Good morning and HapPy Monday!

Happy sunny Monday to you all! As we settle into the heart of summer on this beautiful July 14th, 2025, Hertfordshire is basking in warm sunshine and positive energy. The weather forecast promises even brighter days ahead, so there’s every reason to step into this week with optimism.

We hope you enjoyed the weekend and maybe joined in on some of the fantastic events happening across the county. If you’re already eager for more, stay tuned, our Friday edition will feature a fresh roundup of the best upcoming activities and events.

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

• 🏛️ Major SEND Expansion Announced, with Community Listening Events

• 🛣️ New Pothole Repair Trial Hits Local Roads

• 🛹 £250,000 Skatepark Revamp Launches in Hitchin

• 🌳 Castle Park Hosts Love Parks Week in Bishop’s Stortford

…and much more of the news that matters to you!

Historical Highlight:
On this day in 1940, the Home Guard was formed - a reminder that it’s never too late to serve your community and make a difference, no matter your age.

Here’s to a great week ahead!

📬 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]

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!

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

Let’s grow this community together. 💌

News at a Glance

Hertfordshire Launches Major SEND Expansion with Community Listening Events

Hertfordshire County Council is investing in SEND provision and launching five community listening events from July 11-17 to gather feedback from parents, carers, and young people. The council plans to create over 200 new SEND places by 2028, with two new Specialist Resource Provisions opening in 2025. This combined focus on community input and new facilities aims to meet growing demand and support children with SEND in local schools.

Hertfordshire Launches New Pothole Repair Trial

Highways crews in Hertfordshire have launched a new trial aimed at tackling potholes more effectively in residential areas such as Abbots Langley, Leavesden, Garston, and North Watford.

Instead of fixing individual potholes, crews are now identifying the most severely damaged sections and repairing nearby defects at the same time. The new approach includes the use of the Roadmender machine, which seals repaired areas to prevent further deterioration.

This smarter method is designed to result in less disruption, longer-lasting roads, and safer journeys for local residents.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

NORTH HERTS

£250,000 Skatepark Revamp Begins in Hitchin

Construction work has started on the major transformation of the skatepark at King George V Recreation Ground in Hitchin, with work beginning on Monday, July 14.

The £250,000 project, delivered by North Hertfordshire Council in partnership with Groundwork East, will create a bigger, better, and more inclusive space for skaters, BMXers, and scooter riders. The new facility has been designed with input from local riders throughout the planning process.

The skatepark will remain closed during construction, meaning it will be out of action for the summer holidays. However, the council says it will be "well worth the wait" when the enhanced facility opens in autumn.

North Hertfordshire Council will provide regular updates on progress through their website and social media channels, allowing the community to follow the transformation as it develops.

Hitchin Churchgate Regeneration Plans Approved by Councillors

North Hertfordshire councillors have approved plans to redevelop Hitchin’s Churchgate area, marking a major step in the town’s regeneration.

The preferred approach, shaped by public consultation and feasibility studies, focuses on a mixed-use redevelopment of the Churchgate Shopping Centre, outdoor market, and nearby plots. The project aims to deliver vibrant market spaces, affordable homes, sustainable design, and improved community facilities while respecting Hitchin’s historic character.

A full business plan is due in October, with a development partner expected by June next year. This decision signals significant investment in Hitchin’s future and responds directly to community priorities.

EAST HERTS

Castle Park Hosts Love Parks Week Celebration in Bishop's Stortford

East Hertfordshire Council is celebrating Love Parks Week with a free family event at Castle Park in Bishop's Stortford, running from July 25 to August 3.

The event will feature story time sessions led by Bishop's Stortford Library, free tennis coaching from Bishop's Stortford Tennis Club, a dog show open to all breeds, an archaeological sandpit for children to discover hidden treasures, and craft activities where children can decorate shields.

Councillor Sarah Hopewell, Executive Member for Wellbeing, said the event is "a great kick start to the school summer holidays" and expressed excitement about showcasing "the new Castle Park after its recent transformation."

Love Parks Week, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, celebrates the role parks play in supporting healthy lifestyles, mental wellbeing, and strong communities.

Arts in East Herts Returns This Autumn with Funding Opportunities

Arts in East Herts is returning this September and October with expanded creative opportunities for individuals and organisations, following a successful launch last year.

The council is now accepting applications for funding to support one-off events, performances, or workshops. Applications must be submitted through the council's website by midnight on Sunday, July 20.

