We’re in the final stretch of November and Christmas is already everywhere. Lights are going up, songs are back, and we’re all grabbing whatever sunshine we can between the rain.

Across Hertfordshire, the big story is the growing row over Local Government Reorganisation, with councillors clashing across the county. And in Stevenage, the Christmas lights switch-on went badly wrong, it’s all anyone is talking about.

We’ve pulled the key stories together so you don’t have to search. If it’s not here, it’s not making the news.

Today’s Hertfordshire headlines:

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The disagreement highlights deep divisions across the county about the future structure of local services, with the final decision now resting with the Secretary of State, expected in summer 2026.

While each council evaluated the same evidence base covering financial stability, local democracy and service delivery, their conclusions varied dramatically:

Two Unitary Councils:

Three Unitary Councils:

Four Unitary Councils:

The lack of consensus is particularly striking given that all councils worked collaboratively on the same evidence base throughout the year-long review process. Each option was modelled in detail, yet leaders reached vastly different conclusions about what serves residents best.

The fundamental disagreement centres on a critical trade-off: larger councils offer greater financial resilience and efficiency savings, while smaller councils maintain closer community connections and local identity.

Several councils expressed frustration with the government's reorganisation process being "imposed" rather than locally driven, with concerns about the pace of change and potential service disruption.

The final joint submission goes to government this Friday, 28th November, despite the divisions. A formal consultation will launch in spring 2026, with the Secretary of State making the final decision in summer 2026 on which model Hertfordshire will adopt.

Whatever the outcome, it represents the most significant change to local government in Hertfordshire in over 50 years - yet our leaders couldn't agree on the path forward. This is one to watch closely.

Around 60,000 roadworks are carried out across Hertfordshire annually, mostly by utility companies. While most are planned and well-managed, unplanned or substandard works cause significant delays for road users.

From the New Year, fines for working without a permit will double from £500 to £1,000 (or £600 if paid within 29 days). Penalties for breaching permit conditions will rise from £120 to £240 (or £160 for early payment).

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways, said: "Too often companies undertake works with little consideration for the negative impact on road users. After requesting that Government increase the fines, I welcome confirmation that penalties will be doubled."

The council lobbied the Department for Transport in September, arguing existing penalties were insufficient deterrents.

Read more

Following a survey of 562 schools and 150 school crossing patrol routes, officers identified 80 high-priority locations where overgrown trees and foliage have narrowed paths and discouraged walking and cycling.

The programme targets pedestrian routes near schools first, then expands to other key walking and cycling routes across the county where vegetation issues have been reported.

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE said: "As a new administration we pledged to improve road safety and encourage residents to walk and cycle. This targeted work delivers on those promises."

He warned some sites might initially look "untidy and stark" as teams cut vegetation back deeply to avoid returning within six to 12 months.

The council is also urging residents to trim overhanging vegetation from their own property. Landowners whose vegetation obstructs footways will be contacted and potentially recharged for clearance costs.

Read more

St Albans City and District Council has completed 14 sustainable family homes in the Cottonmill area, built on the former King Offa pub site. The development includes three and four-bedroom properties plus a wheelchair-adapted bungalow, all equipped with air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Tenants from the council's housing register will move in before Christmas.

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St Albans City and District Council is supporting White Ribbon Day on 25 November and the UN's Orange the World campaign. The Museum + Gallery will be illuminated in orange, with a city centre walk and Council Chamber event highlighting the cause. The Soroptimists will lead 16 days of activism to end gender-based violence, with the building staying orange throughout.

Read more

Three Rivers District Council has finished improvement works at Causeway House Car Park in Abbots Langley. The project included new signage, refreshed road markings, and footpath repairs. Resurfacing works outside High Street shops have been postponed to January 2026 due to scheduled Affinity Water works.

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Women and girls of all ages and abilities can try free activities this week as Stevenage hosts "This Girl Can" events from 24-30 November. The National Lottery-funded campaign offers kettlebells, yoga, rugby, golf, and more at venues across the town. No judgment, just movement and fun - bookings required.

Read more

Stevenage Borough Council has apologised after Logan Keir, a young disability awareness advocate, was pushed aside at the Christmas lights switch-on despite being told he would perform the honour.

Logan and his mum Gemma, from The Abilities In Me Foundation, were invited as special guests for the 23 November event. But on the night, the Mayor and a competition winner switched on the lights instead, while Logan was left at the back and not acknowledged.

Residents blasted the incident as “shameful” and “disgraceful,” questioning how two different people were promised the same role.

