Harlow Autumn edition 2023
Inside: Bulldozed! Derelict town centre site cleared to rebuild our town
In this edition
Pages 12 and 13 pages 6 and 7
Restoring pride in Harlow
Fixing council housing
Tackling the issues in your street.
Tackling the repairs backlog and transforming homes.
2-3
Improving council services Making a difference to our residents’ lives.
News in brief May voting information, national honours, new smart litter bins, Community Safety awards, special status for Harlow church and council housing given all clear.
of Harlow 1 4 -15 Gems Celebrating local charities.
20-21
What’s on this autumn Things to do and see this autumn in Harlow.
22-23
Bin collections Making the most of your food recycling service.
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Pages 16 and 17
Cost of living support Latest support and advice to help with the cost of living.
Please recycle this magazine when you have finished reading it. Harlow Times is printed on 100% recycled paper, made from waste paper and old delivery boxes. This not only saves money, but is better for the environment.
Cover photograph: Demolition of Occasio House site, Playhouse Square. Image © Brian Thomas Photography. 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 2023. 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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Rebuilding trust and delivering your priorities Dear Resident, As the weather begins to turn and the lead up to Christmas begins, it is a pleasure to introduce the autumn edition of Harlow Times. As I said in the last edition, as the leader of your council, you need to know what my focus will be, so you can hold me directly accountable for what we’re delivering for you. That’s why, in June, I announced five priorities for Harlow Council for the year ahead and we’ve been working around the clock to: fix council housing, restore pride in Harlow, rebuild our town, secure investment into Harlow and improve council services. So, here’s highlights of the progress we’ve made in just four months with so much more to come: On fixing council housing we’ve more than halved the housing repairs backlog, we’ve reduced the standard wait time for a repair from 270 days to 60 days and we’re introducing a new way of inspecting council homes.
When it comes to restoring pride in Harlow we’ve introduced a new landscape maintenance standard meaning that grass is now cut every ten days and it’s strimmed at the same time and we’re dealing with the little things that annoy us all like clearing abandoned signage and rusty posts. We’re rebuilding our town by finally getting on with the regeneration of the town centre with Occasio House now demolished making way for our new Arts and Cultural Quarter. We’re also building new council homes for Harlow families and renewing derelict sites across the town, with ten new council housing developments on site before Christmas. Securing investment into Harlow is our fourth priority and in September we hosted the world-renowned Tour of Britain cycle race and as part of Harlow and Gilston Garden Town we’ve secured millions of investment to upgrade our roads, cycle tracks and infrastructure.
And finally, we’re improving council services by listening and acting on your views. Over the summer we carried out a town-wide residents’ survey as part of a new way of listening to your views. On each of our five priorities, we’re delivering for you to make Harlow a better place to live, work, raise a family and start a business. Please enjoy the autumn period and in the next edition I look forward to updating you again on the work your council is doing.
Councillor Dan Swords Leader of Harlow Council
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News in brief
Are you ready to vote? The Annual Canvass for 2023 is nearly complete and the new electoral register will be published on 1 December 2023. If you have been sent a white A3 canvass form, please respond by 30 November 2023. The quickest way to respond is online www.householdresponse. com/harlow. You will need the security codes that are printed on the letter or email elections@harlow.gov.uk
Community Safety team win CSAS awards The council’s Community Safety team, and Harlow Council as a whole, were recognised at a special Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) event at Essex Police Headquarters in September. The event featured the first ever awards ceremony to acknowledge some of the great work going on by partners across the county.
As part of the Essex Police CSA, there are currently 36 organisations and 414 accredited persons. The council’s Community Safety team were nominated, and were awarded runner up, in the Team of the Year and Accredited Person of the Year categories. The council was also awarded Organisation of the Year, which is a great honour as we are the first organisation to have won this award.
The canvass form is not a registration form so any new eligible individuals will be asked to register by visiting www.gov.uk/registertovote
These categories were judged by an independent panel within the police, so that no one knew who was from which organisation.
Please register by 22 November 2023 so that your name is included on the new electoral register.
Harlow Council has been a partner within the scheme for the past 15 years.
You will need to be on the register to vote in the District Council Elections on Thursday 2 May 2023. Being registered may also help you to get credit such as a mortgage or loan. Paying Council Tax does not automatically add you to the electoral register. For more information visit www.harlow.gov.uk/votingand-elections or www. electoralcommission.org.uk/ i-am-a/voter/ You can contact us on 01279 446042 or email elections@ harlow.gov.uk
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
Nominate someone amazing for a national honour Do you know a person or organisation in Harlow who has made a significant difference in their community or field of work, or who has achieved great things against the odds?
honour, particularly from areas where people have not previously been recognised. For more information visit essex-lieutenancy.org.uk or honours.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If yes, you could nominate them for a national honour. The LordLieutenant of Essex wants to encourage more nominations from all communities in Essex to identify those individuals who would be worthy of receiving an Image: www.https://honours.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ Open Government Licence v3.0
News in brief
New smart bins installed Harlow Council has continued its rollout of new litter bins with the installation of a new type of bin for the town.
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No RAAC found in council-owned buildings Harlow Council has been inspecting its buildings for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) and has so far found no such materials in its properties.
Six solar-powered bins have been installed around the town in areas of heavy footfall, where bins need emptying several times a day. These bins compact the litter, so they don’t need emptying as often, and email the council’s maintenance company, HTS, when they need emptying. Three of the bins are moveable so can be used in other areas.
We know from historic stock condition surveys and through the knowledge of our Housing team that there is no RAAC present in any of the council’s housing.
Harlow now has around 780 public litter bins. All litter bins are dual use meaning dog waste can be put in any litter bin, not just dog waste bins.
Checks in our public buildings have focussed on sites we own which are considered higher risk and to date the investigations haven’t identified the existence of any RAAC.
