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Harlow Times Spring 2026

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HARLOW

M&S TO RETURN TO HARLOW

Deal signed for new flagship M&S Food and Fashion store

Times

Cover image: Artist impression of the new M&S Store on Edinburgh Way.

Copyright for most images owned by Brian Thomas Photography (www. btphotography.co.uk) unless stated. Printed by ALK Direct Ltd, Harlow.

© Harlow Council 2026. You may re-use this information (excluding logos and copyright images) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence v2.0.

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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 is published quarterly by Harlow Council to keep you informed.

Construction of new Arts and Cultural Quarter

A message

FROM THE LEADER

Across Harlow, the evidence is clear: we are Building Harlow’s Future.

Look around our town and you’ll see cranes on the skyline, construction under way and investment flowing in. It’s a clear sign that confidence in Harlow is returning and that people once again believe in our town’s future.

After years of broken promises, things are finally happening and they’re happening on a scale that many believed impossible.

Marks & Spencer is returning to Harlow with a flagship store, and major brands are once again taking a serious look at our town, following the confidence already shown by David Lloyd and IKEA. The former Odeon building - once left to decay - is coming into council ownership and will be regenerated as part of our town centre revival. Market Square is being transformed and, before long, markets, bars, restaurants and nightlife will once again bring life back to the heart of our town.

The new Playhouse Quarter and a modern bus station are rising from the ground, alongside a renewed Broad Walk - all part of the biggest regeneration programme of any district council in the country. Even buildings that once symbolised decline are being turned around. Terminus House, once known as a symbol of neglect, is becoming a sign of Harlow’s renewal.

We are also delivering more new council homes than in the past 30 years combined - giving Harlow families safe, secure homes while continuing major investment to upgrade existing council housing. At the same time, we have slashed the average wait time for housing repairs by more than 90%, making sure residents see real improvements in the services they rely on.

Our neighbourhoods are being renewed too. Street art is brightening underpasses and forgotten spaces, new playgrounds are being installed, and we have created 1,000 new car parking spaces

across our estates. Just as importantly, we are focusing on the everyday things that matter most to residents - cleaner streets, better grass cutting and tackling clutter that has built up over many years.

We are also improving how people move around our town. A new rapid bus link to Stansted Airport now connects Harlow with faster and more affordable travel for just £3, while a new Londonstyle cycle hire scheme is on its way.

Our community spaces are being revitalised too. Pets’ Corner, the splash parks, the skatepark and the Playhouse are all seeing major investment. A new bandstand will host major events this summer, and the Harlow Town Show has returned after 40 years - bigger and better than ever before.

Harlow is becoming a safer town as well, with antisocial behaviour down by 32% since 2021.

And all of this is happening without you paying a penny more as we’re freezing Harlow Council Tax for the fifth year in a row thanks to the strong financial management of the council.

Harlow’s renewal isn’t happening by accident. It is the result of a clear plan, hard work and a relentless focus on delivering the things that matter most to you.

After years of decline, our town is being rebuiltstep by step, project by project. Pride is returning, confidence is growing and investment is flowing back into Harlow.

And I truly believe the best days for our town are still ahead because we’re Building Harlow’s Future.

New rapid bus link to Stansted Airport

A major boost to local transport has arrived with the launch of the new Arriva 723 service, secured by Harlow Council to improve connections to Stansted Airport.

The service runs from the town centre via First Avenue and Gilden Way, giving the east of Harlow a fast connection before travelling direct on the M11 to Stansted.

With single fares capped at £3, and concessions for over 60s and students, the route offers more affordable travel.

The service operates hourly Monday to Saturday and every two hours on Sundays. The service benefits residents working at the airport, students at Harlow College’s Airport Campus, and residents using the airport for travel.

There is no excuse for domestic abuse

If you or someone you know is at risk, seek help. Always call 999 if you or your family are in immediate danger.

If you can’t speak, dial 999, wait, then press 55.

More information:

www.essex.police.uk/ contact/how-tomake-a-silent-999-call/

Changing Pathways / Essex Compass: 0330 333 7444 www.changingpathways.org www.essexcompass.org.uk

Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 www.mensadviceline.org.uk

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Safer Places: 03301 025 811 www.saferplaces.co.uk

From April you can recycle more at home

From 1 April, you will be able to recycle even more plastics from home.

