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Good morning and Happy Monday!
With antisemitic incidents rising across the country, this feels like a moment to be reminded of something simple: we are our neighbours' keepers. If you see something suspicious in your community, report it. Hertfordshire Police have made clear they take antisemitic and anti-social behaviour seriously and will act. That commitment matters, and so does yours.
Further afield, the Middle East ceasefire remains fragile, and petrol prices continue to creep upward with no clear resolution in sight. We hope cooler heads prevail on both fronts soon.
On a brighter note, the sun is out, temperatures are climbing, and Hertfordshire is showing up for it. This edition is one of our biggest yet, packed with news from across the county and your local district. From a £50m County Hall sale debate to lidos reopening, EV chargers arriving in car parks, elections on 7 May, and a full events calendar. There is a lot to get through. Scroll down and dig in.
One personal note before you do. Hertstown runs on community support, and producing this newsletter each week takes real time and effort. If this is valuable to you, please consider buying us a coffee. It is how we keep local journalism like this alive. A huge thank you to those of you who give every month without fail. You know who you are, and it means everything. If you have not yet and would like to, the link is below. We appreciate every contribution, big or small. Stay blessed. Let's go.
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🏛️ Hertfordshire County Council
Nearly 90% of Hertfordshire children got their first-choice primary school, here's what to do if yours didn't
Hertfordshire County Council has allocated school places to 15,804 children for 2026, with 87.6% of the 13,224 reception applicants awarded their top-ranked primary school and over 97% offered one of their preferred schools. Parents who did not receive their first choice are automatically placed on a continuing interest list for any higher-ranked schools on their application. You must accept your offered place by 23 April 2026, and the deadline to appeal is 4pm on 15 May 2026, find full allocation details and next steps at hertfordshire.gov.uk/primaryoptions.
Shoplifting in Hertfordshire is down 17%, police say a new fast-track court approach is behind the drop
Hertfordshire Constabulary has recorded a 17% reduction in reported shop theft over the six months since October 2025, with 2,621 incidents logged compared to the same period the previous year. Chief Constable Andy Prophet told Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards the fall is down to targeted work with retailers, a focus on prolific offenders, and a new streamlined court summons process agreed with the Crown Prosecution Service from January 2026. The new approach requires shoplifters with compelling evidence against them to go straight to court, cutting out lengthy police investigation processes.
Hertfordshire Constabulary received 21,470 reports of anti-social behaviour between March 2025 and the end of March 2026, an average of 54 a day, according to Chief Constable Andy Prophet. The force responded with 82 community protection notices, 312 warnings, 14 criminal behaviour orders, and 16 premises closures during the period. A new county-wide ASB action plan has been published, committing to visible policing in hotspot locations, targeted intervention, and closer victim support.
Hertfordshire County Council's old headquarters could fetch £50m, but there's a debate about whether to sell all of it
Hertfordshire County Council has received bids for its former County Hall site in Hertford, a 25.58-acre site valued at £50 million that the council vacated when it moved to Stevenage in 2023. A cabinet decision on how to proceed is expected in summer 2026 after bids are analysed. The sale has prompted debate among councillors about whether part of the site, including the council chamber, should be retained ahead of local government reorganisation, which could see Hertfordshire restructured into up to four unitary authorities by 2028.
Where to Invest $100,000 Right Now, According to Experts
Investors face a dilemma. The S&P, teetering on all time highs, just posted its worst quarter since 2022. Oil was up 94% this year, briefly. And Moody's now puts U.S. recession odds at 48.6%.
Bloomberg asked where experts would personally invest $100,000 for their latest monthly edition.
One answer that surfaced yet again? Art.
It's what billionaires like Bezos and the Rockefellers have privately used to diversify for decades.
Why?
Appreciation. The ArtPrice100 Index outpaced the S&P 500 overall from 2000 to 2025
Low-correlation. The postwar contemporary segment has moved independently of traditional investments like stocks since ‘95.*
Resilience. A scarce, physical, and global asset class with decades of demonstrated demand.