Iconic church gets very special status The Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Fatima has been upgraded to Grade II* (star) listed status to reflect its historic and architectural significance. The church was originally listed at Grade II in 2000. The decision to upgrade the status was announced in August. Historic England said: “With its modern style, striking spire and glorious glass panels, it has proved an inspiration in contemporary church design and is loved by people who take comfort in its calming, beautiful presence every day.”
Checks in lower risk buildings are continuing but we are confident that there will be no issues. RAAC was used across the UK in schools, colleges, and other building construction from the 1950s until the mid1990s.
Read more and stay updated 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 the council.
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Improve council services
Over 7 in 10 residents satisfied with Harlow as a place to live The results of a major survey on how satisfied residents are with the town and Harlow Council’s work have been published. Over the summer the council employed independent market research specialists Yonder Data Solutions to find out residents’ views as part of its priority to improve council services. The company, which has carried out national polls for the Local Government Association (LGA), interviewed 751 residents by telephone.
The final data is weighted to be representative of Harlow in terms of age and gender. As well as satisfaction questions the survey asked residents about how they would like to receive information and what the council’s priorities should be. These results will form part of the evidence for our decisionmaking to ensure your voice is heard as we improve council services. Read the full report at www.harlow.gov.uk/residentssurvey
What the survey tell us Satisfaction and communication
77% of residents are very or fairly satisfied with their local area as place to live.
58% say they are satisfied with the way Harlow Council runs things.
72% feel they belong to their local area.
Nearly 6 in 10 residents would prefer their information about the council through leaflets and Harlow Times.
61% get their information about the council through leaflets and Harlow Times. Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
60% get information from the council’s website.
Nearly 5 in 10 residents would prefer information from emails and e-newsletters.
Improve council services
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How we compare with other councils 77% of residents are satisfied with their local area, 73% is the national average.
49% of residents feel safe at night, 71% is the national average.
58% of residents are satisfied with the council, 60% is the national average.
84% of residents feel safe during the day, 90% is the national average.
Your priorities 49% view tackling crime and anti-social behaviour as a main priority.
41% view providing a range of housing as a priority.
35% view providing activities and support for younger people as a priority.
33% view the regeneration of the Town Centre as a priority for the council.
£
£
44% agree that the council provides value for money, 42% is the national average.
57% of residents trust the council, 56% is the national average.
“One of our five priorities is to improve council services and that’s why we have asked hundreds of residents for their views in this comprehensive survey. This is the first time for many years that this council has run a residents’ survey of this scale using the expertise of a market research company. I would like to thank residents who gave up their time in their busy lives to take part, their views will make a difference. We will listen to the findings, act on them, and make the improvements that we need to. “The results show just how proud our residents are of their town. We will rebuild trust and work hard to deliver our residents’ priorities. “All the survey findings are being built into a new Corporate Plan for 2024 to 2028 which will set out how we will deliver this town’s priorities and support its needs. We are carrying out further consultation on the new Corporate Plan so every resident and business who wants a say on our priorities and plans can have one.” Councillor James Leppard, cabinet portfolio holder for finance and governance
images: pages designed using images from Flaticon.com
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Fix council housing
We’re fixing council
Residents thrilled with bungalow transformations Eight council-owned bungalows in Halling Hill have received a major facelift to restore them to their former glory.
Following the works, comments from tenants included: “The work was carried out with no hassle to residents and the workforce were very polite and helpful.”
The houses have had external timber cladding replaced with weatherproof, fire-resistant Cedral composite cladding; guttering and downpipes have also been replaced, and the pitched roofs have received an overhaul with repairs carried out where necessary.
“Very pleased with the work that has been carried out. The guys have been exceptional and kept us informed all the way. Our home has been transformed and gone from dilapidated and neglected to beautiful.”
Over £42.8 million will be invested this year into specific capital projects to fix council housing including major upgrades to council flats and council homes and building new homes. Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
Before and after images of some of the works.
“Very impressed with the workmanship, very polite workers – no complaints whatsoever, 5-star workers.”
Fix council housing
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housing Busting the repairs backlog Since 1 June, around 10,000 repairs* have been completed since the council and its maintenance company, HTS, radically changed the way they were addressing housing repairsin early June. This has meant: •
The backlog has been reduced by over 1,355 jobs since 1 June.
•
Over 97% tenant satisfaction on follow up surveys following repairs.
•
The removal of the 9-month standard repair time and the introduction of a 60-day timeframe.
The council and HTS have been supported by several local companies to clear outstanding repairs and have focussed on clearing the oldest jobs first. The turnaround of void properties has also significantly improved with an average reduction from a high of 56 days to 26 days. The overall number of voids within the system has also reduced from a high of 198 down to 131.
Councillor David Carter, cabinet portfolio holder for housing, said: “Our first priority is to fix council housing this year and that means clearing the unacceptable backlog in housing repairs. “We know we have not done a good enough job on carrying out repairs to council homes and that’s why we’ve invested millions more, overhauled the process and reformed the way we work to ensure housing repairs are carried out to a better standard and faster.”
*All figures quoted are correct as of week commencing 25 September 2023.
Specialist independent condition surveys begin to help fix council housing A major inspection programme to improve the standard and condition of homes for council tenants across the town has started as part of the council’s priority to fix council housing. It is the first time in several years that the council has commissioned a specialist stock condition survey of this type.
The updated stock condition survey of the council’s 9,000 plus homes will look at the state of internal and external components, including kitchens, bathrooms, central heating systems, roofs, walls and other external structures.
The new specialist survey data will help us prioritise our housing investment programmes, energy efficiency initiatives, disabled adaptations work and overall improve the condition of our tenants’ homes.
