 0800 288 8883 efsco-ordinator@peabody.org.uk Harlow Foodbank 01279 724515 www.mrct.org.uk
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Universal Credit, Working Tax Credits, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit If you are not receiving one of the qualifying benefits you may be entitled to help through our discretionary scheme. For more information visit www. harlow.gov.uk/coronavirus or call us on 01279 446655.
• Make payments
MyHome
Accessing your Council Tax and benefits accounts online Did you know you can also access your Council Tax account and benefits online?
Here for you - help with your finances
affected by coronavirus? You can register for a My Revenues and Benefits account to manage your: • Council Tax • Council Tax Support • Benefits • Business rates • Sundry debt (including Housing Benefit overpayment) For more information please visit https://selfserve.harlow.gov.uk and click on My Accounts.
Help with your council bills
Please contact us straight away if you are having genuine difficulty in paying your Council Tax or housing rent. We will consider your circumstances and work with you to agree realistic repayments. Council Tax helps us provide services to you, so if you are able to pay Council Tax it is important that you do so. Council Tax also pays towards services run by Essex County Council including adult social care as well as paying for services provided by Essex Police and Essex Fire Service. If you are having difficulties you can email us at council.tax@harlow.gov.uk or call 01279 446688
You must pay rent as part of your tenancy agreement. We rely on this income to provide you with housing-related services. This includes the ongoing maintenance of homes and carrying out of repairs. We will work with you to resolve any arrears that arise. We only ever take recovery action as a last resort and only against tenants who are able to pay their rent but choose not to. If you are having difficulties call us on 01279 446655.
Help with your Council Tax
You can apply for Council Tax Support to help you pay your Council Tax if you’re on a low income or claiming benefits. You may also be able to claim Housing Benefit if you’re claiming this support. Visit www.harlow.gov.uk or call us on 01279 446655 to apply.
Help with your rent
You may be able to receive extra short-term help with your rent by applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). You can claim a DHP if you already receive the housing element of Universal Credit, or receive Housing Benefit, but need help to meet your rent.
Different ways to pay During lockdown residents found other ways to pay their council bills without needing to visit the Civic Centre. Other ways to pay include:
• Setting up a Direct Debit • Online www.harlow.gov.uk • 24 hour automated payment line 01279 446600 • Standing orders • Bank transfer For more on payment options visit www.harlow.gov.uk or call us on 01279 446655.
Help Stop Loan Sharks
It is now quicker and easier for people to report loan sharks and access support. A new Stop Loan Sharks app has been launched which includes a contact form and phone number to report loan sharks. If you need support get in touch via the app or call the 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222.
The app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Visit www.harlow.gov.uk/ benefits for an application form or call us on 01279 446655. harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Here for you - business support
Could you help a young person get into employment? If you run your own business there is a new scheme which can provide you with funding to create 6-month placements for young people. The government Kickstart scheme aims to support 16to 24-year-olds into employment who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. For each job placement, funding will cover: • 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week
Business training opportunities
• the associated employer National Insurance contributions • employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions Find more about the Kickstart scheme at www.gov.uk Applications to the Kickstart scheme have to be made for at least 30 job placements at a time. Businesses unable to provide that many job placements must use an intermediary who will gather together opportunities from a number of small businesses. Harlow Council is acting as an intermediary for the scheme.
Specialist support for your business
You can register your interest by emailing regen.enquiries@harlow.gov.uk
Chris Chapman, Harlow Enterprise Hub Business Adviser www.nwes.org.uk 01279 311400 BEST Growth Hub www.southeastbusiness.org.uk 01702 417765 Harlow Chamber of Commerce www.harlowchamber.co.uk Coronavirus business support: www.harlow.gov.uk/coronavirus www.essex.gov.uk/coronavirus www.gov.uk/coronavirus
12 harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
Harlow College offers a range of services to support local businesses, including advice on identifying training needs, providing a range of solutions from short online courses to Level 5 (degree level) apprenticeships and part time programmes. Since the start of the pandemic the e-learning courses have proved popular for both professional and personal development. These 100% online courses give the opportunity to study a nationally recognised qualification wherever and whenever you want, covering a range of subjects from team leading and business administration to diet and nutrition and awareness of mental health problems. Information on the support available to you can be found at www.harlow-college.ac.uk or you can email the college at eis@harlow-college.ac.uk
Message from The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Patients are encouraged to attend appointments Clinical experts at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), in partnership with the Rivers Hospital, are encouraging patients to attend their appointments so that their care can continue. In response to the national guidance issued regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), over the last few months, our staff have worked extremely hard to provide the majority of outpatient appointments virtually (not faceto-face), with telephone and video clinics for our patients. All urgent face-to-face appointments, treatment and procedures have continued during this time. We have transformed the way we provide care to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. After a very challenging period for the hospital and local community, the number of patients requiring hospital treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19) has significantly decreased in recent months.
