Winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
A magazine about housing and your town
Inside:
essential Christmas and new year information
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Open your heart and your home to a child in care. Foster with our support. It could be the best thing you’ll ever do. We best match children to your family. Training is local, support is 24/7 and your family could receive up to £483 per child, per week. Think Fostering Think Essex County Council www.essex.gov.uk/foster 0800 801 530
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Working together for Harlow The inclusion of free or paid for advertisements does not imply endorsement by Harlow Council of any product or service. This magazine is distributed by Royal Mail.
In this edition Essential Christmas info:
17 18
Opening hours Bins and recycling
5 Council housing news 10-15 Your Councillors 16 Useful numbers and websites 17 Are you winter ready?
6 Plant a tree
4 Your health
and wellbeing
Smart Living homes launched
for Harlow
Help tackle climate change
Cover: Harper, one of Harlow’s reindeer from Pets’ Corner. Check out our latest videos www.youtube.com/ harlowcouncil
honours
Annual sports awards handed out
harlow playhouse C R E AT E
9 Discover
7 Sporting
ENJOY
FOR ALL
Harlow
What’s on this Christmas
THIS CHRISTMAS NOV 28 TO JAN 5
www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk 01279 431945 harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
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News in brief
Three awards in a row for Harlow Harlow Rocks! One-hundred-and-twentynine specially made poppy rocks were hidden recently to remember those who lost their lives in World War One.
Ross Hunneybel and his godmother Karen found this special rock hidden outside the home of the Harlow Royal British Legion. Ross was presented with a certificate and received tickets for the Playhouse pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. Thank you to everyone that took part and made Harlow Poppy Rocks so special. Free Advertisement
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harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
In October three Harlow Council projects won awards. Harlow Town Park was named one of the top 10 favourite parks in the UK. This follows a public vote in the Green Flag People’s Choice Awards. The transformation of the historic Oakwood Pond won a Harlow Architectural Design Award in the environmental category. Both of these awards would not have been possible without the sheer hard work of local volunteers and council staff.
Image: Jon Clempner
There were 128 soldiers from Harlow who died in the war. One extra rock, number 129, was made and dedicated to the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
The council’s End of the Carnival Show Show in Market Square, which bought a weekend of events to a close in June, was awarded a Heart 4 Harlow community award.
News in brief
Harlow’s 100th sculpture is unveiled Harlow’s newest sculpture is the centrepiece in the new home for innovation, science and technology in the town. Nick Hornby’s Twofold sits proudly within Harlow Science Park on London Road.
Remembering the fallen Nearly 4,000 poppies made of wool and recycled plastic bottles honoured local soldiers recently. Over 3,000 knitted and crocheted poppies made up a tribute which hung from the balcony of the Civic Centre. A further 600 poppies made from old plastic bottles lay in the hedges and plants beneath and floated in the water.
The tribute was the work of Harlow-based artist Val FitzJohn. Hundreds of residents contributed to the display by making poppies, sewing them on to netting or by donating plastic bottles. The end result was a poignant tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts since.
The sculpture’s unveiling in November was the 100th piece in the Harlow Art Trust’s sculpture collection and it marked the completion of the first phase of the park’s construction. Over the past 50 years the trust has built up a remarkable public art collection in the town including works by Auguste Rodin, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Ralph Brown, Lynn Chadwick, Lee Grandjean and Elizabeth Frink among many others. For more information about the collection and other sculptures visit www.gibberdgallery.co.uk
Celebrate Harlow Let’s Celebrate Harlow, on 12 February 2020, at Harlow Playhouse.
Over 20 local acts will take to the big stage on what promises to be a great night showcasing the incredible talent of Harlow! All profits from the evening go towards the chair of the council’s chosen charities, Livewire and Addenbrookes Charitable Trust. For details and tickets visit www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Your health and wellbeing
Living in a Smart Home
in Harlow
How tech can help you stay safe and well at home
Older people and those living with disabilities in Harlow are being encouraged to experiment with digital technology as part of a Living Smart Home initiative. Three voluntary sector organisations in west Essex, including Rainbow Services in Harlow, have established six Living Smart Homes. Simple digital devices have been fitted within these homes to help residents with their dayto-day activities, connect with other people and increase their independence.