The survey has started with the inspection of every single council home in the Potter Street area. The data gathered from this will inform how the inspection programme is carried to other council homes across the town.
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Rebuild our town
We’re rebuilding our Occasio House demolition nearing completion
The clearance of the Occasio House site, which is part of Harlow Council’s major rebuild of the town centre and the priority to rebuild our town, is almost complete. Contractors DSL have demolished the site’s two blocks. Once the site is completely cleared, the council will move forward on the delivery of a £20m Arts and Cultural Quarter scheme. This scheme will include: • A new live performance venue • Upgrades to the Playhouse • New pedestrian focused and engaging public square for events, outdoor performances, cinema, and outdoor dining • Contemporary bar and café • Artist and maker studio spaces • High-quality residential apartments Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
• Flexible studios for creative and performing arts, rehearsal space, events, smaller and outdoor performances, and community uses • Associated spaces for literary arts, spoken word, education events and visiting exhibitions and installations • Green pocket park with natural play installations • Accessibility provisions including disabled parking and accessibly designed spaces • Upgraded and secure underpass beneath Haydens Road The site has been disused for over seven years and, with unsafe Grenfell-style cladding installed on the buildings, it was not economically viable to bring it back into use. We’ll be keeping you updated on developments at this site, as well as on the rest of the town centre’s regeneration as plans progress.
Rebuild our town
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town Three more housing schemes get approved Plans have been approved to build 21 council houses and 24 apartments as part of three more council housebuilding schemes.
Plans have been unveiled for 6 apartments, one 3-bed house with wheelchair access and 2 new commercial units as part of the redevelopment of Elm Hatch.
In September, plans were approved to build 24 apartments in Staple Tye on the former Lister House site.
The council will be on site for all 10 of its phase 1 housebuilding schemes before Christmas.
The building will include solar panels and be powered by air source heat pumps to provide energy efficient homes and to keep bills down. In August, plans were given the green light for 5 council houses in Pytt Field in Potter Street.
Sherards House
Pytt Field
Work starts on site for two schemes Work has started on two sites as council housebuilding projects pick up pace as part of the council’s priority to rebuild our town.
Six new council bungalows aimed at residents over 55 are being built at The Yorkes in Tye Green. All homes will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) and are being built off site and then delivered to complete the construction.
In July, approval was given for 6 two-bedroom, 5 three-bedroom and 3 four-plus-bedroom homes on the derelict Sherards House site in Three Horseshoes Road. The schemes at Pytt Field and Sherards House will include solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.
The Yorkes
A scheme on a disused garage site in Arkwrights is seeing six 3-bed council homes being built.
Two 2-bed homes and three 3-bed homes will be built on the site where there is currently a derelict scout hut. Two of the homes will be fitted with floor lifts to enable wheelchair access.
Arkwrights
Elm Hatch
All homes will have solar panels and access to electric vehicle charging points.
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Secure investment into Harlow
We’re securing inves History made as Tour of Britain comes to town The Tour of Britain became the biggest sporting event to ever take place in Harlow when stage six of the UK’s leading cycle race finished in the town on Friday 8 September. The race, which attracts the world’s top riders, finished along Third Avenue having set off from Southend-OnSea earlier in the day. On the day of the race local schools got the opportunity to ride on the finishing straight. The crowds built throughout the afternoon in anticipation for the finish and it did not disappoint! In a tense and exciting finish, Dutch rider Danny van Poppel pipped British rider Ethan Vernon by a tyre-width to win the stage. Hosting such a prestigious event is something Harlow can be proud of and supports the council’s priority to secure investment into Harlow. The race was broadcast worldwide in over 150 countries helping to promote Harlow as a place to visit and invest in.
“Great event and so pleased to have positive focus on Harlow. We need more of it!” “Loved watching the cyclists go through Katherine’s Way and great to see so many people watch it.” “So enjoyed being a ‘Race Maker’ today! It was lovely seeing the children cycling across the finish line.” “Excellent event for Harlow!” Comments from Harlow Council’s Facebook page
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
Secure investment into Harlow
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stment into Harlow
Well done Olivia! Olivia, 9, from Harlow was chosen as the winner of Harlow Museum and Walled Garden’s bike art competition, which was held in the build up to the Tour of Britain. Entrants had to design a bike to be in with a chance of winning the cost of a new bike. Olivia produced a fantastic, colourful rainbow bike design which featured a speed boost, a litter picker, popcorn fire, a light, wings and a solar panel. Her drawing also featured sculptures from Harlow and animals from Pets’ Corner. Olivia said: “I felt so happy, excited and surprised because I didn’t think I would be the one to receive a bike prize, I can’t believe I was chosen!” Olivia was presented with her prize by Councillor Stacy Seales, cabinet portfolio holder for community.
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Restore pride in Harlow
We’re restoring pride in Harlow New landscape maintenance standards rolled out
Following successful pilots introduced earlier in the season, Harlow Council has been rolling out new standards of landscape maintenance across the whole of Harlow. Over one-third of Harlow is made up of beautiful green space and the council and HTS are working to restore pride in the town by improving how landscaped areas in the town are maintained. The workforce now covers defined neighbourhoods in teams of three meaning that: • Grass is cut and strimmed at the same time so that grass is not overgrown around obstacles. • HTS will aim to cut the grass every 10 working days as opposed to every 17 working days to ensure it is kept shorter and tidier. • Each team of three has responsibility for defined areas to ensure pride is taken in work. • A leading hand in each team inspecting the work when completed to ensure it is of the highest standard. • Improved maintenance of hedges and bushes.
Clearing up old signage A programme of work has been launched to clean up rusted and broken signs, sandbags, traffic cones and signage frames from previous roadworks which have been left lying around on our highways. Work began in August around the A414, with a truck being used quickly filling up with old signs, along with other rubbish. Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
Joining the clear up launch was the Leader of the Council, Councillor Dan Swords, and the cabinet portfolio holder for sustainability and environment, Councillor Nicky Purse. This is a big project but will make a huge difference to the appearance of our roads.
