Merry Christmas

Can I wish all residents of Staple Tye a very happy Christmas and a peaceful 2009

The Conservative Party

The Conservative Party

Christmas Lights, Harlow

Thousands of people were at the town centre today to witness the biggest ever Christmas light switch on.
Fireworks,Father Christmas a parade and even snow ended the 5 hour spectacular for all Harlow residents to see and take part in.
Cllr Lee Dangerfield said
"I have never seen so many people in one space at the town centre before and everyone was loving what was going on."

"The fireworks which came off the top of the shops near Market square were brilliant and was so unexpected by the residents"

Eric Pickles MP comes to Harlow

Eric Pickles MP came to Harlow on Thursday to talk to councillors on a wide range of issues.
Mr Pickles (Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government)spent over two hours in the town which included a tour of the shopping area.
Cllr Dangerfield said

"I am very happy Eric found time to come to Harlow and also how long he spent with myself and my colleagues"

"His presentation was very interesting on how the Conservatives will drive forward local government"

Burnt Out Car

Cllr Dangerfield has requested that a burnt out car be removed from Long banks with a matter of urgency.
Cllr Dangerfield spotted the car this morning burnt out at Long banks and due to the nature of the way this vehicle is placed within Long banks this did need removing as soon as possible.

Drains

Our new caseworker braved the rain this week to see if any help was needed.
With the current rain Lorriane wanted to make sure that everything was OK and while on her travels Lorraine found two drains on Parnell road that needed urgent cleaning. Thanks to Essex County this was done within a few hours of her reporting this problem and they now seem fine to cope again with the water feeding into them.

Lorraine said
" I am aware of the problems in Staple Tye and we must keep on top of this issue"
"With the large amount of leaf fall it important that any drains that fill up due to leafs etc are cleared quickly"
"I am thankful for Essex County for coming out so quickly and keeping our drain system flowing freely"

Talking Rubbish

Dumped rubbish was again cleared this week along Commonside Road and this area is becoming quite a hot spot.
If you see any person dumping Rubbish please contact Harlow Council on 446655.

Cllr Dangerfield
"Dumping of rubbish is costing the council an awful lot of money each year and we must do everything we can to stop this."
If any person has unwanted items please contact Harlow Council on 446655 to arrange collection"
"Its free and they will collect from the front of your property"

Lower Meadow

Problems around the garages in Lower meadow led to one garage be boarded up from the outside as someone or some people had started to remove the outer concrete wall.
This garage has now been made safe and we hope that no other problems will occur around this area.
Cllr Dangerfield said
"This sort of activity is very dangerous and could of ended with someone getting hurt."
"If anyone witnesses this sort of criminal damage please telephone Essex Police on 0300 333 4444 and also Harlow Council on 446655 "

Long Banks Foot Path

Dangerous Paving around Long banks has now been repaired thanks to Cllr Dangerfield.
Slabs near to the library had become very dangerous to the point that residents were unable to walk within this area.
Cllr Dangerfield said
"Thanks to Essex County council this work has now been completed and the path is looking as good as new."
"If any other resident is have problems with Paving within their estates please contact me"

Briairs Lights

The issue of lighting in the Briars estate has been taken up by Cllr Dangerfield.
It seems that a few of the houses have had problems with lights not working.
A promise from Kier was recieved as Kier will repair this ASAP.

Staple Tye Nap

Staple Tye Nap held its monthly meeting on Wednesday and Cllr Dangerfield was the only ward councillor to attend.
Issues such as ASB in the Briars was listed as one of the priorities.
If you are interested in attending a Neighbourhood action Panel to discuss issues of crime on your estate please contact PC Gary Bray on 0300 333 4444

New fence at Joyners field

As reported some time ago the residents of the flats in Joyners field requested that the fence be replaced.
This work has now been completed.

Cllr Dangerfield said
"This project was done in consultation with the residents and I hope they are pleased with the results"

Woodland area

Cllr Dangerfield opened his day with a meeting with Kier in relation to the walkway between Peterswood and Moorfield.
Along the way he also pointed out issues such as the entrance to the woodland area at Berecroft and also the path that runs behind Peterswood to Surestart.
The main point of the visit was the path way and how people are feeling intimidated to walk down and some work is needed to make it lighter.

Cllr Dangerfield said.
" This meeting was very productive and homed into issues that residents feel strongly about."

The work will be undertaken within the winter programme.

Essex Police walk about

On continuing the regular walkabouts with Essex Police, Cllr Dangerfield spent nearly 2 hours today walking the beat with the local Police officer.

The walk started at Spruce Hill and continued to areas such as Latton Green, Sakins Croft and the Readings amongst other estates.
Children were keen to talk to Essex Police and Cllr Dangerfield regarding dead fireworks while residents were just pleased to greet them.

Cllr Dangerfield said
" I am so glad I do this this really does make a difference to our community"
"Just working in this way shows real partnership working and we really do get an awful lot done in a short space of time"
"I look forward to the next walk about which is in two weeks time at 8.00 pm at night"

Always Remembered

Always Remembered

Staple Tye Conservatives coming to your estate soon

As part of the commitment to the residents of Staple Tye Cllr Dangerfield and his team will be coming to every estate in Staple Tye to do an inspection and this also involves all residents.

