A planning application has now been submitted for the remaining detail of the plans for 18 two-bedroomed flats on the site of the old Scout Hut at Maunds Hatch.

Harlow Council gave outline planning permission some time ago for the development of the flats. Development on this site will release cash to improve the community centre at Maunds Hatch.

The reference number for the new planning application is HW/PL/06/00115. The application can be inspected at the Civic Centre from 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday.

A planning application has been submitted to Harlow Council by Stewards School for remodelling to the service yard area to provide improved access for delivery vehicles and improved secure cycle storage for pupils. The reference number for the application is HW/PL/06/00113 and the planning officer dealing with the application is Sri Hall. The application is available for public inspection from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 at the Civic Centre.

A planning application for change of use at 10 Cecil Court in Pegrams Road to a pizza preparation and delivery service has been given the green light by Harlow Council's planning committee.

Longstanding Staple Tye councillor Lorna Spenceley and former councillor Chris Robins have been nominated as the Liberal Democrat candidates for Staple Tye in the council elections on 4 May. Lorna says:

"On Thursday 4 May, I'll be asking you to re-elect me to represent Staple Tye as your Liberal Democrat councillor. I'm also going to ask you to support my colleague Chris Robins to join Cllr Su Lawton and myself on the Staple Tye team.

Normally, residents will elect only one local councillor each year. However this year Cllr Mike Faccini has decided that he can no longer commit the time to carry out this important role, and will be stepping down as a Staple Tye councillor in May. I am sure you will want to join me in thanking Mike for his hard work on behalf of local residents since he was elected four years ago.

I've been privileged to work with Chris for a number of years; he's a regular worshipper at St James' church as well as editor of our FOCUS newsletter. I have every confidence that he'll be a tremendous asset to the local team.

Liberal Democrats have a record of caring for Staple Tye that just can't be beaten. The area has chosen Liberal Democrat councillors for over thirty years. The Liberal Democrat team has solved hundreds of problems for local residents. And we keep in touch all year round - not just with our regular FOCUS newsletter, but also on the internet.

Over the last year, shopping hatches and estates have benefited from town-wide clean-ups. Playgrounds are getting major investment. And we've made it a priority to deal with anti-social behaviour and with the minority of people who ruin Harlow for everyone else.

Since 2002, Liberal Democrats have had a strong and positive influence on Harlow Council. We were shocked by the waste under the old council, and we have worked hard to keep Harlow's share of the council tax down. This year, Harlow's council tax increase is one of the lowest in the country!

Nationally, Tony Blair is failing the very people who elected him and Labour in 1997. Locally, Harlow needs the Liberal Democrats to keep Labour in check. Remember the 'Shambolic!' headlines the old council earned? With the Liberal Democrats on board that's a thing of the past!

The Conservatives can't win here; Staple Tye is always a close contest between Liberal Democrats and Labour. Only a vote for the Liberal Democrats can give Staple Tye the strong voice it needs. And only Liberal Democrats really do keep in touch all year round - not just at election time."

The Staple Tye ward councillors' surgery takes place this morning from 10:00 till 11:00 at the council office at Staple Tye. The next surgery date is Saturday 6 May, at the same time and venue.