BACK in October, the Safe to Go Stow community hub was opened.

It is part of a bid to tackle anti social behaviour (formerly known as crime) in the area.

Harlow Council has ploughed in over £100,000 of taxpayers money into the project as well as The Stow area in general.

A few days later, at a council meeting, the portfolio holder for public protection, Joel Charles delivered a presentation on the project.

He made reference to the 3pm test. See film below.

Cllr Charles said: “It is all about the 3pm test for me. To make sure if someone is in The Stow, going shopping, that the Hub is still open.”

So…on Saturday afternoon, we popped into the Stow and…it was closed.

We asked councillor Charles to explain.

He said: “The council has agreed to inject £100,000 in additional funding and opened the community hub because it has adopted a proactive approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in The Stow.

“Although the final timetable has not been published, the hub is open Monday to Friday and there are a growing number of activities being organised to take place there in the coming months.

More information has started to be shared about events taking place at the hub, including through the official local police Facebook account, and there is an intention to share the opening hours with those who run community newsletters to make sure a wider number of residents are reached. The council will post the final version of the timetable on social media and share it with Your Harlow. A poster will also be placed up in the hub in the coming weeks with the full opening hours.

“Some of the work at the hub needs to remain confidential, particularly when police officers meet there to discuss live operational matters and sessions with young people are arranged, so there will be times when it appears closed for certain activity to take place.

“Initial feedback from business owners operating in The Stow has been positive as they believe those who previously caused trouble have been deterred from coming to the local area because of the hub.

“It is likely that the hub will be open on weekend dates for specific community engagement events. This is being explored with The Stow’s residents and business owners to learn what works best for them.

“There is rightly a great sense of urgency in The Stow to maintain the momentum since the launch of the project in May. The council fully understands the need to continue the positive engagement and momentum achieved this year. Several service areas in the council are working together to make sure the ambition behind the project to cut crime and anti-social behaviour is not lost.

“A long-term commitment has been made to provide ongoing support in The Stow. It will take time to achieve the desired impact, but good progress has already been made. Restoring confidence in The Stow that the council, community policing team and other key partners are working towards a shared goal, avoiding a repeat of the issues that led to the need for a hub in the first place, is the main objective.”