The houses and residents are equipped with various, customised technologies such as an Alexa, sensors, smart plugs and wristbands, which are helping people to manage without any additional health and care support. Harlow resident Tracey, who is visually impaired and has multiple health problems, has been chosen to take part in the scheme. She has been provided with an Alexa which is linked to her lighting system, TV and doorbell, so she can access all the equipment with her voice and without moving from her chair.
Tracey also has a smart watch to help her feel secure when she goes out as she can contact and speak to her family and carers at the press of a button. The homes were provided with funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport’s Digital Inclusion Fund. This trial is also part of a wider programme of work under the umbrella Digital Boomers. This aims to make older people in Essex more tech savvy and to be able to more confidently access digital and technical innovations. For more information or to book a visit to a Living Smart Home call 01371 404 674 or visit www.digitalboomers.org.uk
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harlow times ¡ winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
Get ready for winter
Are you winter ready?
Winter often brings a lot of different challenges, so it’s helpful to make sure we are all prepared. We’re ready to support you, but are also asking everyone to do their bit too.
Need extra support and help? UK Power Networks offer free support to those who need help during a power cut. To add your details to their priority services register visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk or phone 0800 029 4285.
Gritting Patches of ice or frost on the roads and pavements can make travel more difficult for cars and pedestrians. Essex County Council is responsible for gritting the main roads and footpaths in Harlow.
• Keep an eye on the welfare of your elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbours. • Clear snow and ice from the front of your homes and businesses. See below our guide to clearing snow and ice. • Keep warm. Pensioners and low-income families may qualify for extra help and cold weather payments which are paid automatically. If you are worried about someone:
Affinity Water also has a priority services register which is free to join for customers who require urgent assistance during an incident. For information visit www.affinitywater.co.uk or phone 0345 357 2406. • Knock on their door and ask them if they are alright.
Check which roads are gritted at www.essex.gov.uk/gritters Harlow Council plays its part to make sure vulnerable residents can get around safely by gritting areas such as the town centre, outside doctor’s surgeries and supported housing complexes.
What you can do to help
The Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk has lots of information to help you prepare for adverse weather conditions, storms or flooding.
• If you’re still worried, please contact Social Services on 0345 603 7630. • If there is an imminent danger, dial 999 and speak to the emergency services.
A guide to clearing snow and ice There’s no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home, business or from public spaces. It’s unlikely you will be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries if you have cleared it carefully.
Do not use hot water. This will melt the snow, but will replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury.
Removing the top layer of snow from your path will allow the sun to melt any ice beneath.
Scatter ordinary table salt on the path or area you have cleared to prevent any ice forming and to stop it from refreezing overnight. Avoid spreading it on plants or grass.
harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Climate change
Plant a tree for Harlow We are offering residents the chance to improve the quality of their town as part of our pledge to plant 1,000 trees and hedgerows in the next year. The scheme, which was launched in October 2019 and will run throughout next year, aims to bring together communities to help improve neighbourhoods and contribute towards combatting climate change. To support this initiative, we will be supplying the tools and tree ‘whips’, as well as providing advice on ideal planting times to give the baby trees the best chance to grow.
When the trees are established they will be taken over and managed with the rest of the trees on council land. Planting trees is one of the many actions we plan to take to reduce our carbon footprint and feeds into the vital conservation work carried out by our Landscape and Biodiversity team and volunteers. If you would like to take part, get a group together and decide whereabouts you would like to see some trees planted. We can put you together with other volunteers if you are unable to find a group or give you some ideas of places where trees can be planted without causing any problems. To register your interest, visit www.harlow.gov.uk
Volunteers planting a hedgerow in Harlow.
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harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
Sports awards
Sporting heroes honoured
The town’s sporting world came together in October for an evening of celebration at the Civic Centre. The Active Harlow awards celebrated local sporting achievements and the contributions made by the people that make sport and physical activity happen in the town. This year’s awards were sponsored by Strawberry Star. The awards were presented by Harlow Paralympian Noel Thatcher MBE. Over 250 public nominations were received for the awards with the standard of nominations being exceptionally high.