Additionally, East Hertfordshire Council is inviting residents and families to join a special afternoon of community activities at Castle Park, Bishop's Stortford, on Thursday, July 31 from 12pm to 3pm as part of Love Parks Week 2025. The free, family-friendly event will feature various activities designed to celebrate the importance of parks and green spaces.

Both initiatives demonstrate the council's commitment to supporting arts and community engagement across East Hertfordshire.

WATFORD

Important Changes to Postal Voting in Watford

Watford Borough Council has announced significant changes to postal voting arrangements that will affect all current postal voters.

Postal votes no longer last forever and now expire after three years. Voters who fail to renew their postal vote in time will have it legally cancelled and must reapply to continue voting by post.

The council will send renewal instructions to voters who have provided email addresses from [email protected], while those without email addresses on file will receive renewal letters through the post.

Watford Borough Council is urging residents to keep their contact details up to date to ensure they don't miss renewal notifications and can continue to vote by post without interruption.

WELWYN HATFIELD

Welwyn Hatfield Housing Services See Improved Tenant Satisfaction

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has reported a rise in tenant satisfaction, with overall satisfaction up to 65%—a 5% increase from last year.

The latest Tenant Satisfaction Measures Survey revealed notable improvements: 77% of tenants now feel their homes are safe (up 17%), while 75% believe they are treated fairly and with respect. Satisfaction with communication, neighbourhood impact, and tenant engagement also saw significant gains.

Councillor Gemma Moore said she was “delighted” with the progress. The council plans to build on these results with a new action plan developed alongside the Residents Panel.

Final Masterplan Approved for Marshmoor Site Development

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has published the final Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the Marshmoor site in Welham Green, paving the way for new local homes and jobs.

The approved masterplan for the site, located next to Welham Green Railway Station, will deliver a sustainable mixed-use development featuring a high-tech science park with around 100 linked homes and approximately 25,000 square metres of workspace.

The development will provide hi-tech enterprise and laboratory space, drawing on the pioneering heritage of Welwyn Hatfield. The site's location offers excellent access to public transport, being situated right next to Welham Green Railway Station.

The landscape-led masterplan represents a significant investment in the local area, combining employment opportunities with residential development to create a sustainable extension to Welham Green that will benefit the wider community.

STEVENAGE

School Children Transform Stevenage Underpass with Colourful Artwork

Stevenage’s Martins Way/Hitchin Road underpass now features vibrant artwork from over 260 local children, thanks to a competition involving 19 schools. The project, a joint effort by Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council, is part of a wider plan to brighten underpasses across the town.

More underpasses will soon get similar makeovers, celebrating young talent and turning everyday spaces into colourful community showcases.

THREE RIVERS

Three Rivers Deploys Mobile CCTV to Tackle Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

Three Rivers District Council has rolled out nine new mobile CCTV cameras across key locations—Rickmansworth, Mill End, Carpenders Park, Abbots Langley, and South Oxhey—following a £76,716 investment to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.

Unlike fixed cameras, these mobile units can be moved to emerging hotspots, enabling a flexible response to changing crime patterns. The initiative is part of the Three Rivers Community Safety Partnership with Hertfordshire Police, funded through the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy.

Council Leader Stephen Giles-Medhurst said the cameras will help deter and prevent crime, reinforcing the district’s ongoing commitment to community safety. The CCTV deployment joins a wider set of initiatives aimed at keeping Three Rivers a safe and welcoming place for residents.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Stunning 6-bedroom Victorian family home on sought-after Clarence Road

This impressive detached property offers exceptional space and period charm just moments from St Albans city centre. With three reception rooms featuring original fireplaces, an expansive open-plan kitchen/breakfast/family room, and flexible accommodation across three floors, this home perfectly combines historic character with modern family living.

Key Features:

• 6 bedrooms across 3 floors

• 3 reception rooms with feature fireplaces

• Open-plan kitchen/breakfast/family room

• 3 bath/shower rooms

• Detached garage with driveway parking

• Mature gardens with dining terrace

• Walking distance to train station (19 mins to London St Pancras)

• Close to Clarence Park and excellent schools

Perfect for: Growing families seeking space, character, and excellent transport links to London.

MONDAY WEATHER 🌦️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

26°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:48 Sunset 21:15

STEVENAGE

26°C 🌡️ 11°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:48 Sunset 21:15

HERTFORD

26°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:48 Sunset 21:14

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

26°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:48 Sunset 21:15

Thanks for Reading!

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]