Thanks to the world's premier art investing platform, now anyone can invest in works featuring legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso, without needing millions.
Shares in new offerings can sell quickly but...
*According to Masterworks data. Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.
NEWS IN YOUR AREA
🏛️ EAST HERTS DISTRICT COUNCIL
193 EV chargers are coming to East Herts car parks, here's what that means for you
East Herts Council has signed a 15-year contract with Otaski Energy Solutions to install 193 electric vehicle charging points across its public car parks, converting up to 10% of council-owned bays. A further 44 charge points will be pre-installed and ready to activate as demand grows, with no additional cost to taxpayers, Otaski pays the council a fee for operating the infrastructure. With one in five newly registered cars now battery electric, this puts East Herts ahead of the curve for public charging provision.
A new health hub has opened in Bishop's Stortford, and it's free to use
East Herts Council has made its Navigation House offices on Riverside available to the Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts, creating a base for the new Healthy Hub East Herts. The hub runs every Thursday between 10am and 2pm, offering free advice on weight management, stopping smoking, mental health, and tackling loneliness. On other days the space can be booked by local organisations focused on health, wellbeing, or community safety, contact [email protected] for details.
🏛️ NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE COUNCIL
Hitchin and Letchworth lidos reopen 23 May, and last summer they drew nearly 75,000 visits
Both of North Herts' outdoor lidos return on Saturday 23 May, operated by Everyone Active on behalf of North Herts Council. Letchworth Lido attracted 46,678 visitors during its milestone 90th anniversary season last year; Hitchin recorded 27,901. Lane swimming, family swims, floating sound baths, and solstice swims are all on the calendar, check the Everyone Active website for full opening times.
Volunteers are transforming North Herts' parks and nature reserves, here's the full picture
North Herts Council and the Hertfordshire Countryside Management Service have published a year-round review of biodiversity work across the district, covering sites from Weston Hills to Oughtonhead Common. Highlights include conservation grazing at Purwell Meadows using new NoFence virtual collars funded by Affinity Water, reedbed restoration at Burymead Springs, and woodland management at Great Ashby District Park. If you want to explore your nearest greenspace, search "North Herts Council" on the Apple or Google Play app stores for a Find My Nearest tool.
Baldock came together for bees, and scattered wildflowers across the town
Hundreds of residents, schools, businesses, and community groups turned out to Baldock's Bee Part Of It event on 4 April, part of North Herts' district-wide Bee Corridor project. The day included seed-bomb scattering at Avenue Park, pollinator-friendly planting, and educational stalls from local wildlife organisations and beekeepers. The wildflower seeds scattered on the day will help establish a new flowering area for pollinators this spring.
Royston residents can vote this weekend, here's what you need to know
Royston Town Council elections on Thursday 7 May are the only contested elections in North Herts this year, and residents have been given the option to vote early as part of a government flexible voting pilot. Early Voting Hubs open Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May, 10am–3pm at Coombes Community Centre, Royston Leisure Centre, and Royston Town Hall. You must be registered to vote by midnight on Monday 20 April — and you will need photo ID at every hub and polling station.
🏛️ WELWYN HATFIELD BOROUGH COUNCIL
This Girl Can Week is back in June — sports providers have until 29 May to register an activity
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is marking its tenth year supporting Sport England's This Girl Can campaign, with a free activity week running 15–21 June. Kayaking, skiing, volleyball, yoga and more are expected to feature, and local sports clubs, schools, and community organisations can submit their own sessions via the online form at one.welhat.gov.uk/thisgirlcan by Friday 29 May. All activities will be listed on the council's events calendar.
Young dancers aged 9–13 can audition for the Campus West Christmas panto
Campus West in Welwyn Garden City has announced auditions for junior dancers for its 2026 Dick Whittington pantomime, taking place from 10am on Sunday 10 May. Written by Jonas Cemm and Joe Sargent — this year marks 10 years since Jonas first performed in Dick Whittington at the same venue — the production promises new choreography and a full Christmas run. Register in advance at campuswest.co.uk; the deadline to register is Sunday 3 May.