You can recycle:

• yoghurt pots, soup pots, spread tubs, ice cream tubs, chocolate or biscuit tubs, food trays for meat, fruit or vegetables.

• cartons - food and drink cartons (such as TetraPak).

Just mix these with your usual recyclables:

• mixed paper - newspapers, magazines, paperback books, leaflets, brochures, greeting cards (no glitter), wrapping paper (no glitter or foil-like wrapping).

• cardboard - egg boxes, toilet and kitchen rolls.

• aerosols - deodorant, cleaning products, hair products.

• foil- food containers, takeaway trays.

• metal cans - drink cans, food cans, biscuit tins.

• mixed glass - bottles and jars.

• plastics - drink bottles, food bottles, toiletry bottles (such as shampoo or shower gel), cleaning product bottles.

Splash parks to open early for extra summer fun

Harlow’s splash parks at Staple Tye and Potter Street will open in June this year.

Residents’ suggestions have shaped several upgrades for the 2026 season.

This includes regular quiet SEN hours at the Town Park and Staple Tye, extra benches across sites, and family activities running throughout the summer.

All pools will benefit from longer opening hours and a new daily cleaning rota.

Potter Street splash park will also receive a new surface and two new water features, adding to the significant upgrades made last year to all the pools.

Brand new signs giving a warm welcome to Harlow

New “Welcome to Harlow” signs are being installed at every entrance point into the town, replacing old, damaged or missing signs with a fresh design that celebrates Harlow’s heritage and future.

Each sign features colourful illustrations of some of Harlow’s most recognisable landmarks, celebrating the town’s unique character and identity.

elections are coming

The local elections take place on Thursday 7 May 2026

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on the day for voting, with the count taking place at Harlow Leisurezone once they have closed.

If you are voting in person on the day, don’t forget you will need to bring along valid ID – you can find out more information about this at www.harlow.gov.uk/votingand-elections/how-vote

If you are applying to vote by post you will need to do so by 5pm on 21 April

Easter bank holiday waste and recycling bin collections

SECURE

our future

Deal secured and signed for flagship new M&S Food and Fashion store

M&S is coming back to Harlow after the announcement that an agreement of terms has been signed for a new full-line food and fashion store on Edinburgh Way.

The new store will be a twostorey, purpose-built flagship, on a site currently used as a driving training centre. The new 50,000 square foot store will offer an extensive Marks & Spencer product range, including food, fashion, home and beauty.

The store will be supported by its own 380-space car park, direct bus routes and an improved road layout.

The agreement follows two years of detailed discussions and close collaboration between Harlow Council and M&S. M&S initially explored opening a food-only store. However, following sustained engagement and the council making the case for Harlow’s growth and demonstrating the regeneration now underway,

the retailer agreed to bring a full-line food and fashion store to the town.

This outcome reflects the council’s determination to secure the return of Marks & Spencer and demonstrates the growing confidence that major national brands now have in Harlow’s future.

The new store will deliver significant economic benefits, including the creation of 200–300 new local jobs, as well as increased footfall, additional spending within the local economy and wider benefits for surrounding businesses.

Subject to planning approval, the current programme is targeting a 2027 opening.

This announcement represents a key marker of confidence in Harlow, reinforcing its position as an increasingly attractive destination for investment and underlining the momentum behind the town’s regeneration ambitions.

Announcing the deal, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said: “We promised the people of Harlow we would bring a full-line M&S back to our town - and we have delivered. We have signed an agreement for a new flagship, purposebuilt Marks and Spencer food and fashion store for Harlow.

“This is a huge moment for our town and a real vote of confidence in Harlow’s future. Many doubted it could be done, but we made the case to M&S for two years and they have seen the ambition, growth and regeneration happening here.

“Every day I say we are Building Harlow’s Future –and today we are proving it with new jobs, new investment and the UK’s most loved brand choosing Harlow.

“We are delivering the biggest regeneration programme in the country and this news is the greatest proof of that fact.”

Commenting on the agreement, Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, said: “We are delighted to confirm we have signed an agreement on terms for a new state of the art Marks and Spencer store in Harlow.

“The proactive steps taken by Dan Swords and his colleagues to attract new investment in Harlow and demonstrate the growth prospects for the area have been pivotal in our decision.

