Harlow Times Summer 2023

Inside: New hospital on the horizon as funding given green light

In this edition

pages 6-7

Rebuilding our town

New partnership launched to help rebuild our town.

page 11

Improving council services

Independent report sets out how the council can improve

page 27

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.

Securing

investment into Harlow

Residents to benefit from Garden Town millions

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

Cover photograph: New hospital image is for illustrative purposes only and is subject to change. All photos shared with permission from The Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust, Gilling Dod and BDP.

New interim Managing Director starts at HTS

Alan Townshend has started work as the interim Managing Director of Harlow Council’s maintenance company HTS.

Celebrating the gems of Harlow

Alan has been appointed for 6 months whilst the council and HTS undertake a recruitment exercise to appoint a permanent Managing Director to replace John Phillips who left recently.

Alan has over 35 years’ experience working in the housing sector. He has worked in senior roles and worked for both public and private companies as well as run his own consultancy firm.

His most recent role was Chief Executive at Southern Housing Group, one of the largest housing associations in London and the Southeast.

and stay updated

The achievements of Harlow Rugby Club were celebrated in June at the first ever Gems of Harlow reception.

The reception was held at the Civic Centre to recognise the rugby club’s outstanding season.

The club, which is based at Latton Park, has made our town very proud.

The club’s achievements show that there is no limit to what Harlow can achieve.

The 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.

New bins to help fight litter

An extra 146 litter bins are being installed across the town as part of restoring pride in Harlow.

There will also be 6 solar powered bins that compact the litter and let the council’s maintenance company, HTS, know when they need emptying. These will be used in areas which are harder to access and in areas of heavy footfall where existing bins are emptied several times a day.

Once the programme is completed there will be around 780 public litter bins in the town. All litter bins are dual use meaning dog waste and litter can be put in any litter bin.

National recognition for Town Centre

The new transport hub and interchange is designed to support both existing transport routes as well as new cycling and walking routes that are in development.

Plans for the transformation of Harlow town centre’s bus station and Terminus Street has been recognised at a national level.

The project was finalist in the National Planning Awards 2023, which took place in June.

The revamped area will include green spaces, an active events space, a cycle hub and other public realm improvements that will overhaul the character of Terminus Street and make it a more welcoming place.

Work on the scheme is due to start later this year.

Have your say on where to vote

The (Acting) Returning Officer has published his recommendations, which can be found on our website or by visiting the Civic Centre.

Annual elections canvass

Our local ward boundaries are changing following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

As a result of the changes, which come into force in May 2024, we are reviewing the location of our polling stations to make sure these remain easily accessible in the new wards.

You can give us your views on these recommendations up to 4 September 2023. Email registration@harlow.gov.uk or write to: Electoral Services, Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way, Harlow, Essex CM18 7BL.

We will consider final proposals in November 2023. If approved, changes will come into effect when the updated electoral register is published on 1 December 2023.

For more information visit www.harlow.gov.uk/electionspolling

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/annual-canvas

Delivering your priorities

The new Leader of Harlow Council, Councillor Dan Swords, sets out to every resident his five priorities for the council over the next year.

Dear resident,

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 are delivering for you.

As your council, your priorities are our priorities for the year ahead. These are the five foundations I know will put our town on the road to a brighter future and make Harlow a better place to live, work, raise a family and start a business.

This year, we will:

1. Fix council housing by clearing the backlog in housing repairs so your home is fixed quickly and ensuring Harlow’s council homes are for Harlow families.

2. Restore pride in Harlow by tackling the issues in your street with better landscape maintenance, new estate car parking, estate replanting and, by working with Essex County Council; fix the potholes, street signs, railings and street furniture.

3. Rebuild our town by transforming the town centre with a once-in-a-generation programme of regeneration, building new council homes for Harlow families and reviving left-behind neighbourhoods.

4. Secure investment into Harlow to back local businesses, improve our infrastructure and create jobs and apprenticeships to grow Harlow’s economy.

5. Improve council services to ensure Harlow Council truly works for you, providing you the very best and most efficient services for the lowest possible council tax and making Harlow a better place to live, work and raise a family.

I know that too many people feel that Harlow Council does not deliver for them. That is why I have set out five promises to you for the year ahead to fix council housing, restore pride in Harlow, rebuild our town, secure investment into Harlow and improve council services. Those are your priorities, and they are the council’s priorities too. No politics, no tricks or ambiguity – you will know whether we are delivering on your priorities or not.

My Cabinet and I will be working day in, day out to deliver for you. But this is not the limit of what we will do, this is the foundation. These are our immediate priorities and over the coming months, we will listen extensively to you to build a long-term plan for the future of our town.

Councillor Dan Swords Leader of Harlow Council

Our 5 priorities

Fix council housing

Restore

Rebuild our town

Secure

Improve council services

In addition to setting out these priorities, a new Corporate Strategy for 2024 to 2028 is also being developed this year.

An independent residents’ survey will be carried out in July so that residents’ views are at the heart of the new strategy. Further consultation will take place with residents and businesses during the summer and autumn.

Delivering Harlow’s once-in-a-lifetime

Harlow Council has joined forces with one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, The Hill Group, to deliver a programme of new homes as part of the ambitious regeneration of the town.

Together they have formed the Harlow Regeneration Partnership LLP which is an equal partnership between the two organisations. The partnership will bring forward the development of council-owned, and other sites for regeneration and development, and provide either capital or revenue financial returns against these investments.

The partnership will begin work on site later this year. The partnership will seek to bring developments forward in Staple Tye on three derelict sites – former Lister House, old council depot and Parnall Road. These proposed schemes will provide 46 homes in total with two of the schemes already having planning permission.

Options will also be explored for delivering further town centre regeneration schemes. These will be in addition to government-funded schemes which will deliver a new bus station and Terminus Street, improvements to Broad Walk and the transformation of Playhouse and College Square with a new live performance venue and upgrades to Harlow Playhouse.

“This first partnership will be a major vehicle for delivering Harlow’s once-in-a-lifetime regeneration programme. The deal means that we can say to residents and businesses we are finally getting on with the job of delivering the town centre’s regeneration and building new homes.

“Harlow Council will be on site this year to start the town centre rebuild and on sites to build high-quality new homes for Harlow families.

Plans for the former council depot in Staple Tye

regeneration

“We are thrilled to have formed this exciting new partnership with Harlow Council and mark the start of a strong and fruitful partnership where together we will develop sustainable new homes, invest in jobs, training opportunities, and increased social value, ensuring Harlow’s residents are at the centre of our plans.

“Delivering major regeneration in Harlow that this town needs is not something we can do on our own. This partnership is a game-changing moment for the town’s regeneration with private sector expertise and investment, with the council having an equal share. It will be a partnership with capacity to manage multimillion-pound schemes which will regenerate Harlow, create jobs and opportunities for Harlow people and future generations and boost the local economy.

“The Hill Group has an impressive track record of working in partnership with other local councils to successfully deliver major regeneration schemes and address housing shortages by building new council homes and homes for sale.”

Councillor Dan Swords Leader of Harlow Council

“We are excited to bring the first sites through planning, with construction to begin in the near future. Hill has a strong track record of collaborating with local authorities to deliver large-scale regeneration, and we are committed to replicating these successes in Harlow, delivering high-quality homes, and revitalising the town centre. This collaboration is a significant step forward in Harlow’s journey towards a vibrant and sustainable future, and we are honoured to be a part of it.”

Tom Hill, Managing Director, The Hill Group

The Hill Group’s appointment follows a rigorous evaluation process supported by independent experts, which began in December 2022 when developers were invited to submit proposals for working with the council.

Tom Hill and Dan Swords

Plans for the former Lister House site

Full funding for a new, state-of-the-art hospital for Harlow was confirmed by the government in May as part of a major funding package for NHS hospitals in England.

The government’s New Hospital Programme (NHP) will build 40 new hospitals in England by 2030.

The new Princess Alexandra Hospital will be a world-class healthcare facility for the local area. It will provide the best place to work for staff and deliver first-rate care for patients - transforming health outcomes and addressing health inequality in the growing and ageing local population.

In October 2019, the government first announced that The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) would receive funding to build a new hospital in Harlow for its patients, community and people.

Since that time, PAHT, along with other trusts, has been working closely with the NHP team to develop a framework for the building of all the new hospitals in the national programme, including design, the procurement of contractors, and how to best use modern methods of construction so the new hospitals can be built faster, better and more efficiently.

Whilst the NHP team works on the detail, PAHT is moving ahead with the purchase of the land for the new hospital, and following May’s announcement will be completing the new hospital outline business case.

Hattie Llewelyn-Davies, chair, and Lance McCarthy, chief executive, said:

“We are delighted at the news by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Steve Barclay, reconfirming that there will be a new hospital for Harlow by 2030.

“Our many years of hard work and preparation have paid off, and we can push ahead with our new hospital with certainty and confidence.

“We are very excited to be part of the New Hospital Programme and fully supportive of the plans to standardise the delivery of all the new hospitals using the Hospital 2.0 model. We are confident in the huge benefits this approach will bring for our people, our patients and the many communities in Harlow and the surrounding areas.

“It’s a moment to truly celebrate. This is a major milestone in the long journey to our new hospital - one of our five priorities in the trust’s strategy PAHT2030. And we now know with certainty that we will get the world-class healthcare facility our people deserve to work in.

“A new hospital that will deliver first-rate care for patientstransforming health outcomes and addressing health inequality in the growing and ageing local population.

“We will now move forward with our plans to purchase the land for the new hospital, and following the announcement, will be working hard to finalise our Outline Business Case. Throughout, we will be working very closely with the New Hospital Programme and our stakeholders to make sure we are able to deliver the new hospital by 2030.

“Finally, we want to thank our people, our patients, our partners and our local communities for their support in getting us to this point, and for their forbearance whilst we continue to tackle the problems of our ageing hospital estate at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

“There is still a long way to go, however the light is definitely at the end of the tunnel for the Princess Alexandra Hospital, and we couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead.”

Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said: “This is truly incredible news for our town as it will genuinely transform healthcare for existing residents and future generations.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in securing this investment into Harlow in particular the wonderful team at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust. My colleagues and I at the council look forward to working with the hospital trust and other partner organisations to deliver a new hospital for our town.”

New hospital building images are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to change. All photos shared with permission from The Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust, Gilling Dod and BDP.

New convenient electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been installed in council-owned public car parks with more coming soon.

The new fast chargers, which have been installed at no cost to the Harlow taxpayer, are within the Garden Terrace car park in Old Harlow, and the Minchen Road car park behind the Stow.

As part of the council's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, the charging points ensure that EV drivers have easy access to charging facilities.

These are the first points to be installed in Harlow Council-run car parks. They were installed thanks to the council securing £60,090 in government funding and by working with bp pulse who contributed the remaining 40% of the project cost as part of the funding.

Residents can park in one of the bays, pay for their parking as normal and then pay to use a charging point on either a payas-you-go tariff or through a bp pulse subscription.

Public EV charging points go live

"With more and more electric vehicles appearing on our roads, we need to make sure there is more provision for drivers to be able to charge them on the go.

“These charging points have primarily been installed for residents who live in the Old Harlow and Stow areas that do not have access to private off-street charging facilities. While the car parks are pay and display from 8am-5pm it is free to park overnight, which would make this a cost-effective option.

“With more public EV charging points in the pipeline, we are aiming to improve air quality and contribute to a greener, cleaner environment for everyone.”

Councillor Nicky Purse Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Environment

Independent report sets out how the council can improve

Ensuring the voice of residents is considered, improving relationships, and developing a vision for the town are among findings for Harlow Council to implement following a recent review.

A corporate peer challenge carried out by the Local Government Association (LGA) was commissioned by the council to help it improve the way it works.

LGA peer challenges are voluntary and are not inspections. They are improvement focussed and designed to meet individual councils’ needs.

The challenge involved staff and councillors from other councils and LGA advisers talking to 130 people including staff, councillors, and external organisations about how the council works and performs.

Council housing in Harlow was also considered to help inform decisions around areas like performance and contract management, and council housing repairs and maintenance priorities.

The review team highlighted that the voice of the resident feels very quiet in the council’s considerations and that more should be done to engage with residents.

An action plan will be agreed to make improvements to way the council works.

An independent residents’ survey has also been commissioned to determine residents’ views of the council.

A copy of the challenge feedback report is at: www. harlow.gov.uk/your-council/ peer-reviews

“Undertaking this external challenge is an important part in changing the way the council looks at how it works and what it does. We need to look outside the organisation, not just internally, so that we’re always considering the needs and priorities of our residents and working with other organisations.

“The final report is an open and honest assessment of where we are and what we need to do.

“We have a clear baseline to move us forward, with councillors and council staff working together to the same priorities so we can lead this town to greater success.”

Andrew Bramidge Harlow Council’s Chief Executive

Civic Awards 2023

Local people and organisations celebrated for community contribution.

Community members and organisations that have gone above and beyond were honoured at the 2023 Civic Awards in May.

This year’s Civic Awards were again nominated by members of the public. There were three categories for this year’s awards: Citizens of the Year, Sport and Culture and Young Citizens of the Year.

The awards were handed out by the Councillor Andrew Johnson, Chair of Harlow Council, to:

Carly Burd, Charlie Fisk, Yvonne Butler, Nigel Apps, Harlow Amateur Boxing Club, Erik Thorpe, Harlow Running and Tri Club, Alexandra CunninghamLang and Ceylan Deniz.

Carly Burd

Charlie Fisk

Yvonne Butler

Alexandra Cunningham-Lang

Ceylan Deniz

Nigel Apps

Harlow Amateur Boxing Club

Erik Thorpe

Harlow Running and Tri Club

Thank you for volunteering!

Seventy-five 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 event honoured volunteers who work alongside council staff to help provide services.

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

The volunteers each received a certificate from Councillor Andrew Johnson, Chair of Harlow Council and speeches were delivered by service managers on the difference volunteers make, after which guests tucked into 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.

There are many opportunities for people to volunteer around the town, from helping to conserve 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/ community/volunteering

Talking rubbishtop tips

Right on time

Give us a clue

The best way to ensure your waste collections run smoothly is to have your bins out at the right time, in the right place, with the right contents. Bins should be on your boundary by 7am on collection day and only contain accepted items.

Let loose

Did you know waste doesn’t need to be bagged up within the bins? In fact, you’ll be able to get more into them if it’s put in loose.

Space saver

Give cans and plastic bottles a quick squish and flatten cardboard boxes – that’ll save room in the recycling.

Liquid lunch

Liquids, food and food residue aren’t accepted in recycling and can ruin paper and cardboard so please make sure your food packaging is clean and dry – a quick rinse will do. Rinsing also prevents smells, particularly when the weather is warm.

Clean and empty tins, cans and aerosols

Clean and dry paper, card and cardboard

Clean and empty glass bottles and jars

If you’re not sure whether you can put something in your bin and have not found the answer on our website, ask us! There’s a place for everything and you avoid risking your bin not being emptied because the wrong item was in it.

Flaming nuisance

Batteries and other flammables such as gas lighters or canisters should not be put into your bins. Our crews have dealt with some serious incidents where such items have caused the load to catch fire on the vehicle. The load has to be immediately ejected – often onto the road, so that the fire can be extinguished safely. Batteries are collected separately.

What’s yours is not mine You shouldn’t put your waste into other people’s bins without their permission. If you’re still struggling to contain your waste after squashing items and putting it in loose, contact us as we may be able to help.

How does your garden grow

We have a separate collection for garden waste. The composting process for this is different to the food waste so it should not be put into food caddies. There’s more information about our garden waste service on our website.

Going somewhere

Nappy/sanitary or any type of pet waste should only be placed in your non-recycling black bin or purple bagsthese things should be bagged to keep your bin clean and reduce smells. If you’re struggling with your nappy waste, contact us as we may be able to help.

Pull out and keep!

All plastics aren’t created equal Plastic is a versatile material, but it’s produced in different ways depending on what it’ll be used for and is recycled differently too. So a bottle will not be made of the same type of plastic as a toy. We collect a limited range of plastic types for recycling so we can be certain that there is an end use for the recycled material.

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:

What’s on this summer

Knife Angel

Friday 1 to Saturday 30 September

The renowned Knife Angel, an iconic sculpture crafted from confiscated knives and a powerful symbol in the fight against violence, comes to Harlow for the month of September.

On Friday 1 September at 6pm a special opening ceremony will take place outside the Playhouse, where the Knife Angel will stand for the month. This will mark the start of a month of events aimed at raising awareness of the impact of serious violence.

The Knife Angel is being brought to the town by Harlow Council in partnership with the Tommy Jones Project.

Paddling pools

Harlow’s free-to-use paddling pools and splash parks are set to open for the school summer holidays from Saturday 22 July.

The four paddling pools are at Harlow Town Park, Bush Fair, Norman Booth and Sumners, and the town’s two splash parks can be found at Staple Tye and Potter Street.

Please note there is limited parking at Staple Tye splash park so please consider alternative forms of travel if possible.

Stay up to date on opening times for the facilities at www.harlow.gov.uk/paddling-pools where we will post regular updates.

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.

Harlow Museum’s Young Specialists’ Programme

Are you 14 to 19 years old? Do you enjoy History, Classics, Art History and/or Latin? This is a week long programme in the last week of July for young people interested in History and the Heritage Industry.

It’s hands on, no assessments but a certificate of completion and something good to put on UCAS applications. More importantly a chance to get involved with real artefacts and research.

Next course starting 22 July 2023 with a follow up session in August. For more information please email: harlow.museum@harlow.gov.uk

Wind in the Willows

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August

Performances at 1pm and 4.30pm each day.

Tickets available at: https:// playhouseharlow.ticketsolve.com/ ticketbooth/shows/873636679

Join us on an exciting adventure along the riverbank with a brand-new open-air musical staging of Kenneth Grahame’s family classic ‘The Wind in the Willows.

Images copyright: Alfie Bradley - Knife Angel Artist

Meet all your favourite characters including loyal Mole, faithful Ratty and wise old Badger as they do their best to keep the mischievous Mr Toad out of trouble. Will they be able to stop the Wicked Weasel from taking over Toad Hall?

Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes approx. (including 20 minute interval) Harlow Playhouse are working with KD Theatre Productions to bring this production to the Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens.

Gibberd Gallery

Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, CM20 1WG

11am to 4pm Monday to Saturday (Closed Sun & Bank Hols)

Re-drawing Harlow

Thursday 3 August to Sarutday 16 September

The Gibberd Gallery is proud to present the debut solo exhibition of local artist, Jordan Cook, ‘Re-Drawing Harlow’ - a visual, historical, and auto-biographical record of the town as it transforms around him.

August Playcation

This August Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens will be running a month of free activities themed around sports and games. Tuesdays will be bookable, free sessions that give children the chance to have a go at a range of sports and games. Thursdays will be craft-based sessions where participants can make their own games to take home and play.

Peter Aylmer’s Sculpture Walking Tour

5 August 10.15am to 4pm

Meets and ends at Harlow Train Station. A sculpture tour guided by Peter Aylmer based on one of his walks in his recently launched book ‘Harlow Sculpture Walks’.

Harlow Town Park

www.harlow.gov.uk/town-park

Home to Pets’ Corner, 5 unique gardens, the bandstand, adventure playground and inclusive play area, outdoor gym, skate park, marshes and meadows and Spurriers House Café.

Irena Posner Artist Residence

In Harlow Town Park

All July

Artist Irena Posner is carving a new sculpture out of Portland stone in Harlow Park. She will be running a number of stone carving workshops during her residency.

Activities will be aimed at a range of ages from 4 upwards. Please head to www.harlowmuseum.com/whats-on/ for more details and to book Tuesday workshop spaces.

Tickets £10.00, book via Eventbrite. For more information please visit www.sculpturetown.uk or call 01279 446040 (Disclaimer: date will move if there is a train strike).

Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens

Community Fête Saturday 2

September, noon to 4pm

Join our celebration of Harlow’s community in the Museum’s Walled Gardens, there will be over 20 groups for you to discover. Enjoy live music from local musicians and refreshments from charities and food trucks with games and activities for children.

For more information visit: www.harlowmuseum.com/whats-on/

For more information email gallery@ Harlowarttrust.org.uk or call 01279 446404

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.

Improve your strength and balance

Regular gentle strength-based activities are proven to help improve mobility and prevent falls, leading to a more active, social and independent life.

Social.Active.Strong offers a free 12-week programme of activity designed to build strength and keep the muscles, bones and joints strong; helping to improve balance and sustain your day to day activity levels.

By taking part in strength based physical activity at least two days a week, adults and older people can reduce their risk of falling by up to 30%.

The service is available to adults living in or registered to a GP’s practice in Harlow, Uttlesford or Epping Forest.

“The goal of the programme is to educate people and provide them with the tools to improve their strength and balance. This in turn will help to prevent falls at home whilst maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as protecting their independence. We cater to a wide variety of people, with varying ages and abilities, allowing for seated, standing but supported, and freestanding participation, everyone is welcome to take part.”

Kate Spillane, Strength and Balance Officer

Sessions in Harlow take place at:

• Harlow Playhouse

• Moot House

• The Stow

• Great Parndon Community Association

• Staple Tye

• St Thomas More Catholic Church

• The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, Bush Fair

For more information or to book your place on the course, please call: 07510 383146 or email: sas@harlow.gov.uk

A strength and balance service is available for Harlow residents who would like to improve their mobility.

Tour of Britain is coming to town

The Tour of Britain will become the biggest sporting event to ever take place in Harlow when the cycle race visits in September.

Stage six of the race will culminate in spectacular fashion along Third Avenue on Friday 8 September at around 2.45pm.

The major road closures will be like last year’s Women’s Tour - Abercrombie Way between the junction with

Pyenest Road and Third Avenue, and Third Avenue/ Abercrombie Way junction to Haydens road. Roads near to Third Avenue will be local access or residential access only.

Rolling road closures will be in place as the race enters Harlow. These will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.

We will write to residents and organisations affected by road closures.

Tour of Britain road closures

5am to 7pm closure

Resident access only and no through route to Third Avenue 5am to 7pm

Rolling road closures during race

Race route

(Subject to change)

Help with the cost of

Where to get further help and 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

Help with council bills

If you are having genuine difficulty in paying any of your council bills visit www.harlow.gov.uk/help-cost-living

National money and debt advice

Money Helper

www.moneyhelper.org.uk

National Debtline 0800 808 4000

www.nationaldebtline.org

StepChange Debt Charity 0800 138 1111

www.stepchange.org.uk

Debt Advice Foundation 0800 622 6151

www.debtfoundation.org

Independent advice

Citizens Advice Harlow offers free, confidential, independent advice and information on a wide range of subjects, including cost of living advice. Get in touch in a way that works for you.

Telephone:

If you live in Essex, please call the freephone Essex Adviceline: 0808 278 7856. If you are a Harlow resident, you can call the enquiry or message line on 01279 770189 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm.

Webchat and Email advice: Both telephone and face-to-face appointments are available following an initial assessment. www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk/contact-us

New out-of-hours service:

Across Essex, Citizens Advice has expanded services to evenings and weekends through a new out-of-hours telephone service. You can call 0808 250 5724 4pm to 8pm during the week and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Citizens Advice Harlow also attends Community Hub pop-ups and provides energy advice at the Harlow Holiday Lunch clubs.

For more information and opening times, visit www.rainbowservices.org.uk and www.harlowlunch.org.uk

We know that it’s a difficult time for many people with the rise in the cost of living. There is local and national help and support available.

living

Internet support

If you’re struggling to keep up with your broadband bills there is help out there for you:

WECAN Digital Inclusion project

This project runs regular drop-ins at the Harlow Central Library on Tuesdays between 11am and 2pm. They can provide equipment, free data and training. Visit www.westessexcan.org/ourwork/digital-inclusion-project/

Broadband social tariffs

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband. For more information and to check if you’re eligible, visit www.ofcom.org.uk

Sign the Essex Food Waste Pledge for your chance to win

This year Love Essex launched its ‘Love Essex, Love Food’ campaign in a bid to reduce food waste in the county.

Did you know, the average Essex household wastes £60 a month by throwing away food that could have been eaten?

This is why Love Essex is giving residents the chance to win the equivalent amount in supermarket vouchers every month throughout the year.

All you need to do is sign the Essex Food Waste Pledge and take part in the monthly challenges. To sign the Pledge, visit loveessex.org/ foodwaste

Harlow Community Hub

The Community Hub is a partnership between Rainbow Services, Citizens Advice Harlow, Mind in West Essex, Harlow Foodbank, Volunteer Centre Harlow and Integration Support Services.

The Community Hub offers a range of services for Harlow residents affected by the cost-of-living crisis as well as information on community and physical activities and access to volunteering.

You can contact the Community Hub Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm on 01279 927005, email harlowcommunityhub@ rainbowservices.org.uk or visit one of their outreach sessions.

To find out where the next session will be, scan the QR code:

Keeping you safe

As a landlord we are required, by law, to make sure our properties are kept up to fire and carbon monoxide (CO) safety standards.

Another council housing scheme in Staple Tye has been given the green light to proceed.

All buildings on the site of the council’s Staple Tye depot on Perry Road will be demolished to make way for 10 new council homes – five two-bedroom and five three-bedroom houses –designed to be energy efficient and achieve net zero carbon use. The homes will be a mix of two- and three-storey, with one being designed to be suitable for a wheelchair user with the remaining nine designed to be accessible and adaptable.

This is one of three major regeneration schemes in Staple Tye, including the former Lister House site and a derelict site on the corner of Parnall Road. All homes in the development will be council homes and allocated to Harlow families of the Housing Needs Register.

The scheme will come with a new landscaped boulevard, private community garden and natural play area. Bin stores, 10 cycle parking spaces and 15 car parking spaces with electric vehicle charging points also included.

Councillor Michael Hardware, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Staple Tye ward councillor, said: “One of our main priorities is to rebuild our town with a major programme of neighbourhood renewal and this is yet more proof that we are delivering on the priorities of local residents. Our regeneration of Harlow continues to make progress, and this is another important step forward in building more, and much-needed council housing for the people of our town.

“These energy-efficient homes will be built to a high standard, with excellent insulation and beautifully landscaped communal areas for families to get together. This scheme is part of a comprehensive regeneration of the Staple Tye neighbourhood.

“With construction starting in the coming months, we are rebuilding our town by regenerating left-behind neighbourhoods and building new council homes for Harlow families.”

Staple Tye council homes receive green light

As part of this we must follow the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (Amendment) Regulations 2022, which came into force last October. These state that we must:

Ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of our homes where there is a room used as living accommodation. Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).

Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.

Whilst these regulations don’t state the type of CO alarms to be installed, they must be compliant with British Standards BS 50291.

Where battery-powered alarms are selected, those with ‘sealed for life’ batteries rather than alarms with replaceable batteries are the better option.

The system we are currently installing in our tenanted properties is the Aico 3000 series, which is remotely monitored for proactive fault detection and remedy, test expiry and awareness of abuse or interference.

For more information on this system email us at compliance.inbox@harlow.gov.uk

The Careline service is available for elderly, disabled or vulnerable people of any age in Harlow 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It provides support and peace of mind to those who need it, whether it is to call a member of your family, GP, the emergency services or simply to offer advice and reassurance.

You will be provided with an alarm unit which is linked directly to the dedicated Careline call centre where an experienced operator can help if you need it.

For more information please visit www.harlow.gov.uk or call 01279 446361, 446356 or 446519

Direct Debits

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.

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.

Public engagement

Community Safety engagement

events continue, with officers visiting different areas of Harlow. If you would like us to be part of a local event that you are organising, contact us via email HarlowCPT@ Essex.Police.uk

Many hackers use unprotected Wi-Fi networks to hack into people’s devices. A reliable VPN will encrypt your traffic and prevent any hackers. Keep your phone updated.

Protecting and serving Harlow

A man is currently in custody after being arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences. Officers on patrol close to the M11 at around 4.30am on 15 June were alerted to a suspicious vehicle.

Investigations are ongoing for a robbery in Harlow which took place on Friday 23 June.

Officers were called to Haydens Road at about 9pm after reports of an incident, during which four young people had chased the victim, a young man, and assaulted him.

He was pulled off his bike and threatened with a knife. At this point, the suspects were then disturbed and ran off.

Look out for our Coffee with Cops and street meets. For further details please look at and follow our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Crime prevention

Booking a holiday?

Help protect your holiday by checking if the company you are booking with is an ABTA travel member or offer ATOL protection. Here’s how to check:

Search ABTA members here: https://orlo.uk/hAAaY

Search ATOL holders here: https://orlo.uk/NiHRG

Getting hacked is no fun Hacking can lead to identity theft, loss of privacy, and compromised bank accounts. You may not even notice if your phone has been hacked in the first place.

Our tips to help prevent your phone from getting hacked: Use an antivirus app. This will monitor the security of your phone at all times and will inform you about any potential threats.

The vehicle was stopped and searched by our Dog Unit. A large amount of suspected class A drugs was found, alongside a small amout of suspected cannabis. Officers also located a knife hidden within the car.

The 36-year-old man from Greater London was arrested on suspicion with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of class B drugs and possession of a bladed article. He remains in custody and enquiries continue.

If you have any information, CCTV, dashcam or other footage in relation to this incident, please get in contact with us, quoting crime reference 42/112483/23.

You can submit a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service, available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am and 9pm.

On Tuesday 13 June, officers from Essex Police - Harlow Council Town Centre Team and Community Policing team attended Fern Hill in Harlow. Whilst there, they located and recovered two stolen motorbikes and a stolen car. Thanks to Stort Mill Recovery for assisting us.

Visit https://orlo.uk/VOY8v to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101

If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111

Adult Social Services 0345 603 7630

www.essex.gov.uk

Affinity Water Emergencies: 0345 357 2407

Customer services: 0345 357 2402

www.affinitywater.co.uk

Arriva Buses 0344 800 4411

www.arrivabus.co.uk

Blue Badge Enquiries 0345 603 7630

www.essex.gov.uk

Bus Pass Helpline 0345 200 0388

www.essexhighways.org

Children’s Social Services 0345 603 7627

www.essex.gov.uk

Essential Living Fund 0300 7900124

Essex County Council Contact Essex 0345 743 0430

www.essex.gov.uk

Essex Highways Traffic updates, report potholes and faulty street lights 0345 603 7631

www.essexhighways.org

Essex Police 101 www.essex.police.uk

Gas Leak Emergency Number 0800 111 999

Harlow Advice Centre Based at Great Parndon Library 01279 704002

www.harlowac.org.uk

Harlow Bus Station 01279 426349

www.harlow.gov.uk/bus-station

Harlow Citizens’ Advice Bureau 0344 477 0808

www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk

Harlow College 01279 868000

www.harlow-college.ac.uk

Harlow Community Hub 01279 927005

email: harlowcommunityhub@rainbowservices.org.uk

Harlow Community Transport 01992 579556

www.efcommunitytransport.co.uk

Harlow Council 01279 446655

www.harlow.gov.uk

Harlow Registry Office 0345 603 7632

www.essex.gov.uk

Harlowsave (Credit Union) 01279 451234

www.harlowsavecu.co.uk

HTS (Property & Environment) Ltd

Repairs line: 01279 446666

www.harlow.gov.uk/housing-repairs

Job Centre Plus 0800 169 0190

www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

National Rail Enquiries 0345 748 4950

www.nationalrail.co.uk

NHS Choices 111

www.nhs.uk

Parndon Wood Cemetery & Crematorium 01279 620620

www.parndonwoodcrem.co.uk

Post Office Customer Helpline 0345 611 2970

www.postoffice.co.uk

Princess Alexandra Hospital 01279 444455

www.pah.nhs.uk

Samaritans 116 123 (free)

www.samaritans.org

Schools Admissions 0345 603 2200

www.essex.gov.uk/admissions

Thames Water Blocked drains or sewage/waste water flooding: 0800 3169800

www.thameswater.co.uk

UK Power Networks (power cuts) 105

www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk

Universal Credit Helpline 0800 328 5644

www.gov.uk/universal-credit

New signage to improve patient experience

A project to improve wayfinding across The Princess Alexandra Hospital site, to help patients and visitors navigate around the wards and departments with greater ease, has been completed. This has been very well received by patients, visitors and people working at the hospital so far since the installations began in March.

Externally there are now clearly visible blue signage for visitor car parks (P2, P3, P4, P7 and P8) which reference the area of the hospital they are nearest to; orange signage for staff car parking areas (P1, P5 and P6); grey signage for delivery points, drop-off points and external buildings; with signage for the emergency department (ED) and same day emergency care (SDEC) continuing to be red.

The interior of the main building has been divided into three colour zones: pink, blue and green, with signage that displays which colour zone the various wards and departments are in; so that patients and visitors can ensure they are in the right zone for the area they need to reach.

Stuart Gordon, strategic head of facilities and property services at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), said: “Feedback from our patients and visitors was that signage needed to be improved across the site, especially for those who were unfamiliar with the hospital; such as on their first visit, or they had not been here in a while.

“We hope that our new car park signage makes it easier for visitors to identify the nearest car park to where they want to go; and that the colour zones inside the main building will give reassurance that people are in the right area for the department or ward they want to visit and how to get to the zone they need to find.”

Michael Meredith, director of strategy at PAHT said: “This project had one main aim, to improve signage across our hospital site to help our patients and visitors to get to where they need to go as quickly and easily as possible.

“The development of the new colour code scheme has not only given our old signage a much-needed face lift; but gives our patients and visitors much clearer directions to where they need to be and how to get there.”

Harlow residents to benefit from Garden Town millions

Councillor Michael Hardware, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Garden Town board member, said: “It will have direct benefits to Harlow itself through financial contributions of around £271,000 for the Playhouse Square project and up to around £1.1 million for our local libraries as well as major improvements to our cycle path network.

“These and many more benefits are made possible through the agreements we have in place with the developers and displays the Garden Town partnership’s commitment to providing our area with vital education and job opportunities, as well as new homes.”

HGGT Director Naisha Polaine said: “It’s a landmark moment for the five-council partners of Harlow and Gilston Garden Town and the most significant housing decisions in the area since Sir Frederick Gibberd’s plans for Harlow were approved over 75 years ago.

Harlow residents can look forward to at least £90m in investment thanks to decisions earlier this year that saw East Herts Council agree to approve 10,000 homes as part of Harlow & Gilston Garden Town.

And senior figures have welcomed the news that will see Harlow’s current population profit from financial commitments made by Garden Town developers, Places for People and Taylor Wimpey. Places for People’s successful application for 8,500 homes and associated infrastructure will be built across six of seven new Gilston villages.

The final village from Taylor Wimpey will be consist of 1,500 homes.

“We will continue to put local people at the heart of our placemaking and work with them to create thriving communities, new job opportunities and much needed housing for existing residents and the generation that follows.

“With Harlow Council having secured the funding for Town Centre regeneration, the door of opportunity is now wide open for the local area in terms of transformative development, investment, commerce, employment, retail and leisure.”

Which council does what?

• Abandoned vehicles

• Antisocial behaviour

• Bus station

• CCTV

• Council car parks *

• Council Tax and business rates collection

• Elections and electoral register

• Environmental health - noise/air pollution, food safety inspections, health and safety at work

• Events – town centre and fireworks

• Graffiti, flytipping, broken glass and litter

• Grass cutting and landscape maintenance

• Housing benefits

• Housing register

• Housing repairs **

• Homelessness

• Licensing – taxi/private hire, alcohol and entertainment, animal establishments, street trading, gambling, houses in multiple occupation

• Parks, open spaces and allotments

• Picking up dead animals on the highway

• Planning and building control

• Playhouse, playgrounds and paddling pools

• Residential parking*

• Sports pitches and multi-use games areas

• Stray dogs

• Street cleaning and emptying bins

• Supported housing

• Waste and recycling collections

www.harlow.gov.uk

Phone 01279 446655

• Adoption and fostering

• Adult and children social care

• Births, ceremonies and deaths

• Blue badges

• Cycle tracks

• Disability support services

• Essex Outdoors

• Essex Record office

• Gritting of main roads

• Household Recycling Centre (the tip)

• Libraries

• Pavement repairs

• Potholes

• Road safety

• Schools and adult learning

• School transport

• Street lights

• Trading standards

• Traffic information

• Traffic lights, traffic signs and bollards

• Transport – buses and bus passes

• Underpasses

• Youth service

www.essex.gov.uk

www.essexhighways.org

Phone: 0345 743 0430

* Parking enforcement is carried out by the North Essex Parking Partnership. Please call 01206 282316

** Council housing repairs are carried out by HTS (Property & Environment) Limited. Please call 01279 446666

Fair

Councillor Dan Swords Conservative

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 07568 193081

Email: dan.swords@harlow.gov.uk LEADER

Councillor Kay Morrison

Labour

199A Hookfield, CM18 6QP

Tel: 07736 333105

Email: kay.morrison@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Jodi Dunne Labour

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 07378 879710

Email: jodi.dunne@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor James Leppard Conservative

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 07454 686809

Email: james.leppard@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Stacy Seales

Conservative

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 07541 141166

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 Colleen Morrison

Conservative

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 07445 390675 (Text only)

Email: colleen.morrison@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor James Griggs Labour

129 Broadfield, CM20 3PY

Tel: 07877 424834

Email: james.griggs@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Nancy Watson Labour

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 07908 518862

Email: nancy.watson@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Russell Perrin

Conservative

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Email: russell.perrin@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Nick Churchill

Conservative

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 621094

Email: nick.churchill@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Clive Souter

Conservative

227 Longbanks, CM18 7PB

Tel: 07850 667900

Email: clive.souter@harlow.gov.uk

Church Langley

Portfolio Holder

Councillor Simon Carter Conservative

71 Mark Hall Moors, CM20 2NF

Tel: 429443

Email: simon.carter@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Nicky Purse Conservative

98 Coalport Close, CM17 9QS

Tel: 07838 238573

Email: nicky.purse@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Andrew Johnson Conservative

78 Mallards Rise, CM17 9PL

Tel: 865673

Email: andrew.johnson@harlow.gov.uk CHAIR

Councillor Chris Vince Labour

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 07729 406011

Email: chris.vince@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Tony Durcan Labour

329 Rundells, CM18 7HN

Tel: 414357

Email: anthony.durcan@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Maggie Hulcoop Labour

330 Carters Mead, CM17 9HA

Tel: 452252

Email: maggie.hulcoop@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

Email: joel.charles@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Sue Livings Conservative

15 Seeleys, CM17 0AD

Tel: 422339

Email: sue.livings@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 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

Councillor Eddie Johnson Conservative

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 312195

Email: eddie.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Stephen LeMay

Conservative

21 The Drive, CM20 3QD

Tel: 07840 852349

Email: stephen.lemay@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor David Carter

Conservative

23 Greygoose Park, CM19 4JL

Tel: 420340

Portfolio Holder

Email: david.carter@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Matthew Saggers Conservative

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 07305 777819

Email: matthew.saggers@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor 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

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 07506 699240

Email: aiden.odell@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Alastair Gunn Conservative

11 Penshurst, CM17 0BP

Tel: 07850 261771

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

Councillor John Steer Conservative

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

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

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

Bush

Great Parndon

Mark Hall

Staple

Tye

Harlow Common

Netteswell

Sumners & Kingsmoor

Toddbrook

Portfolio Holder

Portfolio Holder