Harlow Times Autumn 2021 by Harlow Council

Harlow Autumn edition 2021

Award-winning parks Efforts of volunteers and council staff help Harlow retain Green Flag awards

In this edition

pages 4-5 Climate pledges

page 2

Council sets Net Zero target

Florence’s special birthday

page 32 It’s Panto time Robin Hood at Harlow Playhouse

Resident celebrates 101st birthday at Leah Manning

2- 3

News in brief Splash Park, spring cleaning and electoral register update.

6-7

Cover story: Four local parks scoop national awards again!

8-9

What’s on A focus on supporting your health and wellbeing.

Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust page New virtual services for patients and visitors.

20-23

Council housing news Latest information for council tenants and leaseholders.

26-27

Your councillors Find out who represents your area and when the next council meetings are.

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 Swan Print Ltd. © Harlow Council 2021. 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. View this licence: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/opengovernment-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. 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

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Delivering your priorities Councillor Russell Perrin Leader of Harlow Council

This is my first column since being elected the new Leader of Harlow Council. The vision and direction of the council are unchanged and we remain focussed on delivering your priorities and supporting the town as we come out of the pandemic. One of my first priorities is to complete a review of Harlow Council’s share of Council Tax whilst protecting much-loved community services like Pets’ Corner and Harlow Playhouse. Following May’s election we’ve been reviewing every pound of council spending so we can build a new financial plan which supports your priorities. Announcements on Council Tax will be made in January 2022. Building council homes and transforming Harlow town centre remain our main regeneration priorities. We’re building the foundations for the regeneration of the town centre and we’re taking back control of how the town centre develops. A new masterplan will help us make the right planning decisions now and in the future. As well as securing Harlow’s tomorrow I know more needs to be done to look after the town of today. We’ll continue to work with HTS to improve the green environment in our estates and across the town. In everything we do your views and input is going to be vital. We’ll be bringing forward proposals next year on how we communicate, consult and engage with the community and we have already made a start - in this edition your views are encouraged on the draft Town Plan, which sets out the proposed vision for Harlow at 100 years old. Your views on this are going to be absolutely vital. This council will work with you so we can build the town that we all want to live and work in, and one which provides opportunity and prosperity for all.

wn, Your to your say Your new council is giving you more of a say on the issues that affect you. Inside this edition of Harlow Times you can have your say on the Town Plan, which sets out how our town should grow and develop over the next 26 years. You can read more about the plan and fill in a survey on pages 11 to 18.

Your new look Harlow Times! Harlow Times has been given a new look and the number of pages has been extended from 20 to 32 for this edition, to provide even more information on what is happening in your town.

There are new regular pages inside including information on how you can have your say and attend council meetings.

Harlow Autumn

1 edition 202

parks winning r colou

Award-

tumn Full of au

Front cover image: Gerard, one of the many volunteers who work with the council to maintain the town park.

The printing and paper used for the magazine has recently changed. This is not only saving money, but it is better for the environment as Harlow Times is now printed on paper made from 100% waste paper and delivery boxes.

News in brief

Harlow resident celebrates her 101st birthday in style On Friday 10 September, Florence arrived at the Leah Manning Centre glammed up in a pretty pink sash and tiara, ready to celebrate her 101st birthday.

Florence said: “It’s a pleasure to come here and I wouldn’t go anywhere else, I love the lunches and playing bingo especially when I win! “My secret to a long life is be kind to others and look after yourself and drink lots and lots of Guinness!“

Blowing out the candles on her birthday cake, handmade by her daughter, Florence celebrated with Leah Manning Centre staff and customers, which included her close friends Beryl and Kitty who are both 100 years old.

For more information on The Leah Manning Centre, visit: www.harlow.gov.uk/ community/leah-manningcentre

Leah Manning Centre staff were delighted Florence chose to spend her birthday at the centre and pleased to be able to make her day that extra bit special.

GENERAL NOTES 1. Refer to Architects and Structural Engineers drawings for details and specifications. 2. Dimensions to be checked on site before any works are put in hand or prefabricated. 3. Figured dimensions shown are in millimeters. 4. This drawing is to be read in conjunction with the relevant Technical Specifications and the Contractors working drawings. 5. For purpose of construction, this drawing must not be scaled. Only written or calculated dimensions should be used. 6. The position of all equipment/features is approximate as shown. The precise positions shall be agreed on site with other trades and Architects scaled layouts. 7. This is not an installation drawing. The contractor shall carry out his own design & installation drawings in accordance with all Tender contract documentation.

Help if you need it

1.2M ARTIFICIAL GRASS BUFFER ZONE DDA RAMP WITH RAILINGS

LOW LEVEL HYDRO BLAST TO FLOOD AREA PLAY PANEL 1M BOWTOP ON WALL FLOODED PADDLE ZONE

JUNIOR ZONE

Rainbow Services is leading a project to continue running the Community Hub, which has supported residents during COVID-19.

TODDLER ZONE FLOODED PADDLE ZONE PADDLE ZONE OVERFLOW DRAIN

TENDER SUBMISSION

09.07.21

DESCRIPTION

REV DATE

FLOODED PADDLE ZONE

NEW PLANT ROOM BUILDING

FOR TENDER

1M BOWTOP ON WALL PLAY PANEL LOW LEVEL HYDRO BLAST TO FLOOD AREA

DO NOT SCALE FROM THIS DRAWING SLOW DRAINING THROUGH WALL FOR WATERFALL EFFECT DDA RAMP WITH RAILINGS 1.2M ARTIFICIAL GRASS BUFFER ZONE

New splash park The development of a new splash park and paddling pool in Staple Tye is a step closer. The new splash park will be located on the existing paddling pool site at Staple Tye, but it will retain a paddling pool element to it. Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

The hub can be contacted in person, by phone, email or social media. It offers advice and services such as: mental health support, signposting to activities, social networking, access to volunteering TH NOR and direct support to residents affected by emergency situations. Client

Harlow District Council

The works will be funded from the existing paddling pool investment fund, which has funded improvements to the town’s paddling pools this year. Subject to planning permission, work on the park is expected to begin in February 2022.