“We look forward to creating 200-300 new jobs and a fantastic store bringing food and fashion to the area and supporting the Council in its work to renew Harlow.”

TRANSFORM our council

A budget to build Harlow’s future

The 5th of March 2026 was an historic day for Harlow. It was the day that Harlow Council set its biggest budget ever, investing a record £350 million to “Build Harlow’s Future” while freezing Council Tax for the fifth consecutive year.

What Budget 2026 means for you and our town:

Council Tax frozen again – the average household continues to pay just £4.93 a week for all Harlow Council services.

Every service protected and invested in – no cuts or closures, with more funding for Pets’ Corner, the Playhouse, the Museum, paddling pools, splash parks and the Town Park.

More investment in essential daily services – including bin collections, street cleaning, landscaping, parks maintenance, repairs and supported housing.

Costs not passed on to residents – many fees and charges remain frozen, including free parking periods and free entry to popular services.

A fully funded, financially secure budget – the budget remains balanced for 2026 to 2027, with no gaps, no shortfalls and no unidentified savings, ensuring ongoing financial stability.

All six ‘Building Harlow’s Future’ missions fully funded – every project and outcome supported to deliver the priorities of residents.

Record investment in council housing – £179 million for council housing and housing services in 2026/27 - a 31% increase on last year and 137% more than 2021.

Massive upgrades to homes and the town – £111 million for council home improvements and new homes, and £92.7 million for the town centre and community facilities.

Every discretionary service safeguarded – moving into the base budget by 2027, protecting them from reliance on reserves.

Strong, responsible financial management – all financial rules met, reserves protected and long term plans in place.

REBUILD our town

New council homes welcome first Harlow families

Harlow families have begun moving into brand-new council homes as two major developments are completed.

Schemes at Hammers Court and Woodleys form part of the council’s housebuilding programme.

This programme is delivering modern, high-quality homes for residents at council rents. It marks the most significant period of council housebuilding in Harlow for more than 30 years. All homes have been allocated to Harlow families.

Among the new residents is Dennis, a long-standing Harlow resident and army veteran. He and his wife have just moved into a new apartment at Hammers Court.

“This place is great. It is going to make my life easier and more enjoyable. Thank you to all the people who made this dream come true.”

Further schemes are underway across the town, ensuring even more Harlow families can build their future in the town they call home.

Residents to help shape Terminus House renewal

Harlow’s ambitious plans to transform Terminus House have taken a significant step forward, with architects now appointed to lead the redesign of the building and the car park.

The move marks major progress in the wider regeneration of Harlow town centre, following the council’s agreement to purchase the site last year.

Early concept designs point to a complete transformation, including proposals for a high-quality hotel and much-needed new homes for Harlow residents.

The project will be shaped closely with the community, with consultation beginning soon to ensure residents play a central role in guiding the site’s future.

New Town Park Bandstand under construction

Following recent planning approval, the rebuild of the bandstand has moved from development into full delivery, with it on track for completion in July.

The morning after the devastating fire last year, the council made a commitment that the bandstand would be rebuiltbigger, better, and ready to host major events this summer.

The first free event to celebrate the reopening has now been confirmed. Town Park Proms will take place on Saturday 4 July 2026, featuring the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performing an evening of much-loved symphonic classics.

The concert will build to a rousing Last Night of the Proms-style finale, ending with a dazzling firework display.

REBUILD our town

Major Harvey Centre transformation begins

Work will begin within weeks on a major transformation of the Harvey Centre. The upgrades are supporting the council’s work to attract new high-quality shops to the centre.

The Harvey Centre remains one of the council’s strongest-performing assets. This is enabling the council to reinvest directly into the town centre and bring forward this major programme of improvements, which include:

• A striking transformation of the car park exterior and surrounding areas.

• Refreshed, modern signage throughout the centre.

• Brand-new escalators.

• Significant structural and aesthetic enhancements to the multi-storey car park.

Adams House - a new food and leisure venue

Plans have been announced to transform the entire ground floor of Adams House into a new all-day dining and evening leisure venue, marking another step in the regeneration of Market Square.

The agreement for the ground floor transformation has been signed with a Harlow-based operator.

The redevelopment aims to create a welcoming destination for all, offering morning coffees, family meals, outdoor seating, evening meet ups and live entertainment designed to add vibrancy to the square. It forms part of the wider regeneration of Market Square, where new restaurants, bars, markets and community events are beginning to reshape the area.