Restore pride in Harlow
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Praise for council’s work to restore historic features
Before
The restored signpost points to Bishop’s Stortford, Cambridge, Chelmsford and Hatfield Heath. It was installed as part of Harlow’s original road system before the new town was built.
An historic directional signpost, plaque and ornate fencing which have stood for more than 100 years in Mulberry Green have been restored back to their former glory.
A plaque and ornate fencing around an Oak tree dated 26 June 1902 that mark the coronation of King Edward VII have also been carefully restored, as has a bench dating back to 1935, the Silver Jubilee of King George V.
Bush Fair cleaned up and repainted Works have recently been completed to spruce up Bush Fair shopping centre. The works have been funded by the council’s Estate Renewal Fund, which goes towards projects aimed at restoring pride in the town’s estates and neighbourhoods. Within the shopping centre, the railings and steps have been repainted and the tiled walls have been cleaned. New benches, bins and bollards have been installed and the plant beds will also be replanted in the autumn. The underpass, which goes under Southern Way, has been given much needed attention with a repaint, the potholes filled and new lighting.
After
Local resident Jackie Nash said: “I am delighted with the restoration work carried out on the signpost and the commemorative plaques and would like to thank the council for helping to preserve the history of Mulberry Green. “I have been watching the craftsman at work and the whole project has been carried out to a very high standard.”
“Harlow is blessed with so many beautiful green spaces in every street, but we know the maintenance of those spaces has not always been good enough. That’s why we introduced pilots of certain neighbourhoods earlier in the season to test new ways of working and standards. I am delighted that those pilots have been so successful and that we have rolled out these standards to every neighbourhood in Harlow. These new working practices will continue when the new grass cutting season starts next year.” Councillor Nicky Purse, cabinet portfolio holder for sustainability and environment
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Gems of Harlow
Gems of Harlow Celebrating local charities The achievements of local charities and the difference their work makes to the lives of local people were celebrated at a recent reception held at the Harlow Civic Centre. Over 40 local charities were able to attend a special reception held for them in August. The ‘Gems of Harlow’ event was hosted by the Chair of the Council and the Leader of the Council. The Chair is promoting the Gems of Harlow, whether they are people, organisations or places, as part of his year of office for 2023 to 2024. Further ‘Gems of Harlow’ events are planned to recognise many more local organisations who make a difference to people’s lives in the town.
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
Gems of Harlow
Butterfly Effect Wellbeing CanalAbility Changing Lives Community Embrace ECCO Essex Bat Group Ghana Union Gibberd Gallery Gibberd Garden Harlow Citizens Advice Bureau Harlow Foodbank Harlow Health Centres Trust Harlow Hospital Radio Harlow Playhouse Trust Harlow Rock School Harlow Stroke Association Harlow Ethic Minority Association Integration Support Services Livewire Mind in West Essex PACT for Autism PATAAC
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Plant Pots & Wellies Rainbow Services Razed Roof Royal British Legion Safer Places St Clare’s Hospice St Johns ARC Streets2Homes Tess’s Memory Café The David Livingstone Club Victoria Hall theatre Young Concern Trust Unable to attend reception: Age Concern Barnados Heart4Harlow Herts and Essex Community Farm Homestart Roots to Wellbeing RSPCA Salvation Army
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Improve council services
Improving our residents’ lives
Praise for our amazing Leah Manning team Harlow Council has received some wonderful praise about the tremendous service the Leah Manning Centre provides to people’s loved ones in our town. Julie, the daughter of Doris, a 93 year-old customer of the centre, wrote to thank the Leah Manning Centre team for the difference they make. Julie said: “My mum adores the club. Everyone who knows my mum knows about her club and all the goings on from the pick-up journey, to all the events. I hear in great detail about the quizzes, the bingo, the lunches. She often comes home with prizes and tells EVERYONE.
“She thoroughly enjoys the journey around Harlow as they are collecting everybody. She always remarks - she feels as if she has been on a mini travel holiday. “The Leah Manning Centre is fabulous for our elderly whose biggest problem seems to be their loneliness. The centre removes the loneliness even before they are picked up - i.e., my mum is excited the day before because she knows she is going to her club the next day. “Personally, I don’t think you can put a price on these feelings. “The club is like a magical, treasure, outing for our elderly. It allows them a break in their everyday lives. “The above is written as I experience all the above with my mum. Plus, I have met several of the attendees, who were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
“Of course, - whilst writing I need to mention the staff who are also outstandingly magnificent. Thank you to all those involved with the Leah Manning Centre. “It is a joy, a blessing to know how happy this centre makes my mum and others. Also, let’s not forget other family members as it allows them a break. Harlow Council are providing a tremendous service for our loved ones. THANK YOU.”
Improve council services
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s
Pie and mash at the Leah Manning Centre In September Rainbow Services held a pie and mash event at the Leah Manning Centre for the older people of Harlow. Guests enjoyed a pie and mash lunch followed by an afternoon of entertainment, raffle prizes, hot drinks and cake served up by staff and volunteers. You can find more information on the Leah Manning Centre at www.harlow.gov.uk/leah-manning-centre and Rainbow Services at www.rainbowservices.org.uk/
Walk the Grand Green Tour of Harlow Harlow Council has partnered with Go Jauntly, the walking and wayfinding app, to develop The Grand Green Tour of Harlow walking route and a series of mini green walks. The Grand Green Tour of Harlow is an 8-mile route starting and finishing at the Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens.
