Harlow Times Summer 2022 by Harlow Council

Harlow Summer edition 2022

Harlow celebrates as history is made

In this edition

pages 6-7 pages 4-5

Town Centre regeneration

Housebuilding boom!

New improved bid for Playhouse Square and College Square submitted.

Plans to build many more new council homes unveiled.

2-3

News in brief Honouring Ukraine, energy rebate latest, making Harlow greener and new chair of the council elected.

8-9

Improving existing council homes The latest on our council housing investment programme.

16-17

What’s on Things to do and see this summer in your town.

14-15

Honouring local people Volunteers’ Week awards and the Civic Awards.

22-23

Cost of living Help and support which is available to you.

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.

pages 10 ,11 ,12 and 13 History made! Harlow celebrates The Queen’s Jubilee and the Women’s Tour comes to town.

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 2022. 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 what matters to you Councillor Russell Perrin Leader of Harlow Council

Dear resident, Following local elections held in May, it was an honour to be re-elected as the Leader of Harlow Council. We’re continuing to work hard on what matters to you. We’re working hard to restore pride in your town. I know that we still have a way to go to improve the look of the town, but restoring pride is our first aim, and then we need to ensure we maintain that pride by keeping the town clean and tidy. We’re currently carrying out an inspection of the environment and how it is maintained to help with this work. We’re working hard to regenerate and renew your town centre. That’s why this year you’ll start to see construction work begin as our plans to regenerate the town centre step up. A new £20m bid has also been submitted to government for a Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter. We’re working hard to build new council homes for you. That’s why following the completion of developments at Bushey Croft and The Hill, there’s more new council homes to come. We’re moving plans forward to build hundreds of new homes for Harlow families. We’re working hard to support you with the cost of living. That’s why in April we gave you a £50 reduction on your Council Tax bill. We’ll continue to keep your Council Tax bill low with a further freeze in our share planned in April 2023. We’ve also quickly passed on the government’s £150 energy rebate to eligible households. Whatever we do we must ensure that we provide the basic services well. That’s things like collecting your bins, cleaning the streets, cutting the grass, and repairing homes. We remain focussed on improving our services for everyone. I hope you enjoy your latest edition of Harlow Times , which keeps you updated on what we’re doing for you.

News in brief

Council pays out over £4m in energy rebates We have so far paid out over £4m in £150 energy rebate payments to households in the town. At the start of July, over 27,200 eligible households have been paid the rebate. The government energy rebate is a one-off payment of £150 to most households in Council Tax bands A to D, excluding empty or second homes. The energy rebate is in addition to Harlow Council’s £50 reduction on this year’s Council Tax bills.

Annual elections canvass

Honouring the leader of Ukraine

Every year we carry out the annual canvass to check that the information on the electoral register is up to date. For the canvass, we compare the names and addresses that we have on the register with the same information held by us and the Department for Work and Pensions. If your details match, you will receive a letter. If your details do not match you’ll receive a canvass form. If you are asked to respond, please do so online if possible. For more information visit www.harlow.gov.uk/annualcanvass

Image licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International. www.president.gov.ua

We are proposing to rename a main road in the town after the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In May the council agreed to propose renaming Fifth/Allende Avenue to Fifth/Zelenskyy Avenue. The proposed change is about recognising the inspirational leadership of the Ukrainian leader and showing the town’s support for Ukraine and Ukrainians who are living in our town. Renaming a road is one of many ways the town is showing its support. Consultation is being carried out and a further report on the proposal will be considered by the council.

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

News in brief

Read more and stay updated

Visit our latest news section at www.harlow.gov.uk/news to read more about these featured stories and other news from the council.

Solar panels will generate greener energy Solar PV panels have been installed on council buildings in a bid to reduce the town’s carbon emissions.

New chair of the council elected

The council is working hard to reduce its carbon emissions and has set a target to hit Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Councillor Andrew Johnson has been elected the Chair of Harlow Council for 2022 to 2023.

Panels have been installed at Harlow Museum, Latton Bush Centre, Mead Park Depot, Leah Manning Centre, and Nexus at Harlow Innovation Park. It is anticipated that the panels will reduce carbon emissions by 49 tonnes per annum across all sites. This is equivalent to 562 return trips from London Stansted to Edinburgh by plane.

Harlow

NET ZERO Carbon Emissions

2040

Councillor Johnson’s chosen charities during his year in office are The Friends of Harlow Rock School and Streets2Homes and he will be focussing on promoting the best of Harlow. Andrew is a ward councillor for Church Langley and is a former leader of the council. Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Council housebuilding plans

Council housebuildin • Plans for hundreds of new houses, apartments and bungalows for Harlow families agreed. • Phase 1 of the programme between 2022 and 2024 will see 99 new council houses built. • All to be built to the highest quality, targeting carbon Net Zero developments A major new housebuilding programme, which will see the construction of 99 council houses, apartments and bungalows over the next two years and plans for hundreds of more homes to follow, has been agreed. The new homes, built for Harlow families, will be constructed with industry-leading technology and designs, in line with the Gibberd principles and built in the “right places”. The new building programme has an ambition to be delivered by local businesses and architects.