New market coming

Once the transformation of Market Square is completed and after the success of the Christmas market, a new regular street-trading market will be launched there this autumn. This will support local traders, offer residents local produce, and bring the square to life.

We will soon be inviting traders to register their interest in being part of the new market for Harlow.

Nightlife set to return to Harlow town centre

The former nightclub in Market Square is to be refurbished and reopened, marking another major step in the regeneration of the northern end of the town centre.

The club, once home to well known venues such as Seen, Heights 2000, HighWire, Liquid and Millennium, has been closed for years as the surrounding area fell into decline.

With construction now underway across the northern town centre, the council has signed an agreement with a new operator to bring the building back into use.

Cranes in the sky building Harlow’s future

Construction work on the new Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter is pressing ahead at speed, with cranes rising high above the town centre skyline. Crews on the ground are working tirelessly as steel frames take shape and foundations strengthen by the day.

The landmark project, set to bring new creative spaces, studios and performance areas to Playhouse Square, is moving through its latest phase on schedule.

Deal secured to buy former Odeon site

A deal has been secured by Harlow Council to buy the former Odeon building.

The former cinema, which has stood empty and deteriorating for years, has long been seen by residents as another symbol of decline in the town centre.

Once complete the purchase will clear the way for comprehensive redevelopment of this site.

The acquisition forms part of the wider programme already underway to transform the whole town centre.

INVEST

in our housing

Every council home in the town to be repainted

A major new programme has been announced to repaint council homes - marking the first large-scale initiative of its kind in almost three decades.

This is all part of the council’s budget 2026, which sets out a record £179 million of investment in council housing over the next year.

The programme will help modernise homes, improve the appearance of entire streets, and support long-term neighbourhood, with the exterior of every council property that has waited years set to be repainted.

The programme will be prioritised based on how long homes have been waiting for a repaint with places like the Milwards estate set to benefit.

New booking system for housing repairs

A new repairs system is now live, making it quicker and easier for tenants to get repairs carried out in their homes.

The upgrade comes as Harlow Council have cut the standard wait time for a repair by 90% and now have the lowest number of outstanding repairs ever on record.

The system is helping HTS manage repairs more efficiently and means tenants will benefit from a smoother service and more reliable appointment times. Tenants will see further improvements later this year, with real-time engineer tracking showing exactly when help is on the way.

You can use the system through your MyHome account. You can also report a repair, including damp and mould, by:

• Calling the Repairs Centre: 01279 446666 (best option for urgent repairs).

• Using the Repairs Centre freephone in the Civic Centre.

• Emailing repairs@ htsgroupltd.co.uk or visit www.harlow.gov.uk

Investing in our supported housing schemes

Six of Harlow’s supported housing schemes are undergoing major upgrades as part of an ongoing investment programme to modernise and improve council homes.

The schemes at Hintons, Manor Hatch Close, Sewell Harris Close, Sumners Farm Close, Toddbrook and Tylney Croft are all receiving significant refurbishments totalling £9.2 million to ensure residents have safe, modern and secure homes.

The upgrades needed are different for each scheme. As part of the overall programme, works include:

• New front entrance and communal doors.

• Upgraded lighting, walkways and ceilings.

• New windows and garage doors.

• Fire safety enhancements.

• Improved scooter storage.

• Fencing and brickwork repairs.

• Roofing replacements and repairs.

• Guttering replacements and repairs.

RENEW

our

neighbourhoods

Major underpass upgrade programme launched

A major programme to transform underpasses across the town has been launched to restore pride in neighbourhoods.

The town-wide upgrades will modernise underpasses - a key feature of Sir Frederick Gibberd’s original masterplan - to create brighter, safer and more welcoming routes for residents.

The improvements are refreshing the appearance of these well used connections while making them safer and more pleasant for everyday journeys.

The programme includes a range of upgrades:

• Full repainting, with several locations being elevated through striking new street art murals by local artists.

• New roadside railings.

• Modern LED lighting.

• Drainage improvements.

• Removal of overgrown shrubs and trees.

These improvements build on the installation of CCTV across the town’s underpasses two years ago. This has provided added reassurance for pedestrians and cyclists while continuing to upgrade everyday public spaces.

