ON Friday (17th August) Cllr’s Chris Vince and Waida Forman as well as secretary of Harlow TUC David Forman, who provided all the gardening equipment, took part in a clean up of the Leah Manning Centre in the town park.

The Leah Manning centre provides care for people suffering with dementia as well as rest bite for their families. Sadly the area around the centre had become over grown and wasn’t providing the stimulating environment that residents need.

Cllr Chris Vince said, ‘well all know someone who has been touched by dementia, for many it is a family member or loved one. The staff of the Leah Manning centre do great work for the community and we just wanted to give a little something back.’

The Leah Manning Centre is in the ward of Netteswell and local ward Councillor as well as deputy leader of the Labour group Waida Forman added, ‘community action like this is so important to people in Harlow. Like many of the Councillors in the town I got involved in local politics to make a positive difference to people’s lives and I hope we have done some of that today.’

David Forman is a professional gardener and he and Waida have been involved in a number of similar gardening projects across the town, focusing on the needs of elderly or disabled residents. David said ‘For many elderly or vulnerable people looking after their garden isn’t always possible or financially viable and it is important to do what we can to help them.’

If you do have any issues you think your local Councillor may be able to help with contact details are available on the council website. Www.harlow.gov.uk.