Roll of Honour Active Workplace of the Year Pemberley Academy
Young Sports Personality of the Year Alessandro Rioda
Changing Lives through Sport and Physical Activity Changing Lives in Harlow CIC
Young Volunteer Lucy Gallagher
Coach of the Year Luke Shipwright
Community Club of the Year Harlow Hawks Basketball Club
Education Champion of the Year Cooks Spinney Primary Academy and Nursery
Sports Personality of the Year Daniel Adams
The Inclusive Communities Award Griffin Bowls Club
Unsung Hero of the Year The late Martin Gladwin
harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Recycling
Enjoy a waste-less Christmas
Each Christmas UK households produce 30% more waste than at any other time of year, but there are things we can all do to make a difference. Follow our simple guide and put some festive cheer into reducing your extra waste.
Get creative Make your own cards, gift tags and decorations, using cards and wrapping paper from the previous year – get the kids to help! Try alternatives to traditional paper by using cloth (that can be reused) or brown paper, or how about wrapping a gift within a gift, such as a scarf or tin? If you must buy, choose recycled wrapping paper or cards, without glitter, foil or metallic bits on as these can’t be recycled. Buy reusable items such as solarpowered lights and rechargeable batteries.
Make it meaningful UK adults are given £2.6bn worth of unwanted Christmas gifts each year, so why not make your presents more meaningful by gifting experiences, such as tickets for a concert or activity, meals out or memberships for hobbies. Try to buy pre-loved or make your own gifts such as jams, cakes and biscuits. Visit www.elflessacts.org.uk and gift a selfless act instead of a material present. If you are given a present you don’t want, why not attend or host a gift swapping party? It’s an entertaining way of exchanging a gift you don’t want for one you do!
Plan your meal
Find items that come in less and easily recyclable packaging
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harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
Send e-cards or make a donation to charity instead of buying cards
Most of us aim for a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, but with 54 million platefuls of food binned over Christmas it pays to be more mindful of how much food we buy. Plan your meal in advance, only buying what you need and will eat. Leftovers can save you time cooking on Boxing Day or can be frozen to reuse another day. For ideas on how to reduce and reuse your leftovers, visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
What’s on in Harlow
Discover Harlow this winter Here’s a selection of events and activities taking place in Harlow this winter. For more information visit www.harlow.gov.uk/events Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens www.harlow.gov.uk/ harlowmuseum
The Gallery at Parndon Mill off Elizabeth Way, Harlow CM20 2HP 01279 426042 info@parndonmill.co.uk www.parndonmill.co.uk
New opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am-3.30pm Saturday 11am-3.30pm Harlow Museum Gardens volunteers. Every Tuesday and Thursday 10am-3pm Meet at Museum car park off Muskham Road. Harlow Town Park
Gibberd Gallery
01279 446404 gallery@harlowarttrust.org.uk www.gibberdgallery.co.uk The Gibberd Gallery is based at Harlow Civic Centre and is open to the public Monday to Friday 9am-4.45pm and Saturdays 11am-4pm. Closed on Bank Holidays.
Her work will be shown alongside projects she has worked on with local college and primary school students.
Harlow Town Park Events www.harlow.gov.uk
A Phoenix Nativity Story Saturday 14 December 5pm at Pets’ Corner Tickets £10 can be purchased at phoenixtheatregroup.com or by calling 01279 354354.
Other Activities
Nordic walking Various walks are on offer throughout the week. Call Tara on 07985 751059 www.rootstowellbeing.org Family fit dance sessions with Gregory Fit Every Monday 5pm-5.45pm Pemberley Academy £2. Pay on the day. Sessions end on Monday 16 December 2019 and restart on Friday 10 January 2020.
Regular exhibitors are included along with artists new to the gallery, exhibiting some lovely painted ceramics, interesting paintings and colourful textile items. This is a great opportunity to acquire a unique and special present, something new for the home, individual cards or even handmade decorations for the Christmas tree.
harlow playhouse C R E AT E
ENJOY
FOR ALL
Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas Carol Singalong Sunday 15 December 12.45pm-2pm The terrace by the cafe Harlow Brass Band with local school. No need to book.