Cllr Coleen De Freitas, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Young People, issued a public apology:
“It was not our intention to offend or ignore them… I will contact Gemma to say sorry and ensure this does not happen again.”

The council says it will review its processes to prevent similar mistakes in future.

North Herts Council has opened nominations for its annual Heroes awards, celebrating volunteers and community champions who make a genuine difference. Categories include Caring, Dedication, Green, Health, and Young Star awards. Winners receive trophies and gift vouchers at a March 2026 ceremony. Deadline: 4 January 2026.

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North Herts Council has secured its third British Toilet Association award for public facilities in Royston, Letchworth, and Hitchin. The recognition marks World Toilet Day and highlights the council's commitment to cleanliness, hygiene, and accessibility. Facilities are managed by Danfo UK and undergo annual spot-check inspections.

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East Herts Council is joining the global campaign from 25 November to 10 December, with a focus on digital abuse and harassment. Events include a walk at Hartham Common (5 Dec), information stands in Bishop's Stortford, and domestic abuse support training. Waytemore Castle will be lit orange throughout the campaign.

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Watford Borough Council is offering the former Woodside Community Centre for lease exclusively to community organisations after the previous operators surrendered their lease in April. The council has ensured the premises meets health and safety standards. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 19 December 2025.

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Cassiobury Park has been voted into Britain's top 10 parks at the Green Flag People's Choice Awards following a public poll. The Watford jewel is one of 17 council-managed spaces to receive Green Flag status - a record for Hertfordshire. The park also earned a Green Heritage Site Award for its historic significance.

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Lanchester Primary School pupils have seen their guardian character designs transformed into sculptures along the River Colne. Four designs - including King Colne, The Water Fay, Gary the Goblin, and Hedgehog the Prickly - now feature on artworks celebrating the river's chalk geology and natural heritage. The National Lottery-funded project reconnects residents with Watford's waterway.

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Seven-year-old Minuthi Subasinghe Mudiyanselage from St. Teresa Catholic Primary School has won Hertsmere's seasonal card competition. The Mayor of Hertsmere presented her with certificates, printed cards, and gift vouchers at a special assembly. Her winning design will be used as the Mayor's official card to local partners.

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Welwyn Garden City residents can now borrow tools and household items instead of buying them through a new "library of things" that launched at the Howard Centre. Borrow It! charges £3.75 monthly for access to drills, pressure washers, strimmers, sewing machines and more, with free membership for social housing tenants and benefit recipients. The scheme, funded by a £15,000 council grant, aims to reduce waste and save households money. Items can be borrowed for up to seven days via an online booking system.

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Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has approved plans to transform the long-vacant northern section of the former Shredded Wheat factory into a mixed-use neighbourhood. The "Wheat Quarter" development includes 578 new homes, a 180-room aparthotel, retail spaces, and the restoration of Grade II listed silos as the centrepiece of a new public square. The scheme also features improved pedestrian connections to the railway station and town centre, including a new lift. Developer IJM will progress the project following final legal agreements.

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The government has reopened the public inquiry into Brett Aggregates' controversial plans for a sand and gravel quarry at Ellenbrook Fields Country Park in Hatfield. The Planning Inspector raised concerns about how the country park would co-exist with quarrying operations and how restored land would integrate with the park in future. Cllr Rose Grewal reaffirmed the council's opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about loss of public amenity, environmental degradation, greenbelt development and increased traffic. The council is assessing the implications before the inquiry resumes.

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£2,495,000 | 7 Beds | 4 Receptions | 2.36 Acres

A rare opportunity to own a landmark piece of Letchworth Garden City history. Built in 1923 by pioneering architect Robert Bennett for his own occupation, this Grade II listed Arts & Crafts masterpiece sits at the end of one of the town's most prestigious roads.

The 4,200 sq ft "butterfly" designed home showcases exceptional period features including oak panelling, parquet flooring, ornate brick fireplaces and a stunning copper hood fireplace. The trio of interconnected reception rooms open onto a south-facing verandah, perfect for entertaining.

Set in over two acres of Gertrude Jekyll-influenced gardens, the property boasts mature lawns, an orchard, a maintained tennis court, and a charming folly-style summer house designed by Bennett himself. The grounds offer complete privacy while being just over a mile from Letchworth station (29 minutes to King's Cross).

With original servants' bells still working, vaulted bedroom ceilings, and potential for annexe reinstatement, this is Arts & Crafts living at its finest.

STEVENAGE

7°C 🌡️ 4°C | 🌧 Light rain and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:33 Sunset 16:02

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