10m

Job Title

Staple Tye Splash Park

Drawing Title

Option 2 - General Arrangement

Drawing Number:

TS/HDC/ST/SP/OP2/001

Drawn by: JG Scale:

1:100@A1

Approved by:

Date:

Rev: A

09.07.21

Rainbow’s partners are Harlow CAB, Mind in West Essex, Harlow Volunteer Centre and Michael Roberts Charitable Trust. For information call 01279 927005 or email harlowcommunityhub@ rainbowservices.org.uk

News in brief

Are you ready to vote and have your say?

Councillors and staff clean up A team of councillors and council staff helped clean up the town as Harlow Spring Clean 2021 came to a close. On one morning in September the team filled 16 bags with litter and collected a motorbike helmet, two shopping trolleys and parts of a motorbike from Mark Hall Park! This year 28 local groups took part in Harlow’s Spring Clean. The council supported events by loaning litter picks, bags and other equipment. We will be celebrating this year’s community spring clean achievements in the next edition of Harlow Times out from 13 December.

Read more and stay updated You can visit the latest news section of our website at www.harlow.gov.uk/news to read more about these featured stories and other news from around the council.

The next scheduled local council elections will be on Thursday 5 May 2022. You need to be on the electoral register to vote in elections and it may also be helpful when you want to get credit for things such as a mortgage or loan. Please note that paying Council Tax does not automatically add you to the electoral register. We are nearly finished with our annual canvass for 2021 and the new electoral register will be published on 1 December 2021. To ensure your name is included you need to respond by 22 November 2021. You can register to vote online at any time at: www.gov.uk/registertovote Further information can be found by visiting our website www.harlow.gov.uk/votingand-elections or visit www.electoralcommission.org. uk/i-am-a/voter/ You can contact us on 01279 446042 or email: registration@ harlow.gov.uk

Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

Climate change

We’re going Net Zero b Councillor Alastair Gunn, portfolio holder for environment, said: “Tackling climate

change is this century’s single most pressing challenge. How that challenge is met will define the world in which we all live and will impact the lives of people for generations to come.

For the first time ever Harlow Council has agreed a target date and actions for hitting Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040.

The actions we will take to deliver Net Zero include:

The target is 10 years before the UK’s commitment of reaching a position of Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.

• No new gas boilers in our operational buildings from 2025/26

We have also set a new shortterm target to reduce our carbon emissions by 2026 by 50% when compared to the 2014/15 level. This will deliver further carbon savings from our operations between 2021 and 2026. Importantly this will begin the critical work required to prepare to meet Net Zero by 2040. Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

• Only buying electric vehicles from 2022/23

• HTS Group to also commit to Net Zero by 2040 • Next waste and recycling contract to include commitment to reach Net Zero by the end of it

“This matters to Harlow and addressing the council’s own carbon emissions is critical to safeguarding the local environment, and ensuring Harlow is a town fit for the future. While there has been good progress in the last ten years by the council to reduce its carbon emissions, there is still a significant amount of work left, with the most complex and costly decisions yet to be taken”.

Climate change

by 2040 Boost for electric car ownership New public electric vehicle charging points are to be installed in councilowned car parks around the town. Working with BP Pulse, new charge points are set to go in the following car parks:

• School Lane, Town Park • Garden Terrace Road • Minchin Road and the Stow Service Bays • Tawneys Road and Tilegate Road (Bush Fair)

This move meets one of the commitments made when Harlow councillors declared a climate change emergency in July 2019 and will encourage residents to move to no emission vehicles by 2050. By 2030, it is anticipated that there could be between approximately 6,000 and 14,000 battery electric vehicles in Harlow, with between 3,000 and 6,500 being parked on-street. A working group has been setup to look at the installation of charging points in residential estates and other locations. The installation of points in housing estates would be subject to consultation with residents.

Harlow

NET ZERO Carbon Emissions

2040 Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

Green Flag awards

Award-winning parks and open spaces

Green Flag awards

It’s 13 Green Flag Awards in a row for Parndon Wood, six in a row for the Town Park and a second for Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens! We are so proud to see these fantastic sites placed among the best green spaces in the world. The Green Flag Awards, which this year celebrates 25 years as the international quality mark for parks, are run by Keep Britain Tidy.

Parndon Wood Nature Reserve

In addition to these three council-run sites, the town has further cause to celebrate with a fourth Green Flag for Harlow Mill, which is maintained by the Canal and River Trust and volunteers. Through lockdowns Harlow’s green open spaces have played a vital role in helping people relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely. The news that these sites have achieved the Green Flag Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams of staff and volunteers that make these green spaces such great places for everyone to enjoy. None of this would be possible in Harlow without our brilliant volunteer teams, who turn up and work so hard each and every week.

Town Park

“The Town Park and Town Park volunteers are very pleased with winning the Green Flag Award for the sixth year running as this recognises and rewards everyone’s hard work over the past year through difficult times. We look forward to continuing gardening and landscaping around the park each week and we always welcome new members to continue the good work.” Mike Levett, Town Park Manager.

