As the rain ushers in the first signs of autumn, we welcome a new season of change, energy, and community here in Hertfordshire. From back-to-school preparations to fresh council updates, we’ve curated the top headlines and local happenings across the districts — everything you need to stay connected this week.

With the school run kicking off again, we encourage all parents to double-check their supplies and schedules — especially for those starting at a new school this term. It’s a big week, and we wish all pupils and families a smooth start.

We’re excited to launch the Hertstown Photography Challenge, an open call for residents to capture the heart of their towns through photography. Whether it’s a landmark, a street scene, or a moment of daily life, we’d love to see Hertfordshire through your lens.
[Click here to submit your photo]

As part of this project, we’re also planning a new coffee table book that tells a modern story of Hertfordshire through images and local voices. We’d love your input, would you buy a copy? Want to contribute? What should we include?
Simply reply to this email or get in touch, and we’ll share your feedback in our next edition.

A warm welcome to our new subscribers! Thank you for becoming part of the Hertstown community. Have a story idea or something local we should be covering? Hit reply, we’d love to hear from you.

Now, let’s dive into what’s making news across Hertfordshire today:

…and more of the local news that matters most to you.

On this day in 1989, the UK government under Margaret Thatcher began the controversial privatisation of public water authorities, marking a major shift in public service policy.

Keep an eye out for our Friday edition, where we’ll bring you a fresh roundup of the best events and activities happening over the weekend across the county.

Until then — stay warm, stay dry, and stay connected with Hertstown.

📬 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! 

Let’s grow this community together. 💌

Hertfordshire County Council has launched a public consultation to help shape its upcoming Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, developed in partnership with Hertfordshire Police and other local agencies. The council is inviting residents to share their views through an online survey, which will help identify service gaps, highlight safety concerns, and guide future prevention efforts.
The strategy will address various forms of abuse and harassment, including domestic violence, street harassment, and online threats. Community feedback will be essential in ensuring the strategy reflects the real experiences and priorities of residents across Hertfordshire.
Learn More & Take the Survey: Available via the Hertfordshire County Council website

A Watford-based convenience store, KG Superstore Ltd (operating as Nisa Local on Courtlands Drive), has been fined £17,000 following a series of inspections by Hertfordshire Trading Standards. Officers discovered the store had repeatedly sold food products beyond their use-by dates—some by as much as 18 days—with visible signs of mould.
The case was brought before St Albans Magistrates’ Court on 27 August, resulting in a significant penalty. Officials warn that such practices pose serious health risks and erode public trust. The fine serves as a clear message that food safety breaches will not be tolerated.
Learn More: Via Hertfordshire Trading Standards

Hertfordshire County Council is urging parents of Year 5 students to submit their secondary school applications ahead of the 31 October 2025 deadline. The admissions process applies to children starting secondary school in September 2026.
Families are advised to research schools carefully and list multiple preferences to increase their chances of securing a place at a preferred institution. Applications can be submitted easily via the council’s online portal, which also speeds up confirmation of school placements.
Late applications are processed after on-time ones, which may limit placement options.
Apply Online: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions

North Herts councillors will hold community surgeries throughout September, offering residents a chance to raise concerns and discuss local matters face‑to‑face. Sessions are open to all and designed to strengthen links between elected members and neighbourhoods.
Learn More: https://ow.ly/bAFv50W6OQL

The main swimming pool at North Herts Leisure Centre, Letchworth, will be closed from today - 1 to 29 September 2025 as part of a £15.89m programme to modernise and decarbonise local leisure facilities. The Letchworth Lido and the learner pool remain open; swimmers are asked to arrive “swim ready” and bring a robe for exiting the building. Direct debits for lessons and memberships will be adjusted during the closure.
Learn More: https://ow.ly/lxtt50WOfgP

North Hertfordshire District Council is urging residents and community groups to apply for the Sustainable Communities Grant before the 14 September deadline. The scheme funds a wide range of eco-friendly initiatives, from solar panels and heat pumps to wildflower meadows and sustainability workshops.

Both individuals and organisations are eligible to apply. The council encourages creative proposals that support its goal of building a greener, more resilient district.

Applications can be submitted via the council website:
👉 north-herts.gov.uk/sustainable-communities-grant

The council is recruiting a Contracts Officer to support the Joint Waste Management service across East and North Hertfordshire, focusing on environmental quality, resident queries, work requests, and inspections. Applications close 10 September.
Learn More: https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/contracts-officer-waste-management-4

A county‑wide celebration of creativity returns with more than 170 events spanning painting, theatre, live performance, blacksmithing, jewellery making, and a pop‑up planetarium. Most activities are free or low cost, with family‑friendly options during half‑term. More events are being added throughout the season.
Learn More: https://yourvoice.eastherts.gov.uk/arts-in-east-herts

Hertsmere is gathering views on potential changes to local government structures. An in‑person session will be held Monday 8 September, 6–8pm at the Civic Offices in Borehamwood, where residents can learn more, ask questions and share feedback.
Learn More (register): https://ow.ly/eQ1c50WNFJH

The council is consulting on plans to refresh Aberford Park, including play areas, the skate park and Tykes Water. Feedback will inform priorities and funding for the park’s next phase. The survey is open until 14 September.
Learn More (survey): https://hertsmere.civilspace.io/en/projects/aberford-park-regeneration

VCs back startups for outsized returns. Everyday investors wait. But rule changes fixed that. Take Revolut. In 2016, 433 people averaged a $2,370 stake. Today? Its valuation is up 89,900%. No wonder 10K+ people and the investors behind Uber and Venmo are taking the chance on Pacaso. Founded by a former Zillow exec, they’ve made $110M+ in gross profit to date.