Additionally, we are following all social distancing guidance. Staff and patients, where appropriate, across all services are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes face coverings for those coming to hospital, in line with national guidance. Patients are asked to bring a face mask or covering when attending hospital. The wearing of appropriate PPE also includes circumstances where patients will have close contact with healthcare professionals during an appointment, such as physiotherapy sessions or diagnostic tests and scans. Patients will be given specific advice regarding this before their appointment and masks will be provided where necessary. Any staff member who develops symptoms will continue to follow all guidance to self-isolate. Patients are also asked to self-isolate before coming into hospital, where appropriate, and will be given full details ahead of their appointment.
Planned, non-emergency operations and procedures are carried out at the Rivers Hospital in Sawbridgeworth. This is separate from The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, where emergency care is provided. The Rivers Hospital is ‘COVID-19 minimised’ – this means that staff are tested biweekly for COVID-19. Where possible patients are asked to self-isolate for 14 days prior to surgery with a 72 hour pre-operative swab, in particular patients that are higher risk e.g. diabetics and patients with respiratory conditions. Where this is not possible, patients are asked to adhere to strict social distancing and hand hygiene for 11 days and are tested for COVID-19 72 hours before surgery, with strict isolation for the remaining 72 hours. For more information, please visit www.pah.nhs.uk
We are now recommencing face-to-face appointments across all specialities that cannot be carried out virtually – a thorough checklist and assessment process is in place to identify which patients these appointments are suitable for. All patients are asked a series of questions to indicate if they have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) on arrival.
harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Recycling and bins
Recycle for Harlow
By signing the plastic pledge you will receive a monthly newsletter with information on how you can reduce your plastic waste. You will also be automatically entered into the Love Essex competitions, where there are some great prizes up for grabs!
Thank you for recycling
Visit www.loveessex.org
During lockdown, between April and July, we collected an astonishing 3,039 tonnes of recycling from Harlow households. That’s 533 tonnes more than the same period last year – the equivalent of 469 Ford Fiestas! We would like to thank our residents who continue to support us by recycling as much as you can.
Book a green waste collection Booking a green waste collection online couldn’t be easier. You can either sign up for our fortnightly green waste collections if you regularly have garden waste to dispose of, or you can buy compostable bags from us and make a booking for collection when it suits you. We will only be collecting compostable bags on the bookable service, which need to be purchased in person at the cashier desks within the Civic Centre before you make your booking. A roll of 20 compostable bags cost £19.
We will no longer collect your own bags or pre-paid brown bags on this service. If you already have pre-paid brown bags you can exchange these at the Civic Centre at no extra cost. For more information visit www.harlow.gov.uk
Love Essex... not plastic This year we made a pledge to reduce our use of single-use plastic and we encourage residents to join us.
To ensure your recycling is collected regularly, please place only the items shown here on the right into your bin or box.
Be kind to your fabulous bin crews Throughout the pandemic, our hard-working bin crews have received a lot of great support from Harlow residents. Unfortunately, we are now receiving reports from Veolia that our bin crews are being mistreated by some residents. To avoid any confusion, we urge residents to check that they are placing the right items into the correct bins or boxes. Incorrect items placed in the recycling bin or box can contaminate other recyclables and your bin will not be emptied. We will collect any extra recycling if you leave it in a clear or white plastic bag at the side of your bin on your collection day. Extra non-recyclable waste will not be collected unless this has been arranged with us prior to your collection day.
Fortnightly recycling collection:
For more information on recycling visit www.harlow.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling
www.harlow.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling 14 harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
Keeping Harlow safe We know the last few months have been really challenging and we want to say thank you for your efforts in keeping people safe. We are now being asked to go that little bit further again and not meet up with friends or family in groups of more than six. This will be really tough for some people and we appreciate the sacrifices everyone’s been making to help keep us all safe. Our approach has been, and will continue to be, engaging with the public, explaining the regulations and encouraging people to do the right thing.
The compassion, resilience, and determination from the community to keep each other safe has been outstanding and is important in getting us through these unprecedented times. However, where it is absolutely necessary, reasoned conversations have failed, and it’s right to do so, we will issue people with fines.