For more information on volunteering with Harlow Council visit www.harlow.gov.uk

Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens

Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

What’s on

What’s on this autumn The Fridge at the Bridge A new community fridge has been installed at the Bridge Church in Purford Green as a way for the local community to share surplus food and connect with one another.

The group were successful in receiving funding from the Harlow Health and Wellbeing Board which has enabled them to purchase a large fridge to store fresh food that is available to Harlow residents. Anyone is welcome to use the fridge and people can donate food to it as well. The group were also able to purchase eight kitchen starter

Rainbow Services Harlow is now offering the popular My Weight Matters programme free to Harlow residents. The award-winning programme takes place over 12 weeks and provides individual support.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, the Bridge Church opened a ‘pay what you can’ Community Café which helped people in need by supplying healthy nutritious food. It also provided opportunities for residents to come together to make new friends, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and support mental health and wellbeing in the community.

Are you struggling to manage your weight?

Sessions take place every Tuesday from 11am to 1pm at Rainbow Services, 2 Wych Elm, Harlow, CM20 1QP.

kits to enable them to run free family workshops and events; promoting healthy eating, cooking and budgeting skills. The community fridge was officially launched in September and it is hoped that the community café will become a vibrant hub for Harlow people. You can find out more about the project by calling 0208 505 5001 or pop in during opening hours at The Bridge Church, Purford Green, Harlow CM18 6HP. You can also join the Facebook page at TheFridge@TheBridge which includes useful information and ‘Cooking with Debs’ videos.

You can drop in, telephone 0300 303 9988 or email acecic. weightmanagement-adults@ nhs.net

Tech Library Service Are you or is somebody you know struggling to keep connected without the aid of technology? Rainbow Services can help you with a loan from the Tech Library Service. Tablets can be loaned with or without a Wi-Fi unit on a short term basis. Support is offered via telephone from a Digital Buddy and they offer Tech Support Sessions at Tye Green Library, every Thursday between 10am and 12pm. If you are interested in a short term loan from the Tech Library service, please contact Jemma on 07849 090735 or email: jemmaw@rainbowservices. org.uk Referrals from professionals can be made via Harlow Frontline at www.harlowfrontline.org.uk

Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

What’s on Community Community builder Christmas Party From 10.30am to 3.30pm on Tuesday 30 November, Tuesday 7 December and Tuesday 14 December. Reducing loneliness and social isolation for Harlow seniors. Join Rainbow’s Community Builder Project for a carol service, Christmas lunch and entertainment from Dean Dee at Harlow Rugby Club. Booking is essential, please contact: Carol 07849 087790 or email carol@rainbowservices.org.uk Suggested donation £15.

Win Robin Hood tickets! harlow playhouse C R E AT E

ENJOY

FOR ALL

Harlow Playhouse presents this year’s fantastic pantomime - Robin Hood! We are giving away two tickets for the 5pm performance on Sunday 2 January 2022. To enter, join our mailing list by emailing your name, address and telephone number* to kirstie.brough@harlow.gov.uk (one entry per household). The entry deadline is Friday 3 December 2021. 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

Parndon Mill The Gallery at Parndon Mill off Elizabeth Way Harlow CM20 2HP info@parndonmill.co.uk www.parndonmill.co.uk 01279 426042

The Gibberd Garden Marsh Lane, Harlow CM17 0NA www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk 01279 442112 Check website for latest events.

PRESENT ARTS 5 November to 23 December. CanalAbility Accessible Christmas cruises 1 December to 23 December.

The skills of many of the artists who have studios at the Mill are represented, showing artworks in glass and ceramics, jewellery, paintings and prints. New this year will be samples of stone carved lettering by a recent addition to the community and also a display of work by a local wood turner. The Gibberd Gallery

The Civic Centre, Harlow

www.gibberdgallery.co.uk email: gallery@harlowarttrust.org.uk telephone: 01279 594343 Open Fridays and Saturdays 11am to 4pm. Free entry. ‘You should sit here when the evening bathes the castled mind in gold’ An exhibition by Romane Courdacher, Sculpture Town Artist in Residence 2020-21.

If you’re looking for an accessible and unique Christmas celebration, a CanalAbility Christmas Cruise is the perfect choice for a festive celebration. From as little as £13.40 per head based on a group of 12, you can enjoy a unique celebration on-board a cosy centrally heated, specially adapted canal boat. For more information and to book, contact CanalAbility on 01279 424444 (Mon-Fri, 9.45am – 1.30pm), email hello@canalability.org.uk or visit the website at www.canalability.org.uk

Local attractions Harlow Town Park www.harlow.gov.uk/town-park Home to Pets’ Corner, 5 unique gardens, the bandstand, adventure playground and inclusive play area, outdoor gym, paddling pool, skate park, marshes and meadows and Spurriers House Café.

Parndon Wood Nature Reserve Parndon Wood Road, Harlow www.ecco.org.uk 07802 237440 Open 11am to 4pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and 9am to 6pm Saturdays. Check out Facebook for latest events.

Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens Muskham Road, Harlow www.harlow.gov.uk 01279 446222 Open 9.30am to 3.30pm (last entry 3pm) every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Check out the museum Facebook page for latest events. Pets’ Corner Harlow Town Park www.harlow.gov.uk 01279 422790 Check out the website and Pets’ Corner Facebook page for visiting information.

Event and activity information is correct at time of going to press. These events and activities could be affected by the local or national COVID situation so please always check first with the event organiser by calling their contact number or by visiting the relevant website. Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Patients benefit from virtual fracture clinic Patients who have been diagnosed with a fracture will be reviewed at the new virtual fracture clinic at The Princess Alexandra Hospital. Some patient injuries will require a specialist follow-up review at our virtual fracture clinic, following their initial attendance at the emergency department with a suspected fracture. Patients will receive an information leaflet which explains the process.

