THE official opening of the Harlow Foyer, at Occasio House, by Olympic gold medallist Tessa Sanderson has been hailed as another stage in the "crucial regeneration" of the town.

The 116 flats at the scheme, run by East Thames Housing Group through its Network East Foyers, near the Playhouse, provide accommodation for young people who are caught in the 'no-job, no-home' cycle, and give them a chance to get back on their feet, living an independent lifestyle with a condition of residence being that they undertake some form of education, training or job-seeking.

Harlow MP Bill Rammell said: "The foyer is part of the crucial regeneration of our town. This Foyer stands with the railway station, the new bus station and the town centre south redevelopment as testament that we are renewing and improving our town."

He added: "It is crucial that we rebut some of the urban myths about what goes on at the Foyer. It's not a centre for drug pushers or ex-prisoners. These are all Harlow young people getting training and a roof over their heads to help them get a job.

"We should celebrate the fact that through substantial government funding and partnership we are securing the future of our town."

Tessa Sanderson said: "I believe young people are the foundation of our future and if you have been successful in your own life I believe you have a responsibility to make young people as successful in their lives."

The scheme has computer rooms, offers training sessions on lifestyle skills and helps the residents organise their finances and seek job advice.