The route uses pictures and descriptions to provide directions and encourages participants to explore Harlow and learn about the town’s history along the way. Download Go Jauntly for free from the App Store and the Play Store. For more information, visit: https://www.gojauntly.com
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Improve council services
September 2023: when the Knife Angel came to Harlow The Knife Angel, a symbol of hope, awareness, and change came to Harlow during the month of September. As the town bid farewell to this powerful sculpture crafted from surrendered knives, a touching and meaningful closing ceremony took place on Saturday 30 September. The 27-foot sculpture, by artist Alfie Bradley, was installed in Harlow on 30 August as part of the national campaign against knife crime and serves as a poignant reminder of the lives affected by it. The closing ceremony was a fitting tribute to this incredible work of art and the important message it carries. The event featured speeches, performances and poetry with people coming together to address the issue of knife crime and promote healing and unity within our community.
Mel Hopwood, speaking at the closing ceremony.
Councillor Stacy Seales, cabinet portfolio holder for community, said: “The closing ceremony of the Knife Angel was a chance for the community to come together and reflect on the most extraordinary month of events for the Knife Angel. “We must now deliver the lasting legacy this month has demanded, rooting out crime and violence from our town. “I want to sincerely thank Mel Hopwood, her family and friends, the council teams, agencies and organisations involved in bringing the Knife Angel, and its important message, to our town and we will deliver the legacy this demands.” Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
Improve council services
Green Flag Awards: Celebrating Harlow’s green spaces
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Harlow Museum Walled Gardens
Parndon Wood Nature Reserve, Harlow Town Park and Harlow Museum Walled Gardens have all once again received Green Flag Awards, placing them among the best green spaces in the world.
Councillor Nicky Purse, cabinet portfolio holder for sustainability and environment, said:
high standards of care which goes into maintaining these green and open spaces.
“This is another amazing victory and proud moment for the hardworking and dedicated volunteers and paid staff who help maintain our beautiful green spaces so we can all enjoy them.
“One of our priorities is to improve council services. By meeting the Green Flag standards every year ensures that we are always improving these facilities and what they have to offer.
It is Parndon Wood’s 15th consecutive award, the Town Park’s eighth in a row and the Museum Garden’s fourth.
“It is a real triumph to continue achieving Green Flag Awards and reflects the
“Thank you and well done to everyone involved in this fantastic achievement.”
Over 2,200 UK parks and green spaces have received the prestigious Green Flag Award this year from environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. The awards recognise and reward well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world. The Town Park and Harlow Museum Walled Gardens are maintained by council staff, HTS and volunteers. Parndon Wood Nature Reserve is maintained by council staff, volunteers and ECCO.
Harlow Town Park
Parndon Wood Nature Reserve
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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What’s on in Harlow
What’s on this autumn It’s Playhouse panto season! Beauty and the Beast
1 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
Gibberd Gallery Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, CM20 1WG 11am to 4pm Monday to Saturday (Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays) We Return To Our Strange Life of Stone Until 24 November 2023
FREE
Be the Playhouse’s guest this Christmas for the most enchanting pantomime of them all; ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ This tale as old as time will have everything you have come to expect from a Harlow Playhouse Pantomime, including a live band, a West End cast, spectacular production values and some hilarious and hairy surprises! When the Prince is cursed to live as a Beast in a magical castle, his only hope is to find love before the last petal falls! Will the beautiful Belle be the chance he has been waiting for? Will Silly Billy (Ben Parsley) be able to help save the day from the wicked Queen of the Wolves and will Madame Cherry Bon Bon (Jimmy Burton Iles) finally find her new man?!
The Great Christmas Cake Off 2023 9 to 24 December 2023
Following last year’s Snow Patrol, Harlow Playhouse are proud to present another festive adventure. The Great Christmas Cake Off is a fun-filled, sing-along, interactive show for 2 to 6 year olds, their families, pre-schools and nurseries. It’s nearly Christmas. Jack and Lily are getting everything ready for the big day - putting up the decorations, wrapping the presents, and making a cake for Father Christmas. If only they knew what type of cake to make, and they actually knew how to bake - things are going to get messy! After the performance, children will get the chance to meet Santa and receive a special Christmas gift.
Book your tickets for Beauty and the Beast and The Great Christmas Cake Off 2023 at www.playhouseharlow.com
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
Irena is Harlow Art Trust’s 7th Sculpture Town Artist In Residence (STAIR). Her exhibition features stone carvings made by children at 3 Harlow schools and by members of the community who took part in Irena’s workshops on the Bandstand in Harlow Town Park over the summer. The exhibition also details the creation of her giant stone sculpture ‘Minerva’. The sculpture will be unveiled in November. For more information please email gallery@Harlowarttrust.org.uk or call 01279 446404
What’s on in Harlow Each elf represents an important figure in Harlow History. Pick up a trail and see if you can find them all! The free activity is suitable for all ages.
Harlow Playhouse Playhouse Square www.playhouseharlow.com 01279 431945 Family Quiz Night Saturday 18 November
FREE
Join the Harlow Playhouse for a Family Quiz Night! Gather your friends and family and get to the Playhouse bar to compete. This event is free, you can book tickets to secure your place via the website. Doors at 6pm, quiz to start at 7.30pm. Christmas Sing-a-long Bingo FREE Friday 22 December Join the Harlow Playhouse for an evening of Christmas SING-A-LONGA-BINGO. There’ll be singing, dancing, cocktails, Christmas cheer and of course PRIZES to be won, just match the songs on your bingo card with those sung by your host to win. This event is free, you can book tickets to secure your place via the website. Taking place from 7pm to 10pm, bar open till 11pm.
For more information contact annalise.taylor@harlow.gov.uk.
Parndon Mill Gallery Parndon Mill, CM20 2HP www.parndonmill.co.uk info@parndonmill.co.uk Present arts Thursday 9 November to Saturday 23 December Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm Sundays 2pm to 4pm Five artists and craftsmen from here and further afield, offer their unique and affordable works for sale in this exhibition designed for giving to others or ones self!