🏛️ ST ALBANS CITY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL
Your postal vote for the 7 May elections is on its way, here's what to do when it arrives
Postal vote packs for the St Albans City and District Council elections are being sent out in two batches: those who applied before 1 April received packs on 15 April, while those who applied between 1 April and 21 April will receive theirs around 27 April. Completed postal votes must reach the Returning Officer by 10pm on Thursday 7 May to be counted, return yours as soon as possible to be safe. If you miss the post, you can hand in your completed pack at the Council's Civic Centre during opening hours, or at any polling station in your electoral area between 7am and 10pm on 7 May.
🏛️ WATFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL
A Watford landowner who ignored a Green Belt enforcement notice has been fined nearly £6,000
A landowner was prosecuted by Watford Borough Council after failing to comply with an enforcement notice served in August 2024 for unauthorised works on protected Green Belt land near Bushey Mill Bridge. Mr Lewis Leonard McEwan of Enfield appeared before St Albans Magistrates' Court on 25 March 2026, where he had previously entered a guilty plea. He was ordered to pay a total of £5,936, including a £3,000 fine, £1,200 victim surcharge, and £1,739 in prosecution costs, in monthly instalments of £500.
Over £8,000 has gone to Watford community projects since 2021, and a new funding round opens soon
Veolia and Watford Borough Council's Sustainability Fund has supported 15 projects totalling £8,871 since launching in 2021, with six new projects funded in 2025 including the new Watford Repair Cafe. The fund recently expanded to include social wellbeing projects alongside environmental ones, opening it to a wider range of community groups. Applications for the next round are expected to open in Spring 2026.
Election candidates are being harassed, Watford is calling it out ahead of May 7
Watford Borough Council and the Electoral Commission have issued a joint statement ahead of May's local elections, highlighting that 61% of candidates at the 2025 local elections in England experienced harassment or security threats. Since November 2023, anyone found guilty of intimidating candidates or elected representatives faces new sanctions including potential imprisonment. If you witness or experience threatening behaviour during the election campaign, report it to the police.
🏛️ HERTSMERE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Hertsmere has launched its biggest planning consultation in over a decade, you have until 29 May
Hertsmere Borough Council has opened a six-week public consultation on a brand new Local Plan for the borough, the first update since 2012. The Regulation 18 consultation invites residents and businesses to comment on early ideas for housing, employment space, schools, health services, and green space across Hertsmere. Seven in-person events are scheduled between 27 April and 19 May at venues in South Mimms, Borehamwood, Radlett, Elstree, Shenley, Potters Bar, and Bushey — and feedback can also be submitted online.
Hertsmere wants your view on how it handles bad landlords, consultation closes 28 May
A new Housing Enforcement and Licensing Policy is out for consultation, covering how the council tackles poor housing conditions, manages overcrowding, supports responsible landlords, and uses its enforcement powers. The consultation runs from 16 April to 28 May 2026. Read the draft policy first at hertsmere.gov.uk, then email your response to [email protected].
Potters Bar is getting new controls on HMO growth, here's what an Article 4 Direction means
Hertsmere Borough Council has formally issued notice of an Article 4 Direction covering four wards in Potters Bar: Bentley Heath & The Royds, Furzefield, Oakmere, and Parkfield. Once in force, after a 12-month plus one day notice period - smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation will require planning permission, giving the council greater control over HMO concentration in residential areas. A dedicated officer has been appointed to lead the work and a formal evidence-gathering period is now underway.
Nearly £6 million in developer funding has been allocated to projects across Hertsmere
Hertsmere Borough Council agreed four major Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) allocations at its recent Full Council meeting. The headline items are: up to £1.98m for improvements to Aberford Park; up to £1.65m for a new stand and changing facilities at Boreham Wood Football Club to help the club meet Football League capacity requirements; up to £1.64m for the Hertsmere Learning Partnership's mobile learning hub buses; and up to £629,138 for a new accessible hub for Hertsmere Mencap.