Ajay Sooknah, head of operations for the surgical and critical care healthcare group, said: “The virtual clinic is designed to improve our patients’ experience so that they are not required to attend the hospital for multiple faceto-face assessments and can be reviewed in a timely manner. “Clinicians will look at the patient’s X-rays, medical notes and electronic referral form following their visit and

telephone the patient to discuss their treatment and management. “The patient may be discharged by phone back to their GP, or require further specialist help and will be referred to the most appropriate clinic.”

Virtual visiting service wins a national award The virtual visiting service for patients and their loved ones at PAHT has won a national award. The virtual visiting team, which includes teams across PAHT working in partnership, have been awarded the Healthcare Excellence Through Technology Unexpected Innovation Award 2021. The award celebrates the best of experimental design, creative thinking and radical innovation in healthcare from both individuals and teams. Family and friends of inpatients can email paht.virtualvisiting@nhs.net to arrange their 10 minute video call, available seven days a week and hosted on secure video conferencing software. You can also contact a member of the team by calling 01279 962661 between 9am-12pm.

Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

Harlow Council is looking ahead to what Harlow will be like in 2047 when the town is 100 years old. A draft Town Plan has been prepared setting out a vision for Harlow and how the town could grow and develop over the next 26 years.

n w o t r u Yo ur say yo

But, the important part of this is your views. The final Town Plan will reflect the ambitions and aspirations of our community. By 2047:

Proposed vision for Harlow at 100 “Harlow will be one of the best towns in Britain to raise your family and to send your children to school; the best place to start a business; the best place to live and to be a place of aspiration, innovation and prosperity for all. The town has faced challenging times recently, especially due to the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on residents and businesses alike, but through this vision the council will ensure a sound platform is in place to aid Harlow’s recovery and its future development and success. The vision provides a long term framework for the growth and regeneration of the town until 2047, drawing on what has been planned and achieved to date, which will evolve and develop over time to reflect our ambition and aspirations.”

• Harlow will have grown to the scale of a small city. • A rebuild of the town centre will have taken place and a oncein-a-generation programme of neighbourhood renewal rolled out. • Harlow will have an excellent reputation due to its position as the heart of the UK Innovation Corridor creating the basis for sustained business investment. • Growth will be sustainable, planned and integrated with the existing town and continue to be underpinned by Gibberd’s New Town principles. • New buildings will be recognised for leading the way in terms of mitigating against and adapting to climate change, while existing buildings will have been retrofitted to ensure they are also playing their part. • Harlow will have a sustainable transport network which will have changed the way that residents move around the town by walking, cycling and by using sustainable public transport systems. • Harlow will be a world class digital area with ultra-fast broadband linking seamlessly with residents, transport and business.

• Thousands of new, high-skilled, long-term jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities will be created increasing the productivity and output of Harlow’s local economy and spreading opportunity and prosperity. • The Green Wedge and Green Finger network, as well as biodiversity assets, will have been retained and maintained. The draft Town Plan and full vision can be read at www. harlow.gov.uk/consultations. Copies of the plan are available from the Civic Centre, Latton Bush Centre and Harlow libraries during normal opening times.

Now it’s time to have your say!

You can either complete the survey overleaf and hand it into the Civic Centre or post to: Town Plan, Harlow Council, Civic Centre, Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex CM20 1WG. Alternatively, complete the survey at www.harlow.gov. uk/consultations, email your comments to: townplan@ harlow.gov.uk, or write to us using the address above Please give your views by Sunday 16 January 2022.

About you (optional) Name*: Email address* Business* / Company* (if applicable) Address*

*See privacy statement at the end of this survey for details on how we will use this information.

Vision for the Town Plan 1.

Do you agree with the vision for Harlow @100?

Yes

Do you agree that the vision should look to 2047 for Harlow?

Yes

Should the vision set out any other ambitions or priorities for Harlow to 2047?

Yes

If your answer is Yes, please explain further here:

What do you think the vision for the future of Harlow should be?

Please write your comments here:

Managing growth to meet our needs 5.

Do you think future growth in Harlow should come forward Yes through a mix of greenfield and brownfield sites, redevelopment of existing sites and both small and larger sites?

Do you think future growth in Harlow should come forward through a range of dwelling types including opportunities for more high rise buildings/flats close to public transport and the town centre?

Yes

Please provide a reason for your answer here:

Placeshaping and placemaking 7.

What design principles should help shape Harlow as a place?

Should existing neighbourhoods and employment areas mirror the same quality, design and energy efficiency as new developments?

Do you agree that Sir Frederick Gibberd’s principles should remain an essential element of Harlow New Town?

Please provide a reason for your answer here:

Housing strategy 10.

What types of housing do you think it is important to provide in Harlow?

Please write your comments here:

Addressing climate change and modal shift 11.

Do you support Harlow Council in achieving Net Zero carbon emissions in advance of Government targets?

Yes

12.

Do you support measures that help to achieve sustainability in development and transport?

Yes

If your answer is No, please explain what measures could be in place:

Transport infrastructure 13.

Do you agree with the transport initiatives set out in this section of the Town Plan?

Can you suggest any other transport initiatives for Harlow especially those that will help support a shift towards more sustainable modes (walking, cycling, public transport):

Town centre 14.

Do you agree that the town centre should be developed into a series of areas, each with their own distinct use such as entertainment, eating, drinking and shopping?*

Yes

If your answer is No, how do you think the town centre could be developed?

*Your views on the town centre can also be shared on the draft Town Centre Masterplan when published.