Cleaning up Harlow

A new programme is under way to clean street signs across Harlow, helping to improve how our town looks and making signs clearer and easier to read for everyone.

The programme is working alongside the Street Scene Priority Taskforce which is clearing abandoned roadwork signs, rusty posts, damaged railings, rogue estate agent boards, old sandbags and traffic cones.

Playgrounds set for major upgrade

The first playgrounds have been announced for upgrade as part of a major transformation programme. Play areas at Glebelands and Potters Field will be improved soon, with preparation works starting later this month and the main phase beginning in April.

New designs show both playgrounds being expanded and fully refreshed. Potters Field will offer more than 70 new play elements, while Glebelands will feature over 40.

The upgrades will make the equipment safer, more inclusive and more enjoyable for children of all ages, with all improvements designed to the highest standards of quality.

Keeping Harlow trim and tidy

The grass-cutting season is now underway across the town.

This year, a new and improved maintenance programme will mean more frequent grass cutting and better care of the green spaces that residents use and enjoy every day.

Improving Town Park toilets

The public toilets at the Greyhound Car Park are being renewed and reopened.

These facilities have been closed for several years. Work is now underway to bring them back into use ahead of the major events taking place in the park this summer.

At the same time, improvement works are also being carried out on other toilet facilities across the Town Park.

On track to create over 1,000 parking spaces

More residential car parking spaces are being provided with the council on track to create over 1,000 new spaces by the end of March.

The spaces are being created using a mix of underused or neglected landscaped areas and unused and derelict garages to make way for new spaces.

Further improvements include additional lighting and fencing. New accessible bays are also being introduced in some areas.

PROTECT our communities

Protecting Harlow through better CCTV

The council is continuing to invest in modern, reliable CCTV to help keep residents safe and support cleaner, more welcoming neighbourhoods. Major upgrades have been delivered across town to replace older systems and install new cameras in key locations.

New CCTV at The Stow and the Town Park and extra cameras in Wych Elm are helping deter antisocial behaviour and create safer spaces for families, while improvements along the hospital to town centre walking route provide extra reassurance.

Enhanced coverage in fly-tipping and vehicle crime hotspots is strengthening enforcement and supporting cleaner streets.

Neighbourhood centres, including Bush Fair, Old Harlow and Prentice Place have also benefited from better cameras and recording equipment, improving image quality and response times.

In the town centre, a modern system now supports the wider regeneration programme.

These investments mean residents can feel safer and more confident in their communities.

There is more to come with the council planning to invest more money transforming the CCTV network as part of Budget 2026.

Town

Centre safety and security

New dedicated security patrols are up and running in Broad Walk following its multi-million pound transformation.

The patrols, which also cover Eastgate, are part of a new maintenance, cleaning, and security programme to keep the new area clean, safe and welcoming seven days a week.

Alongside the dedicated patrols, CCTV coverage has been increased and improved across Broad Walk and East Walk.

The council plans to roll out further security patrols and maintenance programmes to other areas of the town centre as they are rebuilt.

Community Safety Summit unites partners

A wide range of organisations came together recently for a Community Safety Summit. The event bought council staff, partner agencies, local businesses and residents into one room to strengthen joint efforts to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour across Harlow. The event provided an important opportunity for participants to share their experiences and discuss the challenges facing local neighbourhoods.

The summit marked another step in delivering a more coordinated, proactive and community focused approach to making Harlow a safer place for everyone.

Free health services for Harlow residents

Borrow a blood pressure monitor for free

The scheme is available to anyone aged 18 and over in Essex. No GP referral is needed.

Each loan pack includes a monitor, cuff, diary, and guidance leaflet. Monitors can be borrowed for up to two weeks. No booking is required, monitors are available on a first come first served basis.

As well as take home monitors, Harlow Town Centre library are hosting a freestanding monitor for walk-in use. This means residents can pop in and check and print their blood pressure readings instantly. Pop into your local library for more information.

Social, Active, Strong

A strength and balance service called “Social. Active. Strong.” is a free 12-week programme of activity to help residents build strength, improve mobility and help sustain day to day activity levels.

Doing more gentle strength based physical activity can help improve your mobility and balance.

To register telephone 07510 383146 or email sas@harlow.gov.uk

A new show in town –iconic event to return

Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026

The much-loved Harlow Town Show is making its long-awaited return this summer, bringing a major weekend of free entertainment to the Town Park Showground over the August Bank Holiday.