🏛️ THREE RIVERS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Three Rivers is the top recycler in the East of England, 61.1% household recycling rate
According to Defra figures covering 2024/25, Three Rivers District Council achieved a 61.1% household recycling rate, the highest in the Eastern Region and placing the council in the top five in England nationally. Three Rivers has maintained a top-five position for more than a decade and topped the national league in 2021/22 and 2019/20.
The Aquadrome bridge in Rickmansworth closes this Monday, plan your route ahead
The bridge entrance to Rickmansworth Aquadrome from Riverside Drive will close from Monday 20 April until no later than Friday 1 May 2026 to allow contractors to complete invasive weed removal and landscaping works at Ebury Play Area. Pedestrians can still access the Aquadrome and town centre via the established diversion route, which will be signed on site. The works are on schedule and the council is aiming to reopen access as early as possible.
Three Rivers elections and referendum on 7 May, register by midnight tonight
Local elections on Thursday 7 May include District Councillors for Three Rivers and a Parish Councillor for Watford Rural Parish Council. There will also be a Referendum on the Abbots Langley Neighbourhood Plan. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on 20 April; postal vote applications close at 5pm on 21 April; proxy vote and Voter Authority Certificate applications close at 5pm on 28 April. You must bring valid photo ID to vote in person.
You have until 30 April to nominate a local eco-champion in Three Rivers
Three Rivers District Council's new Environmental Champions Award has four categories: Young Champion (under 18), Adult Champion (18+), Community Champion (groups and organisations), and Business Champion. Winners receive a prize and public recognition at an awards ceremony during Great Big Green Week at Watersmeet Theatre on 4 June 2026. Applications close 30 April 2026, submit online at threerivers.gov.uk.
A free council grant turned the coldest room in a South Oxhey home into the warmest
Steve, a 72-year-old South Oxhey resident, received fully funded loft and external wall insulation through Three Rivers District Council's Warm Homes Local Grant scheme. The upgrades lifted his home's EPC rating from D to C and are estimated to save more than £200 per year on energy bills. If your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G and your household income is under £36,000 - or you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit, you may qualify. Apply at bhbh.org.uk or call the National Energy Foundation free on 0800 107 0044.
Not a networking event. Not a panel. Not a pitch.
Hertstown Dinners are small, curated gatherings for people who care about where they live and want better conversations than the internet allows.
In a time when online spaces are noisy and AI makes it harder to know what’s real, we’re bringing people back to the table. Literally.
Good food. Thoughtful discussion. Real people from your community.
Limited seats. Curated tables. No awkward small talk.
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
🎉 St George's Family Fun Day
📍 Grundy Park, Cheshunt
🗓️ Saturday 25 April 2026
⏰ 12:00pm – 5:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://orlo.uk/Fv1gY
💼 Landlord and Letting Agent Forum - Simple Lets scheme
📍 Council Chamber, Bishops' College, Churchgate, Cheshunt EN8 9XG
🗓️ Tuesday 28 April 2026
⏰ 5:30pm
🎟️ Free — booking required
👉 Book now: https://ow.ly/xy1x50YGTFy
🏛️ Hertsmere Local Plan public information event - Borehamwood
📍 Borehamwood Civic Centre, Elstree Way, Borehamwood WD6 1WA
🗓️ Wednesday 29 April 2026
⏰ 2:30pm – 8:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan
🏛️ Hertsmere Local Plan public information event - Radlett
📍 Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL
🗓️ Thursday 30 April 2026
⏰ 2:30pm – 8:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan
🎉 Spring Market Lates - live music, street food and family fun
📍 Watford Market, Watford Town Centre