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Dan Swords, Deputy Leader of the Council, said:

Bushey Croft development completed

“This new housebuilding programme will deliver the biggest council housebuilding programme for many years. Earlier this year we agreed to invest £26 million towards a new programme and now we are getting on with building those homes.

A development of 16 new council homes in Bushey Croft has been completed. The development includes 10 three-bedroom family homes and 6 two-bedroom family homes. All have A-rated boilers and 400mm of loft insulation, meaning energy bills will be kept as low as possible.

“Not only do we plan to be on site building 99 council homes all for council rent over the next two years, but we will revolutionise the way the council plans and builds homes, so we can carry on building council homes for many years to come. “These new homes will be of the highest quality and will all be delivered with absolute value for money to the taxpayer. “Our programme will build the right homes in the right places and of the highest industry standards so we can truly improve the lives of Harlow families.” Phase 2 of the programme will see hundreds of new homes built across the town, with the aim to build new neighbourhoods that are fit for the future to meet the local housing need in Harlow. The housebuilding programme was agreed by Cabinet at its meeting in March 2022.

Thanks to funding secured by the council, the development is also one of the greenest in the town, helping to support the environment and local wildlife. All homes are fitted with swift boxes and bee bricks. There are also hedgehog pathways within the new estate. Additional allotment space has been enhanced with fruit trees and a wildflower meadow planted. For electric vehicle owners and those looking to buy one in future, there’s 10 electrical charging points. Alongside the completion of Bushey Croft, two new houses in The Hill, Old Harlow are now occupied. All new council homes are being allocated to Harlow families on the Harlow Housing Needs Register.

Council housebuilding plans

ng boom!

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Regenerating the town centre

Transformational town centre regeneration bid unveiled New improved plans for the regeneration of Playhouse Square and College Square in Harlow town centre have been unveiled.

Artist’s impression of the new Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter.

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Regenerating the town centre Harlow is bidding for £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support the area’s transformation into a vibrant Arts and Cultural quarter. The plans for the area, which were originally unveiled last year, have been updated and improved.

The scheme will establish a new gateway destination that Harlow can be proud of and link The Water Gardens and Harvey Centre via the Arts and Cultural quarter. A new board will be established to bring a programme of exciting events to the Town attracting a diverse range of visitors from all ages and communities. The plans for the Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter are part of a phased planned approach to regenerating Harlow Town Centre. We have already secured government funding for a new bus station and improvements to Broad Walk and we will be bringing forward other plans in the near future. We will keep you updated in Harlow Times on the plans for regenerating your town centre.

The vision for the two squares is to create and develop an Arts and Cultural Quarter, bringing together a diverse range of artistic, entertainment, cultural and heritage disciplines to establish a regional hub of innovative and engaging events and activities.

Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter will see brand new: • Live music and performance venue (including music school and recording studio). • Contemporary bar and café. • Artist and maker studio places. • Flexible studios for creative and performing arts, rehearsal space, events, smaller and outdoor performances, and community uses. • Art gallery and associated spaces for literary arts, spoken word, education events and visiting exhibitions and installations.

Iconic buildings - the Playhouse Theatre and St Paul’s Church - will remain at the heart of the new quarter.

The scheme also provides: • New pedestrian focused and engaging public square for events, outdoor performances, cinema, and outdoor dining. • Green pocket park with natural play installations. • Accessibility provisions including disabled parking and accessibly designed spaces. • Upgraded and secure underpass beneath Haydens Road. • Residential units at the previous Occasio House site. • Improved taxi rank/drop-off provision and sustainable travel features.

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Council housing investment programme

Improving existing council homes A £1.4M project to refurbish flats in The Hides was completed earlier this year, as part of Harlow Council’s ongoing programme of improving council homes. An extensive programme of improvements and redecoration was carried out over several months. These included roof replacement, external wall insulation, improvements to communal lighting, secure boundary fencing, new walkway safety railings, window and door replacements, restoration of pram and store sheds and secure door entry system. These works will help the energy efficiency within the homes. Other works include replanting the embankments on the underpass to reduce the retention of litter and for easier maintenance. Parking has also been improved to make it more secure. Councillor Simon Carter, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “The contractors, Durkan, have done an excellent job in particular with the detail work around the external cladding and worked well with residents during this disruptive period. “This smart looking building has revitalised a tired-looking part of the estate and will improve the quality of life for our residents. It supports the council’s ongoing programme of investing in our housing estates, providing safe, smart and efficient homes for residents. “As part of the council’s budget announced in February, £122 million is planned to be spent over the next 5 years to continue maintaining and improving council homes and flats.”