Running from Friday 28 August to Sunday 30 August, the event will make a blockbuster comeback with an expanded programme packed with family activities, live music, showground attractions and community celebration.

The return of the show is part of the council’s work to restore cherished local traditions while revitalising Harlow’s cultural calendar for a new generation.

First held in the 1960s, the Harlow Town Show was a highlight of the town’s social life throughout the 70s and 80s, drawing huge crowds year after year. Its revival marks a major moment as residents prepare to enjoy one of Harlow’s most iconic events once again.

The 2026 Harlow Town Show will be free to enter and will feature a wide range of attractions across the Town Park Showground, leading into evening performances at the new bandstand.

Further details, including the full programme of events and headline acts, will be released in the coming weeks.

There are opportunities for community groups, local caterers and market traders to get involved visit

www.harlow.gov.uk/town-show for more information.

Follow Harlow Council on Facebook to stay updated on the latest event news.

What’s lined up so far:

• Showstopping headline music acts on the Bandstand

• Big arena activities with stunt displays – including motorbikes and horse stunts

• The return of a funfair including a giant wheel

• An all-day dance tent

• Climbing wall

• A camel show

• Birds of prey demonstrations

• Sheep shearing and sheepdog displays

• Vintage cars display

• Giant marquees for community groups and local showcases

• Market stalls

• Food and refreshment village

• A Kidzone

What’s on this Easter

All 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.

Pets’ Corner

Harlow Town Park, CM20 2QG

Telephone 01279 422790

Easter Egg Hunt

30 March to 10 April

11am to 3pm

Explore the farm while searching for Easter eggs. Write down where you found them to win a prize.

Cost: £1.50 per child

Ages: 3+

Easter Craft Session (Indoors)

30 March, 2 April, 5 April

11.30am to 2.30pm

Create your own Easter artwork to take home. Choose from two activities and enjoy free use of the colouring-in table.

Cost: £2 per child

Ages: 3+

Meet the Easter Bunny

31 March, 3 April, 6 April, 8 April

2.30pm to 2.45pm

Meet the Easter Bunny for a photo. You may even receive a small chocolate treat.

Ages: All ages

Animal Artefacts

31 March, 3 April, 7 April, 9 April

11.30am to 2pm

Hands-on exploration of fascinating animal artefacts. Examine natural textures and patterns, and use a microscope to discover hidden details.

Ages: All ages

World of Eggs

1, 4, 6 and 8 April, 10 April

11.30am to 2pm

Explore egg varieties from around the world. Learn about sizes, colours, patterns, and interesting egg facts. Includes a quiz to match eggs to their owners.

Ages: All ages

Keeper Talk & Feed

1, 4, 7 and 9 April

12.30pm

Join the keepers as they share fun animal facts. Limited opportunities to feed the animals during the talk.

Cost: Talk free; Feed £1.50

Ages: All ages

Pets’ Corner 60th Anniversary 16 and 17 May 11am to 4pm each day.

Range of family activities and children’s entertainers, keeper talks competitions and lots more.

Other activities

Harlow Dementia Fair 2026Adults

Saturday 23 May 11am to 3pm

Free entry and free refreshments at the Maybury Open Door unit on the first floor of the Harvey Centre, and in the Terrace Area between the cinema and the unit.

Enjoy a relaxed drop-in event with stalls from local groups supporting people living with dementia and their carers.

For more information, contact: Ron Kingsmill, Rainbow Services: ron@rainbowservices.org.uk or telephone: 07918 605744

West Essex Inclusion Project –children and young people

Enjoy a wide range of fun, accessible and inclusive activities for children up to age 14 with learning disabilities, autism, or physical or sensory impairments

across Epping, Harlow and Uttlesford.

From multisports, swimming and trampolining to soft play and inflatables, sessions offer exciting ways for children to build confidence, make friends and enjoy active play in a supportive space.

A 12-week Step Into Dance programme runs every Friday from 5pm to 6pm at Stewards Academy for ages 11+. It’s a great chance for young people to explore movement, creativity and self-expression in a fun, inclusive environment. Families need to register for a Short Breaks ID and complete a registration form to join.

