LAST week, Harlow Council leader, Dan Swords met with a number of residents who rent garages from the council.

These garages are predominantly in the Mark Hall/Stow area of Harlow.

The planned sale of these garages have caused great concerns among the residents

Green Party member and local resident, Julie Taylor was at the meeting, so we asked for a report.

Also present was portfolio holder for Housing, Cllr David Carter (Cons), the leader of Harlow Labour, Cllr James Griggs and deputy leader, Cllr Lanie Shears (Lab) and Mark Hall councillor, Paul Jago (Reform).

Ms Taylor said: “This meeting was a positive step forward. While the process is not finished, residents were listened to and important progress has been made. An unreserved apology was given for how the garage demolition was handled.

Demolition has now been paused and a number of reviews are underway. There is also a strong likelihood of compensation, with details to be confirmed.

“I want to thank Dan Swords for attending the meeting, for listening carefully to residents, and for engaging constructively. We were given clear assurances that council policy is changing, communication will improve, and that the planning portal will now be used for these types of demolitions to ensure transparency.

Importantly, residents with specific needs will be individually reviewed.

The Mark Hall Ward community has come together in a powerful and positive way, and residents should be proud of what they have achieved.

“They are the first community in Harlow to stand up and challenge the demolition of their garages, and their voices have already made a real difference.

“I will continue to work with them and closely monitor the outcomes of this process, particularly the action plans, to ensure commitments made are delivered.”