Harlow parkrun Every Saturday 9am Meet at School Lane car park. Before your first run, register at www.parkrun.org.uk/harlow
Christmas Carols on the Bandstand Monday 16 December 4.15pm Local schools come together to sing a selection of carols. No need to book.
Harlow junior parkrun Every Sunday from 9am A free 2km run for children aged between 4 and 14. Before your first run, register at www.parkrun.org.uk/register
Social Strollers Christmas Walk Friday 20 December 10am-11am Meet at the Greyhound car park. No need to book.
Friday 29 November 2019 – Sunday 5 January 2020 Fe, fi, fo, fum - ready or not here we come! Expect jawdropping effects and lots of old and new laughs for all the family - there really is no better home for pantomime this Christmas! We are giving away a family ticket (four tickets) for the performance on Saturday 4 January 2020 at 6pm. Email your name, address and telephone number* to kirstie.brough@harlow.gov.uk (one entry per household). The entry deadline is Friday 20 December 2019. After this date the winner will be randomly selected. *For more information on how we collect, use, process and protect personal information please visit: www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk/ privacy-policy
Box Office 01279 431945
www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk
All event information correct at time of going to press. Please check times, dates and prices by calling the relevant contact number.
harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Competition TIME!
How I Naturally Improved Until 11 January 2020 How I Naturally Improved is a solo presentation of new and developing work by Camille Yvert, our current Sculpture Town Artist In Residence (STAIR). Camille uses her sculptural practice to explore her interest in body optimisation and the wellbeing industry.
Social Strollers Weekender Walkers – Midwinter Walk Saturday 14 December 10am-11.30am Meet at the Greyhound car park. Please book online: mike.levett@harlow.gov.uk or call 01279 435466.
Present Arts Until 22 December 2019 During the Christmas period, this exhibition maintains the gallery’s high standard of fine art and craftsmanship, with emphasis on affordable works of art. Many of the artists who have studios here are represented, showing artworks in glass and ceramics, silver jewellery, paintings and prints.
You and your home
Smoke alarm advice for leaseholders Smoke alarms are proven life savers. They give warning at the first sign of fire enabling you and your family to get out safely and call the fire service. By law, leaseholder landlords must fit smoke alarms on every storey of their properties and fit carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in every room with a solid fuel burning appliance. They must also ensure they work. The more alarms you fit, the higher the level of protection. Smoke alarms should be fitted as close to the centre of the room as possible.
Put the alarm at least 30cm away from any wall or light fitting and in a place where it can be heard throughout your home – particularly when you are asleep. Check your alarms: • Once a week test each alarm by pressing the test button. • Once a year change the battery (unless it’s a 10year alarm). • Twice a year gently vacuum smoke alarms to remove dust. • After 10 years it’s best to replace an alarm.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service provide free home fire safety visits. As part of this they will check that you have a working smoke alarm and, if you don’t, fit a free 10-year alarm. For further advice or to make an appointment call 0300 303 0088 or visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Advice Carbon monoxide (CO) is colourless, odourless and toxic. It is produced when carbonbased fuels (wood, coal, gas) do not fully burn. CO kills quickly and without warning so it’s important that you take every precaution possible with your fuel burning appliances: • Ensure that all work and regular servicing on gas appliances is undertaken by a Gas Safe engineer. • Solid fuel appliances should be fitted and maintained by a HETAS approved installer. Chimneys should be swept twice a year.
10 harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
• Do not use appliances like paraffin heaters and cabinet heaters in your home. • Never take a barbeque into a building or tent when it’s still warm. Embers can produce large amounts of CO, even when they are dying out. • Install a CO detector/alarm. As CO is otherwise undetectable, an audible CO detector may be the first thing that alerts you to a problem. You are particularly at risk from CO poisoning when sleeping because you won’t notice warning signs until it’s too late. An alarm could wake you and save your life.
If you suspect a CO presence in your home, you must stop using all appliances, turn them off, open all the doors and windows immediately and evacuate the property. Call 999 if any person is unwell or unresponsive. You should also call the National Grid Gas Emergency Line on 0800 111 999 who will advise when an engineer will attend the property. Information on the symptoms of CO poisoning can be found on the NHS website at https:// www.nhs.uk/conditions/ carbon-monoxide-poisoning
You and your home
Aids and adaptations to help you at home Council tenants no longer need to meet disability facilities grant criteria if they need aid and adaptation works to be carried out on their home.