Staple Tye Conservatives do regular walk abouts of the ward but only with the residents help can we make sure we really drill down into problems that affect residents of Staple Tye.

Cllr Dangerfield said
"While we do an awful lot of walk abouts picking up all sorts of issues its the residents of the estates that really know what they don't like and would like to be put right."
"I and my team will visit every estate within the ward along with residents in order to put their community right and try and help where ever we are able"


If you would like to be a part of this please contact us for the date as to when we are in your estate.

Your Area - Crime and incident figures

Your Area - Crime and incident figures

Iain Dale's Diary

Iain Dale's Diary

Firework Display

Thousands of people enjoyed the free fireworks display at the Town Park last night.
Conservative Councillors including Cllr Dangerfield were on hand to help collect for the chairman's charity. "child victims of crime"

Cllr Dangerfield said
"The fireworks were fantastic and it was a great show"
"There were so many people there bringing their family out for the free show"
"I was also glad to see so many residents from Staple Tye attending a controlled display"

A New Case Worker

I am pleased to introduce a new caseworker for Staple Tye.
Her name is Lorraine Caldarella and she works within a local school in Staple Tye.
Lorraine wishes to get to grips with residents issues and is keen to start straight away.
She has already been dealing with issues within Staple Tye and would be happy to hear from any resident.
Cllr Dangerfield said
" I am pleased to have Lorraine on board and she has already been effective"
"She is keen to help all residents and wants hear from you"

You can contact Lorraine on (01279) 429251 or email on lorraine.caldarella@harlow-conservatives.co.uk

Sineys Green Pond

Much needed work started on Sibeneys green pond today despite the weather.
A gang including Cllr Dangerfield starting to deliver much needed work on the area to once again return this as an area of beauty.



Cllr Dangerfield said
"we did an awful lot of work to despite the rain and will continue till the end of the week"
"Lots of residents came to see us and were so happy we were doing this for them"


If you wish to help in any way please contact Cllr Dangerfield for further details.

Essex Police Surgeries

Essex Police Surgeries

If you require any assistance from Essex police which is not an emergency please go along to one of thier beat surgeries.

October 27 :
Beat surgery, 65 Berecroft, 19:00 to 20:00

November 10 :
Beat surgery, 65 Berecroft, 19:00 to 20:00

November 12 :
Neighbourhood action panel, Contact NSO for details, 19:00 to 20:00

November 13 :
Beat surgery, 40 Barley Croft, 18:00 to 19:00

November 15 :
Beat surgery, 190 The Briars, 13:00 to 14:00

November 24 :
Beat surgery, 65 Berecroft, 19:00 to 20:00

December 10 :
Neighbourhood action panel, Contact NSO for details, 19:00 to 20:00

Or telephone 0300 333 4444 for Non Emergency calls or the mobile 07896 813033

In the event of a emergency please dial 999

Support Our Small Shops

Support Our Small Shops
Small shops are at the heart of our high streets and town centres. They offer diversity and choice and provide a really personal service to their community.

Yet in many communities these independent retailers are under threat. They face a rising burden of regulation and tax, a daily battle against crime and violence, and competition from the growth of out-of-town shopping centres. It is estimated that 2000 shops close every year.

SMALL BUSINESS RATE RELIEF

Rising business rates are hurting small shops - and yet many shops don’t claim the rate relief they're entitled to because they don’t know about it or because it's too complicated.

Rate relief could save shops up to £1,100 a year - so it's vital we help owners claim the full amount they're owed.

With the help of Leaseholders United, we are providing shops with an online tool to find out what relief - if any - they’re eligible for.

If you run a small business and want to see if you're entitled to rate relief, simply click here if you're based in England or here if you're based in Wales.

Find out more about Small Business Rate Relief

HELP US SAVE BRITAIN'S SMALL SHOPS

In the Summer, Conservative MPs published a report which set out the challenges facing small shops and ideas for the way ahead. It concluded that we must stand up for small retailers and recognise the vital role they play at the heart of our communities.

So we are campaigning to promote and save our small shops. In particular we are opposing Labour plans to make it easier for more out-of-town development, by scrapping the so-called ‘needs test’. If implemented, this will further undermine small, town centre shops.

You can help save your local shop. Become part our campaign to keep small shops at the heart of our communities.

Mark Prisk MP, the Shadow Minister for Small Businesses - “If you value your local shops then join our campaign to help them. You can make a difference.”

WAYS TO HELP:

Sign our petition
Read the report and send your comments and ideas to the Office of Mark Prisk at mooren@parliament.uk or write to him at Mark Prisk MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A OAA
Write to the Government to say NO to scrapping the needs test. Address your letters to Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, House of Commons, London, SW1A OAA


SMALL BUSINESS RATE RELIEF - THE FACTS

How does it work?

Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) came into effect on 1st April 2005. The scheme is funded by a supplement on the rate bills of larger business ratepayers.

Who is eligible?

Properties with a rateable value of less than £5,000 will get 50% rate relief on their liability. Above £5,000 relief is available, but by 1% for every £100, below a maximum rate of £10,000 rateable value.