#protectingandservingHarlow Operation Sceptre is Essex Police’s targeted crackdown on knife crime. It’s part of our day-to-day work to identify and deal with anyone intent on committing crime in Essex. We’re committed to doing everything we can to tackle serious violence, particularly knife crime, and are working hard with other organisations to keep people safe and address the complex issues behind why some people carry weapons or become involved in violent behaviour. Since June 2019 Essex Police has carried out more than 225 separate policing operations out under Operation Sceptre, which includes work to gather information and evidence to act against offenders and made more than 800 arrests. We also work with partners, including councils, businesses such as clubs and bars, and the British Transport Police to help keep people safe. We are working every day to ensure our communities are safe and are taking robust action against those involved in the sale of illegal drugs. Harlow police officers continue to work around Operation Sceptre and will be targeting weapons, violent offenders, partnership patrols around Harlow to name a few. Keep an eye on our social media sites for regular updates.
Officers from the Town Centre Team recently dealt with a 48 year-old female in Market Square who was very intoxicated and swearing loudly. On police arrival, the female continued to shout and swear. She was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and given a Section 5 Public Order. The female admitted what she had done and was given a conditional caution. On 24th September officers from the Local Policing Team (LPT) were called to reports of a theft of a motor vehicle. Within 9 minutes of the report being made, Essex police found the car abandoned in a nearby street. The vehicle has been safely returned to its rightful owner. On 29th September officers from the LPT were informed of a male within Staple Tye shopping centre who had been exposing himself to adults and children. The male then became aggressive and abusive towards members of public.
There have been several catalytic converter thefts taking place in Harlow recently. To keep yours safe, ask your car dealer if they can give you any advice on locks or guards, approved by your vehicle manufacturer. If your catalytic converter is stolen, you will know because your vehicle’s engine will sound different. Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable. To make it harder for thieves to dispose of it register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker. You can help us by following the advice below to protect your vehicle: •
If you can, park your vehicle in a locked garage.
•
If this is not possible, park it in a busy, well-lit area as close to your home as possible.
•
Consider installing a Thatcham approved alarm. Ones that activate if your vehicle is lifted or tilted are particularly effective.
•
Use a catalytic converter protection device.
Report this type of crime via crime stoppers, call the police on 101 or email HarlowCPT@essex.police.uk
Officers arrived at the scene and were given a description of the male. He was located and arrested for indecent exposure and public order. The male was subsequently charged with a public order offence.
Harlow Police Station is open Monday to Sunday, 9am - 5pm
Tell us what matters to you. Email the team at HarlowCPT@essex.police.uk Call 999 (emergencies), report online: www.essex-police.uk or call 101 (non urgent enquiries). harlow times · autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
15
Your Harlow Councillors Councillor Simon Carter Conservative
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07900 256403 Email: mark.ingall@harlow.gov.uk
71 Mark Hall Moors, CM20 2NF Tel: 429443 Email: simon.carter@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Eugenie Harvey Labour Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07966 014122 c/o
DEPUTY LEADER Email: eugenie.harvey@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Jodi Dunne Labour
Councillor David Carter Conservative
Councillor Emma Toal Labour
Councillor Chris Vince Labour
Councillor Lanie Shears Labour
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07729 406011
c/o Harlow Council,
Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07906 870935 Email: lanie.shears@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Tony Durcan Labour
Councillor Danny Purton Labour
Councillor Maggie Hulcoop Labour 330 Carters Mead, CM17 9HA Tel: 452252 Email: maggie.hulcoop@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Mark Wilkinson Labour
c/o
Portfolio Holder Email: chris.vince@harlow.gov.uk
329 Rundells, CM18 7HN Tel: 414357
Portfolio Holder Email: anthony.durcan@harlow.gov.uk
Mark Hall
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07885 881255 Email: emma.toal@harlow.gov.uk
c/o Harlow Council,
Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07763 486882
Portfolio Holder Email: danny.purton@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Jean Clark Labour
Councillor Bob Davis Labour
4 Rushmead Villas, CM20 2QE Tel: 423474 Email: jean.clark@harlow.gov.uk
c/o Harlow Council,
VICE CHAIR
Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07749 393037 Email: bob.davis@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Shannon Jezzard Labour
Councillor Michael Garnett Conservative
Councillor Stefan Mullard Labour
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07850 861905 Email: shannon.jezzard@harlow.gov.uk
Brook House, Wyldwood Close, CM17 0JD Tel: 437401 Email: michael.garnett@harlow.gov.uk
c/o Harlow Council,
Councillor Mike Danvers Labour 65 Tunnmeade, CM20 3HN Tel: 425934 / 07398 160081