Harlow Playhouse

Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS Telephone 01279 431945 www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk

KD Theatre Productions presents Robin Hood

Friday 27 March to Thursday 2 April Join Robin Hood and his band of Merry Folk as they outwit the wicked Sheriff of Rottingham, save the townsfolk, and help our hero win the hand of the fair Maid Marion – all in true panto style!

Robin Hood is a feel-good family treat that’s guaranteed to hit the bullseye this Easter!

Know your councillors

Harlow Council comprises of 33 elected councillors, responsible for agreeing policies about provision of services and how the council’s money is spent. Ward surgeries are held throughout the year to discuss issues that matter to you. Select your councillor’s details at: www.harlow.gov.uk/your-council

Bush Fair

Councillor Mark Ingall

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

Email: mark.ingall@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Kay Morrison

199A Hookfield, CM18 6QP

Email: kay.morrison@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Jodi Dunne

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

Tel: 07378 879710

Email: jodi.dunne@harlow.gov.uk

Great Parndon

= Councillor Matthew Saggers

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

Tel: 07305 777819

Email: matthew.saggers@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Hannah Ellis

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

Email: hannah.ellis@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor David Carter

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

Tel: 420340

Email: david.carter@harlow.gov.uk

Mark Hall

Councillor Lanie Shears

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

Tel: 07906 870935

Email: lanie.shears@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Paul Jago

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

Tel: 07498 519326

Email: paul.jago@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Michael Houlihan

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

Tel: 07557 419591

Email: michael.houlihan@harlow.gov.uk

Passmores

Councillor Jake Shepherd

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

Tel: 07802 626326

Email: jake.shepherd@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Daniella Pritchard

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

Tel: 07710 529374

Email: daniella.pritchard@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Tony Edwards

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

Tel: 07544 374168

Email: tony.edwards@harlow.gov.uk

Church Langley North & Newhall

Cabinet Members

Councillor Dan Swords - Leader of Harlow Council

Councillor Michael Hardware

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

Tel: 07775 925274

Email: michael.hardware@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Dan Swords

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

Email: dan.swords@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Andrew Johnson

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

Email: andrew.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

Latton Bush & Stewards

Councillor Stacy Seales

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

Tel: 07541 141166

Email: stacy.seales@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Alastair Gunn

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

Tel: 07850 261771

Email: alastair.gunn@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Luke Howard 184 Torkilsden Way, CM20 1FE Email: luke.howard@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Stefan Mullard-Toal

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

Email: stefan.mullard-toal@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Nancy Watson

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

Tel: 07908 518862

Email: nancy.watson@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor James Griggs

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07877 424834

Email: james.griggs@harlow.gov.uk

Sumners & Kingsmoor

Councillor Emma Ghaffari

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07850 655864

Email: emma.ghaffari@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Clive Souter

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

Tel: 07850 667900

Email: clive.souter@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Russell Perrin

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

Church Langley South & Potter Street

Councillor James Leppard

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

Tel: 07454 686809

Email: james.leppard@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Danielle Brown

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

Email: danielle.brown@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Nicky Purse

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

Tel: 07720 388765

Email: nicky.purse@harlow.gov.uk

Little Parndon & Town Centre

Councillor Maggie Hulcoop

330 Carters Mead, CM17 9HA

Tel: 452252

Email: maggie.hulcoop@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Tony Durcan

329 Rundells, CM18 7HN

Email: anthony.durcan@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Linda Clark c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 01279 641481

Email: linda.clark@harlow.gov.uk

Old Harlow

Councillor Sue Livings

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 422339

Email: sue.livings@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Michael Garnett

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 437401

Email: michael.garnett@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Joel Charles c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07752 096765

Email: joel.charles@harlow.gov.uk

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

Harlow North

Councillor Michael Garnett cllr.mike.garnett@essex.gov.uk

Harlow West

Councillor Michael Hardware cllr.michael.hardware@essex.gov.uk

Councillor David Carter - Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing

Councillor Danielle Brown - Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Culture and Community

Councillor Hannah Ellis - Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and Transformation

Councillor Michael Hardware - Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Garden Town and Planning

Councillor James Leppard - Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance

Councillor Nicky Purse - Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment

Harlow West

Councillor Clive Souter cllr.clive.souter@essex.gov.uk

Harlow South East

Councillor Andrew Johnson cllr.andrew.johnson@essex.gov.uk

Netteswell

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Harlow Times Spring 2026 by Harlow Council - Issuu