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Council housing investment programme

Before:

After:

What our £122m programme will deliver Harlow Council’s £122m 5-year programme for improving existing council homes and flats includes internal and external improvements such as new kitchens, bathrooms, central heating systems, roofs and the external structure of homes. £5.6 million will be spent to enhance fire safety in tower blocks and flats to meet ongoing changes in building legislation. Improving energy efficiency in homes to tackle climate change and fuel poverty will also be prioritised, along with disabled adaptations in homes. Councillor Simon Carter, said: “This is one of the biggest investments to improve the council’s 9,000 plus homes. We are getting on with improving council homes and ensuring that they remain decent and safe places to live for our tenants. Money that we collect from rents goes straight into this programme which will help fund a range of different works to improve the lives of our tenants.”

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Queen’s Jubilee celebrations

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee marked in Harlow The celebrations were officially started on 2 June with Town Crier, Patrick Arnold, reading the Platinum Jubilee proclamation from the balcony of the Civic Centre.

Later that evening the Jubilee Beacon was lit in Playhouse Square by the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex (The Queen’s representative), Lady Rosemary Ruggles-Brise who was accompanied by the Chair of Harlow Council and the Chairman of Essex County Council.

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Community events and street parties were held during the four-day Bank Holiday weekend in June as Harlow made history and marked The Queen’s 70 years of service. Harlow did what it does best and marked this occasion with community spirit, fun and games! Leading up to the lighting of the beacon were performances by Livewire, Catlin Vocalist, Mary Cameron and Nathan Stickley.

Queen’s Jubilee celebrations

The Leah Manning Centre marked the occasion with a special Jubilee party for its users and staff.

Over the bank holiday 22 official street parties supported by the council were held across the town as neighbours got together to party and celebrate this historical moment.

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Women’s Tour

Women’s Tour races through Harlow The country’s longest running international stage cycling race, The Women’s Tour, came to town on Tuesday 7 June 2022. The race featured some of the best female cyclists in the world, who were competing in the second stage of the event which started and finished here in Harlow. It was a fantastic event with schools and cycling fans cheering the riders on as they set off from the Harlow Innovation Park on London Road. They made their way through various Essex villages before returning to Harlow via Water Lane and finishing up on Third Avenue. The stage came to Harlow as a part of the town’s 75th birthday celebrations. It was a proud day for Harlow.

Leading the way Cycling has been a rich part of our town’s history. Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens houses The John Collins Cycle Collection - home to Penny Farthings, a Quintuplet, a rare Hobby Horse and Rayleigh Bomber to name a few.

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

We have approximately 30 miles of cycle routes connecting the whole town and in the past, we even had our own velodrome! Hosting this stage of The Women’s Tour becomes another moment in Harlow’s history. The John Collins’ collection is available to view when Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens are open 9.30am to 3.30pm (last entry 3pm) on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

“What a day! The crowds in Harlow were among the loudest we’ve ever had on the Women’s Tour since we launched the race in 2014 – we were completely overwhelmed by the noise, the community spirit and the local pride that was on show. That the day ended with a brilliant victory for Lorena Wiebes, the fastest woman in the world, topped things off nicely! ” Mick Bennett, The Women’s Tour Race Director

Women’s Tour

Vin Denson (left) with Chair of Harlow Council

Harlow Cycling Club and Vin Denson Harlow Cycling Club was formed in 1956 and offers several rides per week. The club’s accolades include appearing on Blue Peter, Record Breakers and Grandstand. The guest of honour at the Harlow stage of The Women’s Tour was honorary club member Vin Denson. Vin is a six times Tour de France competitor and three times Giro Di Italia competitor. Vin was the first British rider to win a national continental stage race – the tour of Luxembourg in 1965. Vin moved to Harlow in the 1960s to set up a business.

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Volunteers Week

Thank you for volunteering! Sixty local volunteers who support the council’s work attended a special reception held at the Harlow Playhouse in June as part of National Volunteers’ Week.

The volunteers include; Housing, Harlow Playhouse, Green Team & Wildspace, Harlow Conservation Volunteers, Friends of Pets’ Corner, Pets’ Corner, Leah Manning Centre, Town Park and Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens.

The event honoured volunteers who work alongside council staff to help provide services.