Portfolio Holder Email: mike.danvers@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Nancy Watson Labour
Old Harlow
c/o
Councillor Joel Charles Conservative 86 Jocelyns, CM17 0BU Tel: 07752 096765 Email: joel.charles@harlow.gov.uk
Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07951 401128 Email: stefan.mullard@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Michael Hardware Conservative 12a Hart Road, Harlow, CM17 0HL Tel: 07775 925274 Email: michael.hardware@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Sue Livings Conservative
Councillor John Strachan Labour
c/o
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07908 518862 Email: nancy.watson@harlow.gov.uk
15 Seeleys, CM17 0AD Tel: 422339 Email: sue.livings@harlow.gov.uk
100 Seymours, CM19 5NH Tel: 323656 / 07941 829965 Email: john.strachan@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Russell Perrin Conservative
Councillor Phil Waite Labour
c/o
1 Spruce Hill, CM18 7SR Tel: 07740 407323 Email: phil.waite@harlow.gov.uk
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 312195 Email: russell.perrin@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Nick Churchill Conservative 215 Brockles Mead, CM19 4QA Tel: 621094 Email: nick.churchill@harlow.gov.uk
Toddbrook
Netteswell
78 Mallards Rise, CM17 9PL Tel: 865673 Email: shona.johnson@harlow.gov.uk
23 Greygoose Park, CM19 4JL Tel: 420340 Email: david.carter@harlow.gov.uk
56 Sakins Croft, CM18 7BP Tel: 07718 696429 Portfolio Holder Email: mark.wilkinson@harlow.gov.uk
Sumners & Kingsmoor
Councillor Shona Johnson Conservative
78 Mallards Rise, CM17 9PL Tel: 865673 Email: andrew.johnson@harlow.gov.uk
Staple Tye
Harlow Common
Councillor Andrew Johnson Conservative
Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 312195 Email: eddie.johnson@harlow.gov.uk
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07378 879710 Email: jodi.dunne@harlow.gov.uk
c/o
CHAIR
Vacant Seat By-Election to be held on 6 May 2021
c/o Harlow Council,
c/o
Little Parndon & Hare Street
Bush Fair
LEADER
Church Langley
c/o
Councillor Eddie Johnson Conservative
Great Parndon
Councillor Mark Ingall Labour
Councillor Tony Edwards Labour Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07544 374168 Email: tony.edwards@harlow.gov.uk c/o
Councillor Frances Mason Labour
Councillor Clive Souter Conservative
227 Longbanks, CM18 7PB Tel: 07850 667900 Email: clive.souter@harlow.gov.uk
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07517 992133
c/o
Portfolio Holder Email: frances.mason@harlow.gov.uk
Cabinet Members Councillor Mark Ingall - Leader of the Council Councillor Eugenie Harvey - Deputy Leader & Portfolio Holder for Resilience and Recovery Councillor Mike Danvers - Portfolio Holder for Resources Councillor Tony Durcan - Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity Councillor Frances Mason - Portfolio Holder for Governance, Equality and Diversity Councillor Danny Purton - Portfolio Holder for Environment Councillor Chris Vince - Portfolio Holder for Community and Wellbeing Councillor Mark Wilkinson - Portfolio Holder for Housing For more information on who your Councillors are visit: www.harlow.gov.uk
16 harlow times ¡ autumn 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk
Essex County Councillors County councillors can help with services like libraries, transport, roads and highways, social care for adults and children, education and schools. Harlow North Councillor Michael Garnett Conservative Email: cllr.mike.garnett@essex.gov.uk
Harlow West Councillor Michael Hardware Conservative Email: cllr.michael.hardware@essex.gov.uk Harlow West Councillor Clive Souter Conservative Email: cllr.clive.souter@essex.gov.uk
Harlow South East Councillor Eddie Johnson Conservative Email: cllr.eddie.johnson@essex.gov.uk
Useful numbers and websites Adult Social Services 0345 603 7630 www.essex.gov.uk Affinity Water 0345 357 2407 www.affinitywater.co.uk Arriva Buses 0344 800 4411 www.arriva.co.uk Blue Badge Enquiries 0345 603 7630 www.essexhighways.org Bus Pass Helpline 0345 200 0388 www.essexhighways.org Children’s Social Services 0345 603 7627 www.essex.gov.uk Essex County Council Contact Essex 0345 743 0430 www.essex.gov.uk Essex Highways For traffic updates and to report potholes and faulty street lights 0345 603 7631 www.essexhighways.org Essex Police 101 www.essex.police.uk
Job Centre Plus 0800 169 0190 www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus
Gas Leak Emergency Number 0800 111 999 Harlow Advice Centre Based in Harlow Library 01279 704002 Harlow Bus Station 01279 426349 www.harlow.gov.uk/bus-station
Harlow Citizens’ Advice Bureau 0344 477 0808 www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk Harlow College 01279 868000 www.harlow-college.ac.uk Harlow Community Transport 01279 798876 www.efcommunitytransport.co.uk Harlow Council Contact Harlow 01279 446655 www.harlow.gov.uk Harlow Registry Office 0345 603 7632 www.essex.gov.uk Harlowsave (Credit Union) 01279 451234 www.harlowsave.coop HTS (Property & Environment) Ltd Repairs line: 01279 446666 www.harlow.gov.uk/housing-repairs
National Rail Enquiries 0345 748 4950 www.nationalrail.co.uk NHS Choices 111 www.nhs.uk Parndon Wood Cemetery & Crematorium 01279 620620 www.parndonwoodcrem.co.uk Post Office Customer Helpline 0345 611 2970 www.postoffice.co.uk Princess Alexandra Hospital 01279 444455 www.pah.nhs.uk Samaritans 116 123 (free) www.samaritans.org Schools Admissions 0345 603 2200 www.essex.gov.uk/admissions UK Power Networks (power cuts) 105 www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Book, apply, pay, report, check - it’s easy Did you know that you can check bin collection dates, report dumped rubbish, pay for services and even find your nearest health facility all at the click of a button?
