FROM councillor James Griggs: “It has been my immense pleasure to represent Netteswell since being elected to Harlow Council in May of this year. What a busy few months it’s been!

I hit the ground running with numerous casework requests including housing repairs, parking issues, garage tenancies, overgrown trees, neglected alleyways and access to GP surgeries.
All of these are matters of great concern to residents and it’s very satisfying to be able to make a difference. There is, of course, much more to be done but it’s been a busy start.

I’ve been invited to visit numerous organisations and attend events. These include Harlow Islamic Centre, Harlow Synagogue, Street2Homes, Plant Pots and Wellies, Harlow Poverty Alliance Conference, Parndon Mill, Harlow Museum, allotment sites, sheltered housing projects and a host of Civic events.
This is a particularly enjoyable aspect of the role of a Councillor. Learning about the many wonderful organisations and people who provide support, advice and assistance in our community is truly inspirational.

I’ve also been spending time finding out about the work of the many Council departments, meeting officers to learn about the work of these dedicated teams and the ways in which they deal with the variety of the many daily enquiries and issues.

There are, of course, the more sombre moments of the year too. Attending the Memorial Service to the Shakoor family, who were tragically killed in a devastating fire in Barn Mead 10 years ago, was particularly poignant and emotional. 

In October I attended the service to commemorate the addition of the name of Joseph Hill to the war memorial at Netteswell Cross. Joseph Hill was killed by a sniper in Northern Ireland in 1971.

In November I was back at the war memorial for the annual Remembrance service.

Joining my Netteswell colleague Nancy Watson and our Mark Hall colleagues Lanie Shears and Bob Davis, we  have reinstated regular Councillor surgeries at Mark Hall library. These are held on the second Saturday of each month from 10am-11am and on the last Tuesday of the month from 6pm-7pm.
These surgeries provide a further opportunity to meet and engage with residents who can attend without the need for an appointment.

The year has concluded with visits to a number of Christmas Fetes and Fayres. I am now very well stocked with jams and pickles and bought some lovely seasonal crafts.

I very much look forward to embarking upon the challenges of the coming year.
To contact me please email [email protected]

May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for the help and support offered in the past 7 months and wish you all a very happy new year.

Kindest regards
Cllr James Griggs
Netteswell – Labour