It was a real washout last weekend, with most events getting a soaking from the rain, and it looks like the wet and windy weather is set to continue this week. Autumn has fully arrived, and along with it, big conversations are taking shape around local government reorganisation in Hertfordshire.

Public consultations are happening across several borough and district councils this week, and it’s important that your voice is part of the conversation. These changes could reshape how local services are delivered. Click here to find your local meeting details and get involved.

On a brighter note, Hertstown Media is giving away free websites to local businesses and individuals. If you’ve been meaning to launch something online, now’s your chance. Click here to claim yours.

And if you're planning to kick off a home retrofit project, we’ve partnered with vetted local experts to help you get started the right way. Click here to connect with a pro.

Now, here’s what’s making headlines across Hertfordshire today:

Historical Highlight:
On this day in 1984 Prince Harry, 3rd in succession to the throne, was born. Also this time in 2000, the fuel protests which had paralysed Britain for seven days, ended.

A warm welcome to all our new subscribers,thank you for joining the Hertstown community! If you have thoughts or story ideas, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s make Hertstown your go-to source for everything local!

📬 Got an event coming up? Post it with us [here]
📢 Want to advertise your business across Hertfordshire? [Click here]
☕ Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee to support local reporting
💼 Interested in sponsoring a section or editorial? [Get in touch with us here]

🎙️ Want to join us on the Voices of our Towns Podcast? [Get in touch!]

🤖 Interested in learning how to use AI in your business - join my AI tutorials [Get in Touch]

💌 Love this newsletter? Share it with a friend or family member!

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has announced plans to equip all fire stations across the county with naloxone, a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, by the end of 2025.

The anti-opioid medication, administered as a nasal spray, has already undergone successful trials at fire stations in Watford and the Three Rivers areas. Following the positive results of these trials, crews have been trained to carry and administer the emergency medication, marking a significant expansion of the service's emergency response capabilities.

The initiative represents the fire service's commitment to community safety and demonstrates their readiness to tackle the growing challenges posed by opioid-related emergencies. By equipping firefighters with this crucial medication, Hertfordshire is positioning itself at the forefront of emergency response innovation.

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Sign up today!

Hertfordshire County Council has announced that funds from the county council's Locality Budget scheme have been distributed to support local organisations addressing a wide range of community needs and requirements.

The scheme provides each of the authority's 78 members with a £5,000 annual locality budget to support community initiatives. Since its launch in 2009, Locality Budgets have continued to make a positive difference to Hertfordshire communities, with thousands of projects receiving funding.

The latest round of grants demonstrates the council's ongoing commitment to grassroots community support, enabling councillors to directly address local priorities and strengthen community services across the county.

Hertfordshire County Council has been awarded Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) status by the Carbon Literacy Project, recognising the council's commitment to sustainability and climate action across the workplace.

The award highlights the council's growing role as a leader in sustainability, ensuring staff at every level understand the impact of climate change. This recognition places Hertfordshire among a select group of organisations committed to building carbon literacy throughout their workforce.

The achievement reflects the council's dedication to environmental responsibility and its proactive approach to addressing climate change challenges through education and awareness initiatives.

HERTSMERE

Hertsmere Borough Council has achieved a landmark milestone with the borough's largest-ever affordable housing scheme at Lyndhurst Farm in Borehamwood. The development will deliver 186 brand-new homes through a mix of social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership - marking the first 100% affordable housing development in Hertsmere's history.

Originally approved with 80% affordable housing provision, a grant from Homes England enabled Thrive Homes to secure the remaining properties to achieve full affordable allocation. The scheme includes community benefits such as a purpose-built community hub, upgraded allotments, and a £550,000 investment in local transport infrastructure.

Hertsmere Borough Council has launched its annual seasonal card competition, inviting children aged 11 and under who live or attend school in the borough to design the council's electronic greeting card.

The winner will receive a certificate and £50 gift voucher, with two runners-up each receiving certificates and £25 gift vouchers. A prize-giving ceremony with the Mayor of Hertsmere will take place at the winner's school in early November. Entries must be submitted by Friday, October 17.