Invest Before September 18

_{Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.}

Hertsmere Borough Council has approved a new flagpole at Aberford Park to display the Green Flag award. The decision drew criticism from Cllr Glenn Briski, who argued the council was “putting the cart before the horse” by celebrating before addressing ongoing issues like litter, odours, and broken fountains. He called the move politically motivated. Labour Cllr Christian Gray dismissed the comments as “bizarre,” while Cllr Chris Myers said residents’ views would shape the park’s future. The council is currently consulting the public on wider improvements, including play areas and brook restoration.

✍ Original copy via Local Democracy Reporting Service

Artist Donna Reeves will install a sculpture at the Bus Interchange celebrating residents’ memories and favourite aspects of Stevenage. Foundation works start today Monday 1 September, with a small area cordoned off. No disruption is expected.

Stevenage Borough Council and Bugler Developments have launched a multi‑phase regeneration of The Oval, supported by £20.5 million from Homes England. The programme will deliver new homes and public realm improvements as part of the town’s wider renewal.
Learn More: https://ow.ly/BywV50WO4qy

Residents are invited to comment on updated proposals that set out how rents and service charges are calculated, applied and reviewed for council tenants, leaseholders and those in temporary accommodation. The consultation closes 16 September.
Learn More: https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/have-your-say/rent-setting-and-service-charge-policy-consultation

The council has released a long‑term plan for allotments, cemeteries, commons, parks, play areas, wildlife sites and woodlands, focusing on safe, accessible and sustainable green spaces that meet community and environmental needs.
Learn More: http://www.stevenage.gov.uk/environment/green-spaces/green-space-strategy

The National Energy Foundation is surveying households that have used a retrofitted heat pump for a full heating season. The five‑minute survey offers entry to a £500 shopping voucher prize draw.
Learn More: https://orlo.uk/6kHb7

The council is promoting local heritage destinations including Hatfield House, Shaw’s Corner, historic churches such as St Etheldreda’s and the Palladian Church at Ayot St Lawrence, and the Welwyn Roman Baths.
Learn More: https://orlo.uk/C40Pu

Residents can browse upcoming activities, exhibitions and community events across the borough via the online calendar.
Learn More: https://orlo.uk/HJv67

The Healthy Hub team will be at Hatfield Swim Centre on Tuesday 2 September, from 11am to 1pm, offering free health and wellbeing advice.

They’ll be joined by Change Grow Live, providing support for those affected by drug or alcohol issues. Visitors can stop by upstairs, outside the gym, for a chat and enjoy free tea and coffee.

The Healthy Hub offers support on mental health, fitness, weight management, smoking cessation, and more.

Following a celebratory reopening night featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra, Ocean Colour Scene and PP Arnold, Watford Colosseum has unveiled a busy programme running from September to December. Highlights include Jake Bugg (12 Sept), The Stranglers (13 Sept), Level 42 (18 Oct), Jools Holland & Imelda May (6 Nov), Adam Ant (11 Nov), Soul II Soul (14 Nov), Mica Paris (28 Nov), and more.
Learn More (what’s on): via Watford Colosseum’s website

The Museum of Watford is hiring a Visitor Experience & Operations Manager and an Exhibition Officer, seeking candidates passionate about local history and community engagement.
Learn More (apply): https://www.watfordmuseum.org.uk/vacancies

A national test of the Emergency Alerts system will take place at 3pm on 7 September. Mobile phones may sound and display a message; no action is required.
Learn More: https://ow.ly/VF8C50WBS9R

Three Rivers’ Healthy Hubs will host partner organisations including Turning Point and Hertfordshire Mind Networkfor drop‑in support and advice sessions throughout the week.
Learn More: https://orlo.uk/nvot8

Free advice on saving energy and reducing bills will be available at Healthy Hubs:
• Tue 9 Sept, 1–3pm – The Mill Café, Mill End, WD3 7HJ
• Wed 24 Sept, 2–4pm – The Old Stables, Abbots Langley, WD5 0AS
• Thu 25 Sept, 9:30am–12noon – Oxhey Library, South Oxhey, WD19 7AG
Learn More: https://orlo.uk/A6QvH

Residents are invited to comment on proposals to enhance community use while protecting biodiversity and local heritage at two much‑loved green spaces.
Learn More (survey): https://orlo.uk/TheGreenAndStonesOrchard_IcNWc

The Canal & River Trust has begun a £6 million, 15‑month programme to strengthen the 200‑year‑old embankments at Wilstone Reservoir, part of the Tring Reservoirs SSSI and a key water supply for the Grand Union Canal via the Wendover Arm. Works include installing 2,000 steel piles using land‑based equipment, allowing the reservoir to remain in water. Piling began in late June and is expected to take around five months.
Learn More: https://orlo.uk/aXfhs

The council is encouraging students to start university sustainably by sourcing textbooks and essentials second‑hand, shopping preloved, and investing in reusable bottles and bags; local reuse shops can also provide low‑cost furniture and household items.

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:

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

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

19°C 🌡️ 10°C | 🌧 Light rain showers intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:12 Sunset 19:48

STEVENAGE

19°C 🌡️ 10°C | 🌧 Light rain showers intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:12 Sunset 19:48

HERTFORD

19°C 🌡️ 10°C | 🌧 Light rain showers intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:12 Sunset 19:48

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

19°C 🌡️ 10°C | 🌧 Light rain showers intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:12 Sunset 19:48

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]