The relief is only available for ratepayers who either:

Have one property and are not in receipt of any other relief.
Have one main property not in receipt of any other relief and other additional properties with values of less than £2,200, to a total value £15,000 outside London or £21,500 inside London.
The local billing authority will calculate the exact reduction. The rate is calculated to each chargeable day. The relief is not automatic and must be applied for.

Who is not eligible?

Businesses with rateable values above the limits
Empty properties
Those receiving charitable relief
Is there a time limit to apply?

Ratepayers have until September 30th 2010 to apply for rate relief covering the years of 2007-08.

Regional Differences

The zero relief for properties with a rateable value between £10,000 and £15,000 outside London and £21,500 inside London.
In Wales the relief is given automatically and there are different RV thresholds.
Take up rates and awareness

The Local Government Association believes that some 870,000 firms are eligible for the rebate but only half have claimed. (1 June 2006)

An FSB survey found that 49% of eligible businesses were claiming SBRR. They also found huge regional variances in take up, with no identifiable pattern by region. (May, 2006)

In September this year, Leaseholders United ran a campaign to raise awareness of the availability of the relief.

Berecroft

Recent meetings with Berecroft RA, South Anglia housing and also Cllr Sarah Dangerfield has provided fresh ideas of how this estate can move forward.

Cllr Sarah Dangerfield said
"The meetings that we have had are the first step in developing a new plan on how we all take this estate forward."
"Residents are calling for change and I will along with my husband Lee and the RA will do my utmost to deliver"

Hedges In Staple Tye

Residents in Staple Tye have been contacting Cllr Dangerfield in relation to the hedges within some of our estates.

Cllr Dangerfield Said
"It seems that the fronts of the hedges are being done but not the tops and residents think Kier have forgotten"
"Kier have told me that the tops of all hedges will be done within the winter program and this is not as important and the facing on most housing estates"

Cllr Dangerfield has also been told that where there are problems of sight on the tops of hedges these would be done ASAP after they were reported.

Staple Tye Striming

Due to increased pressure from Cllr Dangerfield estates in Staple Tye are now seeing strimming of grass areas take shape.
This should always have happened but until now this always seems to have been forgotten.

Cllr Dangerfield said
"This is just another way of making sure our estates and our residents have a Decent Place To Live"
" I will keep an eye on this issue and will take up any issues surrounding this"

Path

Another section of path was recently repaired outside Parringdon School thanks to Cllr Dangerfield.

This area of path was next to the one that had to be repaired a few months ago.
Councillor Dangerfield said

"I am pleased that Essex County repaired this path so quickly as to the amount of people that use this from the surrounding estates"

Commonside Road

Increased amounts of dumped rubbish are starting to be seen along Commonside road.
Items such as patio tables and chairs are just some of the items that have been found over the last few weeks.

If you witness any person dumping rubbish please telephone (01279) 446655

We all have the right to a Decent Place To Live!

Risdens/Longbanks

Residents of Risdens and Longbanks are much happier due to Cllr Dangerfields involvement of replacing the old fencing with sturdy fencing at the old builders merchants at Staple Tye.

Cllr Dangerfield said
"I am glad this work has been done as this goes a long way to also protecting the land from unwanted visitors"
"Councillors from another party had told some of the residents that they would deal with this issue but as normal never to be heard of again"
"It takes Staple Tye Conservatives to deal with the issues in Staple Tye and we do see them through to the end"

Mark Prisk MP

Mark Prisk MP recently made a visit to Harlow which included Staple Tye ward.
Cllr Dangerfield also have the opportunity to travel with Mr Prisk and also discuss some of the problems that you the residents of Staple Tye have been having under a Labour Goverment.

Cllr Dangerfield said
"It was so nice to see Mark Prisk again and he remembers Staple Tye as he was one of the many people that came to help me during my campaign in 2007"
"Areas of discussion was local businesses within the ward and the every growing credit crunch"

Joyners Field

The residents of Joyners field decided that they wanted the fence which has been damaged to be replaced.

Councillor Dangerfield said

"I am pleased the residents of Joyners field decided for this work to be carried out as its very important that local residents get involved"

Sibneys Green Pond

Just a reminder our community project to revamp Sibneys green pond starts this Sunday.
All those people that wish to take part please be on site for 9.30 am.

Better Bins at Bus Stops

Cllr Dangerfield is calling on Harlow council to provide better bins at bus stops.

Cllr Dangerfield said

"The problem we have is the new bins that are being provided at bus stops do not have lids on so when the wind blows the rubbish flys every where."
"I am hoping this can be resolved quickly and I am working with Harlow Council on a way forward"

Repairs on the way

Councillor Sarah Dangerfield met along with the residents Association South Anglia on Wednesday to should the housing association some of the problems residents on Berecroft are facing.
This followed an in dept meeting with the Residents association members of South Anglia, Cllr Jolles and Cllr Dangerfield.
Cllr Dangerfield said

"This was very useful and we also have two nights this months were by South Anglia will be on Berecroft discussing housing repairs."
"Along with the walk about we hope that much needed works will now start to take place which includes the drains and also guttering."

Fern Hill Lane

Rubbish has been dumped at Fern Hill Lane.
Both Harlow and Epping Forest council has been contacted and I hope for this to be removed ASAP.