Stewardship 15.

How do you think that open spaces, leisure facilities and other community assets in Harlow could be managed in the future?

Please write your comments here:

Leisure provision and open spaces 16.

Do you agree that Green Wedges and Green Fingers should be included in new developments around the town?

Yes

17.

Are there any sporting or leisure facilities that are lacking or require improvement in Harlow?

Yes

If your answer is Yes, please provide examples:

Health and wellbeing 18.

Do you agree that the council should develop a Health and Wellbeing Strategy? This will ensure new communities in and around Harlow incorporate elements which promote the health and wellbeing of its residents.

Yes

If your answer is Yes, please provide examples of what could be included in the strategy which would help improve health and wellbeing in your community:

Neighbourhood regeneration 19.

What improvements would you like to see made to your local neighbourhood centre, hatches or the street you live in?

Please write your comments here:

Library strategy 20.

Do you agree that there needs to be a longer-term strategy for library provision in Harlow?

Yes

If your answer is Yes, please provide ideas as to how libraries could be improved in Harlow:

Procurement (buying goods and services) 21.

Do you have any suggestions for improvements to the way the council’s buys goods and services (procurement)?

Please write your comments here:

22.

How can local businesses and organisations be better considered in the council’s procurement process?

Please write your comments here:

Waste and recycling 23.

Please provide any comments on waste and recycling services and facilities.

Please write your comments here:

Promoting Harlow 24.

How can the council and residents put Harlow ‘on the map’ and really promote the town, the facilities and services we have and the opportunities it provides?

Please write your comments here:

25.

What further information would you like to know about Harlow?

Please write your comments here:

Further comments Please use this space for further comments on any of the sections in this survey. Please continue on a separate sheet if needed.

Privacy Information This questionnaire can be filled in anonymously. If you wish to be informed of the results of the consultation please provide your personal details on page 2 of the questionnaire so that the Forward Planning Team can contact you. The personal information you provide will only be used for this purpose and we will not share it with any other organisation. For more information on how we collect, use, and protect personal information generally, as well as your rights as a data subject please view our main privacy notice on our website by visiting https://www.harlow.gov.uk/privacy-notice

Essex Police

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)

#protectingandservingHarlow Public Engagement

You can forward the scam message onto @ActionFraud by sending it to 7726. For advice on protecting yourself against fraud, or for information on what to do if you think you have been a victim of fraud please visit www.essex.police.uk/fraud

Following numerous well received and well attended events, Harlow’s Community Safety Engagement officers, Pc’s Brad Hall and Sandra Marayen have started to organise more small engagement events around the town. Look out for: Coffee with Cops and Street Meets, that will be taking place around Harlow. For further event details please visit and follow our Facebook and Twitter pages. If you would like us to be part of an local event that you are organising, please let us know. Contact us via email at HarlowCPT@Essex.Police.uk Crime Prevention We’ve been made aware of a scam where fraudsters are contacting people by text messages or social media platforms such as WhatsApp, from an unfamiliar number, pretending to be a friend or family member.

Protecting and serving Harlow A Chelmsford man has been jailed for six months after admitting to racially abusing a vulnerable member of the Harlow community. Officers responded to reports of a hate crime, where a man had been verbally and racially abused at the Water Gardens shortly before midnight on 15 May. It was reported that the victim, a man in his 30s, had been approached by another man, who began to verbally and racially abuse him, before attempting to start a fight with the victim. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of committing Public Order offences, one of which was racially aggravated and was later charged.

The scammer says they have a new phone number because their phone has been damaged or lost. The victim is then asked for money. If you get an unexpected message like this, take steps to protect yourself by calling your friend or family member on the old phone number you have for them not the new number, in case this is a fraudster.

The leader of a gang which was intent on flooding the streets of Harlow with cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine and cannabis has been ordered to pay more than £81,000 in criminal gains.

Nicholas Glynn previously of Mark Hall Moors, Harlow was sentenced to ten years in prison in February last year after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and two counts of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs. The conviction was the result of an investigation by West Operation Raptor team, which saw them seize nearly 5kg of cocaine worth £209,000, cannabis worth £3,000 and 400 ecstasy tablets worth £8,000. During the investigation, officers also seized more than £40,000 in cash and carried out nine warrants. Glynn has been ordered to pay £81,178.25 as a result of a proceeds of crime hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court.

On Saturday 25 September, following up on reports from concerned members of the public, officers from Harlow Town Centre Team attended a report of motorised scooters being ridden in an anti-social manner on Church Langley Playing Fields. PC Emily Cross said “Two riders were given S59 warnings and a third vehicle was seized. Harlow has many green spaces and these should not be ruined or people’s safety put at risk by people using vehicles inappropriately.” Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

Housing news

Managing condensation in your home Condensation typically appears on cold surfaces and particularly on outside walls where there is not much air movement or to the sides of windows. It often causes black mould growth in corners near skirting boards and on the ceiling, which can damage your property and affect your health. Moisture produced within your home (e.g. from cooking, washing and drying clothes, bathing), lack of ventilation, internal temperature and poor insulation are all factors which contribute to condensation. Areas with poor ventilation, such as behind furniture or behind wardrobes or cupboards, are also prone to condensation. To help reduce the risk of condensation in your home, there are things you can do:

Are you looking to downsize? Did you know that we offer financial support to existing tenants wanting to move to a smaller council home?

Existing council tenants wishing to downsize are also given higher priority when bidding for homes.

The aim of the voluntary scheme is to free up some of the 3,000 three-bedroom and 380 four or more bedroomed council homes in the town for families in need.