This can be because their current home is too large for their needs, the garden is too big to manage or some just don’t want the upheaval of work being done.
In April 2018 changes were made to the way in which aid and adaptation recommendations from Essex County Council occupational therapists are considered. The recommendations are now reviewed by us.
We will always talk through your accommodation options with you. If requested we’ll arrange a no-obligation visit so you can look at the alternatives.
Since the changes, some tenants have also considered moving to an alternative council home, that’s already adapted to suit their needs, rather than have adaptations completed in their current home.
If you would like more information about your options please call 01279 446655. Alternatively, you can email contact@harlow.gov.uk, visit the Civic Centre or write to us.
Are you struggling to pay your council bills? Let us know If you are having difficulties paying your rent or council tax it’s important you let us know as soon as possible. We can offer help and advice and also refer you to other agencies who may be able to assist you in managing your finances and personal budgeting. Non-payment of rent is a breach of the terms of your tenancy agreement, and can lead to legal action being taken against you and your tenancy.
In many cases this action can be avoided by ensuring your rent officer is aware of any difficulties you are experiencing, and by working with us to resolve the situation. For help call Contact Harlow immediately on 01279 446655 or email contact@harlow.gov.uk
Tumble dryer recalls
You may have seen news stories in recent months about product recalls on certain models of Whirlpool tumble dryers. Whirlpool is recalling tumble dryers sold under the Hotpoint, Indesit, Swan, Creda and Proline brands, sold between 2004 and 2015. This is a follow-on from the previous safety notices regarding these machines. If you own a Whirlpool tumble dryer and are concerned, you can check whether yours is part of the recall at www.dryerrecall.whirlpool.co.uk If your dryer is affected by the recall, you will have the choice of either a free replacement, an upgrade for £59, to have it fixed by an engineer or choose a refund depending on the age of the appliance. This issue highlights the importance of registering your electrical appliances; doing so means you will be the first to know of any safety repairs or recalls. Find out more information at www.registermyappliance.org.uk harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
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You and your home
Electrical safety in your home We are currently undertaking a rolling programme to check on electrical installations in council homes and communal areas. The programme is to make sure that all installations which we are responsible for are safe and up to a satisfactory standard. We will make a visual check within your home with a followup appointment if any works are required.
Works may involve just carrying out a test, carrying out small repairs, a possible consumer unit (fuse box) upgrade or a full rewire depending on the condition of the electrical installation. The amount or type of works needed may be different from one home to the next. In the case of leasehold properties, access may be required to test the electrical supply to the
property if it is the landlord’s responsibility to do so. The programme is a necessary requirement so you should comply with your tenancy/ leasehold agreement when access is requested. If you are aware of any faults or concerns with your electrics or the communal areas electrics, you should call 01279 446655.
Keep your home free from damp and mould When the weather gets colder, condensation in the home can increase which may cause damp and mould. We’ve put together a list of some simple measures you can take to help reduce moisture and prevent mould.
Heating
Improve ventilation
Reduce moisture
• Maintain a low heat (16oc) when the weather is cold or wet – this is more effective in keeping your home warmer and costs less than short bursts of high heat.
• Keep a window open or use extractor fans during and after cooking, washing and drying clothes.
• Cover boiling pans when cooking.
• Do not obstruct radiators with furniture or overhanging curtains that prevent heat circulation. • Allow sunlight into your home to help warm up rooms. • Try to avoid using portable gas heaters to heat rooms as these may encourage condensation.
12 harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
• Open windows slightly when at home or use the fitted trickle vents. • Do not block air vents – particularly important where gas and heating appliances require oxygen for combustion while allowing carbon monoxide to escape. • Allow air to circulate. Move beds and furniture away from walls and do not overfill wardrobes.
• Close the bathroom door during and after bathing or showering. • Dry clothes outside where possible and not over radiators. Otherwise, confine drying to a single room (preferably the bathroom), open the window and close the door. • Cover fish tanks. • Wipe down surfaces where moisture settles.
