Sunshine's out today, a welcome change from the usual rain and grey skies. Wonder how long it’ll last. The roads are quieter too since it's half-term, which means calmer mornings but a different challenge: keeping the kids entertained. Trust me, I've got three asking "what are we doing today?" on repeat (they'd be asking less if I hadn't confiscated their devices).

Hope your Valentine's was lovely. If you've got a story to share, send it my way, I'd love to feature it. And remember, showing love doesn't stop on February 14. Support your local spots, have meaningful conversations over a meal, or join us at Hertstown Dinners (details below).

There's plenty happening across Hertfordshire this week, and I've rounded up the stories worth your time so you don't have to scroll endlessly. We have a special editorial coming your way this week, which is all about the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation public consultation. Watch this space.

A warm welcome to our new subscribers, glad you're here! Got an event coming up? Send it our way and we'll share it with the community. And if you'd like to support our local journalism, you can always buy me a coffee (virtually).

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Hertfordshire County Council has triggered closure proceedings for St Nicholas C of E Primary School in Elstree and Albury C of E Primary School near Little Hadham, citing unsustainable pupil numbers and financial viability concerns. St Nicholas currently has just 45 pupils despite capacity for 210.

As a result, Hertfordshire County Council is disposing of or closing these school buildings due to falling pupil numbers across the county. The council is systematically addressing surplus education assets, either through closure (St Nicholas and Albury), disposal of already-closed sites (Hexton JMI), or repurposing/sale of former education facilities (Heath Barn music centre). The councillors explicitly acknowledge this represents a county-wide trend of declining school enrollment requiring difficult property decisions.

With half-term upon us, Hertfordshire is offering 50 budget-friendly ways to explore the county without breaking the bank. From free activities to low-cost adventures, there's something for every family looking to make the most of the school break.

See the full list →

Hertfordshire County Council is asking residents to complete a short survey on climate change priorities before Friday, March 22. Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, the council has been working to deliver its Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy and wants your input to shape future efforts.

Complete the survey →

Hertfordshire County Council has approved a major £107 million investment to deliver 1,069 highway maintenance and transport schemes between April 2026 and March 2027. The programme includes road resurfacing, 20mph zone expansion, traffic signal upgrades, and improvements for walking and cycling across the county's 3,200 miles of roads.

View planned roadworks →

From spring 2026, residents will need to register for a free E-pass to access Hertfordshire's Recycling Centres, with no booking required for specific times. The new system also allows residents to pay a small charge for DIY waste above legal limits rather than being turned away—changes supported by 67% and 65% of consultation respondents respectively.

Learn more →

Markets don’t wait — and year-end waits even less.

In the final stretch, money rotates, funds window-dress, tax-loss selling meets bottom-fishing, and “Santa Rally” chatter turns into real tape. Most people notice after the move.

Elite Trade Club is your morning shortcut: a curated selection of the setups that still matter this year — the headlines that move stocks, catalysts on deck, and where smart money is positioning before New Year’s. One read. Five minutes. Actionable clarity.

If you want to start 2026 from a stronger spot, finish 2025 prepared. Join 200K+ traders who open our premarket briefing, place their plan, and let the open come to them.

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Broxbourne's Fit and Fed programme is running from February 16–20 at John Warner Sports Centre, offering free lunches and Kidz Klub activities for families. The holiday programme supports local families during the school break with food and fun activities.

Learn more →

A free community energy introduction workshop takes place on February 17 at Wormley Community Centre. The session aims to help residents understand energy options and community-led initiatives.

Learn more →

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce hosts its February Chamber Lunch on Thursday, February 26, featuring Lorna Pringle from the Bank of England and Ganesh Gnanamoorthy, Director of Planning and Place at Broxbourne Council. Network with local business leaders while gaining insights on economic trends and local development.

Book your place →

Hertsmere Borough Council is inviting residents and businesses to share feedback on the 2026/27 revenue and capital budgets before final approval on February 25. The public consultation gives the community a chance to influence how millions are spent locally.

Have your say →

Hertsmere Borough Council has expressed deep sadness following a fatal fire in Hartsbourne Close, Bushey Heath on February 11. Leader Councillor Jeremy Newmark paid tribute to the bravery of firefighters and emergency services who faced extremely challenging conditions, while offering sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life.

