THE future of Harlow Homework Club has been secured following the intervention of Harlow MP Robert Halfon who met with Essex County Council libraries, communities and planning cabinet member John Jowers to resolve funding issues.

It was feared the club – which runs during after-school hours in Harlow Central Library – would have to close when its funding ceased at the end of the current financial year.

However following talks between Mr Halfon and Mr Jowers, Essex County Council has confirmed that for the 2014-15 financial year – where there is a funding gap of £8,000 – funding will be met by a £2,250 grant with the remainder to come from Essex County Council’s Community Initiatives Response Fund.

This funding is for one year only after which the full cost of the Homework Club will be found from private/voluntary sector funding.

Mr Halfon said: “I am delighted that the Homework Club’s future has been secured until 2015 and I would like to thank councillor Jowers for recognising its importance in Harlow and doing everything he could to keep it open.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the staff who do a fantastic job and are making a real difference to children’s lives in Harlow.”

Julie Allen, of the Homework Club: “Everybody at Harlow Central Library is really grateful that the Homework Club can continue to run.

“We would like to say a big thank you to Robert Halfon and all the staff here at Central Library who work so hard.”tort