Love Harlow project is a growing success

Partners involved in the Love Harlow Project rolled up their sleeves to brighten up the town with a spot of gardening.
On Thursday June 3, various partners including police officers and volunteers worked together on the planter project to brighten up The Briars, Copshall Close, Aylets Field and Gladden Court.

The Love Harlow project is a partnership initiative designed to improve areas of Harlow which may appear run-down or damaged through crime. Pc Rob Hance wanted local young people to take pride in their town and saw this as the perfect example of partnership working to encourage some local volunteers.

 We hope to embrace the true community spirit in Harlow this summer to drive out anti-social behaviour and continue to make Harlow a place to enjoy. 
Sgt Rob Hance

The planter project was initially planned as part of Moat's ‘neighbourhood charter’ in the Harlow area. Moat works with residents and uses their feedback to ensure that communities are clean, attractive and safe. Following consultation with residents in these Harlow neighbourhoods, it became clear that some of the planters were looking a bit tired and untidy.

Police community support officers, staff from Moat Housing and local volunteers worked closely with other local stakeholders to address any areas of concern. The stakeholders included: Harlow Council, Kier Harlow, Pitney Bowes, Essex Prison Services, ADAS and Harlow Garden Centre (who supplied the plants).

Moat’s neighbourhood manager in Harlow, James Cornelius, says; “We are one of Love Harlow’s sponsors and we were delighted to share our community day and ensure the best result for local residents of The Briars, Copshall Close, Aylets Fields and Gladden Court. Love Harlow and Moat hope that our work will encourage people to take pride in their neighbourhood. This will hopefully be one of many projects on which we can work together.”

 We were delighted to share our community day and ensure the best result for local residents.
James Cornelius

Leading the Love Harlow project, Sgt Rob Hance explains: “Harlow has a vibrant town and some beautiful green areas. However, a small number of mindless people who damage and vandalise mean that pockets of areas can appear run down, leaving a negative image for people who live there, work or visit.

“The Love Harlow project is believed to be a unique project which aims to work with partner agencies and communities to identify any areas of local concern and also target any issues such as anti-social behaviour, graffiti, drugs, burglary and car crime.

"We hope to embrace the true community spirit in Harlow this summer to drive out anti-social behaviour and continue to make Harlow a place to enjoy."