You and your home
Council tenants must allow us or our contractors access to your home (including accompanying land) at reasonable written notice (usually 24 hours). This is a condition of your tenancy and access could be needed: • To carry out repairs, alterations, improvements or maintenance work to the property or a neighbouring property. • To carry out annual gas safety checks and servicing or other safety checks as required. • To carry out compliance testing; this is not only a statutory requirement but also for your own safety.
Forthcoming Events © dglimages - Fotolia.com
Allowing us access to your home
• For other management purposes in connection with your tenancy. This may include (but is not limited to) carrying out of tenancy audits, investigating allegations of illegal occupation, dealing with complaints of antisocial behaviour or neighbour disputes. Failure to allow access could result in legal action being taken against you, which could leave you paying legal costs as a result of court action.
Have you had a gas safety check?
Please call the Repairs Centre on 01279 446666 if you haven’t yet arranged for your gas safety check.
Repairs Centre Christmas Opening Hours The Repairs Centre will be open from 8am-4pm on:
Tuesday 24 December 2019 Friday 27 December 2019 Monday 30 December 2019 Tuesday 31 December 2019
01279 446666 A 24-hour genuine emergency repairs service is available on Bank Holidays and out of hours. Normal opening from Thursday 2 January 2020.
Tenant Forums 2019-20 Tenant Forums are held in the Civic Centre, giving you easy access to attend. All forums begin at 7pm: Wednesday 8 January 2020 There will be an annual update on housing finance, followed by the Market Place where teams of council officers and contractors will be available to talk to on a one-to-one basis regarding any housing-related issue. If you require transport or have a question please contact Zulfi Kiani-Mackintosh, Community Engagement Officer on 01279 446330 or email zulfi.kianiMackintosh@harlow.gov.uk Alternatively you can write to Housing Services, Harlow Council, The Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex CM20 1WG.
Spring Leaseholder Forum Wednesday 25 March 2020 Civic Centre. Registration at 6.30pm, forum 7pm. There will be two presentations (to be confirmed) followed by a Market Place, where teams of council officers and contractors will be available to talk to on a one-to-one basis regarding any housing-related issue. To confirm your attendance, or if you have any questions, please call Home Ownership on 01279 446424, email homeownership@harlow. gov.uk or write to Home Ownership, Harlow Council, The Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex CM20 1WG.
harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
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You and your home
Housing fraud – it affects us all Failing to use your home as your main and principal property is a serious breach of your tenancy conditions. Under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act, subletting is now a crime. • Are you aware of anyone subletting their council home? • Do you know someone who has misled us in obtaining housing? • Is there a council property in your neighbourhood standing empty? • Do you know someone who holds a council tenancy but is not living in the property? If the answer to any of these is yes, please contact Tracey Field, Housing Fraud Officer, in complete confidence on 01279 446353 or email housing.fraud@harlow.gov.uk to discuss your concerns.
Case Study 1 A three-bedroom house has been recovered through the courts after Mr and Mrs A moved out of the country, subletting the property to a family member who caused antisocial behaviour.
Pay your council bills by Direct Debit It is now easier to pay your council bills by Direct Debit. We offer a number of choices of payment dates within the month: 1, 8, 15 and 25 for rent and 5, 15 and 25 for leaseholder service charges and 1, 8, 15 and 25 for Council Tax. With Direct Debit your payments are spread evenly throughout the year and once it is set up you no longer have to worry about getting behind with your payments. And there is no queuing up to pay your bills! To set up a Direct Debit please call Contact Harlow on 01279 446655. For more information please visit www.harlow.gov.uk
Tylney Croft Supported Housing Scheme • Open Day •
Case Study 2 Miss B put in a Right to Buy request on her two-bedroom flat. During the tenancy audit she signed a declaration stating she lived in the property. Following a police raid on the property we discovered that she had moved in with her partner and sublet the property to her son, who was using the property for drug dealing. The property was recovered.
Case Study 3 Mr C moved into his girlfriend’s home, leaving his one-bedroom flat empty and falling into disrepair. The property was recovered.
