HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has had a meeting with the education trust that runs Mark Hall Sports Centre.

Last week, the Academy Transformation Trust (ATT) decide not to re-open until February.

The running of the sports centre was being handed over to BMAT. (see education page).

Having been contacted by a number of sports clubs, Mr Halfon sat down with ATT on Friday morning.

Mr Halfon discussed the problems with security, the possibility of re-opening and communication between now and the handover.

Mr Halfon said: “ATT have had to regularly replace fencing at the Sports Centre because of break ins. There has been speculation that these break ins have been from people passing through Harlow. ATT brought in security.

“The Sports Centre was initially closed for two weeks whilst better security measures were considered. When the decision was taken to close the centre an email was sent round to all groups. 

This weekend the Sports Centre will be welcoming back football and will soon look to reintroduce running and athletics. There is no date set for the reopening of indoor facilities.

ATT are unable to say whether indoor facilities will reopen before Christmas and they cannot confirm what will happen in the new year as the academy transfer is set to take place on 1st January.

They assured me that service level agreements for clubs will still stand after the academy transfer. 

“I asked that ATT and BMAT host a virtual meeting with all of the clubs that use the Sports Centre. This will be happening either before Christmas or in the new year.