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Stay updated on events taking place You can find details on other events taking place in your town on the council’s website www.harlow.gov.uk and the Discover Harlow website – www.discoverharlow.co.uk If you organise your own events, you can get them listed on these websites by submitting the details at www.harlow.gov.uk/events
Leah Manning Centre Park Lane, Harlow CM20 2QJ Christmas Fair Saturday 9 December 2023 1pm to 4pm
Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens Muskham Road, Harlow www.harlowmuseum.com 01279 446222 Open 9.30am to 3.30pm (last entry 3pm) every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Kids Takeover the Museum Saturday 18 November 10am to 12noon Free, drop-in activity.
FREE
Come and visit the museum and let your imagination run wild. Discover objects around the museum and create a label to display in the museum which tells a new story about an object in our collection. Visit: www.harlowmuseum.com or call: 01279 446 222 Elf on the Shelf at Harlow Museum FREE Throughout December Mischievous elves are hiding around Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens.
Christmas MARKET at Pets’ Corner
Saturday 25 November 2023 Pets’ Corner 12noon to 4pm arts & crafts stalls, HarlowChristmas Town Park festive gifts and tasty treats www.harlow.gov.uk/pets-corner 01279 422790 FREE ENTRY Open 7 days a week from 11am to 4.30pm Meet Santa and his elves (This is a pre-booked activity. There will be a small fee) If you would like to hold a stall at this event
Join us for Father Christmas, a Christmas Choir, raffle, tombola and stalls selling cakes, honey, crafts plus many more. Entry: £1 (adults only), includes a cup of tea or coffee.
The Gibberd Garden Marsh Lane, CM17 0NA www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk enquiries@thegibberdgarden.co.uk 01279 442112
please contact stacey.clarke@harlow.gov.uk Christmas Market Saturday 25 November 12pm to 4pm
Carols in the Garden Saturday 2 December 11.30am to 3.30pm
The Christmas market will include a variety of arts, crafts, food and gifts, plus the chance to meet Santa and his elves. Meeting Santa will need to be prebooked, bookings can be made at the onsite shop throughout November.
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer, garden-style! Save the date for our most enchanting event of the season: “Carols in the Garden” at The Gibberd Garden! Book at www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk
Event and activity information is correct at time of going to press. Please always check first with the event organiser by calling their contact number or by visiting the relevant website.
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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Waste and recycling
Make the most out of your food recycling service Love Essex has launched a new campaign as part of a food recycling project to reduce the amount of food ending up in landfill.
Don’t cause a Binincident Our waste crews have dealt with some serious incidents where vapes and batteries have caught fire on the lorry. This means the load must be immediately dumped, often onto the road, so the fire can be put out safely.
Disposing of vapes safely Vape devices contain powerful batteries that can cause serious fires if they’re put in the rubbish bin or mixed with other recycling. Shops selling vapes may offer a take back scheme allowing you to return them to the store for recycling and some supermarkets may also have a collection point – please check with the stores before travelling. Alternatively, the Recycling Centre on River Way can accept them if you are making a visit. Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
Batteries can also be collected for free We offer a free fortnightly collection for batteries. Household batteries should be placed in a plastic bag or small cardboard box which is clearly labelled. This should be placed out for collection alongside your bin or purple bags on your non-recycling collection day only.
Waste and recycling
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If your household has a wheeled general rubbish bin, you will receive a one-off supply of compostable food caddy liners and leaflets through your door, along with a new sticker on your bin. If your bin sticker was posted through your door, please stick it on your wheeled general rubbish bin. It’s simply a reminder for you and your neighbours to make the most out of your food recycling service. Line your food caddy with a compostable liner and fill with food scraps and leftovers. Once your caddy is full, empty into your outdoor food caddy ready for it to be collected by your food collection service. Find out more by checking out the Love Essex website www.loveessex.org/food-recycling
Access all areas Our crews are finding it increasingly difficult to access some areas on collection days due to the way some vehicles are being parked. It is also worth considering that emergency vehicles may experience similar access difficulties should there be an emergency they need to attend. We appreciate parking can be problematic in some areas, but please try to avoid parking on the corners of junctions or in front of bin stores where possible on collection days, as this will ensure our lorries can get through to collect your waste on time.
For more information, please visit our website at www.harlow.gov.uk If you have any further questions or need advice on waste and recyclable items, please contact us on 01279 446655.
You can find your scheduled collection days listed on our website. Scan the QR code:
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Dedicated teams shortlisted for quality improvement award Dedicated teams at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) have been shortlisted for six Academy of Fabulous Stuff Awards in recognition of their commitment to enhancing care and experiences for their patients and people. The Academy of Fabulous Stuff, set up by Roy Lilley in 2015, is a social movement for sharing health and social care ideas, services and solutions. The following teams have been shortlisted for the Awards, which will be held on Monday 4 December: 4Candles Award – listening and responding to feedback A multidisciplinary team at PAHT, consisting of a nutrition lead nurse, consultant gastroenterologist, patient experience lead, quality improvement lead, a patient and carer, have been nominated for their project which aims to understand and identify what matters most to patients when looking after their nutritional needs whilst staying in hospital. 5127 Award – delivering complex quality improvement projects A team who are responsible for the care of frail patients have been nominated under the 5127 Award for their project which aims to improve the outcomes
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
for older people with a cancer diagnosis and offer them more intensive cancer treatment. The emergency department care team were also shortlisted under this Award for the introduction of Nervecentre within the department which supports improving patient safety, experiences and outcomes, as well as reducing the duplication of workload. Rosa Parks Award – inspiring and innovative projects The compassionate care (Namaste) volunteers have been shortlisted for their invaluable service which includes sitting alongside patients to encourage conversation, to be with them to provide company, to read them a newspaper or a story, or play music from a device.