14 harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
Wednesday 18 December 2019 • 10am-4pm Tylney Croft Supported Housing Scheme, Pyenest Road, Harlow, Essex CM19 4LS
Come and take a look around! Chat to our staff and current tenants. Light refreshments • Entertainment • Tombola Tylney Croft provides self-contained accommodation for older people who want to live independently, whilst having the added security of knowing that assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Fire safety advice
12 Days of Christmas Fire Safety Tips:
Check your smoke alarm(s) every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean them and remove dust.
Remember! After drinking alcohol, the risk of accidents in the kitchen is greater.
Never remove batteries from your smoke alarm to use in children’s toys or other new gadgets.
Three Six
Know your exit – make sure you know the quickest way out of your home for you, your family and visitors. Keep all exits clear of any goods, clothes, prams and bicycles.
Nine
Two
Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.
Twelve
Most fires start in the kitchen, you should never leave cooking unattended.
Five
Don’t overload plug sockets, avoid using extension leads where possible and always keep them tidy, out of the way and ensure they can’t be tripped over.
Eight
Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard and only buy them from a reputable seller. If you have any doubts, do not use them.
Eleven
Ten
Seven
Four
One
We want everyone to make sure they stay fire safe this Christmas. Here are some tips to remember over the festive period. Never place candles near your Christmas tree/furnishings and never leave them burning unattended. Always keep candles out of reach of children.
Decorations – don’t attach them to lights or heaters and remember they can burn easily.
If you smoke, make sure that your smoking material is extinguished before you go to bed.
Dispose of your Christmas tree safely, never dump it in a communal area. If it’s a real tree book a collection with us at www.harlow.gov.uk/ green-waste
For more info on staying fire safe visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
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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 Andrew Johnson Conservative
Councillor Chris Vince Labour
Councillor Lanie Shears Labour
Councillor Mark Wilkinson Labour
188 Rivermill, CM20 1PA Tel: 07903 189211 Email: chris.vince@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Tony Durcan Labour 329 Rundells, CM18 7HN Tel: 414357 Portfolio Holder Email: anthony.durcan@harlow.gov.uk
c/o Harlow Council,
Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07906 870935
Portfolio Holder Email: lanie.shears@harlow.gov.uk
Mark Hall
330 Carters Mead, CM17 9HA Tel: 452252 Email: maggie.hulcoop@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Danny Purton Labour 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
5 Commonfields, CM20 3QE Tel: 300582 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
312 Northbrooks, CM19 4DW Tel: 07951 401128 Email: stefan.mullard@harlow.gov.uk
56 Sakins Croft, CM18 7BP Tel: 07718 696429 Portfolio Holder Email: mark.wilkinson@harlow.gov.uk
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
Netteswell
Councillor David Carter Conservative
Councillor Emma Toal Labour
Councillor Maggie Hulcoop Labour
Councillor Joel Charles Conservative 86 Jocelyns, CM17 0BU Tel: 07752 096765 Email: joel.charles@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Sue Livings Conservative
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
Councillor Russell Perrin Conservative
Councillor Phil Waite Labour
c/o
1 Spruce Hill, CM18 7SR Tel: 07740 407323 Email: phil.waite@harlow.gov.uk
c/o
Councillor Nick Churchill Conservative 215 Brockles Mead, CM19 4QA Tel: 621094 Email: nick.churchill@harlow.gov.uk
Toddbrook
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 312195 Email: russell.perrin@harlow.gov.uk
Sumners & Kingsmoor
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
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07885 881255 Email: emma.toal@harlow.gov.uk
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 CHAIR
Councillor Shona Johnson Conservative
78 Mallards Rise, CM17 9PL Tel: 865673 Email: andrew.johnson@harlow.gov.uk
227 Longbanks, CM18 7PB Tel: 07850 667900 Email: clive.souter@harlow.gov.uk
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07517 992133 Email: frances.mason@harlow.gov.uk
c/o
