Three organisations have now been awarded 'preferred bidder' status for their offers for vacant Harlow Council premises. The decision was taken at a special all-day meeting of the council's Policy & Resources Committee today.

Great Parndon Community Association will enter into negotiations with the Council over its bid for Sumners Leisure Centre. The Herts & Essex Muslim Cultural Association will negotiate to take on The Wreck. And the Harlow Education Consortium's bid for the Study Centre will also progress to detailed discussions.

Local Liberal Democrat councillors have welcomed the decision. Group leader Cllr Chris Millington said:

"It's been very encouraging to receive such a range of interesting and imaginative bids for these buildings from locally based organisations with significant track records.

We hope that negotiations are successful, and that the community will soon be able to enjoy the benefit of services provided from these buildings in new and different ways."

No valid bids were received for the Norman Booth Centre in Old Harlow, which is likely to be re-advertised.

Liberal Democrats on Harlow Council have warmly welcomed the agreement reached between the council and Harlow Lawn Tennis Club to expand and improve tennis facilities at Latton Bush.

The agreement, approved by the council's Policy & Resources Committee on Thursday 21 July, will see the Club convert two surplus bowls greens into new outdoor courts, and provide facilities for indoor tennis. It will result in a rent income to Harlow Council to support local services, and preserve the informal green space between Latton Bush and The Briars. The scheme will also include free local tennis coaching to schools and the community.

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Chris Millington said:

"This really is a win-win situation for local residents. This is a much better proposal than the one on the table last year, and shows how right the Liberal Democrats were to stand firm in opposing the Tories who backed the original flawed plans".

Liberal Democrat Policy & Resources spokesman Cllr Jim Pailing said:

"This new plan provides improved tennis facilities without giving up precious green space or income to the council. The rejected Conservative plans would have seen green space concreted over, and lost nearly 100 years of rent income to help keep local services going. Liberal Democrats were right to stand out for a better deal".

Local ward councillor Lorna Spenceley said:

"This improved proposal protects local green space which the Tories wanted to build on, and provides an income to the council too. I'm pleased that the Liberal Democrats led the way in seeking something better, and that local people will be able to benefit from these improved plans".

Now that the Club and the Council have reached agreement, it is hoped that the scheme will attract financial support of nearly £1 million from the Lawn Tennis Association.

Liberal Democrats in Harlow have welcomed the success of the London bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012.

Local Lib Dem leader Cllr Chris Millington says: "This is tremendous news, with the prospect of significant benefits for Harlow. It's a boost for local athletes already training for 2012, for local sporting groups and for young people".

Harlow's 2005 parliamentary candidate Lorna Spenceley - already on record as backing the bid - also welcomed the news. "The success of the London bid presents real opportunities to put Harlow on the map," she said.