If you are willing to give up all extra bedrooms, we will place you in Band 1, and if you are willing to under-occupy by one bedroom, we will place you in Band 2.

The financial incentives we offer depend on the number of bedrooms released: • • • •

£1,000 for 1 bedroom £1,500 for 2 bedrooms £2,000 for 3 bedrooms £2,500 for 4 bedrooms

We will pay an extra £1,000 if a tenant moves from a house or bungalow to a flat or maisonette. Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

If you meet the criteria for the tenant move incentive scheme you can begin the process by completing an application form at the same time as a housing needs or mutual exchange form. Funding for the scheme will be allocated on a first come, first served basis based on the date of acceptance of the final offer.

For more information, email contact@harlow.gov.uk, call 01279 446655 or write to Contact Harlow, Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, College Square, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1WG.

Housing news

Reducing moisture: • Cover saucepans and close kitchen doors during and after cooking. • Close bathroom doors during and after bathing or showering. • Dry clothes outside where possible and not over radiators, and try to confine drying to a single room (preferably the bathroom) with an open window and closed door. • Vent tumble driers to the outside. • When bathing, run cold water first, then hot, to minimise steam. • Cover fish tanks. • Wipe down surfaces where moisture settles. Improving ventilation • Keep a window open or use extractor fans during and after cooking, washing and drying clothes.

• Open windows slightly when your home is occupied or use fitted trickle vents. • Keep air vents clear, particularly where gas and heating appliances require oxygen for combustion while permitting carbon monoxide to escape. • Allow air to circulate by moving beds and furniture away from walls and not overfilling wardrobes. Managing heating and insulation • Maintain a low heat during cold or wet weather and heat all rooms, even those not in use. • Keep radiators clear. • Allow sunlight into your home to help warm rooms • Insulate your loft and walls. If yours are not insulated, contact us for details of work planned for your area.

If you’re already dealing with mould in your home, it needs to be killed. Wipe down affected surfaces with a Health and Safety Executiveapproved fungicidal wash and follow manufacturer’s instructions. This should be continued as a regular cleaning routine. If you are decorating, use a goodquality anti-mould paint to help prevent mould reoccurring. Avoid the use of wall paper in rooms susceptible to condensation and mould. If you continue experiencing problems, it may be necessary to have a technical survey carried out on your property. This can be arranged by contacting the HTS Repairs call centre on 01279 446 666 where they will organise a surveyor to inspect your home.

Repairs

Direct Debits

Are you aware of the council’s repairs procedure?

It is now easier to pay your council bills by Direct Debit.

If you’re a tenant or leaseholder and need a repair, please report it to the HTS Repairs Centre by email: repairs@htsgroupltd. co.uk or calling 01279 446666 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week.

We offer a number of choices of payment dates within the month: 1, 8, 15 and 25 for rent, 5, 15 and 25 for leaseholder service charges and 1, 8, 15 and 25 for Council Tax.

When you report a repair, HTS will prioritise it depending on the severity of the problem. Emergency repairs are carried out within 24 hours, urgent repairs within 5 working days, standard repairs within 20 working days and planned works within 9 months.

Direct Debit spreads your payments evenly throughout the year and once set up you won’t have to worry about getting behind with payments.

If you’re a tenant or leaseholder who is considered to be vulnerable however, we aim to attend using a reduced timescale.

It’s worth remembering that there are going to be some issues tenants and leaseholders will need to repair themselves. You can find out more about these and full details of the repairs process at www.harlow. gov.uk/housing-and-garages/ repairs-and-maintenance or by calling 01279 446655.

To set up a Direct Debit call Contact Harlow on 01279 446655 or visit our website www.harlow.gov.uk

Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

Housing news

HTS supports new service for families HTS, who carry out housing repairs to council homes, are assisting the project by providing free storage space at their depot in Mead Park Industrial Estate. Community leaders, councillors, HTS officials and Harlow Foodbank gathered in October to officially launch the new service. Harlow Foodbank in partnership with HTS have launched a new service called Bump-to-five. The service is aimed at redistributing essential items for children: newborn to five years old.

Have you signed up to MyHome? Harlow Council’s online housing service, MyHome, is an easy and convenient way for you to manage your tenancy any time. The service allows you to: • Book and request repairs. • View tenancy details. • Pay council housing accounts, including rent for your home and garage. • View your rent account details or print a copy of your statement. • Request a change to your payment method. • View contents insurance, supporting people, major works and district heating accounts. Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

Bump-to-five takes in donated items, including pre-loved clothing, cots, buggies and other essentials and gifts them to families who need support.

More information on volunteering, donating or referrals to the Bump-to-five service can be found at www.bumptofive.org.uk

They check, sort and redistribute to families referred by caring professionals.

Leaseholders can also sign up to MyHome and pay service charges. Leasehold landlords can also request that all their properties’ accounts are linked. All residents in Harlow can also use MyHome to apply to rent a council garage. For more information and to register, visit https://selfserve. harlow.gov.uk/MyAccounts. You can also call 01279 446655 for more information and help with registering.

The Careline service is available for elderly, disabled or vulnerable people of any age in Harlow 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It provides support and peace of mind to those who need it, whether it is to call a member of your family, GP, the emergency services or simply to offer advice and reassurance. You will be provided with an alarm unit which is linked directly to the dedicated Careline call centre where an experienced operator can help if you need it. If you’d like to know more please visit www.harlow.gov.uk or call 01279 446361, 446356 or 446519.