Work has started

Good News

Much needed work has started on Ayletts's Field, Copsehall Close and the Briar's this week which once again proves your Conservative council will make Staple Tye a Decent Place To Live.
This work will continue from now until January 2009 and I hope you the residents will be happy with the results.

More posts on this shortly.

Sakins Croft

A corner of path in Sakins croft should be repaired shortly.
This work has been outstanding for a long time and I hope this will be done ASAP.
I am aware of the residents feelings on this issue and I am in contact with Essex County on a regular basis.

Here to help in a way that suits you

I hope you enjoy looking at this blog from Staple Tye Conservatives who are the only party that keep you updated with all forms of communication.
Some parties rely on just leaflets but the conservatives use all aspects of communication there are, which include face to face conversation out of election time.

Please contact us on any issue and we will do our utmost to help you.
We also hold two surgeries one is held on the 1st Saturday of every month from 11.00 am till 12.00 pm at Staple Tye neigbourhood office and the other is for Lower Meadow and Barley Croft which is held on the 2nd Saturday of every month 11.00 am till 12.00 pm held at 40 Barley Croft.
Please feel free to attend.

Rubbish In Risdens

Continued probelms with dumped rubbish is now being investigated in Risdens thanks to a resident.
This resident contacted Cllr Dangerfield in relation to this matter which has now been passed to the enforcement officer of Harlow Council.

Service Bays Staple Tye

Work has now been completed to stop vehicles driving up to the shops within the service bays at Staple Tye.
Cllr Dangerfield said
"I am glad this work has been done as this was concerning me when vehicles drove down the cycle track to get to the shops within the service bays"
"Resident safety is paramount"

It was a tall order

Much needed work to a local school's roof and floor has now been completed thanks to Cllr Dangerfield.
The work which was needed years ago is now finished and the pupils can enjoy all activities which include PE to be carried out once more.
Cllr Dangerfield said
" I am pleased this work has now been completed but also annoyed that no one stepped in years ago to make this happen"
" I am shocked that the then local ward councillors did nothing to help and make sure Essex County carried out this work but when the only Liberal Democrat councillor lives outside the ward its no wonder"

"I hope the school is very pleased with the work and hope they enjoy this area for many years to come."

Is HQC back?

I seem to be seeing a bit more of the tag which has caused thousands of pounds in added works reappear.
I am now seeing it again in Moorfield,Joyners field and also Maunds Hatch.
If anyone witnesses this sort of activity please contact Essex Police on (0300)333 4444 and also Harlow Council on (01279) 446655

Berecroft

Communications have been made to South Anglia once again over the amount of Rubbish which is just left on Berecroft Estate.
This cannot continue and they need to take ownership of the works that they are supposed to carry out.

More news as I get it.

Maunds Hatch Path

A few weeks ago you would have seen that the path at Maunds Hatch had become dangerous.
This work has now been completed and the path area is safe again.
This just proves great partnership working.

Sibneys Green Pond

Great news.
We have now been given the go ahead to clear Sibneys Green pond.
As you will remember this pond has been left unattended for years and NO one has paid any attention to this area.
This pond should never have been allowed to get to this point and this is clearly down to the Liberal Democrats who just forgot this pond was ever there.
NOW the conservatives are leading the charge to work with the local community and other agencies to make sure this area goes back to an area of beauty again after many years of neglect.
We are starting this project on 25th October 2008 and if you are interested in helping please get in touch.
Cllr Dangerfield said
"This sort of project is the reason why I became a councillor."
"It's very easy to sit in a meeting give a load of words to try and get a bit within the local papers but this is exactly what people want"
"Anyone is able to sit and say what they like but this is not what gets the job done"
"I have called upon my other colleagues within council and I am glad people such as the leader Cllr Andrew Johnson and Robert Halfon are going to help in this project"

Rubbish

Over the last few months we have had a problem with Rubbish being dumped.
Could we please all remember the heavy squad is free and all you need to do is ring (01279) 446655.
If you witness anyone dumping any rubbish please telephone (01279)446655

Let`s keep Staple Tye a Decent Place For Us All To Live

Harlow Town Show

The stall Harlow Conservatives provided at Harlow Town show was the best ever.
With Guess the weight of the cake we also provided attractions such as "Are you a Wii champ" a golf game and also a bouncy castle.
Residents throughout Harlow came to our stall to either just chat, spend money or even just say hello.

This was a great day and we all had a great day out until the rain came just after 5.00 pm











Cllr Lee Dangerfield

The changes you can get with a new Conservative Government - Campaign - Conservative Party

The changes you can get with a new Conservative Government - Campaign - Conservative Party

Rye Hill Park

It seems that a person or persons have set fire to the grass (only cut a few days ago) at Rye Hill Park.
This again shows that some people will do anything to put people in danger.
If you know anything in relation to this fire please contact Essex police.

Partnership Working

Within two hours of a call going in from Cllr Dangerfield the dangerous paving at Maunds Hatch was sealed off and work is due to start next week.

This is a great reaction by Kier and this is what Staple Tye residents have been calling for to make Staple Tye a better place to live.

Are you happy with your bus service?

I want to hear your veiws on the bus service given to you in Staple Tye.
You can either email me on lee.dangerfield@harlow-conservatives.co.uk or give me a call on (01279)833515

Dog poo bins

I am very intrested in your thoughts as to the placing of the dog poo bins within staple Tye.
Please get in contact if you feel where they are at this moment is the best place for them to be.