The volunteers each received a certificate from the Chair of the Council, Councillor Andrew Johnson, and speeches were delivered by service managers on the difference volunteers make, after which guests enjoyed a buffet and a celebratory cake. Volunteers do not replace paid employees but in working alongside them, they enable us to provide even greater benefit to the community and for that we say a heartfelt thank you.

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

There are many opportunities for people to volunteer around the town, from helping to conserve our green spaces to looking after the animals at Pets’ Corner. You will not only be making a very important contribution to Harlow’s community and wildlife, but will also have the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. If you would like to register your interest in volunteering with the council, please email: volunteering@harlow.gov.uk For more information on volunteer opportunities visit: www.harlow.gov.uk

Civic Awards

Harlow Council has once again paid tribute to individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the local community. At the Annual Council meeting in May, Civic Awards were handed out to Dean Beaumont, Harlow Rocks, Mona Singh, Roots to Wellbeing, Tessa Harvey, Alex Reid, the Harlow Rugby Club Under-16s team coaches and Thomas Church, to thank them all for what they do for Harlow. For the second year running, the awards were nominated by members of the public. Visit www.harlow.gov.uk/civicawards to find out more about the Civic Awards.

Annual Civic Awards honour local heroes and groups Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

What’s on this summer

What’s on in Harlow

Low cost, no cost activities and offers

Artist’s impression: Staple Tye splash park will be open later this summer.

Make a splash this summer The school summer holidays have kicked off and that means our free-to-use paddling pools are open for use. We will also be unveiling a new concept for the town over at Staple Tye – the paddling pool there is being converted into a new splash park and paddling pool facility for families. It is the first hybrid facility of its kind in Harlow, providing an amazing new destination for families across the town.

The new layout will include several new features: water arcs, water jets and blasts, water curtains and streaming showers. New, brightly coloured, non-slip flooring will be installed, along with a number of accessibility features and artificial grass surrounding the area. Paddling pools are open 7 days a week from 10am until 6pm. The new Staple Tye splash park is due to open from 1 August. Check www.harlow.gov.uk for more information and updates.

For more information on our paddling pools and splash parks visit www.harlow.gov.uk/paddling-pools Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

As the cost of living continues to rise, we all need a little extra help keeping our families entertained this summer. Taking a splash in one of Harlow’s paddling pools or visiting Harlow Museum or Pets’ Corner is one activity which won’t cost you a penny as these are free to visit. A list of free or low-cost activities and offers available this summer can be found at www.myhealthessex. co.uk/families. This website provides information on the top offers and activities running throughout the summer holidays in west Essex.

What’s on this summer Gibberd Gallery Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, CM20 1WG www.gibberdgallery.co.uk Tel: 01279 594343 Arts Award Taster Day Wednesday 10 August 10am to 4pm - FREE Are you aged 12-16 and thinking about doing your Bronze or Silver Arts Award? Matipo Arts are holding a free taster day at the Gibberd Gallery. Learn more about these fantastic programmes and take part in practical activities from each part of the award. Make your own piece of sculpture, find out about creative careers and curate your own exhibition. Places are limited. Book at www.matipoarts.com

Parndon Mill Parndon Mill Lane, Harlow, CM20 2HP www.parndonmill.co.uk Tel: 01279 426042 Block Print Workshop Project space, Parndon Mill Monday 8 August Sessions with SunainaBhalla from 10.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm. Introduction to block printing. Learn how to block print onto paper, print onto tote bags. Materials and refreshments included. Ages 10+. Cost: £45 per session. To book your place contact: sumangujral@hotmail.co.uk

This will be a small class of up to 4 people. Cost: £95 per person. To book your place please contact: sumangujral@hotmail.co.uk Creativity for Wellbeing in the Workplace - For Harlow Businesses Matipo Arts is on a mission to improve wellbeing for adults at work in Harlow. With support from Harlow Council, we are offering a limited number of FREE creative wellbeing sessions for businesses based in the town. Sessions last about 40 minutes to fit into a lunch break or wellbeing hour and can take place virtually or in person. Giving working age adults: • Time to think • Space to breath • Opportunity to create Sessions available in July and August. Free away day at Parndon Mill Hub of Creativity on Friday 30 September for anyone who has taken part in a Creativity for Wellbeing session. To apply please visit www.matipoarts.com Open rehearsal at Parndon Mill Friday 26 August - FREE Matipo Arts are holding an open rehearsal of their newest show Harlow75 - Party like it’s 1947, a celebratory theatre project due to be performed at Harlow Playhouse on Saturday 3 September. The project has been devised using first hand research from the local community. Come and see what the show is about, how a professional production rehearse, speak to the company and watch snippets of what’s to come in the final performances.

Online school readiness activities for children and their families Fun with letter sounds Online activity Sketchbook Play Day Studio 2A1C, Parndon Mill Friday 19 August Session from 10.30am to 4.30pm

Wednesday 27 July 10am to 10.40am - FREE Activities for you and your child.

