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Good morning and HapPy Tuesday!

The sun’s out again, and while we’re soaking it up, I’m reminding my kids (and myself) to stay cool, hydrated, and sensible. I hope you’re enjoying the summer holidays and getting ready for the school term ahead.

It’s been a busy few days since the weekend, and I’ve got plenty to catch you up on. Yesterday, I shared my chat with the Lowewood Museum team, now live on the Voices of Our Towns podcast - Episode #6. Give it a listen!

As always, I’d love your ideas on how we can make this newsletter even better. If you’d like me to visit your town, speak to your business, or even interview your mayor, drop me a message.

Here’s what’s making headlines across Hertfordshire today:

• Hertfordshire Launches Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme

• Hertstown Media Launches Hertfordshire Green Trade Platform

• Updates from every district

• Tuesday’s must-read quote
  …and more of the stories that matter to you.

Historical Highlight: On this day in 1997, the British Tourist Authority came under fire for dropping the Union Flag from its publicity material.

Here’s to a great week ahead!

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News at a Glance

Hertfordshire Launches Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme

Hertfordshire County Council has launched a Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme to encourage local businesses to create welcoming spaces for breastfeeding mothers.

The scheme addresses a common barrier to breastfeeding — concerns about nursing in public — by providing participating businesses with guidance, training, and official recognition as breastfeeding-friendly venues.

Hertfordshire already has breastfeeding rates well above the national average (64% vs 48%) and its health visiting team holds UNICEF Baby Friendly Gold accreditation.

Businesses can sign up via the council’s website to join a growing network of shops, cafés, and service providers supporting mothers and babies across the county

Hertstown Media Launches Hertfordshire Green Trade Platform

Hertstown Media has launched Hertfordshire Green Trade — a new online hub connecting residents with trusted local tradespeople for home retrofit and energy efficiency projects.

The platform features a verified supplier directory, neighbour reviews, and an educational hub offering tips, guides, and resources on insulation, heat pumps, and renewable energy. It aims to support Hertfordshire’s Retrofit Strategy and help every home become more energy efficient.

"By focusing on local connections, we’re helping residents hire with confidence while supporting the skilled tradespeople who serve our communities,” said a Hertstown Media spokesperson.

Residents and trades can register or browse listings now at Hertfordshire Green Trade.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

EAST HERTS

Helen Standen Set to Be Appointed East Herts Chief Executive

East Herts Council is expected to confirm Helen Standen as its new Chief Executive at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday, 20 August.

Helen has served as Interim Chief Executive since 2024 and brings extensive public service experience, including senior roles at East Sussex County Council, Wealden District Council, and as a government advisor in St Helena. She joined East Herts in 2016 as Corporate Director.

Council Leader Ben Crystall praised her “deep commitment to public service and to East Herts,” while Helen said she looked forward to leading the council through “a time of significant change and opportunity.”

NORTH HERTS

🚧 Lairage Car Park Entrance Closure Starts TODAY

A reminder that from 4pm today, Tuesday 12 August, the Lairage car park entrance will be closed for essential maintenance work on the access ramp. The same closure will apply tomorrow, Wednesday 13 August.

⛔ No entry after 4pm (vehicles can still exit as normal).
🔧 Works will allow electricians to complete important safety upgrades.

Alternative car parks nearby:

• Portmill Lane East

• Portmill Lane West

• St Mary’s

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we carry out these vital improvements.

North Herts Launches New Sustainability Strategy

North Hertfordshire District Council has unveiled its Sustainability Strategy 2025-2030, replacing the Climate Change Strategy with a broader plan tackling emissions, climate resilience, and biodiversity.

Key aims include:

• Net Zero for council operations by 2030

• Net Zero district-wide by 2040

• Climate-resilient services and communities

• Increased biodiversity

Backed by 86% of public consultation respondents, the “ambitious” strategy supports the vision of a fairer, greener North Herts. Residents can find more information and get involved via the council’s Climate Hive platform.

Sustainability Grant Fund Now Open

North Hertfordshire District Council is offering £1,000–£20,000 in funding for community groups and businesses through its Sustainable Communities Grant. Projects must align with the council’s sustainability priorities, such as emissions reduction, biodiversity, waste reduction, and climate resilience.

💡 Deadline: 14 September 2025
🗓 All funding to be spent by March 2026

Example projects include solar panels, energy efficiency upgrades, wildflower planting, river clean-ups, and sustainability training.

Councillor Amy Allen called it “a great opportunity” for local groups to help build a greener future for North Hertfordshire.

STEVENAGE

Vandalism at Cook Road Park 😠

On Sunday evening, someone set fire to the buddy swing at Cook Road park. Herts Police and Fire & Rescue were called to the scene.

Replacing the swing and safety flooring will cost £10-12K – money that could have gone towards improving our parks instead of fixing damage caused by mindless vandalism. Sadly, this means kids won’t be able to use the swing during the summer.

If you know anything about what happened, please call police on 101 quoting crime reference 41/75673/25.

And while we’re at it – a quick reminder: please don’t set fire to play equipment… or anything else.

Last Day to Have Your Say – Danestrete Taxi Rank Changes

The consultation closes today on plans to remove the full-time taxi rank on Danestrete, Stevenage. The change is needed to allow major west side development works and Westgate Centre improvements. A temporary walkway for pedestrian safety will replace the rank during construction.