Hedges and litter in Barley Croft

After some complaints hedges in Barley croft are now starting to be cut back.
There was also an issue with litter around the same estate but since Cllr Dangerfield got involved this issue has now been resolved

Become a friend of Robert Halfon

If any resident is registered to facebook check out

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22485016484

Underage Drinking

Harlow’s Conservative Councillors are at the forefront of a partnership against underage drinking in Harlow.
Launched in the Water Gardens Shopping Centre on 8th August, the partnership between Harlow Council, Essex County Council Trading Standards and Essex Police, supported by the Safer Harlow Partnership are cracking down on the illegal sale and consumption of alcohol by children and young people under 18, including adults who buy alcohol for them or to sell on to them.
This new initiative follows 18 months of work that has already resulted in several shops and supermarkets being cautioned, having their licences revoked or having additional conditions imposed. The focus is now on a new assault to target under-age drinking during this Summer and the following 6 months, until next April. Using a combination of education and test purchasing, the aim is to ensure under 18s are not able to obtain alcohol from off-sales premises.
Councillors and officials of the three organisations, the Safer Harlow Partnership and the local young Street Scene Champions were in the Water Gardens from 10am to 3pm, handing out information and raising awareness of the campaign. To help get the message home some of the alcohol confiscated so far made an impressive display, and drew a lot of attention from the crowds of shoppers when they began pouring some of this into a plastic tub, ready to be tipped away.
Councillor Nick Churchill, Chairman of Harlow Council’s Licensing Committee, said: "Underage drinking can lead to anti-social behaviour so that's why it’s important we work together to prevent illegal sales to young people. This campaign starts a new crack down against offending premises and alcohol will be taken from the hands of children in the street. We are sending a strong message that we won’t tolerate underage alcohol sales, underage drinking or buying alcohol for people under 18. Residents can help too. They have a big role to play in this crackdown because we need their information to help us take action.”
“Anyone who knows someone that sells alcohol to people underage or buys alcohol for children can report this anonymously to the “It’s Your Call” action line on 0845 605 2222. All calls will be treated in confidence.”
County Councillor Roger Walters, Executive Member for Trading Standards at Essex County Council said: “We are very pleased to be working alongside Harlow Council, Essex Police and the Safer Harlow Partnership on this campaign. We are keen to ensure that all licensed premises in Harlow are aware of the laws regarding the sale of alcohol. Underage drinking has a really negative effect on our communities, and we need the support of local shops in order to stop young people from having easy access to alcohol. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any shops which choose to ignore these warnings.”
The crackdown is being supported by the Ambulance Service that is also a member of the Safer Harlow Partnership. A spokeswoman for the East of England Ambulance Service, said: "Ambulance crews are often called out to under-age drinkers suffering from either the effects of alcohol - such as vomiting or passing out - or alcohol-related incidents like falls. Only on Sunday we were called out to an underage drinker in the Bush Fair area - she had to be taken to hospital because of alcohol.
"Aside from the legal aspects of under-age drinking, we would urge Harlow's young people to consider the strain this can put on local health services like the ambulances and Princess Alexandra Hospital, which are already in heavy demand. Highlighting the dangers of drinking at a young age, the fact that it's illegal, and its impact on the individual and others will hopefully make young people think twice about alcohol, and in the long-term help them be responsible about alcohol as adults”

Berecroft Fun Day

Berecroft Residents Association are holding their annual Fun Day on 24th August 1.00pm till 4.00pm.
Items include a B.B.Q, Beer Tent, Police Car,Quad Bikes plus Much Much more.
A great afternoon for all the family!
Please try and attend for fun and games for all.

Keeping your windows open at night

As the warmer nights hit us could you all please remember to close your windows at night.
Even if these are on catches please do not leave them open and allow any one the opportunity to enter your home.

Barley Croft

After a few phone calls it seems that Barley croft has a few problems.
Hedges paving and the drains seems to be the problems along with a major litter pick is needed.
The litter pick is booked from Kier,an inspector has already been to see the paving and drains and I have asked Kier to trim the hedges within the estate.

Housing

Over the last few weeks and due to one reason or another it seems there has been an increase of homeless applications.
The officers at Harlow council are working overtime in dealing with all issues around housing but people do need to remember that the urgent cases will be dealt with first.
The department has gone through some change which is proving to be successful but please bear with officers in dealing with your applications.

Latton Green and Colchester zoo

After a very busy week I am now able to update you on a week that has been so busy.

On Monday I along with 300 children,parents and teachers made a visit to Colchester zoo.
The children were very well behaved and a credit to the school and teachers that came along.
It was a very warm day but the children enjoyed this date and a lot will take a lot away with them from this visit.
During the day the phone never stopped and more and more emails kept coming through.
Even on a day out the work never stops.

Talking Rubbish

TALKING RUBBISH.

Three years ago I would not have imagined that what seemed a simple matter could, in reality, be so complicated. If readers could think for a moment what it would be like to be given the task of designing and building the next Concorde and putting it into service, with the brief that it must meet all Government and European regulations, be faster, quieter, more environmentally friendly, cheaper to run, and more commercially successful than the old Concorde, all with a limited amount taxpayer’s money, then you have an idea of the scale of the task I and my Council colleagues have been dealing with in coming up with the best way to bring Harlow’s waste collection into the 21st century.

