Harlow Council has announced its intention to turn the former Canons Gate allotment into a new Community Orchard The orchard will include a range of trees including several fruit trees and the community and local groups will be invited to be a part of the new project The plans were announced today by Councillor Nicky Purse Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Environment “I am delighted that we are moving forward with plans to transform this former allotment into a new Community Orchard which will benefit the local area Engagement with relevant stakeholders on our plans will take place over the coming weeks “The community orchard will be accessible to all residents and will be a great way to bring people together and provide fruit to the local community so we are ready to work with the community to plant trees in the spring It will be a fantastic project to bring new life back to this former allotment site Sign up to our newsletter A new bus service linking Harlow bus and railway stations to Princess Alexandra Hospital on an hourly basis will help Epping Forest residents attending appointments or visiting patients at their local hospital Service 407/417 is funded by Section 106 from the Harlowbury/Gilden Park development on the borders of Epping Forest and Harlow District councils The service connects Old Harlow with the town’s bus and rail stations and Princess Alexandra Hospital Portfolio Holder for Harlow and Gilston Garden Town said: Many Epping Forest residents will find this new service useful if travelling to Princess Alexandra Hospital by bus and find the onward walk from the bus terminus or railway station too taxing This is an early example of working with developers to help achieve the sustainable transport ambitions of Harlow Gilston Garden Town and other major development sites Various bus services already connect Epping North Weald and Ongar to Harlow with improved frequency and service into the evenings and weekends and a £2 flat single fare currently funded by the Government EFDC’s wholly owned property management/development/services provider has funded live arrival-time bus displays – through Section 106 money – at bus stops in Epping High Street to further enhance residents’ journeys by bus Stay up to date with the latest changes to bus routes find bus timetables and more at Essex County Council – Travel Essex website or sign up to their newsletter