🚖 The taxi bay on Westgate will stay open.
📄 View the proposed layout: Click here
✉ Email comments: [email protected]

Nominations Open – Stevenage Together Awards 2025

Nominations are now open for the Stevenage Together Awards, returning to The Gordon Craig Theatre this October to celebrate individuals and groups making a positive impact in the community.

Sponsored by Fosters Legal Solicitors, the awards feature 11 categories, including Sporting, Environment, Team, Wellbeing, Caring, Lifetime, Rising Star, Community Champion, New Business, STEM, and Judges’ Special Award.

🗓 Nomination deadline: Wednesday, 1 October 2025
💻 Submit online via the Stevenage Together Awards webpage.

WELWYN HATFIELD

Hatfield Community Fair – Today! 🎉

The Hatfield Community Fair is back for its 4th year!
📅 Today – Tuesday 12 August
🕚 11am–3pm
📍 White Lion Square, Hatfield
💰 Free entry

Enjoy a fun-filled day with:
🚲 BMX Pump Track
🧗 Rock climbing wall
🎨 Face painting
🌱 Seed planting (limited walk-ins)
🎹 Live music from Music2Connect
🚐 NHS Better Health Bus

Come along, connect with the community, and have a great day out!

Have Your Say – Sherrardspark Wood 🌳

A new 10-year management plan has been drafted to protect and enhance this much-loved ancient woodland — and your feedback matters.

📅 Consultation closes: 25 August
📝 Share your views here: https://orlo.uk/u2Ojw

Whether you’re a walker, nature lover, or local resident, help shape the future of Sherrardspark Wood.

HERTSMERE

New Information Screens at Hertsmere Civic Offices Receive Mixed Feedback

Hertsmere Borough Council has installed new digital screens outside the civic offices to share updates and campaign messages. While intended to keep residents informed, some on social media questioned whether the cost was justified, suggesting funds could be better spent on services like waste collection, green space protection, and park maintenance.

Comments included concerns about location, value for money, and community priorities. The council has not yet responded, but the feedback suggests future projects may benefit from wider resident consultation.

DACORUM

Dacorum Partners with The Hill Group to Boost Affordable Homes & Regeneration

Dacorum Borough Council has entered a long-term, 50/50 investment partnership with The Hill Group to deliver more affordable homes and major regeneration projects.

A key focus will be Hemel Hempstead town centre, transforming it into a vibrant hub for culture, leisure, homes, and businesses. The Hill Group’s proven expertise in high-quality, sustainable developments will help accelerate delivery and meet local housing needs.

More details: https://orlo.uk/b8cLs

THREE RIVERS

🔥Be Wildfire Aware

With the current hot, dry weather, Three Rivers District Council is reminding residents to help reduce the risk of wildfires. Please follow any local advice or restrictions when visiting parks, woodlands, and open spaces, and stick to council byelaws to keep our community safe.

More info: https://orlo.uk/WildfireAware_Ht91a

BROXBOURNE

Community Split Over Former Marriott Hotel Asylum Centre

On Friday, protests and counter-protests took place outside the former Marriott Hotel in Cheshunt over its use as temporary housing for refugees and asylum seekers.

Opponents raised safety concerns, many unverified, while counter-protesters called the demonstration far-right driven, noting most residents are women and children.

The event remained peaceful under police supervision, but tensions highlight the need for clear government communication and careful handling by local leaders to maintain community harmony.

ST ALBANS

St Albans Council Supports NHS Breast Screening in Harpenden

St Albans City and District Council is supporting the NHS breast screening programme in Harpenden by providing a free parking space for its mobile screening unit at Amenbury Lane, beside Harpenden Leisure Centre.

The unit will remain in place until January, offering appointments to local women aged 50 to 70, who are invited through their GP.

Breast screenings play a vital role in saving lives through early detection, and residents are encouraged to attend if invited.

More information: https://www.bhbss.nhs.uk/home

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

The Brougham, Rabley Heath
Guide Price: £1,675,000

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 3 Receptions | 2,608 sq ft + 3.97 Acre Paddock

A stunning four double-bedroom detached family home, The Brougham offers over 2,600 sq ft of beautifully designed living space, set in the idyllic surroundings of Rabley Heath.

Inside, the luxury shaker-style kitchen/diner is complemented by a separate utility room, spacious lounge, family room, and a dedicated study. Bathrooms feature the Ideal Standard Atelier range, including elegant free-standing baths and walk-in showers.

This energy-efficient home boasts underfloor heating via air source heat pumps, 150mm cavity wall insulation, and photovoltaic panels with a 5.8kW hybrid inverter battery system. Added conveniences include BT fibre optic connectivity and remote-controlled garage doors.

Outside, enjoy a private enclosed rear garden leading to a 3.97-acre paddock, with parking and garage accessed from a secure gated courtyard.

Location:
Perfectly positioned for both rural tranquillity and excellent transport links, Rabley Heath offers a vibrant village community, scenic walking and cycling trails, and easy access to Knebworth Park. Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage are just 5 miles away, St Albans under 10 miles, and Knebworth station less than 3 miles for direct London connections.

TUESDAY WEATHER ☀️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

31°C 🌡️ 15°C | ☀️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:40 Sunset 20:31

STEVENAGE

31°C 🌡️ 15°C | ☀️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:40 Sunset 20:31

HERTFORD

31°C 🌡️ 15°C | ☀️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:39 Sunset 20:30

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

31°C 🌡️ 15°C | ☀️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:39 Sunset 20:31

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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