Firstly though, let me try to deal with complaints that people have not been consulted about this issue. Harlow Council has 33 Councillors, that’s about one for each 1,500 people who can vote. Like MPs, we are elected to represent all the people of Harlow, but we are also elected on a party basis, so have a duty to follow our own party policy. We are also mandated to make decisions on behalf of the public. Otherwise we would be powerless to get anything done.

Consultation can mean different things to different people. For instance some people think it would be more democratic to make decisions by referendum, but that is a very dangerous system, as it is dependant on voters having an understanding of very complex issues, can be subject to all sorts of temporary influences and would be hugely expensive, cumbersome and slow. What would be the point of having elected Councillors? So, the way we have always done things in this country is to use referendums only where issues that affect the way we are governed are concerned – what are called ‘Constitutional’ matters.

Perhaps it will become clear below how ‘consultation’ would be almost impossible on a project such as this. With whom would we consult? A select panel of residents? Would they be more representative than Councillors? Would they be available for 18 months or more? Publish minutes and wait for reaction? There are literally hundreds of pages of reports and minutes to be read to understand the issues. Hold open meetings or ‘roadshow’ events? Any of these would have prolonged the project by months if not years.

Some readers will recall that we had a referendum some years ago to decide whether Harlow wanted to continue with a Council system where major decisions are taken after debate in public by committees and put to the full Council for final debate and vote, or to have a Mayor who would take decisions alone, or a Mayor or Council Leader who would take decisions with a small number of experienced Councillors, called a Cabinet. Harlow voted overwhelmingly to keep the Committee System, because it is more open and accountable, but Harlow was one of only a handful of councils across the country to do so.

Whenever Harlow Council has complicated issues to investigate and decide on, we can form working parties to carry out the work and report regularly to the relevant committee by minutes, which are open to public scrutiny along with the committee agendas, unless they contain matters which involve personal or commercially sensitive information. Working parties usually contain one Councillor from each party to work with Council Officers whose jobs relate to the subject, and any outside experts or consultants. Working parties frequently visit, or take account of, other Councils, businesses and organisations that have done similar work, and liaise with Essex County Council where matters involve or depend on County policy.

Thus it has been with our Waste Contract Members Working Party which was formed in October 2007 in order to prepare the Council to let a new waste contract in June 2009, when the current contract with Veolia ends. This is of great importance, since such contracts involve huge sums of money and therefore have to be for long periods, usually between 5 and 10 years, to get maximum value. Even a small Council like Harlow currently has to spend around £2 million a year just to collect our waste. That’s about £55 a year for every Council Tax payer, and a much bigger part of our Council Tax goes to Essex County Council to pay for them to dispose of the waste we collect.

As a Conservative Councillor on the Environment & Community Committee (E&C) I have taken an interest in the complex issue of Global Warming. I have tried to separate facts from myths and apply science to the issue. One part of this is how we dispose of our ever-increasing waste. We have traditionally dumped waste into the ground, what is called ‘Landfill’. But a huge part (68%) of this is made up of organic materials that decompose, giving off various ‘greenhouse’ gasses, such as methane and carbon dioxide, in massive amounts, contributing to global warming. In addition we are still burying valuable resources, like paper, glass, plastics and metals that could be recycled, saving energy and rapidly depleting natural resources like trees and oil.

In August 2007 Harlow Council commissioned a survey of residents about recycling. It found a quarter of people would agree to spend more on waste collection and recycling, while only a 5% wanted to spend less. While most people knew about recycling 80% thought this was ‘very important’ and wanted to know more and 20% thought it ‘important’. None said it was ‘unimportant’. Over half of people (54%) said the current blue boxes and white bags were too small and 57% said they would like a wheelie bin. This figure rose to 71% among people aged between 25-44. Of those over 65 28% said they would prefer wheelie bins. Overall, 57% of people thought recycling should be easier.

Whether or not we agree with the EU, we are way behind many of our European neighbours in our approach to waste collection and disposal, and the Government has set targets for reducing landfill and greenhouse gasses that are very challenging indeed, considering our starting point in Essex of 36% recycling (2006/7) and our target of 60% by 2020.

There are economic drivers for us to hit these targets. The first is the tax we have to pay on every ton of waste sent to landfill, which will increase from £24 this year (a total of £11 million for Essex) by £8 a year to £48 (£24 million) by 2010, on top of the estimated waste budget of £57 million. In addition, the Government will levy a ‘fine’ on the County Council of £150 a tonne if it does not meet its landfill reduction targets. These could amount to £9 million next year. All this will have to be paid in extra Council Tax, or reduced services like police, schools and Social Services. Last year, Essex produced almost 700,000 tons of waste, of which Harlow alone contributed over 29,000 tons.

Against this backdrop, our Working Party had to consider all the ways we might meet these challenges over the next ten years or so of our new waste collection contract. Not only had we to meet residents’ expectations, meet our recycling targets and reduce landfill, we had to try to keep the cost down to affordable limits.

There are about 34,500 households in Harlow. Each has its own difficulties in relation to storing and collecting their waste. If you asked every householder what their preferences were you might get dozens, perhaps hundreds, of different responses as to their ideal way of having waste collected. Practically, there can be only a handful of methods that could be used.

The Working Party looked at all the different types of waste - plastics, glass, metals, food, garden waste, nappies, - all the possible ways of storing it, bins, sacks, bags, containers, and all the possible combinations of collection times, weekly, fortnightly or booked. We boiled these down to 14 different combinations. All 14 had benefits and drawbacks, and each had a cost and likely outcome in terms of improved recycling.

To determine which of these options could work in Harlow we commissioned a study of every home in Harlow to determine which could accommodate one or more wheelie bins at the front of the property or would have access to the side or rear from which a wheelie bin could be pulled out.

This took about two months to complete, using specially trained teams of people. A lot of information emerged but in the end it helped us to determine which of Harlow’s 34,500 dwellings might accommodate wheelie bins and which could not. This enabled us to make a more informed decision about the final options for collection.

We decided quite early on that a kerbside collection of garden waste, while adding markedly to our recycling tonnage, would not fulfil our responsibility towards reducing greenhouse gas. In fact, because of the collection and transport implications, these gasses would increase. The best option would be to encourage home composting, while retaining the current free bookable service to collect items like tree pruning that are not compostable.

We also wanted to fall in line with the Essex scheme to take food waste out of landfill by using a new development, In-Vessel Composting (IVC), that allows food and other ‘organic’ waste to be ‘digested’ in a container, producing methane gas, which is used as fuel to power the plant, and a residue that, when dried, can be used as a fertiliser.

We wanted to increase the capacity for residents to store recycling, but didn’t want them to have to sort out their recycling, so we wanted bigger bins, where they can be accommodated, to replace the present boxes and bags that allow spillage and get blown about. We also wanted to retain the present fortnightly recycling collection.

We wanted to keep weekly collections of anything that would smell or attract flies, vermin , cats, dogs etc., especially in summer, but provide secure containers that would not allow such smells to leak out nor suffer from the present problem with bags being split open by those pests foraging for food, with all the attendant problems of food and other waste being spilled.

So, we decided on a large wheelie bin for the mixed recycling and a smaller bin, with securable lid, for ‘organic’ waste to be collected weekly. We also wanted residents to be able to store organic waste separately indoors on a daily basis, so they do not have to go to the outside bin every time they prepare and eat a meal. So we decided a small bin, or ‘caddy’, should also be provided for the kitchen, which could be emptied every day or two into the outside bin. It is not necessary to use bags in this process. Ordinary plastic bags cannot be used as they will not ‘digest’ but ‘bio-degradeable’ bags, available quite cheaply, or newspaper, can be used if desired.

Then the question of disposable nappies arose, which are not at the moment recyclable, although there is some hope they may become so in the next year or two. We wanted to provide a free service that collected these weekly, but which was flexible enough to keep up with the changing pattern as new babies are born and older children progress out of nappies. So we decided on a service to allow new mothers to book for a fixed period, say a year at a time,

That left us with what to do with the small amount of dry waste that is neither recyclable nor organic. In most homes this will amount to less than a carrier bag full a week, which would not be economic to collect on a weekly basis. So we decided to collect this fortnightly and provide a second, smaller wheelie bin to store this, which would also render unnecessary the present ‘black sacks’. This has the added incentive of encouraging recycling by use of the kitchen caddy and organic bin for the weekly collections.

Having thus decided what we wanted to do we had to decide how to achieve it, at what cost, and what combination of methods and collections would give us the best recycling performance. This reduced the 14 methods to three, and then to one, which we called ‘Option 3’. This is to retain a weekly collection but for ‘organic’ waste (also called bio-degradeable waste, food waste, or ‘smelly’ waste) via the ‘caddy’ system, to collect mixed recycling fortnightly, from a ‘large’ wheelie bin wherever possible, and to collect the dry residual waste from a smaller ‘wheelie’ bin on the alternate week.

We also wanted to retain the present ‘bookable’ garden waste service, introduce a new ‘bookable’ nappy and incontinence service (aside from the NHS scheme that collects ‘clinical’ waste from patients with special medical problems or who are on specific medicines), retain the fee ‘Heavy Squad’, improve the ‘special’ collections of items such as batteries, and improve the ‘bottle bank’ sites to make them more accessible, cleaner, and able to deliver more and better recycling, such as cleaner, separated glass that can be used in new glass manufacturing, instead for being crushed for road surfacing, as happens with the glass collected presently from resident’s homes.

We were careful to say that we wanted to be sure that those with disabilities or other mobility problems, who may not be able to manage to manoeuvre a wheelie bin, would be eligible for ‘Assisted Collections’ as happens presently.

The next thing we had to decide was about the vehicles that we want to be used by the new contractor. These are extremely costly (about £175,000 for a large ‘crusher’) and we will need 7 or 8. We had to decide whether we want new vehicles from day 1 of the new contract, because they take about two or three months from ordering to delivery, or whether we would be happy to use second-hand vehicles for a time until new ones were delivered. We also had to decide whether it was more cost-effective for the Council to borrow money to buy them ourselves or to specify in the contract for the contractor to purchase them.

The vehicles have a service life of between 6-8 years, and that was one of the considerations when we thought about how long the contract should be. The longer the contract, the lower the price, but also the longer we are tied to one contractor when others may be improving their systems, technology and price. We decided that 7 years, with an option for an additional two years was the best.

Throughout all of the many months of these considerations, right up until the May 2008 local elections, the Working Party Chairman was Councillor Eleanor Macy, from the Liberal Democrats, Councillor Edna Stevens, (also Chairman of the Harlow Labour Party) and myself from the Conservatives. For all of that time it was the Labour/ Liberal Democrat coalition that ran Harlow Council. However, all our deliberations and decisions were unanimous and each of us regularly reported back to our various party groups in the Council. The minutes of the meetings were received and endorsed by both E & C Committee and Full Council at various times, and the agendas, including the Working Party minutes, were available to the public.

The first time that any dissention between the parties became apparent was in the run-up to the June 2008 by-election for the Harlow Common ward, during which literature was delivered by Labour, dissenting from the Working Party. Councillor Stevens repeatedly distanced herself from these leaflets, but as they persisted she did the honourable thing, resigned from the Working Party and was eventually replaced by Councillor Durcan.

For any Labour Councillor or Member of the local Labour Party to say they now oppose the decisions they took or that they were not aware of anything and everything that was happening is disingenuous to say the least, and for Councillor Spenceley to say that information is being ‘concealed’ by the new Conservative administration, while sitting next to Councillor Eleanor Macy, the former Chairman of and still a Member of the Working Party is both absurd and untrue.

The contract has now been put out for tender and a number of companies responded. These responses were evaluated against a template agreed by the Working Party and a short list drawn up.

It is important to understand that the contract still does not exist at this time, and we are waiting to hear from those tendering just how they propose to undertake what we want and at what cost. We have also asked then to propose any other solutions to the issues they may have ideas about. Many of them have many years experience in waste collection and already hold contracts with other Councils, or possibly in other countries.

So nothing is yet written in stone. We want to make a final decision on the bidders’ proposals by next February, and there is a lot of work to do between now and then. Much of that will be about communicating with residents. Not only will this be the Council’s responsibility, we will want to work in conjunction with the successful company to ensure everyone knows and understands the new scheme, can ask questions and get answers.

We want a process of education to go to residents through schools and other organisations, and when the time comes to start the new service, which we expect will be done area by area over a period of about 6 months, we want to ensure any snags are dealt with quickly and effectively so that every resident gets individual attention to deliver the best possible service.

One final thing to clear up, Councils are not responsible for the collection and disposal of commercial waste. That is the huge amount of waste material produced by shops factories and businesses. Tesco, Sainsbury and all the others have to contract privately for their waste to be collected and disposed of and our waste contract has nothing whatsoever to do with them.

So, we still have a year to go. I hope the above has put to bed some of the rumours and fears that have been circulating, often deliberately put about by those who should know better. If not, please feel free to ask me or any of my Council colleagues.
This post was written by Cllr Tony Hall.

The Facts on Bin collection

Despite what other parties say to the press or in other forms of communication the fact is, this issue has been looked at for many months.
Other parties have had their own members looking at this and right from the start all parties had been on the same side.
Please remember this is all 3 parties that have attended a working group on this issue.
Now all of a sudden the party that likes to sit on the fence wishes to raise the objection of not enough consultation within this process and wants to start and spin facts yet again.
Another example was at the Environment and community committee the other ward councillor stated she was concerned that the wheelie bins would be hard to store in areas such as Berecroft?
Perhaps a visit to the estate would show to this councillor that all properties on the estate have front sheds.
As a ward councillor for this area I would have hoped that she would have known that, perhaps a visit is needed?
Also why did they when in administration not put this out to consultation?
It is not unusual for this party to be on planet mars and start to get hot under the collar when a decision needs to be made but here are the facts of this issue.



1. There will not be smelly rubbish hanging around - We as a council have said that we want to KEEP weekly collection of food waste. That’s very important to us and something the papers have not mentioned much. It is collection of food waste that most people want to continue weekly – We agree – fortnightly collection of food waste would be bad for health and generally create smells we don’t want outside our houses.
2. The present fortnightly collection of recyclable rubbish will continue but instead of a rag tag collection of boxes and bags which tend to spill and blow around, will be collected from a large wheelie bin.
3. Nappies and such like will be collected weekly, by a bookable service
4. There will be a bookable kerbside collection of green waste
5. Anything left over (which is likely to be things like non recyclable plastic) and will not be smelly will be collected every other week (the week your recycling is not collected)

The facts on the recycling banks

Once again other parties seem to not print facts only the spin as they did during the election.
The recycling bins at Maunds hatch were moved because of it becoming dangerous for small children crossing to and from the banks on a blind spot.
I have checked with Essex Police and also Harlow Council and there are no extra reports of Anti Social Behaviour due to this move.
Also the glass factor was checked by the contractor who said that after 3 days there was no glass on the ground.
Is this spin again from the other parties or do they really know what goes on within this ward?
The other party clearly does not see there was a saftey aspect to this move and they well know it! But from what I read they do not understand the ward. This could be that the councillor does not live around here.

Band wagon comes to mind!