We will start the day making our own sketchbook, going outside to do some sketching by the river and to gather materials - then, make our own concertina sketchbooks. A fun and relaxing day, no drawing skills required!

Dinosaur fun with numbers Online activity Wednesday 17 August 10am to 10.40am - FREE Dinosaur themed activities, helping your child to develop mathematical skills. To book a place please email: julie.cochrane@harlow.gov.uk

All materials and refreshments included.

School readiness activities for children and their families The Gruffalo themed activities Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens, Muskham Road, CM20 2LF Thursday 18 August 10am to 11.30am - FREE Drop in session, fun with letter sounds, a range of fun outdoor activities that can help your child learn letter sounds. Fun with numbers Potter Street Baptist Church Hall, Chapel Lane, CM17 9AW Friday 19 August 1.30pm to 2.30pm - FREE Indoor activity PE session. Please wear comfortable clothing soft shoes and bring a drink. To book a place email julie.cochrane@harlow.gov.uk

Harlow 75 Events 2022 Alice in Wonderland Harlow Museum Walled Gardens Friday 12 to Saturday 13 August Join Alice down the rabbit hole in her magical adventures through Wonderland in this brand-new open-air adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice In Wonderland’. Presented by Harlow Playhouse and KD Theatre Productions. Book your tickets at https://bit.ly/KDAliceinWonderland The Hungry Caterpillar activities Harlow Town Park Learning Centre Wednesday 24 August 10.30am to 12.30pm - FREE Drop in session involving a range of fun activities that can help develop language and communication skills. 75 Years of Music in Harlow exhibition Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens Until 10 September Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 9.30am to 3.30pm (last entry 3pm) Highlighting the music, venues and community bands that developed and thrived in the pioneering New Town. See authentic posters from the popular free concerts, photographs, clips from our newspaper collection, architectural models of the Stow neighbourhood and the beloved Playhouse and vibrant memorabilia of The Square.

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 | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Housing news

Happy 90th birthday Direct Debits to Celia! It is easy to pay your council bills by Direct Debit. We offer a number of choices of payment dates within the month: 1, 8, 15 and 25 for rent, 5, 15 and 25 for leaseholder service charges and 1, 8, 15 and 25 for Council Tax. Direct Debit spreads your payments evenly throughout the year and once set up you won’t have to worry about getting behind with payments. To set up a Direct Debit call Contact Harlow on 01279 446655 or visit our website www.harlow.gov.uk

Paying your rent Many tenants facing difficulties continue to work with us, receiving advice and support, and making realistic arrangements to pay arrears.

Back in April, one of our longest serving tenant representatives celebrated a landmark 90th birthday. Celia Candy, who moved to Harlow from London on her birthday 62 years ago and has lived in the same house ever since, has been a tenant rep for over 40 years and been involved in a lot of important work with housing over the years. Celia celebrated her landmark birthday with a trip up to Suffolk to see her son.

Leasehold buildings Insurance

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Your building insurance policy covers the structure of your flat including its fixtures and fittings, and any part of the communal areas that your lease states you are responsible for. You will need to arrange separate insurance for your contents and personal effects. Subject to specified limits and conditions, the policy provides additional cover such as shortterm accommodation costs, rent, and locks and keys.

If you are struggling to pay rent or service changes, please contact us as soon as possible. There is help available to you and the sooner we know about any difficulties the sooner we can help you.

From all of us at Harlow Council, we hope Celia had a very happy birthday and look forward to seeing her at the next tenant rep meeting!

Starting from 1 April 2022, Harlow Council leaseholders have a new building insurance supplier, Avid Insurance Services Ltd.

A summary of cover is provided together with the policy wording, which includes policy excesses applicable, details of the full insurance cover provided and details of how to make a claim. For more information www. harlow.gov.uk/ leaseholderbuildings-insurance or call 01279 446655.

Harlow & Gilston Garden Town

Tell us what matters to you Illustrator: Nerea Bermejo Olaizola

Harlow & Gilston Garden Town have teamed up with independent charity, the Quality of Life Foundation, for a summer of online and face-toface community engagement that will give local people a chance to shape the future area. Running until Friday 7 October and funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities, the Your Quality of Life project places local people centre stage, giving everyone the opportunity to comment via an interactive map about their own wellbeing and day-to-day lives, from local nature and travel to health and community. Harlow & Gilston Garden Town is the second largest growth initiative in the South-East region, supporting the delivery of 24,000 homes across four new neighbourhoods, the regeneration of Harlow town centre plus new schools, hospital, public travel routes, amenities and employment opportunities. Information collected by the Quality of Life Foundation over the 12-week project will not only influence how plans are taken forward by the Garden Town’s five council partners but underpin future work around design, community development and the long-term management of public assets. Joining Quality of Life Foundation as partners on the project are Rainbow Services, who will be ensuring maximum participation in communities across Harlow, Gilston and surrounding areas, as well as data analytic leaders, Stantec, and citizen engagement website, Commonplace.

“Funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities is allowing us to break the mould of how local people can influence changes in their area with the Your Quality of Life project. “It means we can be innovative in not only speaking with residents and businesses in the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town area but in collating and analysing the results as well.” commented Garden Town Director,

Naisha Polaine, on behalf of the five council partners.

Quality of Life Foundation Director, Matthew Morgan, added: “We

are committed to giving residents a greater sense of control over what they value and need in their local area, to affect the way government and industry approach housing and communities.” Harlow residents can take part in Your Quality of Life by visiting: https://qolmap.commonplace.is

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Recycling

We all get We all get recycling. Now let’s g

We all get recycling. We all get recycling. Now let’s get it right. Now let’s get it right.

Most people in Harlow are recycling but did you know that 87% of the UK contaminates their recycling with at least one incorrect item?

To ensure your recycling is collected regularly, please place only the items listed below into your bin:

Contamination is when items that are not accepted for recycling are put into the recycling bin. When the right things are put into the recycling, it makes collections easier for you and for our recycling crews to provide an efficient service. Let’s recycle better, together. For each other. For Harlow.

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

Top tips for recycling in Harlow • Be a space saver – squash your plastic bottles, collapse those cardboard boxes. Make the most of the space you have in your blue bin or boxes to recycle as much as you can. • Never poo-poo recycling – nappies and other sanitary items are not recyclable, you should put these in your non-recycling refuse bin or purple bags. • Leave out the leftovers – food packaging should be clean and empty before it is put into the recycling. Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Recycling

We all get recycling. Now Now let’s get it right. We all get recycling. let’s get it right. Now let’s get it right.

t recycling. get it right.

Food waste is recycled separately in the green food caddy or placed into the non-recycling refuse bins if you live in a flat.

✓

Yes please!

✘

No thanks!

• • • • • • • •

fish meat and bones bread, pastries, pasta and rice tea bags and coffee grounds plate scrapings fruit and vegetables dairy products shellfish and egg shells

• plastic bags and other plastics (even if they are biodegradable) • glass • can and tins • oyster shells • pet food • liquids • garden waste • coffee cups

Check what you can and can’t recycle at www.harlow.gov.uk

August Bank Holiday collection days Collections return to normal the week starting Monday 5 September 2022. Normal date

Revised date

Mon 29/08/2022 Tue 30/08/2022 Tue 30/08/2022 Wed 31/08/2022 Wed 31/08/2022 Thur 01/09/2022 Thur 01/09/2022 Fri

Fri

02/09/2022

02/09/2022 Sat 03/09/2022

You can also check your collection days online at www.harlow.gov.uk Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Health and wellbeing

Get active in Harlow this summer Go Jauntly: Harlow 75 at 75 To celebrate Harlow 75th anniversary we have teamed up with Go Jauntly and Active Essex to create a special walking challenge for Harlow residents. The challenge will be to walk 75 minutes per week. There will be lots of local walks recommended for you to enjoy throughout the challenge period, as well as digital badges to be unlocked at certain milestones, and a chance to win weekly prizes. Download Go Jauntly for free from the App Store and the Play Store. More information at: https://www.gojauntly.com

Improve your balance and mobility HOLIDAY COURSES Bikeability Level 1, Level 1 & 2 and 3 and Learn to ride courses To book, please visit link

essex.cycleready.co.uk/publicbooking There is a £10 non-refundable booking fee

A new strength and balance service is available for Harlow residents who would like to improve their mobility. Social.Active.Strong offers a free 12 week programme of activity to help you build strength, improve mobility and help sustain your day to day activity levels. Call 07510 383146 or email sas@harlow.gov.uk for more information and to register for free classes. Virtual sessions will also be available via Zoom shortly.

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Cost of living

Help with the cost of living We know it is a difficult time for everyone with the rise in the cost of living. Help and support is available including support from us if you are struggling to pay council bills.

Help with council bills

Find benefits and financial support

Help with Council Tax

The government has an online tool where you can find out what support you might be able to get to help with your living costs. Visit www.gov. uk/check-benefits-financialsupport

Check if you are eligible for pension credit Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. Visit www.gov.uk/ pension-credit

Local support:

Harlow Citizens Advice Bureau 13-15 East Gate, Harlow 0808 278 7856 www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk Harlow Foodbank 01279 724515 www.mrct.org.uk

National support:

Money Helper www.moneyhelper.org.uk National Debtline 0800 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.org StepChange Debt Charity 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org.uk

Please contact us straight away if you are having genuine difficulty in paying your council bills. If you are having difficulties call 01279 446655.

