A SENIOR Conservative councillor called plans for a Metro system in Harlow as a “vanity project”.

The deputy leader of the Harlow Conservatives, cllr Joel Charles made the remarks in an ill-tempered meeting of the Harlow Council Cabinet on Thursday night.

The agenda item was a recommendation that the Labour-run Cabinet back the following proposals:

1. Endorses the principle of establishing a sustainable transport system to meet the modal shift and climate change aspirations to support the future growth of the town.
2. An opportunity exists to procure a professional team to undertake the proposed first stage feasibility. As a signatory to the Scape procurement framework, Harlow Council can procure an experienced team, including AECOM and Gleeds, through an OJEU compliant process.
3. Delegates authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with Leader of the Council, and Portfolio Holder for the Environment to identify a budget..

After the Portfolio Holder, cllr Danny Purton spoke, cllr Charles asked a number of questions and raised a number of concerns.

https://moderngov.harlow.gov.uk/documents/s17069/Development%20of%20Harlow%20Metro%20System.pdf

The route has not been set in stone but could run from the new Gilston development in the north and link up with the underground at North Weald. It could also link up West and East.

Cllr Charles was primarily concerned with possible costs to the Harlow taxpayer but he also used the term “vanity project”.

Cllr Purton responded on a number of occasions that the answers to the questions would come from the recruitment of a consultant via “expert analysis”.

Labour councillors did make reference to a promotional video featuring TV star and former MP Michael Portillo.

You can follow the item from the 1 hr 19 minute point of the film below. Cllr Charles’ questions start at 1hr 26 mins.