A NEW community hub where Harlow residents can access help from the police and other public services officially opened in The Stow on Saturday (19 October).

The hub has been opened as part of the Home Office-backed Clear, Hold, Build (CHB) project, which aims to produce sustained and long-term change in the area by continually disrupting criminal activity and creating a strong, resilient neighbourhood. Clear, Hold, Build sees Essex Police, Harlow Council, the NHS and local charities working together to tackle the underlying issues behind serious and organised crime and antisocial behaviour.

The Chair of the Council, Councillor Andrew Johnson, officially opened the hub, which will host outreach sessions from partners such as the NHS, the Department for Work and Pensions, Peabody Housing, Harlow Youth Council and Safer Places. Sessions focusing on physical and mental wellbeing will also be held at the hub by Mind, Rainbow Services, Phoenix Futures and the Butterfly Wellbeing Effect. In addition, the hub has a kids’ zone where children can play while parents and carers find out information about local groups and services.

The opening event was well attended by residents and business owners and featured a circus performer entertaining families, information stands and food courtesy of Dorringtons.

As part of Harlow Council’s missions to renew our neighbourhoods and protect our communities it is supporting the Clear, Hold, Build initiative in various ways including providing the shop unit for use as the hub.

On Thursday night, the portfolio holder for public protection, cllr Joel Charles made a presentation to the cabinet regarding CHB and fielded questions from both Conservative and Labour councillors.