You can apply for Council Tax Support to help you pay your Council Tax if you’re on a low income or claiming welfare benefits. Visit www.harlow. gov.uk/benefits, email hdc.benefits@harlow.gov.uk or call 01279 446655.

Exceptional Hardship Payments

If you receive Council Tax Support, but still struggle to pay your Council Tax, you may be able to apply for extra support. An Exceptional Hardship Payment (EHP) is usually paid for a short time to help you make steps to pay your Council Tax in the future. You may get an EHP if you: • receive Council Tax Support • are struggling to pay your Council Tax • commit to working with us to improve your situation going forward For more information and to apply for Exceptional Hardship Payment, visit: www.harlow. gov.uk/council-tax You can also pick up a copy of the application form from the Civic Centre.

Help with your rent

You may be able to claim Universal Credit which can include help with housing costs. Visit www.gov.uk/universalcredit

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 or call 01279 446655. Supported housing tenants If you are having problems paying your rent, please speak to your Housing Support and Telecare Officer. Support for council leaseholders If you are experiencing difficulties paying your annual service charges or major works invoice, contact the Home Ownership team on 01279 446206 or email homeownership@harlow.gov.uk

Essex Essential Living Fund

Anyone can apply for this funding, which can help pay for: • furniture • household furnishings • white goods • clothing and footwear, including school uniforms in exceptional circumstances • general living expenses such as groceries, nappies, toiletries and money for pay-as-you-go fuel meters You must live in Essex and apply through Southend City Council www.southend.gov.uk/extrafinancial-help/essential-livingfund

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

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

Harlow’s Community Safety Engagement officers have started to do small engagement events across the town. We have organised numerous events which all have been well received and had lots of people attending.

This will continue throughout the year, visiting different areas of Harlow. If you would like us to be part of any local event that you are organising, please let us know. Contact us via email HarlowCPT@Essex.Police.uk Look out for our Coffee with Cops events and street meets that will be taking place around Harlow. For further event details please look at and follow our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Crime Prevention

When booking a holiday, check whether the company is an ABTA member by looking for the ABTA logo on the company’s website.

Harlow’s Community Policing Team, whilst conducting proactive patrols, attempted to stop a vehicle which was leaving the Harlow area. The vehicle failed to stop and drove in a dangerous manner.

Protecting and serving Harlow

The driver decamped from the vehicle and, following a short foot chase, was arrested. Subsequent enquiries identified that the arrested male was wanted by the Metropolitan Police for a Serious GBH offence.

A man has been charged with 10 offences following reports of an incident at a supermarket in #Harlow. Officers were called to reports of a disturbance at the Fifth Avenue Sainsbury’s store around 10am on Monday 17 June. It was reported that a man had entered the store, threatened staff, picked up a bottle of alcohol and left the store without attempting to pay for the item. He was then reported to have caused damage to cars parked in the store’s car park, before threatening staff again.

Report suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk

Upon re-entering the supermarket, the man allegedly assaulted two more members of staff as well as two police officers.

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

He has been remanded in custody.

If you have any doubts, you can verify membership of ABTA on their website: www.abta.com/ abta-member-search

Watch out for these fake emails claiming to be from Currys. We’ve received almost 300 reports about them.

Your reports help us to remove scams and malicious websites.

A 36-year-old man from Harlow has been charged with three counts of criminal damage, two public order offences, two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker, one count of racially aggravated public order and one count of common assault.

A 36-year-old male remains in custody awaiting questioning for the Essex offences; he will later be passed to the Metropolitan Police Service to deal with the GBH offence.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Hospital charity calls for your support with spring appeal The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity is calling for the support of the community with its spring appeal. The charity is asking for people to get involved as donors, fundraisers, or supporters. The spring appeal will help to support a range of charitable activities including fundraising for a new retinal scanning machine for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This will facilitate screening for eye health issues and minimise the risk of permanent eye damage or blindness for babies. The hospital charity enhances patient care, purchases special equipment, improves facilities and invests in research to support patients now and in the future. Gary Taylor, head of charity at The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity, said: “We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, with kind donations lifting the spirits of our people during an extremely challenging time. Your donations helped to fund a fantastic new, modern staff area to support health and wellbeing.

“We are asking for your help with our spring appeal, as together we can achieve so much more.”

Tilly Varghese, postnatal ward manager, said: “In addition to our fantastic new staff lounge, our charity has funded some vital equipment to help us support families who would like a home birth. This equipment means that we can offer the best possible care, support and choice for families. We are in the process of purchasing a range of play equipment for our children’s ward and have also been lucky enough to have had some toys and even Easter eggs donated by our fantastic supporters.