Cabinet Members Councillor Mark Ingall - Leader of the Council Councillor Eugenie Harvey - Deputy Leader & Portfolio Holder for Community & Wellbeing Councillor Mike Danvers - Portfolio Holder for Resources Councillor Tony Durcan - Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth Councillor Danny Purton - Portfolio Holder for Environment Councillor Lanie Shears - Portfolio Holder for Governance, Equality and Diversity Councillor John Strachan - Portfolio Holder for Regeneration Councillor Mark Wilkinson - Portfolio Holder for Housing
Ward Surgeries:
Please contact your Ward Councillors for details of up-coming Ward Surgeries. For more information on who your Councillors are visit: www.harlow.gov.uk/councillors
16 harlow times ¡ winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
Staple Tye
Harlow Common
Fullers End, Kingsdon Lane, CM17 9AB Tel: 445897 Email: tony.hall@harlow.gov.uk
Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 312195 Email: eddie.johnson@harlow.gov.uk
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07464 719579 Email: jodi.dunne@harlow.gov.uk
c/o
VICE CHAIR
Councillor Tony Hall Conservative
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 Michael Hardware Conservative 64 Great Brays, CM18 6DW Tel: 07775 925274 Email: michael.hardware@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor John Strachan Labour 100 Seymours, CM19 5NH Tel: 323656 / 07941 829965
Portfolio Holder Email: john.strachan@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
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
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
Schools Admissions 0345 603 2200 www.essex.gov.uk/admissions UK Power Networks (power cuts) 105 www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Contacting us over Christmas Most Harlow Council services will shut down between Christmas and the New Year. This helps us to save money on energy and building costs. We will reopen at 9am on Thursday 2 January 2020. You can contact us only in an emergency on 01279 446666.
OPEN: 9am-4.45pm Monday 23 December 2019 and Tuesday 24 December 2019 CLOSED Wednesday 25 December 2019 to Wednesday 1 January 2020
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. Printed by Anchor Press Ltd., Harlow. TWITTER, TWEET, RETWEET and the Twitter logo are trademarks of Twitter Inc., or its affiliates. © Harlow Council 2019. 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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harlow times · winter 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk
17
Christmas bin collections Extra Christmas waste? Extra recycling should be put out as normal in bags that are not black or purple alongside your full bin or blue box. Extra food waste can be put in compostable liners on top of your caddy or in a small cardboard box.
cans, food tins and aerosols
meat and bones
mixed glass and jars
cheese and dairy bread, cake and pastries Tea bags and coffee grounds
Plastic bottles and items marked 1 or 2
fruit and vegetables
Go online for updates during severe weather. You can visit www.harlow.gov.uk, or see the council’s Facebook or Twitter pages for information.
Recycle your Christmas tree and we will turn your money into a donation You can recycle your real tree with us for just ÂŁ2.10. We will donate all the money to local charity St Clare Hospice, with Veolia matching every donation. Book a collection at: www.harlow.gov.uk/green-waste If you have signed up for our fortnightly garden waste collection, put your tree out alongside your brown bin (or bags) on your next collection day.
www.harlow.gov.uk/recycling
Revised Collection
Date
Day
Date
Day
25/12/2019
Wed
27/12/2019
Fri
26/12/2019
Thu
28/12/2019
Sat
27/12/2019
Fri
30/12/2019
Mon
30/12/2019
Mon
31/12/2019
Tue
31/12/2019
Tue
02/01/2020
Thu
Normal Collection
What to do with bins in extreme weather Recycling and waste collections will be disrupted during heavy snow and in icy conditions. Please continue to put out your bins until they are collected, unless advised otherwise by us.
Revised waste and recycling collection days Normal Collection
boxes, card and paper
We will collect one extra bag of household waste per household on the first non-recycling collection after Christmas Day.
You can put all of these in your weekly food waste caddy
You can put all of these in your fortnightly recycling collection
Revised Collection
Date
Day
Date
01/01/2020
Wed
03/01/2020
Fri
02/01/2020
Thu
04/01/2020
Sat
03/01/2020
Fri
06/01/2020
Mon
06/01/2020
Mon
07/01/2020
Tue
07/01/2020
Tue
08/01/2020
Wed
Normal Collection
Day
Revised Collection
Date
Day
Date
Day
08/01/2020
Wed
09/01/2020
Thu
09/01/2020
Thu
10/01/2020
Fri
10/01/2020
Fri
11/01/2020
Sat
You can also check your revised collection days at www.harlow.gov.uk Normal collections return Monday 13 January 2020