Fab Quality Improvement Team Award The quality improvement team have been shortlisted for the Team Award in recognition of their continued effort to empower, encourage and support colleagues to make positive change. Fab Quality Improvement Individual Award Annie Joseph, critical care lead nurse educator, and Sara Silver, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) sister, have been shortlisted for the Individual Award in recognition of the orientation/resource pack they have developed to support temporary staff and agency nurses working within the Intensive Care Unit and High Dependency Unit.
Harlow & Gilston Garden Town
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Upgrading the town’s infrastructure
Two new walking and cycling routes for Harlow & Gilston Garden Town feature in Essex County Council’s £5m Active Travel Fund award from Government. Part of HGGT’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), the funding will finance the construction of a dedicated route for cyclists, pedestrians, and other non-car users from Elizabeth Way to Fifth Avenue. The money will also be used to design a walking and cycling path connecting Post Office Road to Sheering Road. With Essex County Council one of the Garden Town’s five council partners, HGGT Director, Naisha Polaine, said: “It’s more great news for the local area and people can see how passionate we are that the Garden Town brings benefits for Harlow that improve travel options locally. “We showcased some proposed routes online in 2021 and people were really engaged, they want good infrastructure, and they want to use it regularly.
“Our aim has always been to update Sir Frederick Gibberd’s New Town legacy and these routes will not only go towards improving Harlow’s existing cycling and walking network but ensure they can be used by this generation and those that follow in the decades to come.” The news follows the recent announcements of Harlow’s Bus Station being redeveloped as a Travel Hub and Interchange and a new public travel route between Burnt Mill Roundabout and the town centre, that will eventually be extended to the seven Garden Town villages in Gilston.
Councillor Michael Hardware, Harlow Council’s portfolio holder for economic development, commented: “The last 12 months have been huge for Harlow with Government recognising the good things that are planned for the local area with millions in investment. “From the Arts and Cultural Quarter to new travel routes that promote healthy living, we are building foundations for a great quality of life in Harlow.”
Latton Priory Design Code Residents across Harlow are being asked to take part in a consultation that will contribute towards the design of a new Garden Town community.
Harlow & Gilston Garden Town with extensive green and blue infrastructure, a new Primary and Secondary school plus pre school facilities.
Latton Priory will include around 1050 new homes as part of
Head over to engage.hggt.co.uk to get involved! Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
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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
Welcome from District Commander, Paul Austin Your community policing team will be bringing you the latest news, letting you know about upcoming events where you can speak to us and providing crime prevention advice too. “I am Chief Inspector Paul Austin, and I am the District Commander for Harlow. “Harlow is a really diverse place to live and work and there’s a great sense of community wherever you go in Harlow, people are really proud to be part of this town. “The town’s future is looking bright and there’s lot of regeneration on the way to make this town thrive even more. “Crime across Harlow is down 6.5% on last year which means 800 less offences and victims of crime. However, we have more work to do. My officers will continue to fight crime and deal with issues raised by the community.
“Over the coming months my officers will be focussing on, • Continuing to reduce violence • Reducing and solving more acquisitive crime such as burglary, robbery and vehicle crime • Reducing anti-social behaviour • Increasing our visibility in our communities “Harlow is a great place to live and work, and we’re working even harder to make it safer. “Stay safe - Paul.”
Fraud Advice With winter on the way you might have trees that need cutting back or a broken fence panel that need replacing.
Rogue traders sometimes increase the price after the work has been carried out or halfway through a job.
Please be aware of anyone knocking on your door offering these types of services.
They have been reported to even offer to escort you to a bank to get the extra cash, never feel pressured into deciding on the spot.
Always get a written quote with the company details on and agree the terms of when you will pay for the work. Ideally once it has been finished.
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
If a company, is legitimate they will give you the time to do some research and be happy to provide quotes in writing.
Your Harlow Councillors
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Harlow Council comprises of 33 elected councillors, responsible for agreeing policies about provision of services and how the council’s money is spent. Councillor Eddie Johnson Conservative
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Councillor Kay Morrison Labour
199A Hookfield, CM18 6QP Tel: 07736 333105 Email: kay.morrison@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Jodi Dunne Labour
Tel: 429443 Email: simon.carter@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Nicky Purse Conservative c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07838 238573 Portfolio Holder Email: nicky.purse@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Andrew Johnson Conservative
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07454 686809 Portfolio Holder Email: james.leppard@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Stacy Seales Conservative c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07541 141166 Portfolio Holder Email: stacy.seales@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Mark Wilkinson Labour 56 Sakins Croft, CM18 7BP Tel: 07718 696429 Email: mark.wilkinson@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Lanie Shears Labour c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07906 870935 Email: lanie.shears@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Aiden O’Dell Labour
330 Carters Mead, CM17 9HA Tel: 452252 Email: maggie.hulcoop@harlow.gov.uk
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07506 699240 Email: aiden.odell@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Colleen Morrison Conservative
Councillor Michael Garnett Conservative
Councillor Alastair Gunn Conservative
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Councillor James Griggs Labour 129 Broadfield, CM20 3PY Tel: 07877 424834 Email: james.griggs@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Nancy Watson Labour
Councillor Joel Charles Conservative c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07752 096765 Email: joel.charles@harlow.gov.uk
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07908 518862 Email: nancy.watson@harlow.gov.uk