NORTH HERTS

Hitchin and Letchworth lidos will stay open longer after attracting over 74,000 visitors this summer, North Hertfordshire District Council has announced.

The extensions are possible due to decarbonisation works at other leisure centres, allowing continued use of the heated outdoor pools.

The season also featured a successful cold-water swimming pilot at Hitchin in May, which may return earlier next year.

Cllr Amy Allen called the move “a great opportunity” for residents, while Everyone Active praised the venues’ community impact.

WATFORD

Watford Borough Council and Watford Town Centre BID have launched a public vote to name the popular event space by the pond, which has hosted numerous community events including the Big Screen and Winterfest.

Four shortlisted names are being considered: Hart of Watford, Heron Square, Hornet Hive, and Pondside. Residents can vote online with a deadline of September 26.

WELWYN HATFIED

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has issued three Community Protection Warnings to landowners in Salisbury Village Estate, Hatfield, following residents' complaints about fly-tipping and littering.

The council plans to work with HMO managers and the University of Hertfordshire to improve waste disposal practices, and will hold a Community Action Day to engage directly with residents. The initiative aims to establish clear standards for waste removal and maintenance of roads and communal areas.

THREE RIVERS

Three Rivers District Council is conducting a consultation on community governance arrangements for unparished areas within the district. The consultation considers options including the creation of community councils following resident petitions for greater local representation.

Five hundred solar panels are being installed on council-owned buildings as part of the district's decarbonisation efforts to achieve net zero aims. The project represents a significant step forward in the council's environmental commitments.

Three Rivers District councillors have agreed to delay publishing the final Local Plan to gather more evidence to protect the area's green belt while building an appropriate number of homes. The decision reflects ongoing efforts to balance housing needs with environmental protection.

📷 Show Us Your Hertfordshire!
Hertstown is creating a stunning new photo book that captures the true spirit of our towns and villages — and we need your lens on it.

We're calling on residents across Hertfordshire to put their cameras to work and send in images that represent the heart of their community. Whether it's a hidden gem, a well-known landmark, or a moment of everyday beauty, we want to see what makes your town special.

🌄 From Broxbourne to Baldock, Ware to Watford, let’s tell the story of Hertfordshire — one photo at a time.

💌 Submit your photos and help shape a fresh, visual celebration of where we live. The challenge closes 31st September 2025. Send via WeTransfer - [email protected]

👉 Click here to Submit your images

5-bed detached | £1,095,000 | Hendricks Green, Waltham Cross

A stunning five-bedroom home from Redrow’s Heritage Collection, The Hampstead combines classic design with modern features like underfloor heating, ultrafast broadband, and an eco-friendly air source heat pump.

Highlights include:

Located just 30 mins from London, Hendricks Green offers countryside living with city convenience, excellent schools, and access to woodland and wildlife parks.

Receive up to £25,000 towards your deposit with our Key Worker Contribution Scheme (£1,000 for every £20,000 spent).

📞 Contact the Hendricks Green sales team for details and viewings.

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

17°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☀ Gusty winds and sunny intervals | ☀️ Sunrise 06:35 Sunset 19:16

STEVENAGE

17°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☀ Gusty winds and sunny intervals | ☀️ Sunrise 06:35 Sunset 19:16

HERTFORD

17°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☀ Gusty winds and sunny intervals | ☀️ Sunrise 06:35 Sunset 19:16

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

17°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☀ Gusty winds and sunny intervals | ☀️ Sunrise 06:35 Sunset 19:16

Have questions or suggestions to improve our newsletter? Got a story to share? Email us at [email protected].

Interested in advertising with us? Drop us a line at the same email address.

If someone forwarded this email to you, be sure to thank them—and don’t miss out next time! Subscribe here.

Love the newsletter? ☕
Support it by buying me a coffee! Your contribution helps keep this weekly resource alive and thriving. Thank you!

Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected]