I accompanied the Home Secretary and members of the estate’s residents association as she saw the youth shelter which had been vandalised, but which has been repaired thanks to the efforts of local people, including Tony Perry, who saw an article about the vandalism in the Harlow Star and offered his welding services to help repair the damage.
The Home Secretary later had tea with residents’ association members, including vice-chairman Zulgar Cheema, and spoke to local people – representatives from South Anglia housing association, local councillors, and police community support officers Nigel Day and Karen Rogers.
During a question and answer session residents’ questions covered various issues but it was the community spirit being shown on the estate, which has seen several arson incidents and vandalism in recent years, that shone through.
The Home Secretary said: “I wanted to come down and see a real example of how the community has come together for the benefit of the local community.
“What is so disappointing and depressing is when you see something has been vandalised, something that has been put together for the benefit of others, but it is great to see how the community is coming back together again with volunteers like Tony (Perry) coming down to do the welding and the support of the business community and the housing association coming together to make sure the facility can be maintained for the future.”
Berecroft represents the very best of community spirit in Harlow. Despite having gone through some tough times the community has rallied and come together.
I was very pleased to help launch the appeal to pay for the repairs to the damaged shelter and also work with local businesses like Pitney Bowes to get it rebuilt.
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