A number of residents have recently contacted me following the worrying news last week that Harlow Town Football Club has withdrawn their Men’s, Women’s and Reserve teams from their respective leagues with immediate effect. After this announcement, I wrote urgently to the Chair of the Club, and today, met with him alongside the Deputy Leader of Harlow Council, Dan Swords.
You can read my full statement below 
"We share the concerns of fans, supporters, volunteers and players following the news that the club had withdrawn its senior teams from their respective leagues and arranged to meet with the Chairman and owner of the club immediately.
“Following our meeting today, we understand that the fault with the recently laid 3G pitch is the sole problem facing the club. This means that the other elements of the club, including the gym, use of the function rooms, and other non-competitive programmes and initiatives currently using the club’s facilities will continue as normal.
“The Council is working directly with the club to arrange alternative playing facilities to ensure that all youth team games can continue to take place at alternative pitches around the town. Once these are confirmed, these will be communicated to all parties.
“During the meeting, we were assured that the club is already making plans to re-fit the pitch surface by March, and hopes to be able to return to League football next year.
“We know that the decision to withdraw from the Leagues is of great sadness to the town, but it is important to recognise that this is down to the issue with the pitch and that the club continues to operate otherwise, with a plan to get the senior teams back in the League for the new season.
“We will continue to do all we can to support the club at this difficult time and ensure that the proud and rich history of football in our town is protected.”
