Harlow Times - Summer 2020

Summer 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk

A magazine about housing and your town

There for you Harlow’s response and recovery

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Working together for Harlow

Coronavirus: our town’s response and recovery Councillor Mark Ingall, Leader of Harlow Council We have all faced covid-19 upheaval and too many have faced tragedy, which has tested the courage and resilience of our town. Things we took for granted have become impossible, as protecting our lives and the lives of others has taken priority.

This pandemic has tested our nurses, our doctors, our care staff; they and so many other essential workers and volunteers have been magnificent. We say thank you.

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who are no longer with us. This horrible virus has seen the town lose many dearly loved people and many families are changed forever, but we are determined that as a town we will continue to be there for those who need us. That’s what Harlow does best.

Harlow Council has continued throughout the crisis to provide the essential services that you and our businesses have needed and we’ve adapted our services to ensure those in need have been helped. As we approach the summer break we hope to start reopening facilities in a safe and measured way.

I know that many will want reassurance and security at this time and you will need it as we move forward too. For our town’s recovery we’ll push ahead with projects and schemes, which will help Harlow to rebuild, provide jobs and become an even better place to live, work and visit.

Despite some uncertainty for the future, our ambition to improve Harlow whilst retaining those things people hold dear remains.

The world-leading public health science campus moves a step closer every day and work continues on the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town project.

Harlow Enterprise Zone, led by the council, will be vital in supporting Harlow’s economy and we’ll keep playing our part in making sure Harlow’s residents and those who work so hard at Princess Alexandra Hospital get the new, modern hospital they deserve. We will move ahead with building new council homes and also improving our town centre.

There is a lot to look forward to, Harlow’s future continues to shine brightly. We’ll ensure that we keep pressing for the investment and attention that our town needs.

Take care and stay safe.

In this edition News in brief Things to do this summer Housing news Harlow Police update Your councillors Useful numbers and websites

2-3 11 12-13 15 16 17

6 A message from your hospital Update from PAH

7 Protect yourself and others

Coronavirus advice & information

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8 Town Centre 10 Your mental health & regeneration and wellbeing Mental health support & advice Future High Streets Fund proposals 9 harlow times · summer 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk

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News in brief

Pool improvements agreed for future Harlow’s paddling pools will not be open this summer due to coronavirus.

Supporting hidden disabilities Harlow Civic Centre reception is now part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme.

Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly tells our staff that you need additional support, help or a little more time. Our staff have been trained to help you.

We made the decision back in June following government guidance at that time. Sadly, to open the pools it’s not a case of simply turning on a tap.

There are maintenance works that have to take place, staff recruited and trained and public safety to consider.

However, we’ve agreed essential health and safety works and improvements to the pools, so they will be back better than ever next year.

We will be supporting the scheme and introducing it at more of our facilities. More details on the scheme will be issued shortly.

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Staple Tye will become a trial project with access to toilet and changing facilities and a new splash park alongside the pool.

These improvements were agreed after councillors held a review on the future of the pools.

Councillors recommended that all of the paddling pools will be improved, but kept as paddling pools rather than changed to splash parks.

Maggie appointed chair for third time The previous chair of the council, Councillor Clive Souter, raised £12,000 for charity during his year in office. Addenbrookes Charitable Trust (Renal Unit) and Livewire Community Theatre each received £6,000.

Not all disabilities are visible – some are not immediately obvious, such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety, visual or hearing impairment.

Living with a hidden disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to recognise, acknowledge or understand the challenges you face.

Improvements include installing barrier fencing and surface repairs. Toilets, changing rooms and seating areas will also be considered.

Councillor Maggie Hulcoop has been elected the chair of Harlow Council for 2020 to 2021, with Councillor Bob Davis appointed vice-chair of the council.

Maggie’s chosen charities are Mind in West Essex and the baby loss counselling charity Petals.

News in brief

The Civic Centre Living through is open again The Civic Centre has reopened to the public. However, you should only visit us if it’s essential.

We’re only accepting cash at the moment so please bear this in mind if you are coming to see us to pay a bill.

We’re only dealing with urgent enquiries as most services can be accessed online or over the phone instead.

We’ve provided you with hand sanitiser at the entrance to the Civic Centre, please do use it if you need to come and see us.

If you do need to visit, make sure you keep your distance and use the floor markings we’ve laid out for your safety.

Many services are available online at www.harlow.gov.uk or over the phone on 01279 446655.

Council meetings now held online

Residents can still ask questions at meetings but can now watch all public council meetings from the comfort of their homes.

Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens have created a new project called ‘living through lockdown’ which aims to capture your memories and experiences of living through the coronavirus lockdown.

You can share a photo, film, piece of writing or an object that you feel has helped you get through this uncertain time in your life.

It could be a memorable picture, an item from a new hobby you took up or evidence of a kind gesture you received. The most important thing is that it has been helpful to you personally.

The museum has already received a number of digital donations. These will be added to an ever-changing temporary exhibition viewable when the gardens reopen in the near future.

For the foreseeable future council meetings will be held virtually and shown live on YouTube.

Rules have been changed which allows councils to hold virtual meetings during the coronavirus outbreak.

lockdown

Meetings are streamed live on our YouTube channel: www. youtube.com/harlowcouncil You can find dates for meetings at www.harlow.gov.uk/events

All donations will be added to the museum’s permanent collection. You can find more details and how to get involved on the Living Through Lockdown page on www.harlow.gov.uk

Annual elections canvass Every year we carry out the annual canvass to check that the information on the electoral register is up to date.

have on the register with the same information held by the Department for Work and Pensions.

do not match you’ll receive a canvass form. If you are asked to respond, please do so online if possible.

This year, we will compare the names and addresses that we

If your details match, you will receive a letter. If your details

For more information www. harlow.gov.uk/annual-canvass harlow times · summer 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk

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Supporting Harlow The Veolia bin crews collected over 2,824 tonnes of non-recycling, 1,402 tonnes of recycling and 557 tonnes of food waste in April and May.

Coronavirus: our response

We’ve dealt with over 60,000 enquiries* (calls, emails, online forms, applications and social media messages). We also contacted and made sure the people who use our services were ok.

During lockdown we continued to provide essential services and set up new ones to help those affected by coronavirus.

Our staff have either been at work, or working from home, continuing to provide these services. We took a number of decisions to temporarily close our facilities to protect both residents and staff from the virus, but made sure that those who still needed us were supported.

Here is how we and our partners responded to the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 24,000 people visited our coronavirus support information on our website.

We’ve given out £11.5m in government grants to 868 businesses.

We’ve given extended retail relief to 524 business rate payers, totalling around £17.5m.

We have supported 36 rough sleepers.

*Between 17 March 2020 to the end of June 2020

Community Hub Following the good work of the local community we took over the running of the Community Hub in March, working with Rainbow Services.

Supported 940 residents by referring them to other partner agencies for help.

Answered 2,996 telephone calls from local residents.

We’ve paid out £745,413 of government hardship grants to 5,022 residents receiving Council Tax support.

Made over 3,070 telephone calls to vulnerable people to see how they were doing.

Answered 248 calls from residents who needed general advice, were lonely or concerned about the welfare of someone.

Collected 447 prescriptions for those unable to collect them. 322 referrals made to Goodsam for prescriptions, with 215 repeat collections.

Helped with 574 general food enquiries, including 653 requests from those that needed help with collecting essential food shopping.

“I am proud of how council staff, contractors, partners and the community have responded to the coronavirus pandemic and rallied around to support the town in its time of need.

The power of this joint response reinforces the unique community spirit our town has.”

Brian Keane, Chief Executive of Harlow Council.

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Supporting Harlow

“I’m proud to be given the opportunity to play a key role in Harlow’s recovery from the coronavirus crisis as cabinet portfolio holder for recovery and resilience. My role is to work with councillors, council staff and the community on planning and delivering our town’s recovery. The town has worked together to respond to this crisis, and we must now work together to help our town recover from the impact. A cross-party working group will steer the recovery, and I will be looking at inviting the community and businesses to join us to ensure that all views are represented.”

Planning our town’s recovery Councillor Eugenie Harvey, deputy council leader I know everyone has been affected by this virus in some way. Therefore we will continue to support our residents, community groups and businesses and we will do this by focusing recovery on these six areas: • The impact on the town’s residents as a whole and the support required for those affected • Housing, including social housing, homelessness and private landlords • Businesses and the economy

We’ve also taken difficult decisions to postpone the carnival and the opening of the paddling pools until next year.

Gradually, we’ll reopen our facilities. We’ll always take what time is necessary to review government guidance and consider extra safety measures.

We understand that delays are frustrating and disappointing, but as a community leader and service provider we must do what we can to prevent the spread of this virus. Please bear with us as we work to get our facilities reopened safely for you.

• The voluntary sector • The faith sector • Helping those who require benefit support

Your safety remains our priority The safety and wellbeing of residents and our staff has been, and will be, the overwhelming factor in every decision we make. Before the virus spread we took immediate action to temporarily close our facilities, such as: the Playhouse, Leah Manning Centre, Pets’ Corner, Sam’s Place, Harlow Museum, playgrounds and outdoor sports areas.

The Playhouse, Leah Manning Centre and Sam’s Place cannot open under current government rules and remain closed until further notice.

The situation continues to change and updates are at www.harlow.gov.uk/ coronavirus

Looking towards the future Latest service update At the time this magazine went to print we were aiming to start reopening playgrounds and outdoor sports facilities from the end of July.

We also hope to start opening Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens and the main area of Pets’ Corner at the end of July.

It is probably fair to say that life will never be quite as we knew it – and in some respects, that will be a good thing. New ways of working, of doing business, of socialising, of travelling around and of helping one another have emerged as we have faced this crisis.

I’m determined that we hold on to the best of these and use them as the foundation for the growth and prosperity we have long been planning for. harlow times · summer 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk

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Message from The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Message to our community from The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we’ve seen from our local community in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19). Thank you.

From gifts and donations to our coronavirus (COVID-19) charity appeal to kind words for our staff, it has meant a great deal to all of us and has been deeply appreciated.

Our amazing people have responded to the demands of coronavirus (COVID-19) with extraordinary energy, effort, and dedication to patient care. We have transformed the way that we provide care in the last few months to ensure the safety of our patients and our people.

While coronavirus (COVID-19) remains at the forefront of the national consciousness, we are also looking to the future and what our patients can expect when attending an appointment or coming to the hospital. You can read more about what to expect by visiting our website, www.pah.nhs.uk.

It is now a requirement to wear a face covering when you come to hospital. You should bring your own face covering to hospital with you. Face coverings can be cloth and/or homemade. Advice on how to wear and make one can be found on the government website, www.gov.uk.

New hospital update We are about to take the next step on an amazing journey to transform healthcare for the population we serve. We are going to develop a building fit for the 21st century with technology at its heart, that will be an outstanding place to receive care and a fabulous place to work.

A team of experts are working on the project, with our executive team, clinicians, and operations people along with support from architects, healthcare planners and town planners to develop one of the largest capital projects in the NHS today.

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Our ambition is that our hospital is more than just a hospital. It will deliver modern, outstanding, integrated healthcare, but it will be much more than that. It will be part of the community it serves.

We want the hospital to have space for people to relax, an atmosphere that supports loved ones at difficult times and an environment that attracts the best to work in our team.

We will be developing the inside and outside space for use by the whole community, working with partners, staff and patients in the coming months,

with a massive engagement programme to understand what they want and need our new hospital to deliver for them.

Watch out for future updates and opportunities to share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build one of the best hospitals in the country.

We have all worked hard to gain this opportunity, so now it’s time to get involved - be part of our future.

Keeping you safe

Protecting yourself and others

There are simple things you can do to protect yourself and others from getting coronavirus like washing your hands regularly and keeping apart from those you don’t live with. Our guide lets you know what you can do and what to do if you are worried that you might have coronavirus.

• stay at home as much as possible • work from home if you can • limit contact with other people • keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible) • wash your hands regularly

If you have symptoms Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has any of the following symptoms:

If you’re worried about your symptoms or don’t know what to do, use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ Call 111 if you cannot get help online. Do not go to places like a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy.

• a high temperature • a new, continuous cough • a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

If you have any of these symptoms get tested

NHS Test and Trace service If you have had contact with someone who has tested positively for coronavirus you might be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.

You’ll be contacted by email, text or phone and tell you what you must do.

Book at test online www.gov.uk/coronavirus If you can’t book a test online call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). You can either get a home test sent to you or make an appointment to visit a mobile testing site, like the one based at Harlow Town Football Club.

The NHS Test and Trace service will not: • Ask for bank details or payments • Ask for details of any other accounts such as social media • Ask you to set up a password or PIN number over the phone • Ask you to call a premium rate number, such as those starting with 09 or 087

Staying updated It is important to stay updated on the latest situation and how authorities are responding to coronavirus. You will also find information on what you need to do if there are local outbreaks.

Council and government websites and social media: Harlow Council www.harlow.gov.uk/coronavirus Harlow Council Facebook Harlow Council Twitter Essex County Council www.essex.gov.uk/coronavirus Essex CC Facebook Essex CC Twitter UK Government www.gov.uk/coronavirus West Essex CCG www.westessexccg.nhs.net

Local news: Your Harlow www.yourharlow.com CM17 magazine delivered monthly and available online: www.cmconnection.uk Harlow Guardian Sold in local shops on Thursdays www.eppingforestguardian.co.uk Everything Harlow www.everythingharlow.com Heart Essex FM 96.3FM, 97.5FM www.heart.co.uk/essex BBC Essex 95.3FM, 103.5Fm, 729 AM, 765 AM and Freeview 734 www.bbc.co.uk/essex Essex TV news www.essex-tv.co.uk/essex-news ITV Anglia www.itv.com/anglia BBC Look East www.bbc.co.uk Icons made by Pixelmeetup and Freepik from www.flaticon.com

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Regenerating Harlow

Town centre plans unveiled

Future High Streets Fund proposals

Harlow Council is looking to use a new government funding scheme to support the regeneration of Harlow town centre.

Our aim for Playhouse Quarter, located in Playhouse and College Squares, is to create a new welcoming approach to Harlow Playhouse, the Harvey Centre and The Water Gardens.

The Future High Streets Fund has been set up by the government to help local areas make long-term strategies for their high streets and town centres.

We submitted an expression of interest for this funding, which has been successful. We have now been invited to submit a business case for funding of up to ÂŁ25m.

Our proposals focus on two projects, which are to improve the Playhouse area known as the Playhouse Quarter and the Stone Cross Square, currently Market Square and 21 The Rows.

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Playhouse Quarter

The proposals include a series of new buildings developed opposite Harlow Playhouse and on the current Occasio House site for arts, cultural and leisure uses.

Regenerating Harlow The upper floors of these buildings would have new homes for ‘key workers’ (such as nurses, doctors and teachers) at affordable rents.

Stone Cross Square Our vision for Stone Cross Square is to create a new northern gateway to Harlow town centre, with this area becoming a hub of trading activity and an event location with open, green spaces and public sculpture.

It will feature new community and commercial spaces to support a range of activities and events including a weekly market and specialist markets.

Stone Cross Square

We want to rename the current Market Square and 21 The Rows to Stone Cross Square to signal a new chapter in the area’s future and recognise the shift from a dedicated market place.

The proposals for both the Playhouse Quarter and Stone Cross Square will provide new uses and a major change to the look and feel of these areas, making the town centre a better place to visit, work and live in.

Stone Cross Square

The proposals have been developed over the last few months taking into consideration previous consultations.

Residents and businesses had a chance to give their views on the proposals in a public consultation that ran between 29 June and 14 July 2020.

You can see both proposals in full detail and keep up-to-date with the progress of our case on our website www.harlow.gov.uk

Stone Cross Square

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Livewell in Harlow

Get help with stress and anxiety

in Harlow

During these uncertain times there has been an increase in people dealing with stress and anxiety. If you feel it is having an impact on your day-to-day life there are a number of support services and resources available which can help you. Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.

Every Mind Matters Every Mind Matters has expert advice and practical tips to help if you’re worried about coronavirus or your mental health while staying at home.

Take the Your Mind Plan quiz and get a personalised plan of simple ideas to help improve your mental health and wellbeing. For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/ oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Mind in West Essex Mind in West Essex is a charity that provides information and support to anyone who is affected by mental health problems. It is currently offering counselling, befriending and support work via telephone, video link and email. Visit www.mindinwestessex.org.uk or phone 01371 876 641.

You can also sign up to a free anxiety course aimed at helping people build resilience during difficult times. Please visit: www.mindinwestessex. mindlms.org.uk

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Children’s mental health and parenting Whether you’re working from home with your kids for the first time or supporting children with anxiety due to coronavirus, the NSPCC has tips and advice for you. Recognising the signs that a child may be struggling with their mental health can be really hard.

The NSPCC has also got advice to help you support children who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal feelings or self-harm. For help and advice please visit www.nspcc.org.uk

Residents were able to request an outdoor pack, to be grown in their garden or an indoor pack if they had no outdoor space.

The packs were prepared and delivered to residents by volunteers who gave up their time to contribute and support this initiative.

Growing your own produce can be fun, help you stay healthy, reduce stress by connecting with nature and give you a sense of achievement.

Over 400 people now follow the @Harlowgrows Facebook page, where there are videos on caring for the plants as well as some recipe videos. Followers can also get advice from Herts & Essex Community farm and connect with other residents who received a Harlow Grows pack.

Growing your own During lockdown, 550 free grow your own vegetable kits were given out to Harlow residents and local organisations.

The kits were offered to households, on a first come first serve basis, to encourage people to embrace nature and learn how to grow healthy vegetables they can use to cook nutritious food.

The Harlow Grows project was delivered by the council in partnership with Rainbow Services, Herts & Essex Community Farm and Changing Lives in Harlow.

Things to do in Harlow

Things to do this summer

There’s not the usual range of activities and events taking place this summer due to the pandemic. However as lockdown eases there are activities for you to enjoy and places to visit including activities you can enjoy on your own or at home.

The Gibberd Garden Marsh Lane

The Gibberd Gardens are open for the 2020 season on Wednesdays and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm (last entry at 4pm).

Payment is by card or contactless only.

Solo Flight, one of the many sculptures around Harlow

Discover Harlow sculpture town

A new website and an interactive digital map at www.sculpturetown.uk is making Harlow’s unique and growing sculpture and public artworks collection more accessible than ever before.

The mobile version can be used in real time to help find your nearest sculpture, mark sculptures as visited, and has three curated trails to follow, if you have an hour, an afternoon or a full day. It also hosts a comprehensive sculpture collection catalogue with new photography by artist James Smith as well as stories bringing the sculptures to life.

Harlow Town Park www.harlow.gov.uk

The town park has been open throughout lockdown and is accessible for all.

Some of the facilities are not open at present, but you can still enjoy a socially distanced walk, cycle or run around or through the park. It is a great place to take the family and enjoy a picnic.

The public toilets and changing places facility near Pets’ Corner are open every day from 10am to 4.30pm.

The vast majority of the collection can be enjoyed outside 365 days of the year so it is perfect for socially distanced viewing.

To learn more about visit www.sculpturetown.uk

Harlow Town Park

The garden is still as fascinating and beautiful as ever thanks to the marvellous gardeners and volunteers who have been maintaining the gardens.

Harlow Playhouse

Although the playhouse remains closed at this time the theatre continues to offer a free digital programme to keep people entertained.

For the latest on the digital programme visit the Playhouse facebook page at www.facebook.com/ harlowplayhouse

Harlow summer school Free cultural activities are planned to take place over the summer to help children have fun and prepare them for restarting school in September.

Gibberd Garden

Admission: £5 full price, £4 concession (over 60 or students), £1 children 5 to 16 years £1, members free Before your visit please read the visitor information at www. thegibberdgarden.co.uk

Booking will be essential and all workshops will be Covid-19 secure for the safety of children and for maintaining social distancing rules.

Activities will take place outside at various locations including Harlow Museum gardens and the town park and some activities might take place online. Details will be released as soon as they are confirmed.

To keep up-to-date visit the council’s website www.harlow.gov.uk or Harlow Council‘s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Council housing news

Leasehold buildings insurance Your leasehold building insurance policy covers the structure of your flat, fixtures and fittings and any parts of communal areas stated in your lease that you are responsible for.

Subject to specified limits and conditions, the policy provides additional cover such as shortterm accommodation costs, rent, and locks and keys. It does not cover the contents of your home or your personal possessions.

You will need to provide your own separate contents cover.

If you have lost your policy booklet or need an up-to-date one, visit www.harlow.gov.uk/ leaseholder-buildingsinsurance

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

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

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It affects us all - help the council stop fraud Harlow Council has a zero tolerance towards housing fraud and needs your help.

Are you aware of anyone subletting their council property?

Do you know someone who has misled the council to obtain housing?

Is there an empty council property in your neighbourhood?

Do you know someone who holds a council tenancy but is not living in their property?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, please contact Tracey Field, Housing Fraud Officer, in complete confidence on 01279 446353 or email housing.fraud@harlow.gov.uk to discuss your concerns.

Barbecue safety Like any source of fire, barbecues can present a risk.

Anyone living in or visiting council properties should be aware that barbecues are not permitted on balconies, public rights of access, near gas or electrical services or near flat, house or block entrances/exits.

If you do use a barbecue, please make sure that you: • Never leave a barbecue unattended. Keep children and pets well away.

• Put the barbecue well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs and garden waste.

• Don’t use too much barbecue fuel. Never use petrol, paraffin or other chemicals to start your barbecue or keep it going.

• Make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.

• Only empty ashes onto bare garden soil. Don’t put them in to dustbins or wheelie bins.

If you wish to use a gas fired barbecue: • Never store gas cylinders under the stairs of your home or block.

• Store gas barbecues and cylinders outside and away from your home or block.

• Make sure barbecues and gas cylinders, don’t block access routes and paths. You should also make sure that cylinders are stored away from frost and direct sunlight.

• Take care when turning bottled gas barbecues on and off. Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder and turn the gas supply off first, then the barbecue control after cooking.

If you think your gas bottle is leaking, call Calor Gas Emergencies on 03457 444 999 and keep people and pets away from it. If there is a fire call 999 immediately.

Council housing news

Are you struggling with your rent?

Other support: Citizens Advice Harlow 0344 477 0808 www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk Harlowsave Credit Union 01279 451234 www.harlowsave.coop

We know that the past few months have been extremely difficult for everybody. Many households are experiencing unexpected and significant changes to their employment and household income.

We have provided ongoing advice and support to help our tenants.

Where you are able to pay rent, it is important that you do so. Payment of rent is a requirement of your tenancy agreement. We rely on the income received to provide you with services. This includes the ongoing maintenance of our homes and carrying out of repairs.

If you are having genuine difficulty in paying your rent as a direct result of the ongoing pandemic, or for any other reason, then please contact us straight away.

We will work with you to resolve any arrears that arise.

We only ever take recovery action as a last resort and only against tenants who are able to pay their rent, but choose not to.

Turn2us 0808 802 2000 www.turn2us.org.uk

If you are in rent arrears please contact us now on 01279 446655.

Peabody Outreach Support Service Telephone: 0800 288 8883 efsco-ordinator@peabody.org.uk

We will consider your particular circumstances and work with you to agree realistic repayments of your arrears.

StepChange Debt Charity 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org The Money Advice Service 0300 500 5000 www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

BeGambleAware 0808 802 0133 www.begambleaware.org

Keeping where you live clear and safe: your responsibilities We work closely with Essex Fire and Rescue Services to ensure that the areas in which you live are kept safe.

In the past, joint inspections with the fire service identified that many residents were still storing items in landings, communal and storage areas which could catch fire or cause trip hazards, putting lives at risk.

Not keeping these areas clear causes health and safety issues for other residents and breaches the conditions of tenant and leaseholder agreements.

Our housing officers will be inspecting communal areas during visits to estates to ensure no waste or personal belongings are being stored in these areas.

Any items found will be dealt with using our waste and TORT policy, with us able to apply charges for the removal, storage and disposal of items to the owner.

We take the health and safety of our residents very seriously, so please help and keep communal areas clear and safe.

For more information please visit www.harlow.gov.uk/fire-safety harlow times ¡ summer 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk

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Bin collections

An appeal to you to help the bin crews Harlow’s bin crews have been doing a brilliant job keeping our town clean and safe during the pandemic. There are things you can do to make collections safer for them and their families.

You can help them by: • Following the advice at www.loveessex.org.uk about how to get rid of your waste if you are selfisolating or confirmed to have coronavirus.

• Keeping your distance (at least 2 metres) from the crews so they can carry out essential collection services safely.

• Washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds before and after sorting out your rubbish and putting your bins or bags out.

• Cleaning the handles on your bin and containers with disinfectant before and after they have been emptied.

• Continuing to leave lovely notes on your bins showing your gratitude. These are very much appreciated by the hard working crews.

Thank you

The August bank holiday waste and recycling collection dates will change.

Check revised collection information at www.harlow.gov.uk/bins Free textiles collection

Free batteries collection

Should I visit the recycling centre?

We are providing a free bookable collection service for textiles.

We offer a free fortnightly collection of household batteries.

These should be placed in a plastic bag or small cardboard box which is clearly labelled.

Essex County Council’s Recycling Centre in River Way is now open.

All items should be placed in a plastic bag, clearly labelled and put out by 7am on your pre-booked collection date.

To find out more about what items this service accepts, visit www.harlow.gov.uk

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This should be placed out for collection alongside your bin or purple bags on your non recycling collection day only.

For more information visit www.harlow.gov.uk

However, only items that are deemed essential should be taken at this time to help reduce the queues.

You can find more information on the Love Essex website, www.loveessex.org/newrules

Keeping Harlow safe During these difficult times, it’s business as usual for Harlow Police, with officers working hard to reduce crime and keep local communities safe. Our PCSOs have taken time out of their normal working day to support the local community and Harlow charities.

Working with Community Embrace UK, they helped deliver food parcels and essential care packages to those who need extra support.

#protectingandservingHarlow

Supporting children and young people We recently welcomed two new Child and Young Persons Officers to Harlow. PC Allen Kittles and PC Alex Andrews joined PC Rob Hance in providing support to schools and young people.

They will work with students, staff, Social Services and the Youth Offending Team to identify the town’s most vulnerable young people, who may be at risk of becoming involved in criminal or antisocial behaviour and county lines and provide them with support and direction.

They will also educate the students around topics such as online crime.

The Head of Burnt Mill Academy said; ”This partnership is a positive move towards enhancing our pupil’s knowledge, understanding, behaviour, attitudes and skills in crime prevention”.

A 20-year-old male was arrested after making racial comments to a young female. Due to the hard work of the Community Policing and Town Centre Teams, it was found that he was also responsible for, and was charged with, a total of 17 offences. He admitted his involvement and was remanded in custody pending sentencing, where he received 6 months imprisonment.

Officers have also concentrated on tackling antisocial behaviour in these areas across the town: Prentice Place - officers have made arrests for public order, criminal damage and breach

of Community Protection Notice offences. An Acceptable Behavioural Contract (ABC) was issued to a young female, who agreed her behaviour was unacceptable.

Bowhill Way - during patrols, officers made arrests for drug offences and breach of court injunctions.

Town centre - our Town Centre Team have been working hard around the East Walk area, issuing Community Protection Notices for drug offences and street drinking, as well as making several arrests.

Consider using light timer switches and always double lock doors, especially overnight.

As the weather improves, it’s a good time to remind you about home security.

Open windows are an easy access point for burglars. Make sure you lock windows when you leave your home, even if it’s for a short time.

Always keep your shed locked and make sure it is anchored down to prevent it from being lifted up to gain access.

A battery-operated shed alarm may look low key, but it will respond to movement or door contact with a very loud siren.

For further crime prevention advice and information on Neighbourhood Watch, visit www.essex.police.uk

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).

harlow times · summer 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk

15

Your Harlow Councillors Councillor Simon Carter Conservative

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07900 256403 Email: mark.ingall@harlow.gov.uk

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

Councillor Eugenie Harvey Labour Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07966 014122 c/o

DEPUTY LEADER Email: eugenie.harvey@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Jodi Dunne Labour

Councillor David Carter Conservative

Councillor Emma Toal Labour

Councillor Chris Vince Labour

Councillor Lanie Shears Labour

188 Rivermill, CM20 1PA Tel: 07729 406011

c/o Harlow Council,

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

Councillor Tony Durcan Labour

Councillor Danny Purton Labour

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

Councillor Mark Wilkinson Labour

Portfolio Holder Email: chris.vince@harlow.gov.uk

329 Rundells, CM18 7HN Tel: 414357

Portfolio Holder Email: anthony.durcan@harlow.gov.uk

Mark Hall

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07885 881255 Email: emma.toal@harlow.gov.uk

c/o Harlow Council,

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07763 486882

Portfolio Holder Email: danny.purton@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Jean Clark Labour

Councillor Bob Davis Labour

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

c/o Harlow Council,

VICE CHAIR

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

Councillor Shannon Jezzard Labour

Councillor Michael Garnett Conservative

Councillor Stefan Mullard Labour

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07850 861905 Email: shannon.jezzard@harlow.gov.uk

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

c/o Harlow Council,

Councillor Mike Danvers Labour 65 Tunnmeade, CM20 3HN Tel: 425934 / 07398 160081

Portfolio Holder Email: mike.danvers@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Nancy Watson Labour

Old Harlow

c/o

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

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07951 401128 Email: stefan.mullard@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Michael Hardware Conservative 64 Great Brays, CM18 6DW Tel: 07775 925274 Email: michael.hardware@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Sue Livings Conservative

Councillor John Strachan Labour

c/o

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

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

Councillor Russell Perrin Conservative

Councillor Phil Waite Labour

c/o

1 Spruce Hill, CM18 7SR Tel: 07740 407323 Email: phil.waite@harlow.gov.uk

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

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

Toddbrook

Netteswell

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

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

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

Sumners & Kingsmoor

Councillor Shona Johnson Conservative

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

Staple Tye

Harlow Common

Councillor Andrew Johnson Conservative

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

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

c/o

CHAIR

Vacant Seat By-Election to be held on 6 May 2021

c/o Harlow Council,

c/o

Little Parndon & Hare Street

Bush Fair

LEADER

Church Langley

c/o

Councillor Eddie Johnson Conservative

Great Parndon

Councillor Mark Ingall Labour

Councillor Tony Edwards Labour Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07544 374168 Email: tony.edwards@harlow.gov.uk c/o

Councillor Frances Mason Labour

Councillor Clive Souter Conservative

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

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07517 992133

c/o

Portfolio Holder Email: frances.mason@harlow.gov.uk

Cabinet Members Councillor Mark Ingall - Leader of the Council Councillor Eugenie Harvey - Deputy Leader & Portfolio Holder for Resilience and Recovery Councillor Mike Danvers - Portfolio Holder for Resources Councillor Tony Durcan - Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity Councillor Frances Mason - Portfolio Holder for Governance, Equality and Diversity Councillor Danny Purton - Portfolio Holder for Environment Councillor Chris Vince - Portfolio Holder for Community and Wellbeing Councillor Mark Wilkinson - Portfolio Holder for Housing

Ward Surgeries:

Please contact your Ward Councillors for details of up-coming Ward Surgeries.

For more information on who your Councillors are visit: www.harlow.gov.uk

16 harlow times ¡ summer 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk

Essex County Councillors County councillors can help with services like libraries, transport, roads and highways, social care for adults and children, education and schools.

Harlow North Councillor Michael Garnett Conservative Email: cllr.mike.garnett@essex.gov.uk

Harlow West Councillor Michael Hardware Conservative Email: cllr.michael.hardware@essex.gov.uk Harlow West Councillor Clive Souter Conservative Email: cllr.clive.souter@essex.gov.uk

Harlow South East Councillor Eddie Johnson Conservative Email: cllr.eddie.johnson@essex.gov.uk

Useful numbers and websites Adult Social Services 0345 603 7630 www.essex.gov.uk Affinity Water 0345 357 2407 www.affinitywater.co.uk Arriva Buses 0344 800 4411 www.arriva.co.uk Blue Badge Enquiries 0345 603 7630 www.essexhighways.org Bus Pass Helpline 0345 200 0388 www.essexhighways.org Children’s Social Services 0345 603 7627 www.essex.gov.uk Essex County Council Contact Essex 0345 743 0430 www.essex.gov.uk Essex Highways For traffic updates and to report potholes and faulty street lights 0345 603 7631 www.essexhighways.org Essex Police 101 www.essex.police.uk

Job Centre Plus 0800 169 0190 www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

Gas Leak Emergency Number 0800 111 999 Harlow Advice Centre Based in Harlow Library 01279 704002 Harlow Bus Station 01279 426349 www.harlow.gov.uk/bus-station

Harlow Citizens’ Advice Bureau 0344 477 0808 www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk Harlow College 01279 868000 www.harlow-college.ac.uk Harlow Community Transport 01279 798876 www.efcommunitytransport.co.uk Harlow Council Contact Harlow 01279 446655 www.harlow.gov.uk Harlow Registry Office 0345 603 7632 www.essex.gov.uk Harlowsave (Credit Union) 01279 451234 www.harlowsave.coop HTS (Property & Environment) Ltd Repairs line: 01279 446666 www.harlow.gov.uk/housing-repairs

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 UK Power Networks (power cuts) 105 www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk

Book, apply, pay, report, check - it’s easy Did you know that you can check bin collection dates, report dumped rubbish, pay for services and even find your nearest health facility all at the click of a button?

www.harlow.gov.uk 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. Icons made by Pixelmeetup and Freepik from www.flaticon.com. Printed by Anchor Press Ltd., Harlow. TWITTER, TWEET, RETWEET and the Twitter logo are trademarks of Twitter Inc., or its affiliates. © Harlow Council 2020. You may re-use this information (excluding logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence v2.0. To view this licence visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/2/ or email psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk Where we have identified any third-party copyright information, you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to Communications, Harlow Council, Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex CM20 1WG or email communications@harlow.gov.uk

Harlow Times can also be read online at www.harlow.gov.uk/harlow-times and is compatible with a variety of screen reading software.

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harlow times · summer 2020 www.harlow.gov.uk

17

harlow times summer 2020

Harlow during lockdown Your photos of the town during lockdown

Field - Laura Purser

Water Tower - Elizabeth Armstrong

Forest trail - Ieva Va

Kids with horses - Daniella Kerrigan

Kids with cows - Claire Louise Jones Horse and dog - David Trowsdale

Latton Common - Cheryl McGinley

Robin - Aaron Harris

Rainbow walk - Gavin Vickers

River - Nichola Mansfield

Town Park - Cheryl Walsh

Dog in field Kathy Donovan Rodmell

M11 - Simon Hill

Oakwood Pond - Leigh Bird

Parndon Lock Meadows - Paul Blake

Kids in a field - Estelle Grimmette

Trees - Kerry Snooks