The lower tier of the garages at the Ployters Road end of the estate has been giving cause for concern for some time. There has been a lot of criminal damage / graffiti and fly tipping. We discussed closure of the lower section but, after discussion with council officers, it was agreed to try to do something positive about the problem and the following was agreed:
  1. The end of the area was to be railed off. This meant that there would be no easy escape route for offenders.
  2. Brighter, vandal proof lighting would be fitted.                
  3. The doors and walls would be painted white.
  4. The  defective surface water drainage system would be rectified.
  5. All the vandalised garage doors would be replaced.
  6. Anti-climb paint would be applied to edges of garage roofs on the upper level and to garage roofs at the rear of the flats No 303 to 320
Items 1 and 6 have now been completed

It is hoped that the refurbished area will be more attractive to residents wishing to rent garages and so help to get some cars off the road.
First stages of the refurbishment completed
And a new paint job on the rest of the garages on the estate too. Does anyone remember the last time all the doors and frames were painted?
One-way system

In answer to those who have asked whether or not the one-way system is dead, it isn't. On Wednesday 22nd July, Jenny Holland, a member of the  Essex County Council, visited the estate to discuss the subject. She will take it back to county and will instigate discussions on the proposed system. We have strongly advocated traffic calming measures that do not include road humps and, if a plan is forthcoming from county, will invite every resident to vote for or against the plan.
CLEANING UP OUR ACT

Dog fouling, litter and dumped rubbish are starting to blight the landscape in Moorfield.  This is as a consequence of irresponsible actions by some residents of the area.  In turn, this may have the knock on effect of making the area a less desirable place to live, which can be reflected in property prices.  Council residents may be in breach of their conditions of tenancy, which may result in the Council seeking possession of your property.  In addition, YOU as a Council Tax payer pick up the cost of clearing up after people who allow their dog to foul, drop litter, or dump rubbish.

Dog Fouling

The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 makes it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to clean up after it has fouled.  Always make sure that you have the means to clean up after your dog when you take it for a walk, and that you dispose of the droppings by placing them in a dog bin or taking them home with you.

What can happen if you don't clean up after your dog?

You
can be fined up to
£1000
You spoil the enjoyment of the environment for yourself and others
You run the risk of spreading Toxocariasis, which can lead to eye damage and blindness as well as other symptoms.  There is no cure for this disease once it has developed.  Studies show that approximately 2% of the population are infected with this disease, with children at the greatest risk from contracting it. Is your dog regularly wormed? Could this be you?

What can I do to help?

·        ALWAYS clear up after your dog
·        Make sure you regularly worm your dog
·        Report anyone you see failing to remove dog fouling to Contact Harlow, on 01279 446655, giving as much detail as possible to assist Council Enforcement Officers to take action against the person

YOUR DOG CAN'T CLEAN UP IT'S OWN MESS, SO YOU HAVE TO.

YOUR DOG CAN'T PAY THE FINE, SO YOU WILL HAVE TO.

PLEASE CLEAN IT UP!!!
Litter and Dumped rubbish

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 makes it a criminal offence to drop litter or to fly tip waste on land.

What can happen if I drop litter or dump waste?

YOU
can be fined up to £2500 for dropping litter. 
YOU can be sentenced to a fine of £50,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment for dumping rubbish.
YOU spoil the environment for yourself and others

What can I do to help?

·        Always dispose of your litter responsibly, either in a litterbin, or if there isn’t one nearby, take it home with you.
·        Always put your waste out as near to the collection time as possible, and ensure that it is securely fastened, so it cannot be blown about.
·        The Council will collect certain items other than your normal household waste free of charge.  Please call Contact Harlow on 01279 446655 for more information and to arrange for collection.
·        Report anyone you see dropping litter or dumping rubbish to Contact Harlow on 01279 446655, giving as much detail as possible to assist Council Enforcement Officers to take action against the person.

What are the Council doing about this?

Harlow Council has appointed 2 Investigation and Enforcement Officers to tackle issues such as these.   These Officers will respond to complaints received, and will carry out patrols of known ‘hot-spots  to deal with offenders.  They will be taking a strong line against those who have no respect for the environment in which we live.  They will also have a range of other resources to turn to, including the use of covert CCTV in certain areas.

They do, however, need your help.

DON’T turn a blind eye to it.  It DOES affect you, in one way or another. 

Report offenders to the Contact Harlow on 01279 446655

Make sure that YOU are not the one under investigation.

This is OUR TOWN.  Please look after it
The following was issued by one of the Council Enforcement officers and may be of interest to those who object to seeing piles of dog muck and discarded crisp packets, car batteries and old fridges on the estate.
Our annual litter pick was a great success. The number of people turning out was encouraging and the pile of rubbish seen in the above picture earned £50.00 for the estate. Also seen above are Sue, Polly, Amy and Terry. 
Well done all.
Click here for Minutes of the 2005  AGM