🗓️ Friday 1 May 2026
⏰ 6:00pm – 10:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://www.watfordmarket.co.uk/events
🎪 Circus Vegas - St Albans
📍 Verulamium Park, opposite Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2DL
🗓️ Wednesday 6 May – Sunday 10 May 2026
⏰ Multiple showtimes daily from 12 noon
💷 Paid ticket
👉 Book tickets: https://circusvegasuk.com/book-tickets/
🌿 Eco Fest & Family Fun Day 2026
📍 Hertford Castle, Hertford
🗓️ Sunday 10 May 2026
⏰ 12:00pm – 4:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://ow.ly/v06G50YzbeT
🎭 Campus West Dick Whittington junior dancer auditions
📍 Campus West, Welwyn Garden City
🗓️ Sunday 10 May 2026
⏰ From 10:00am
🎟️ Free — registration required by 3 May
👉 Register: https://www.campuswest.co.uk/cw/live-on-stage/open-dance-auditions/
☕ Grow Walkies - dog business meet and greet
📍 Hertford (venue TBC — contact organiser)
🗓️ Sunday 11 May 2026
🎟️ Free — contact @grow.walkies on Instagram to take part
👉 Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/grow.walkies
🎉 St Albans Spring Festival
📍 St Peter's Street, St Albans City Centre
🗓️ Sunday 17 May 2026
⏰ 12:00pm – 6:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://www.enjoystalbans.com/event/st-albans-spring-festival-2/
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🏊 Hitchin Lido opening day
📍 Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, Hitchin
🗓️ Saturday 23 May 2026
💷 Paid ticket
👉 Learn more: https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/hitchin-swimming-and-fitness-centre/
🏊 Letchworth Lido opening day
📍 Letchworth Lido, Letchworth Garden City
🗓️ Saturday 23 May 2026
💷 Paid ticket
👉 Learn more: https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/letchworth-lido/
🎭 Utterly Revolting Science Show - Campus West family half-term show
📍 Campus West, Welwyn Garden City
🗓️ Wednesday 28 May 2026
💷 Paid ticket
👉 Learn more: https://www.campuswest.co.uk/cw/live-on-stage/utterly-revolting-science-show/
🌿 Environmental Champions Awards Ceremony - Great Big Green Week
📍 Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth
🗓️ Thursday 4 June 2026
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/environment-climate-emergency/environmental-champions-award-2026
🏃 This Girl Can Week - free sport and activity sessions for women and girls
📍 Various venues, Welwyn Hatfield
🗓️ Monday 15 June – Sunday 21 June 2026
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://one.welhat.gov.uk/whats/girl-can
🌿 Great Big Green Week - Welwyn Hatfield community events
📍 Various venues, Welwyn Hatfield
🗓️ June 2026 (dates TBC)
🎟️ Free entry — register your event or activity
👉 Register an event: https://orlo.uk/ARhS1
🎨 Design a logo for Alban150 - St Albans Cathedral anniversary competition
📍 Online
🗓️ Deadline: Friday 17 July 2026
💷 Prizes include a £100 St Albans Gift Card, Cathedral event tickets, and your design used across the anniversary year
👉 Enter here: https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/alban150-competition
MONDAY MOTIVATION
Change your thoughts and you change your world.— Norman Vincent Peale
Happy Monday!
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
Oakland College Public Services students completed a 2-week internship at St Albans Fire Station
MONDAY - FRIDAY WEATHER 🌦 POTTERS BAR
POTTERS BAR
Monday 21 April 12°C 🌡️ 4°C | ⛅ Sunny intervals, chance of showers from 5pm | ☀️ Sunrise 05:54 | Sunset 20:06
Tuesday 22 April 14°C 🌡️ 5°C | ⛅ Sunny intervals | ☀️ Sunrise 05:52 | Sunset 20:08
Wednesday 23 April 16°C 🌡️ 5°C | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Sunrise 05:50 | Sunset 20:09
Thursday 24 April 18°C 🌡️ 4°C | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Sunrise 05:48 | Sunset 20:11
Friday 25 April 17°C 🌡️ 4°C | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Sunrise 05:46 | Sunset 20:13
Source: Met Office — updated 7:57am Sunday 19 April 2026
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Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya
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