4 Herald, Thursday, May 13, 2010 (H) www.harlowherald24.co.

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NEWS

VOTE 2010
10 facts about your new MP...

ELECTION: New MP reflects on his epic victory

SWARMS of eager shoppers By CHELLE JOHNSON buzz around Harlow town centre on another busy heraldnews@archant.co.uk Saturday morning.
Watching the scene from the quiet corner of a caf is Harlows newly elected MP, Conservative Robert Halfon, who reflects on his historic victory while sipping a much needed cup of coffee. In his acceptance speech, Mr Halfon described himself as a community Conservative and outlined his priorities for Harlow, which included bringing jobs to the town, improving education and public services, and supporting community and charity projects in the area. Harlow is a fantastic town with an amazing community spirit. It is a wonderful place, but we do have a number of problems, he says. We have the highest violent crime rate in Essex and our illiteracy and innumeracy rates are growing, but we can make it better. This is why I am so passionate about education; schools are my priority. Increasing higher education opportunities and providing the option of vocational training to young people and the unemployed are two proposals put forward by Mr Halfon. He adds: The Conservatives have planned out an educational budget which I intend to utilise. Other pledges in the Conservative party manifesto include tax breaks to make it easier for small businesses to employ interns and young people, which Mr Halfon believes will allow independent companies to grow. We will train people to become social entrepreneurs, explains the new MP. This will help smaller companies and community Robert Halfon talks to the media after the election result organisations to grow and stimulate Picture: MICHAEL BOYTON (MEB_060510_Election) Harlows economy. However, if we were to reform the can keep track of his expenditure. Mr Halfon believes that the key to He says: Most of the MPs who electoral process, I believe it should his success is his accessibility. He says: Everyone is so fed up of were involved in the expenses only be to make each constituency fair politicians. I felt I should make myself scandal were sheep who went along and balanced. I am anxious about a coalition transparent and accessible, especially with what others were doing, but to young voters. I want to continue be they had a great responsibility. We government, but my hope is that we accessible. I want to be a voice for should be able to sack MPs if we are will soon see a clear Conservative majority. Politics is changing and we people who need genuine help and unhappy with them. As for electoral reform. Mr Halfon dont know what will happen in the hope to make a real difference to peoples lives, both on a political and is clear: I am against political reform future, but I am honoured to be as I believe it would in fact represent elected and want to do the right personal level. Now I must deliver. This delivery may include Mr voters unfairly. While campaigning in thing for Harlow. Halfons plans to publish his Harlow, I did not receive a single WHAT do you think? E-mail heraldnews@archant.co.uk expenses online, so that constituents question or e-mail about the subject.

Harlow is a fantastic town with an amazing community spirit

1. Robert was brought up in North London and a relative owned the John Walton Clothes Shop in Harlow town centre. 2. Robert loves football and is a staunch Chelsea supporter. 3. An avid watch collector, Robert is a regular at the Eversden watch shop in the Harvey Centre. 4. Robert is a huge curry fan. 5. Books and the countryside are two of Roberts other passions. 6. Robert has been to Rwanda to teach English on a special project called Umubano (fellowship) he described it as a moving and wonderful experience. 7. Robert is a political consultant to the Conservative Friends of Israel organisation. 8. Roberts CV includes being an advisory board member of the Centre for Social Justice set up by former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith. He was also chief of staff to Oliver Letwin MP. 9. Educated at Exeter University Robert has a Masters degree in Russian and Eastern Europe studies and a BA in politics. 10. Robert is also a Roydon parish councillor and a former of Governor Passmores School.

Plane crashes into car at airfield

A PILOT was dragged clear of his burning plane after it struck a car at North Weald airfield on Sunday. Essex fire crews from Epping, Ongar and Harlow arrived just before 2.30pm to assist volunteer firefighters in tackling the blaze involving the aircraft and a car. A fire service spokesman, who was at the scene, said: An onlooker who saw the incident told us that a plane appeared to come into land but immediately took off again, banking over the top of a hanger before coming back to try a second landing and clipping the back of a brand new Volvo with two people inside who were driving out of the airfield. Fortunately, volunteer firefighters were at the airfield to provide cover for a drag racing event, so were immediately on hand when the incident happened. At 2.50pm crews reported that they were using one main jet and foam to extinguish the blaze. Fifty per cent of the car and 50 per cent of the two-seater, single-engine AT3 aircraft were alight. Paramedics arrived at the scene to deal with one casualty a man who is

The scene after the crash at North Weald airfield on Sunday

Picture: ESSEX COUNTY FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE

believed to have been piloting the aircraft. No details relating to the extent of his injuries are available at this time but they are believed to be serious and he was taken to hospital. Station Officer Len Cleary, the officer in charge, said: The pilot was lucky. It appears that the two people in the car POLICE are appealing for information in connection with a suspected arson in Harlow. Between 6.30pm on Tuesday May 4 and 8am the following day, a fire caused damage to electric cables and a wall area at Wych Elm car park near Hamstel Road. Investigating officer, PC Anna Carver, said: This car park is regularly used, if you were in the

brought him clear of the fire after the collision. It is not clear at this stage whether the incident was caused by mechanical failure or human error. He added: The volunteer fire team acted swiftly to cover the scene with a blanket of foam so when we arrived the fire was under control. area at the time stated and have any information please call me. The estimated damage is in the region of 2000. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigating officers at Harlow Police Station on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. READ the latest news first at www.harlowherald24.co.uk

Fire causes damage in Wych Elm