Harlow Community Update

Last week I visited a number of Harlow Community groups and local businesses, as I often do. Here's a brief update:

MP Advice Surgery
On Friday 6th January I held one of my regular MP advice surgeries, helping Harlow residents with problems and worries that that they have. Please call my constituency office to book an appointment for the next available place on 01279 311 451.

Harlow Foodbank
I visited Harlow foodbank again to see Kelloggs donating £500 and cereal boxes. Kelloggs have a fantastic relationship with foodbank and their support is greatly appreciated.

I tabled a motion thanking Kelloggs. You can read it here.

Longwood School
This was my first visit to Longwood since the two schools merged. It was fantastic to meet the Staff and Pupils. But it was even better to hear that with a 82% attainment rate in Literacy and Numeracy, Longwood is now in the top 25% of schools in Essex.

I am holding a Surgery at Longwood between 8:30 and 9:30 on the 3rd Febuary. If any one has a question or a problem I might be able to help with, I urge you to come and talk to me.

Please read my previous Community update here.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Sunday brief round-up

Harlow Alzheimer's Society: Friday morning was an important visit to HAS as part of National Dementia Week. I was there to meet local members and hear a range of questions ranging from respite care to parking difficulties. I have promised members that I will deal with these and report back at the next meeting.

KICKZ. This is nothing short of inspirational. A remarkable youth group, set up by youth workers and a former copper. With the help of Spurs community work, and support from a range of sources, KICKZ converted a disused hut into a minis youth centre with gym, boxing ring, tuck shop and pool table. The great thing about Kickz is that the kids love it and it is pretty packed, particulalry on Friday evenings. Most importantly of all, it gets these youngsters off the streets and instead in the gym and on the surrounding playing fields.

St Lukes and Water Lanes School: I was really pleased to attend Water Lane School Barbecue and ST Lukes as well. These summer fetes were packed and it is such a lovely way to spend a summer evening or afternoon.

Harlow Football Club: I have regular meetings with the new owner of Harlow F.C., this time to discuss development plans for the Club. It is good to see Harlow F.C. back on track after years of difficulties. The new management team have some exciting plans, which I am sure will mean a great season.

Surgery: A long surgery on Friday afternoon and evening, meeting a number of individuals with a range of problems. As MP, you really get to learn about the difficulties faced by constituents - often through no fault of their own. I will do all I can to help them.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Friday's Constituency Activities

Yesterday I had my second surgery as MP, this time at the Latton Bush Centre. We are currently looking for a suitable office in Harlow which will make things a little easier, and will be used by myself and Caseworkers to assist local residents.

I also intend to have surgeries all around Harlow and the villages, so as to make it as easy as possible for residents to meet with me. Our surgery lasted three hours and reminded me just how important an MPs role is in helping constituents with any difficulties they may face.

The Surgery followed a day of activities including meeting with Harlow Renaissance to talk about the Town Centre Regeneration and with Peter Martin, Leader of Essex County Council to discuss my campaign for a Road bypass to the M11. We also looked at the Essex Council Apprenticeship Programme, which has a number of Apprentices in Harlow, including Harlow College. I would like to see this excellent programme expanded. The more opportunities for Apprentices, the better.

P.S. On Thursday evening, I was very pleased to spend time at the Jack Petchey Performing Arts festival at Harlow Playhouse. I had been asked to present Awards to a remarkable range of performing artists. It was a fabulous evening with Harlow showcasing the very best that performing arts can offer. It was a proud moment for Harlow.




by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Constituency Day

My Constituency Day as MP for Harlow, started with meeting John Tennison, Manager of Smiths Industries in the Pinnacles, and ended with my first surgery as MP, in the Berecroft Estate.

I was visiting Smiths, as I wanted to talk to John about Apprentices. He started off as an Apprentice over 30 years ago, and ended up becoming Managing Director of the company. I was able to seek John's advice as how we can help apprentice schemes in Harlow.

After, I met with South Anglia, regarding the Berecroft Fire and also had a meeting with Malcolm Morley, Chief Executive of Harlow Council.

The evening surgery at Berecroft was also attended by local Councillor Lee Dangerfield, Fire Officers and the Chairman of the Residents Association. I hope to have regular surgeries across Harlow and the villages, in order to make it easier for constituents to be assisted with their problems.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Opening of new Nazeing Valley Health Centre

The opening of a new building to accommodate Nazeing Valley Health Centre should bewelcomed by everyone who is a patient at the practice.
However while praising the welcome boost for healthcare in Nazeing, I can only hope that NHS West Essex will now look at improving health facilities in Roydon.
We await developments - literally - with interest!