Ambitions, but only for Harold Hill

During the Local Elections in 2006, the Conservatives in Collier Row suggested that if you voted for us, the Residents Association, we would move money out of the town and only spend it in Harold Hill, like the previous Labour party Administration did.

So it’s rather funny, how less than a year later, the Administration set up a regeneration project just for Harold Hill, by the name of the “Harold Hill Ambitions” and over the last two years, they have been investing more and more money in Harold Hill, at the expense of other areas of the Borough, not just a few pounds here and there, but millions of pounds !

The latest example from the Administration, involves yet more help for the Borough’s most vulnerable residents, including the elderly and families with young children, that is, unless you live in Harold Hill !!

Cllr Andrew Mann has launched a scathing attack on the Tory Administration over its plan to help only those residents in Harold Hill improve their energy efficiency and fuel bills. He said "I am amazed that in this climate of increased fuel bills and financial instability, the Tory Administration are only helping those people in its marginal seats and ignoring those in need across the Borough"

He went on "During the last local elections in 2006, the Conservatives, including Andrew Rosindell complained about the money being spent on Harold Hill and here they are, two years later doing the same thing"

"Whilst I do not begrudge the people of Harold Hill extra help, there are hundreds or even thousands of people in real need across the whole Borough".

The scheme announced by Havering Council works with the London Warm Zone scheme to make the homes of residents in Harold Hill warmer and more energy efficient this winter.
Over the next year, partners including seven London boroughs, the East London Renewal Partnership, London Warm Zone and EDF Energy, will help residents access all available grants to improve insulation, as well as lower the cost of heating their homes.

Grants are available for loft and cavity wall insulation and while people on certain benefits could qualify to have the work done for free, homeowners could receive a discount of up to 75 per cent.
The scheme is focused on the areas which are part of the Harold Hill Ambitions Project, a 20-year regeneration plan to rejuvenate the area with improved education and training opportunities, youth facilities and parks, to give residents a better quality of life.

The project aims to change people’s perception of Harold Hill, as well as give our residents there a better quality of life. Making sure vulnerable people have warm, energy efficient homes is just one way that we are making Havering a better place for all.

Cllr Clarence Barrett, leader of the Residents Association in the Town Hall said “Whilst energy efficiency improvements are very welcome in Harold Hill, it should be borne in mind that the scheme does extend to homes right across the borough”.

The London Warm Zone offers grants for insulation and central heating to help people save money on fuel bills and reduce the effects of climate change. For example, subject to eligibility, discounts of up to 75% are available for those considering loft and cavity wall insulation.

To find out more we would encourage residents to call London Warm Zone on freephone 0800 587 2251 or visit http://www.londonwarmzones.co.uk/.