Housing news

Further £1m for tower block fire safety enhancements A further £1m is being spent on enhancing fire safety in three tower blocks. Works at Pennymead, Netteswell and Spring Hill towers include updating fire compartmentation between floors, in service ducts and ventilation systems, and replacing internal and front entrance fire doors because the standards have changed. The works are subject to consultation with leaseholders. Following the tragic events of Grenfell Tower, the council has an ongoing programme of fire safety enhancements. The work is prioritised against each of our tower blocks’ fire risk assessments and the changing building standards issued as the Grenfell public inquiry continues. As well as the latest allocation of funding, £1.8m has been allocated for work in Joyners Field and a further £1.4m for Willowfield, Nicholls Field and Moor towers. Contracts for works to the remaining high rise blocks are due to be awarded towards the end of the year. Councillor Simon Carter, portfolio holder for housing, said: “The safety of residents in high rise blocks has always been the council’s principal priority as a landlord. Harlow was one of the first councils to publish its fire risk assessments on its website, even before the tragic fire in Grenfell Tower.

“Our tower blocks are inherently safe and none of them have any unsafe cladding. They are inspected weekly by Housing staff and regularly by the fire services and this is to ensure that our tower blocks are kept safe. Since the Grenfell fire, money has been put aside for ongoing major works to meet the latest and updated building safety guidance. This ensures that we can continue improving fire safety to reassure those living in our tower blocks.”

Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

Bins and recycling

‘Step It Up’ in the fight against climate change

This year’s Recycle Week encouraged people to take action to protect our environment through even better recycling habits. 55% of UK households put items in the general rubbish bin that can be recycled; including foil, aerosols, plastic toiletries (shampoo and conditioner bottles), batteries and cleaning and bleach bottles. We can all help fight climate change if we recycle. Recycling currently saves 18 million tonnes of CO2 every year that’s the same as taking 12 million cars off the road.

Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

Bins and recycling

Did you know we offer: Free textile collections We provide a free bookable collection service for textiles. Items should be placed in a plastic bag, clearly labelled and put out by 7am on your chosen collection date. On our website you can make a booking and find out what items this service accepts.

Free household battery collections Household batteries can be placed in a plastic bag or small cardboard box which is clearly labelled. This should be placed alongside your bin or purple bags on your non-recycling collection day only.

Nappy collections We offer a separate collection for nappies and incontinence waste. This service is for households that regularly exceed non-recycling capacity because of nappy or incontinence waste.

Electrical items include washing machines, fridges, ovens, fridge freezers, microwaves, vacuum cleaners and computers. Nonelectrical items include furniture and smaller household items.

Green waste collections You can sign up for a fortnightly green waste collection. Alternatively, you can buy compostable bags from us and make a booking for collection when it suits you. The subscription service costs £42 per year, from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022. If you are a new customer there is a £30 charge to cover the cost of the bin or for the bags we supply. Existing customers will only pay the subscription fee. Bags for ad-hoc bookings can be purchased from the Civic Centre for £19.40 for a roll of 20. For information on our recycling and waste services visit www. harlow.gov.uk/ bins-andrecycling or call 01279 446655.

Recycling as much as possible is a great way to save resources and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. Extra recycling should be put out as normal in bags that are not black or purple alongside your full bin or box on your collection day. To ensure your recycling is collected regularly, please place only the correct items into your bin or box. Remember to make sure these items are empty, clean and dry. Squash plastic bottles and flatten cardboard to maximise space in your container. Please do not put black or purple bags into your recycling, even if they contain recyclable items.

Recycle more of these items in your blue bin or box: • mixed paper (no glitter or foil-like wrapping)

Bulky waste collections

• aerosols – deodorant, cleaning products, hair products

We collect electrical items for free, no matter how many you book, as they can be recycled. We charge a fee to collect nonelectrical items as we cannot recycle them.

What to do with your extra recycling

Top tips for recycling in Harlow

If you would like to try cloth nappies instead, Essex county council offer a £30 refund on the purchase of any cloth nappies or laundering fees.

We can pick up your unwanted large household items and electricals.

• cardboard – egg boxes, toilet and kitchen rolls

• foil – food containers, take away trays

Clean and empty plastic bottles

Clean and dry paper, card and cardboard

Clean and empty tins, cans and aerosols

Clean and empty glass bottles and jars

• metal cans – drink cans, food cans, biscuit tins • plastics – types 1 and 2. You can find the number in the recycle triangle • mixed glass - bottles and jars

Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

Your town, your council

Your voice in your town Different areas of the town (wards) are represented in Harlow Council by councillors who serve four year terms after being elected. You can find details for your local councillors on the opposite page. Ward councillors can help you with services and issues such as bin collections, community safety, grass cutting and landscape maintenance, housing, parks and open spaces, regeneration, planning and parking. They can also raise issues for you with other service providers.

Netteswell

Little Parndon & Hare Street

Toddbrook Great Parndon

Your county councillors can help you with services run by Essex County Council like libraries, transport, maintenance of roads, pavements and cycle tracks, social care for adults and children, education and schools, gritting of the main roads and street lighting.

Staple Tye

Upcoming Harlow Council meetings

Harlow Council holds meetings throughout the year, discussing important subjects and issues that affect the town. Most meetings are open to the public and held at the Civic Centre.

All meetings held at 7.30pm in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre (unless stated).

You can submit questions in advance to ask at these meetings. You can also submit petitions on any issue that affects the Harlow area.

Covid-19 Recovery Working Group 30 November 2021 (starts at 6.30pm on Zoom)

More information on petitions and questions can be found at www.harlow.gov.uk/your-council or call 01279 446655. Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk

Church Langley Bush Fair Harlow Common

Sumners & Kingsmoor

Council meetings and having your say

Key planning decisions are made at the Development Management Committee which are open to the public. The public can address the committee on individual planning applications which are being considered by the committee.

