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County Hall Site to be Sold for Alternative Use
County Council plans to market the entire County Hall; Hertfordshire Celebrates Community Spirit


Welcome to this week's Hertstown roundup!
Hope you're all staying cool after this weekend's scorching temperatures! It was absolutely wonderful to see so many of you still turning out for local events right across our county—from Broxbourne to St Albans and everywhere in between. 🌞 A big thanks to our councils for keeping everyone safe with their helpful advice on beating the heat.
While we're all enjoying the sunshine, these record-breaking temperatures do make you think about what's happening with our climate locally. We'll be exploring this in an upcoming piece, so watch this space!
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This week's headlines:
🏗️ County Hall site set for alternative use
🏠 St Albans creates new homes for adults with learning disabilities
🏡 Dacorum opens new Mountbatten View housing
🎉 Plus all your weekend community highlights
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News at a Glance
County Hall Site to be Sold for Alternative Use

County Hall
Hertfordshire County Council plans to market the entire County Hall site in Hertford for residential or commercial development, with final Cabinet approval scheduled for Monday 23 June.
The decision reverses previous plans to retain the Council Chamber, saving approximately £9.7 million and reducing running costs. County Hall has been marketed for employment use since September 2023 following the council's move to Stevenage Campus, but attracted limited interest.
Democratic meetings will relocate to the Stevenage campus. The Grade II* listed building's heritage features must be protected by potential bidders.
Councillor Chris Lucas said the sale supports making better use of resources and reducing borrowing to invest in vital services. The council will continue renting the site for TV and film projects during the sale process.
Weekend Highlights: Hertfordshire Celebrates Community Spirit
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This weekend showcased the vibrant community spirit across Hertfordshire, with exceptional events bringing people together in celebration and remembrance.
Stevenage's Armed Forces Day delivered an outstanding tribute to our servicemen and women, featuring a magnificent parade, stirring music, engaging stalls, and heartfelt celebrations that perfectly honored those who serve and protect our nation.
The Windrush celebrations in Waltham Cross and Hoddesdon created an incredible atmosphere across both Saturday and Sunday, with energetic street dancing, uplifting soca calypso music, authentic Caribbean flavors, and powerful personal stories that brought the Windrush legacy to life. Watford joined the commemoration with their own excellent tribute to the Windrush Generation's invaluable contributions to our community.
Bishop Stortford's Carnival Parade was, as expected, absolutely spectacular, while Letchworth Garden City transformed its town centre into a festival hub with wonderful music, creative crafts, delicious food and drinks, and entertaining performances for all ages.
Watford's BIG BANDSTAND at Cassiobury Park provided exceptional free entertainment, featuring the brilliant SJ Jazz 5 performing exciting modern jazz and Latin sounds from legends like Duke Ellington and Antonio Carlos Jobim, alongside ukulele performances and traditional brass bands.
Ready to join the celebration? Don't miss out on the fantastic events happening across Hertfordshire. Check what's on in your area and become part of our thriving community spirit – there's always something amazing happening near you!
COMMUNITY UPDATE
ST. ALBANS
New Homes Enable Independence for Harpenden Adults with Learning Disabilities
St Albans City and District Council has provided new homes for 16 adults with learning disabilities, enabling them to live independently in the community with support from Harpenden Mencap.
The residents previously lived at Harpenden Mencap's Stairways residential care facility, which opened in 1991 and now requires redevelopment. The council identified seven modern houses in a quiet Harpenden cul-de-sac that were leased to the charity and specially adapted for the residents' needs.
The homes were converted in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council to provide flexible support while maintaining independence. One resident expressed excitement about their new home overlooking countryside where they can see horses from their bedroom window.
Council Leader Paul De Kort praised the partnership approach, while Harpenden Mencap Chief Executive Angela Duce said the new homes have resolved a 15-year housing problem for the charity as it approaches its 70th anniversary. The programme has reduced residential care placements while expanding accommodation options and increasing personalised care choices.
DACORUM
Award-Winning Housing Development Opens in Hemel Hempstead

Dacorum Borough Council officially opened its Mountbatten View housing development on St Albans Road with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by residents, councillors, and building partner Bugler Developments.
The 58-apartment development, built on the former Paradise Fields site, has won two major awards: Residential Project of the Year at the Herts and Beds Construction Excellence Awards and gold in the Hertfordshire Building Control Awards for Best New Housing Development.
New resident Kim Spurgeon praised the life-changing impact of the development, describing her adapted apartment and the peaceful gardens as transformative to her daily living.
The sustainable development features high thermal insulation, communal air source heat pumps, landscaped community gardens connecting to wildflower meadows, and electric vehicle charging points in tree-lined parking areas.
Councillor Simy Dhyani called the project "an important step forward in delivering high-quality affordable homes," while Bugler Group CEO Andy Bugler praised the collaborative effort behind the award-winning design and execution.
HERTSMERE
By-Election Called for Borehamwood Brookmeadow Ward