www.harlow.gov.uk Harlow Times is published quarterly by Harlow Council to keep you informed. This magazine is distributed by Royal Mail. In some areas where postcodes overlap the boundaries of Harlow and other Councils, a small number of residents outside Harlow will also receive this magazine. We hope our residents will appreciate that this system of delivery is one of the most efficient and that our extra readers on the borders of the town will enjoy their complimentary copies and news about their nearest important town. Copyright for most images owned by Brian Thomas Photography (www.btphotography.co.uk) unless stated. Icons made by Pixelmeetup and Freepik from www.flaticon.com. Printed by Anchor Press Ltd., Harlow. TWITTER, TWEET, RETWEET and the Twitter logo are trademarks of Twitter Inc., or its affiliates. © Harlow Council 2020. You may re-use this information (excluding logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence v2.0. To view this licence visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/2/ or email psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk Where we have identified any third-party copyright information, you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to Communications, Harlow Council, Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex CM20 1WG or email communications@harlow.gov.uk
Harlow Times can also be read online at www.harlow.gov.uk/harlow-times and is compatible with a variety of screen reading software.
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17
Things to do in Harlow
Things to do this autumn
There’s not the usual range of activities and events taking place this autumn due to the pandemic but there are still lots of things you can do for you. Join a bootcamp
It’s OK Not To Be Ok local mental health campaign have launched free bootcamp training on Fridays in Harlow Town Park. Participants can meet at 5.45pm in the Greyhound car park. Sessions aim to improve mental health, reduce stress, depression and anxiety, and help overcome addiction. Register at www.facebook. com/IOKN2BOK or visit www.eventbrite.co.uk
Take an online course
Essex County Council Adult Community Learning has a programme of online learning courses. www.aclessex.com
Improve your mental health
Half-term workshops
www.mindinwestessex.org.uk
Artist-led workshops for 11-15-year-olds in Harlow Town Park on 26 and 28 October, two each day, from 11.30am-1pm and 2pm3.30pm.
Prepare your child for school
Participants take home their own cyanotype prints. Book at: www.sculpturetown.uk/ whats-on
MIND West Essex provides a range of tips and advice for better mental health including online courses. or call 01371 876641.
Every Wednesday from 11am to 11.45am free online school readiness activities for pre-school age children and their families. Fun interactive stories, games and craft activities to help your child to develop the skills they need to be ready to start school. Places are limited and must be booked. Email julie. cochrane@harlow.gov.uk
Harlow Playhouse & KD Theatre Productions Ltd Present
Visit the Town Park and Pets’ Corner
The Town Park is great for a socially distanced walk, cycle or run. Pets’ Corner has reopened with safety measures in place.
Geocaching
(treasure hunting game) Family workshop based around the sculptures in Harlow town centre 11am1pm on Friday 30 October. Booking required at: www.sculpturetown.uk/ whats-on
Discover Harlow sculpture town
Harlow’s unique and growing sculpture and public artworks collection is more accessible than ever before. Please visit www.sculpturetown.uk
To visit Pets’ Corner you must book a slot in advance at www.harlow.gov.uk or call 01279 431945.
ALL ABOARD!
for our CHRISTMAS ALTERNATIVE A Swashbuckling, Socially Distanced* Adventure! Starring Harlow favourites
JIMMY BURTON ILES & BEN PARSLEY 4 December 2020 – 3 January 2021 www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk 01279 431945 *Limited Capacity to allow for Social Distancing