“Over the next two years, the charity will support our Williams Day Unit with haircare support for patients with cancer. Patients will receive expert advice and support on hair loss and hair loss prevention, and will also be offered hand and feet massage therapy while receiving treatment. Any donation you could make today will make a difference. It is only from receiving a combination of gifts from people like you, your friends, family and neighbours, that such amazing projects are possible.” You can donate to the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust Charitable Fund by calling 01279 973990, scanning the QR code (right) or via their Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/pahnhs

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Your voice Your town

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).

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. More information on petitions and questions can be found at www.harlow.gov.uk/your-council or call 01279 446655. Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Church Langley Bush Fair Harlow Common

Sumners & Kingsmoor

Council meetings and having your say

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

Mark Hall

Old Harlow

Full Council 28 July 2022 Development Management Committee 17 August 2022 Highways Panel 6 September 2022 Starts at 10am in Committee Room 1 Licensing Committee 6 September 2022 Cabinet 8 September 2022 Scrutiny Committee 13 September 2022 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 held in the Council Chamber 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

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07568 193081 DEPUTY LEADER Email: dan.swords@harlow.gov.uk c/o

Councillor Kay Morrison Labour

Church Langley

199A Hookfield, CM18 6QP

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

Councillor Stacey Seales Conservative

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

Councillor Nicky Purse Conservative

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

c/o

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

Councillor Matthew Saggers Conservative Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07305 777819 Email: matthew.saggers@harlow.gov.uk

c/o

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

c/o Harlow Council,

Councillor Nancy Watson Labour

Councillor Sue Livings Conservative

Councillor John Strachan Labour

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

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

c/o Harlow Council,

c/o

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

c/o

Councillor James Griggs Labour

VICE CHAIR

Old Harlow

Netteswell

c/o Harlow Council,

Councillor Lanie Shears Labour

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07541 141166 Email: stacey.seales@harlow.gov.uk

129 Broadfield, CM20 3PY Tel: 07877 424834 Email: james.griggs@harlow.gov.uk

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

Councillor Joel Charles Conservative 86 Jocelyns, CM17 0BU Tel: 07752 096765 Portfolio Holder Email: joel.charles@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Daniella Pritchard Labour

Councillor Clive Souter Conservative

227 Longbanks, CM18 7PB Tel: 07850 667900 Email: clive.souter@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Russell Perrin Conservative

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

c/o Harlow Council,

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07710 529374 Email: daniella.pritchard@harlow.gov.uk

Toddbrook

Sumners & Kingsmoor

Councillor Stephen LeMay Conservative

Councillor Tony Durcan Labour

c/o Harlow Council,

LEADER

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 312195 Email: eddie.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

c/o

Councillor Bob Davis Labour

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

Councillor Chris Vince Labour

Councillor Eddie Johnson Conservative

21 The Drive, CM20 3QD Tel: 07840 852349 Portfolio Holder Email: stephen.lemay@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Jean Clark Labour

Little Parndon & Hare Street

Harlow Common

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

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

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

Email: kay.morrison@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Mark Wilkinson Labour

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

Councillor Ash Malik Conservative c/o Harlow Council,

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

Councillor Nick Churchill Conservative

Councillor Tony Edwards Labour

c/o Harlow Council,

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 621094 Email: nick.churchill@harlow.gov.uk

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07544 374168 Email: tony.edwards@harlow.gov.uk

Cabinet Members Councillor Russell Perrin - Leader of Harlow Council Councillor Simon Carter - Portfolio Holder for Housing

Councillor Joel Charles - Portfolio Holder for Business and Community Resilience Councillor Alastair Gunn - Portfolio Holder for Governance

Councillor Michael Hardware - Portfolio Holder for Strategic Growth

Councillor Stephen LeMay - Portfolio Holder for HTS, Properties and Facilities – with special responsibility for the roads Councillor James Leppard - Portfolio Holder for Finance

Councillor Nicky Purse - Portfolio Holder For Environment

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07906 870935 Email: lanie.shears@harlow.gov.uk

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 323656 / 07941 829965 Email: john.strachan@harlow.gov.uk

Staple Tye

Bush Fair

Councillor Dan Swords Conservative

CHAIR

Councillor David Carter Conservative

Mark Hall

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

Councillor Andrew Johnson Conservative

Great Parndon

Councillor Jodi Dunne Labour

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

Councillor Michael Hardware Conservative 12a Hart Road, Harlow, CM17 0HL Tel: 07775 925274 Portfolio Holder Email: michael.hardware@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

Councillor Dan Swords - Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration

Harlow Times | summer 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk