Harlow Local Information
Practical local information for Harlow: bin collection days, parking, council tax bands and planning, each one linked back to the official source.
Top story
Harlow Roadworks This Week: Eastwick Road Shut, M11 J7 Next
Eastwick Road is shut to 8 November, and the M11 J7 northbound exit slip closes for two months from 19 October. No trains through Harlow 17 to 18 October.
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Local Info
Harlow House Prices: £319,860, Fastest Rise in Essex
The average Harlow home sold for £319,860 in July 2026, up 4.4%, the biggest rise in Essex. Plus median sold prices for all 11 wards, £290,000 to £424,000.
Local Info
Harlow bin collection: which week is recycling, flats, costs
Harlow bin collection dates checked at 40 addresses: rubbish and recycling alternate, flats get rubbish emptied weekly, and garden waste costs £57 a year.
Local Info
Parking in Harlow: 13 of 14 car parks give an hour free
Harvey Centre is £1.10 for 3 hours on a weekday, 50p on Sundays. Wych Elm has no free hour; 13 other council car parks do. Every tariff and permit price.
Local Info
Harlow council tax bands 2026-27: Band D is £2,298.69
Band A is £1,532.46 and Band H £4,597.38. Harlow Council froze its £288.90 share for a fifth year, so every penny of this year's £82.26 rise came from Essex.
Local Info
Harlow to London trains: 31 minutes, £4,744 a year
Harlow Town to Liverpool Street takes 31 minutes off-peak and 35 in the rush. Season ticket £4,744, contactless now works, and why Harlow Mill costs more per trip.
Local Info
Things to do in Harlow: 100 free sculptures, £6 garden
Harlow's museum, Pets' Corner and sculpture trail are all free, the Gibberd Garden is £6 and opens three days a week, and the Town Show returns this bank holiday.
Local Info
Harlow planning: 118 homes built, 4.9 years of land
Harlow built 118 homes last year against a target of 501, leaving 4.9 years of housing land. The new Local Plan, the Latton Priory appeal and Terminus House.
Bins
Harlow Christmas bin collections: dates, trees and closures
Harlow's 2026 Christmas bin dates are not out yet. Last year garden waste stopped for two weeks, one extra bag was taken and trees cost £2.90 to collect.
Schools
Harlow term dates 2026/27: why October half term differs
Essex half term is 26 to 30 October, but BMAT schools in Harlow break from 19 October and Passmores and Stewards from 23 October. Every 2026/27 date, checked.
Trains
Harlow trains at Christmas: no service 25 to 26 December
No trains from Harlow on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, early finishes on Christmas Eve, and last year's Liverpool Street closure. The 2026 plan is due in October.
Bins
Harlow tip opening times: 9am to 4pm from 16 October
Harlow Recycling Centre on Temple Bank opens 9am to 4pm daily from 16 October, shuts at 1pm on Christmas Eve and needs a free booked slot for every car visit.
Schools
Harlow October half term 2026: dates and what's on
Essex half term is 26 to 30 October 2026; Burnt Mill and Mark Hall break from 19 October. Free library Harry Potter and spooky craft days, Frozen, fireworks.