Mark Hall

Old Harlow

Audit and Standards Committee 24 November 2021

Cabinet 2 December 2021 Scrutiny Committee 7 December 2021 Development Management Committee 8 December 2021 Full Council 9 December 2021 Updated information on meetings can be found at www.harlow.gov.uk/events

Harlow Youth Council Harlow Youth Council is an elected body of young people aged 13-19 who live or attend school or college in Harlow and who represent the views and voices of all local young people. Meetings are currently held virtually on Zoom every first Monday of each month. Recent issues addressed on behalf of local young people include challenging hate crime and improving mental health awareness. For more details on the Youth Council and its meetings email sandrine.munyakazi@harlow. gov.uk or call 01279 446365.

Harlow Councillors Councillor Nicky Purse Conservative

Councillor Shona Johnson Conservative

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07966 014122 Email: eugenie.harvey@harlow.gov.uk

98 Coalport Close, CM17 9QS Tel: 07838 238573 Email: nicky.purse@harlow.gov.uk

78 Mallards Rise, CM17 9PL Tel: 865673 Email: shona.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Dan Swords Conservative Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07727 406155 Portfolio Holder Email: dan.swords@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Mark Wilkinson Labour 56 Sakins Croft, CM18 7BP Tel: 07718 696429 Email: mark.wilkinson@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor James Leppard Conservative Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07454 686809 Email: james.leppard@harlow.gov.uk

c/o

Councillor Simon Carter Conservative

Little Parndon & Hare Street

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07908 518862 Email: nancy.watson@harlow.gov.uk

c/o

Councillor Colleen Morrison Conservative

Councillor Jean Clark Labour

Councillor Bob Davis Labour

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 422339 Email: john.steer@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Sue Livings Conservative 15 Seeleys, CM17 0AD Tel: 422339 Email: sue.livings@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Michael Garnett Conservative

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07445 390675 (Text only) Email: colleen.morrison@harlow.gov.uk

Brook House, Wyldwood Close, CM17 0JD Tel: 437401 Email: michael.garnett@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Nick Churchill Conservative

Councillor Tony Edwards 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: 07544 374168 Email: tony.edwards@harlow.gov.uk c/o

Councillor Gareth Williams Conservative c/o Harlow Council,

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07871 654611 Email: gareth.williams@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Russell Perrin Conservative

Councillor Ash Malik Conservative

c/o

c/o Harlow Council,

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Email: russell.perrin@harlow.gov.uk

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07761 780856 Email: ash.malik@harlow.gov.uk

Cabinet Members Councillor Russell Perrin - Leader of Harlow Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance Councillor Joel Charles - Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Resilience Councillor Simon Carter - Portfolio Holder for Housing Councillor Alastair Gunn - Portfolio Holder for Environment Councillor Michael Hardware - Portfolio Holder for Strategic Growth Councillor Dan Swords - Portfolio Holder for Regeneration

c/o Harlow Council,

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07749 393037 Email: bob.davis@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Matthew Saggers Conservative c/o Harlow Council,

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07305 777819 Email: matthew.saggers@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Michael Hardware Conservative

86 Jocelyns, CM17 0BU Tel: 07752 096765 DEPUTY LEADER Email: joel.charles@harlow.gov.uk

Toddbrook

Sumners & Kingsmoor

c/o Harlow Council,

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07729 406011 Email: chris.vince@harlow.gov.uk

215 Brockles Mead, CM19 4QA Tel: 621094 Email: nick.churchill@harlow.gov.uk

LEADER

329 Rundells, CM18 7HN Tel: 414357 Email: anthony.durcan@harlow.gov.uk

c/o

CHAIR

Councillor John Steer Conservative

Councillor Chris Vince Labour

Old Harlow

Netteswell

Councillor Nancy Watson Labour

Councillor Eddie Johnson Conservative Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 312195 Email: eddie.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Joel Charles Conservative

65 Tunnmeade, CM20 3HN Tel: 425934 / 07398 160081 Email: mike.danvers@harlow.gov.uk

23 Greygoose Park, CM19 4JL Tel: 420340 Email: david.carter@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Tony Durcan Labour

4 Rushmead Villas, CM20 2QE Tel: 423474 Email: jean.clark@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Mike Danvers Labour

Councillor David Carter Conservative

c/o Harlow Council,

12a Hart Road, Harlow, CM17 0HL Tel: 07775 925274 Portfolio Holder Email: michael.hardware@harlow.gov.uk

Staple Tye

Harlow Common

330 Carters Mead, CM17 9HA Tel: 452252 Email: maggie.hulcoop@harlow.gov.uk

78 Mallards Rise, CM17 9PL Tel: 865673 Email: andrew.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

71 Mark Hall Moors, CM20 2NF Tel: 429443 Portfolio Holder Email: simon.carter@harlow.gov.uk

c/o

Councillor Maggie Hulcoop Labour

Councillor Andrew Johnson Conservative

Mark Hall

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07378 879710 Email: jodi.dunne@harlow.gov.uk c/o

Church Langley

Bush Fair

Councillor Jodi Dunne Labour

Great Parndon

Councillor Eugenie Harvey Labour c/o

VICE CHAIR

Councillor John Strachan Labour 100 Seymours, CM19 5NH Tel: 323656 / 07941 829965 Email: john.strachan@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Alastair Gunn Conservative 11 Penshurst, CM17 0BP Tel: 07850 261771 Portfolio Holder Email: alastair.gunn@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

Information correct as of 1 November 2021.

Harlow Times | autumn 2021 www.harlow.gov.uk