Vice Chair
Councillor Russell Perrin Conservative
Tel: 621094 Email: nick.churchill@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Clive Souter Conservative
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07850 667900 Email: clive.souter@harlow.gov.uk
Tel: 07775 925274
Portfolio Holder Email: michael.hardware@harlow.gov.uk
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 422339 Email: sue.livings@harlow.gov.uk
Tel: 07761 780856 Email: ash.malik@harlow.gov.uk
Toddbrook
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Councillor John Steer Conservative
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Email: russell.perrin@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Michael Hardware Conservative
Councillor Sue Livings Conservative
Councillor Ash Malik Conservative
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Councillor Nick Churchill Conservative
Tel: 07850 261771 Email: alastair.gunn@harlow.gov.uk
Tel: 437401 Email: michael.garnett@harlow.gov.uk
Old Harlow
Netteswell
Tel: 07305 777819 Email: matthew.saggers@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Maggie Hulcoop Labour
Tel: 07445 390675 (Text only) Email: colleen.morrison@harlow.gov.uk
Sumners & Kingsmoor
Councillor David Carter Conservative
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07729 406011 Email: chris.vince@harlow.gov.uk
329 Rundells, CM18 7HN Tel: 414357 Email: anthony.durcan@harlow.gov.uk
Tel: 07840 852349 Email: stephen.lemay@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Matthew Saggers Conservative
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Councillor Tony Durcan Labour
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Portfolio Holder Email: david.carter@harlow.gov.uk
Staple Tye
Harlow Common
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Councillor Stephen LeMay Conservative
Tel: 420340
Tel: 865673 Email: andrew.johnson@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Chris Vince Labour
Little Parndon & Hare Street
Councillor James Leppard Conservative
Chair
Tel: 312195 Email: eddie.johnson@harlow.gov.uk
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07378 879710 Email: jodi.dunne@harlow.gov.uk
Mark Hall
Tel: 07568 193081 Email: dan.swords@harlow.gov.uk
Great Parndon
Councillor Simon Carter Conservative
Church Langley
Bush Fair
LEADER
Councillor Dan Swords Conservative
Councillor Tony Edwards Labour c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07544 374168 Email: tony.edwards@harlow.gov.uk
Councillor Daniella Pritchard Labour c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG
Tel: 07710 529374 Email: daniella.pritchard@harlow.gov.uk
Cabinet Members Councillor Dan Swords - Leader of Harlow Council Councillor David Carter - Deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for housing Councillor Nicky Purse - Cabinet portfolio holder for sustainability and environment Councillor James Leppard - Cabinet portfolio holder for finance and governance Councillor Stacy Seales - Cabinet portfolio holder for community Councillor Michael Hardware - Cabinet portfolio holder for economic development
Tel: 422339 / 07593 793444 Email: john.steer@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 cllr.mike.garnett@essex.gov.uk Harlow West Councillor Michael Hardware cllr.michael.hardware@essex.gov.uk Harlow West Councillor Clive Souter cllr.clive.souter@essex.gov.uk Harlow South East Councillor Eddie Johnson cllr.eddie.johnson@essex.gov.uk
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
The inclusion of free or paid for advertisements does not imply endorsement by Harlow Council of any product or service promoted. Paid adverts
FLU VACCINATIONS Protect your family from serious illness this autumn It’s a quick and easy nasal spray - no needles! If your child is aged 2 or 3, or you are pregnant, ask your GP practice for a vaccination.
Scan with your phone for more information
For children in reception to year 11, our vaccination team will visit their school. Please complete the consent form when you receive it.
Fostering
Help teach a child in care they are special every day
Did you know there are a range of fostering options available? You can give a child a brighter future, filled with love, guidance and the confidence to achieve their dreams. Training is local, support is 24/7 and your family could receive on average £526.34 per child, per week. From as little as a weekend a month you can make a whole world of difference. Join our fostering community. www.essex.gov.uk/foster 0800 801 530
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk
Cost of living support
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Help with your council bills Please contact us straight away if you are having genuine difficulty in paying either your Council Tax or housing rent.
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Protect your home from flooding Essex County Council can fund individual property flood protection for Essex residents. The Property Flood Resilience (PFR) grant is available for residents whose home has suffered from internal flooding caused by surface water previously, or who live within a high-risk flood area. You could receive up to £8,000 for measures to improve your property’s resilience during and after a flood event. Your home will be surveyed and the correct measures identified and installed by flood risk protection experts. For more information, visit: https://flood.essex.gov.uk/get-a-grantto-protect-your-home-from-flooding/ or contact floods@essex. gov.uk. You can check your property’s flood risk area at: https://check-long-term-flood-risk.service.gov.uk/map
The way we communicate is changing Our old telephone lines are being replaced with a digital network. This means a more reliable, future proof service that will support the UK and its residents for years to come. It will affect anything that sends a signal through the old line from personal alarm buttons to oldstyle home telephones. Anyone with these services should check if the Digital Switchover will affect them, so their service isn’t disrupted.
We will consider your circumstances and work with you to agree realistic repayments. If you are having difficulties visit www.harlow. gov.uk.help-cost-living or call 01279 446655.
Help with your Council Tax You can apply for Council Tax Support to help you pay your Council Tax if you’re on a low income or claiming benefits. You may also be able to claim Housing Benefit if you’re claiming this support. Visit www.harlow.gov.uk/ council-tax or contact us at www.harlow.gov.uk/form/ contacting-us
Help with your rent You may be able to receive extra short-term help with your rent by applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). You can claim a DHP if you already receive the housing element of Universal Credit, or receive Housing Benefit, but need help to meet your rent. Visit www.harlow.gov.uk/ benefits for an application form or call us on 01279 446655.
Find out what you, your family and neighbours need to do to be ready, visit: www.gov.uk/ guidance/uk-transition-fromanalogue-to-digital-landlines
If you are a supported housing tenant and are experiencing problems paying your rent, please speak to your Housing Support and Telecare Officer.
Harlow Times | autumn 2023 www.harlow.gov.uk