Hertsmere Borough Council has announced a by-election for the Borehamwood Brookmeadow ward on Thursday 24 July, following the death of Councillor Rabbi Alan Plancey.
The Notice of Election was published on Thursday 19 June, with voter registration closing at midnight on Thursday 8 July. Residents can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote or call 020 8207 7481 for assistance.
Voters must bring photo ID to polling stations, including passports, driving licences, blue badges, or national identity cards. Those without accepted photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on Wednesday 16 July.
Postal vote applications must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 9 July, with completed ballots returned by 10pm on election day. Proxy vote applications are also available for those unable to attend polling stations, with a Wednesday 16 July deadline.
The council has implemented limits on postal ballot handling, allowing voters to submit no more than five postal ballot packs in addition to their own. All proxy voters must present their own valid photo ID when voting on behalf of others.
Information about voting locations and accepted ID forms is available at hertsmere.gov.uk/voterID or by contacting the Electoral Services team at [email protected].
Hertsmere Holds Memorial Ceremony for India Air Crash Victims

The Mayor of Hertsmere led a moving memorial ceremony outside the Civic Offices on Thursday 19 June to honour those who lost their lives in the air crash tragedy in India one week earlier.
Mayor Councillor Alpha Bird Collins was joined by elected members, council staff, faith leaders and residents for the tribute ceremony. Dignitaries lit candles and laid white roses as marks of respect, while a minute's silence was observed and the council flag was flown at half-mast.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Collins said the ceremony provided comfort for the community to "join together to mourn, reflect and stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of the victims."
The Mayor extended sincere condolences to families, friends and communities across the world affected by the tragedy, emphasising the importance of community support during such devastating times.
The ceremony demonstrated Hertsmere's commitment to bringing its diverse communities together in times of tragedy and remembrance.
WELWYN AND HATFIELD
New High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Visits Welwyn Hatfield

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council welcomed the new High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Nicholas Buxton, and his wife Henrietta for a tour showcasing local community initiatives and green spaces aligned with his year-long theme 'Nurture through Nature'.
Accompanied by Mayor Councillor Lynn Chesterman OBE and Chief Executive Ka Ng, the High Sheriff began with a formal welcome at the Council Offices before visiting Hatfield Town Centre to unveil new artwork installations by local H'arts In Mind charity artists and pupils from Southfield Primary School, which supports children with SEND needs.
The tour included Dove Court allotment, where the council partnered with First People to transform an overgrown site into a therapeutic space for individuals at risk of homelessness, using gardening as a recovery tool. The group also enjoyed lunch at Mill Green Watermill and Museum, one of the borough's treasured heritage sites.
The visit concluded at Danesbury Fernery in Welwyn, where the High Sheriff met volunteers restoring the unique Victorian nature reserve.
Mayor Chesterman praised the opportunity to showcase projects that make the borough "a wonderful place to live, work and visit," while High Sheriff Buxton said the visit exemplified his 'Nurture through Nature' theme, promoting mental and physical wellbeing through access to natural environments.
THREE RIVERS
Three Rivers District Councillor Raj Khiroya has shared his family's harrowing refugee experience to mark World Refugee Day on Friday 20 June.
The former Council Chair and current Chorleywood South and Maple Cross ward councillor was studying in London when his father and brother were captured for ransom by the Ugandan military during Idi Amin's regime in 1972. His family worked multiple jobs to secure their freedom and safe passage to Britain.
Speaking about the experience, Cllr Khiroya explained how his circumstances changed overnight: "Uganda was, once upon a time, my home and England was where I came to study. Suddenly, England became my home, and Uganda was where my family were stuck."
The councillor emphasized the importance of World Refugee Day in understanding displaced people's experiences, stating: "We must understand that everyone has a story and has their own way of expressing themselves. I am proud to say that I am the son of a refugee."
World Refugee Day celebrates and honours people forced to leave their home countries to escape conflict or persecution.
MONDAY MOTIVATION
A new week is a blank page, start it with energy and optimism. Remember, progress doesn’t have to be loud or perfect; every small step you take today brings you closer to your goals. Stay positive, stay focused, and let’s make this week count!
You’ve got this. 💪✨
PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Armed Forces Day Stevenage
PET OF THE WEEK

Name: Wendy
Age: 10
Fun Facts about Wendy: Our mischievous Basset Hound Wendy, 10 years old. Loves her treats, playing with her friends in the park every morning and loves to laze on the sofa in the evening. Loves her cut up sausages and a nice Jumbone in the evening.
Owner: Michael & Bruno Rabouin-Plummer from Broxbourne
MONDAY WEATHER ☀️
WELWYN GARDEN CITY
22°C 🌡️ 13°C | 🌤️ Sunny interval and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:42 Sunset 21:24
STEVENAGE
21°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌤️ Sunny interval and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:41 Sunset 21:24
HERTFORD
22°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌤️ Sunny interval and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:42 Sunset 21:23
LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY
24°C 🌡️ 14°C | 🌤️ Sunny interval and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:41 Sunset 21:25
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Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya
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