The Better Health Bus visited Westmill Community Centre on February 10, offering free NHS health checks, blood pressure monitoring, stop smoking support, and wellbeing advice. The mobile service brings vital health support directly to North Herts communities.

Read more →

Ros Allwood, North Herts Museum curator for over 30 years, was celebrated as a local government 'unsung hero' at St James's Palace on February 3. She shared with King Charles that the museum cares for the Queen Mother's christening gown—a memorable personal moment during the royal reception.

Read full story →

All four major leisure centres and two entertainment venues in St Albans have been rated 'excellent' by independent assessors following a £1.5 million upgrade programme. Membership has surged 12% to over 15,000 as Harpenden, Cotlandswick, Batchwood, Westminster Lodge, the Alban Arena, and Eric Morecambe Centre all achieved top ratings.

Learn more →

Two new planning documents shaping the Hemel Garden Communities project—delivering 11,000 homes and 10,000 jobs by 2050—are now open for consultation. The consultation runs until Thursday, March 19, giving residents and businesses a chance to influence how policies will be applied.

Learn more →

St Albans City and District Council is hosting a free Business Summit on Monday, March 9 (5:30pm–8pm) at the Civic Centre. Hear from Co-Space founder William Stokes, Hertfordshire Futures, and the Hertfordshire Growth Hub about resources to help local businesses thrive.

Register free →

Stevenage Borough Council has successfully prosecuted a local food business with a £29,000 fine for serious food hygiene violations. The enforcement action demonstrates the council's commitment to protecting public health and maintaining food safety standards across the borough.

Read more →

Stevenage Borough Council is seeking resident views on a new recharge policy governing costs and service charges for the 2025–27 period. The consultation gives residents a chance to shape how the council manages and charges for certain services.

Read more →

Join the inclusive Watford Pancake Race on Shrove Tuesday at 2:30pm at the newly named Pondside event space in Watford Town Centre. Featuring business relay races, accessible races, and children's races, all funds raised will be split between Watford Mencap and the Watford Community Fund.

Register for the race →

Hertfordshire's entire local government structure could change by April 2028, with residents being asked to choose between 2, 3, or 4 new unitary councils. The government consultation closes March 26, and your response will directly shape which option is implemented—affecting every local service from bins to planning.

[Read our complete guide →] | Submit your views →

Celtic Warrior Experience
🗓️ Mon 16 Feb 2026 | ⏰ Daytime (16–20 Feb)
More info​

Farm to Fork Adventure Trail
🗓️ Mon 16 Feb 2026 | ⏰ 9:30 AM
More info​

Hemel Old Town – History and Hauntings Walking Tour
🗓️ Mon 16 Feb 2026 | ⏰ 7:00 PM
More info​

K.Pop Kingdom at The Spotlight
🗓️ Mon 16 Feb 2026 | ⏰ 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
More info​

Bingo at Heritage Lounge
🗓️ Mon 16 Feb 2026 | ⏰ Evening
More info​

Half Term Family Activities at Hertford Museum
🗓️ Tue 17 – Thu 19 Feb 2026 | ⏰ 10:00 AM
More info​

Cold‑blooded Animals at Natural History Museum, Tring
🗓️ Tue 17 – Thu 19 Feb 2026 | ⏰ Daytime
More info​

Mobile Planetarium Experience, St Albans Museum + Gallery
🗓️ Wed 18 Feb 2026 | ⏰ From 11:45 AM
More info​

Celtic Warrior Experience (Additional Day)
🗓️ Fri 20 Feb 2026 | ⏰ Daytime
More info​

Dragons and Dragon Eggs Modelling Workshop
🗓️ Fri 20 Feb 2026 | ⏰ Daytime
More info​

Utterly Revolting Science Show
🗓️ Fri 20 Feb 2026 | ⏰ Evening
More info​

K‑Pop Party, The Eric Morecambe Centre
🗓️ Sat 21 Feb 2026 | ⏰ Evening
More info​

Wifi Wars at BEAM, Hertford
🗓️ Sun 22 Feb 2026 | ⏰ Time TBC
More info​

WALTHAM CROSS

9°C 🌡️ 6°C | 🌧 Light rain showers and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:13 Sunset 17:16

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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