Good morning and HapPy Monday!

What a weekend! The sunshine brought Hertfordshire to life with events, meetups, and plenty of community spirit. Many residents were out making new friends and enjoying the best of our neighbourhoods. Now, as we cruise into the height of summer and look ahead to the bank holiday, there’s lots more happening across the county.

Alongside the ongoing summer activities, we’ve got important local updates you won’t want to miss. This Wednesday, we’ll also be publishing a special editorial on retrofitting your home – exploring what it means for your finances and, most importantly, your health. Keep an eye out for it.

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

• Hertfordshire Marks 80 Years Since VJ Day

• Hertfordshire’s Revolutionary Youth Employment Program

• Stevenage Centre Gives Household Items a Second Life

• Hertfordshire Switches Off 1,300 Street Lamps to Save £14K Annually
  …and much more of the news that matters to you!

Historical Highlight: On this day in 1941, Britain’s National Fire Service was established.

Here’s to a great week ahead!

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News at a Glance

Hertfordshire Marks 80 Years Since VJ Day

Communities across Hertfordshire gathered on Friday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, marking the end of the Second World War and paying tribute to those who served in the Far East.

In Hemel Hempstead, a service was held in the Walled Garden at Gadebridge Park in partnership with the Royal British Legion. Deputy Lieutenant Commodore Tim Hennessey, Dacorum Mayor Cllr Catherine McArevey, and Sir Mike Penning each laid wreaths in remembrance. The service was led by Reverend Mike Macey and attended by council leader Cllr Sally Symington, members of the armed forces, and local dignitaries.

At Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, the VJ Day 80 flag was raised above council offices by Mayor Cllr Lynn Chesterman OBE, who gave a speech in honour of the armed forces and all who contributed to the war effort. She was joined by Deputy Leader Cllr Jane Quinton, councillors, and members of the Royal British Legion.

In St Albans, Mayor Cllr Teresa Heritage led a wreath-laying at the city’s war memorial in St Peter’s Street. Veterans, Burma Star Association representatives, councillors, and residents joined in a two-minute silence led by Rev’d Vanessa Jefferson of St Albans Cathedral. Town crier Stephen Potter also read a proclamation honouring those who fought in the Far East.

Meanwhile in Hertsmere, Mayor Cllr Alpha Collins attended a commemorative service at Elstree and Borehamwood war memorial, organised by the Town Council, alongside residents and representatives.

VJ Day, observed on 15 August 1945, marks Japan’s surrender and the official end of the Second World War. This 80th anniversary offered Hertfordshire communities an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who fought, ensuring their courage is never forgotten.

Future Workforce Rising: Hertfordshire's Revolutionary Youth Employment Program

Hertfordshire County Council is supporting young people's workplace success through their Services for Young People program. The SfYP Supported Employment Team helps young people with learning difficulties and disabilities to find suitable paid work and thrive in the workplace. Supported Internships are for young people aged 16-25 with additional needs who want to move into employment but need support to do so. The council also provides career guidance and advice for young people with special educational needs and disabilities up to age 25.

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Lights Out: Hertfordshire Switches Off 1,300 Street Lamps to Save £14K Annually

Hertfordshire County Council is changing its street lighting schedule to save £14,000 annually. Currently running lights on a full night setting with 25% dimming between 23:00 and 06:00, the council will swap to part night lighting, which means lights will dim between 21:00 and 23:00 before being switched off until 05:00 and staying on until dawn. A total of 1,293 street lights across the county will be affected by the change. The council states that these changes align with their policy to ensure energy is used responsibly while keeping safety as a priority.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Hertstown Launches Photography Challenge to Capture Hertfordshire

Hertstown Media has launched a new photography challenge inviting residents to showcase the beauty of Hertfordshire through their lenses. From village lanes and bustling high streets to landmarks and modern architecture, the project aims to tell the county’s story by blending historic images with scenes from today.

Winning entries will be chosen from every town and village, with selected photographs featured in a special series on Hertfordshire’s heritage.

Residents can take part by sending their images via WeTransfer to [email protected] with the subject line Herts Stories – [Your Village/Town].

Send your photos by 13th September, for your photos to be selected.

DACORUM

150 Homes in Kings Langley Set for Approval Despite Opposition

Dacorum Borough Council is expected to approve a 150-home development in Kings Langley, despite more than 230 objections. The scheme, on land north of Chipperfield Road between the A41 and Kings Langley Secondary School, goes to committee on Thursday, August 21.

Half the homes would be affordable, with a “farmstead garden” featuring a café, farm shop, therapy gardens, and animals planned in partnership with the local school and Sunnyside Rural Trust. Developers would also fund £550,000 in temporary classrooms to ease pressure on primary places.

Planning officers say the site, classed as “Grey Belt,” does not strongly serve Green Belt purposes. With Dacorum’s housing land supply at just 1.03 years, refusal is harder to justify.

Opposition remains strong from residents, parish councils, CPRE Hertfordshire, the Chiltern Society, and UK Power Networks.

Copy via the Local Democracy Reporting Service by Christopher Day

Have your say on the future of Little Hay Golf Complex

Dacorum Borough Council is inviting residents, club members, and visitors to complete a short survey to help shape the future of Little Hay Golf Complex — a pay-and-play venue offering an 18-hole course, driving range, FootGolf, DiscGolf, and more.

Feedback will inform plans for future facilities at the complex and guide the commissioning of the next management contract.

Anyone who lives in Dacorum or has used Little Hay (past or present) is encouraged to take part.

Take the survey: https://orlo.uk/6lvMF

Future of The Bury Under Review as Council Prepares Community Engagement

Dacorum Borough Council is conducting an internal review of key local buildings and spaces that hold cultural and community value. The aim is to better understand how these places can be cared for and managed both now and in the future.

One of the sites under review is The Bury, a building of particular significance to many residents. A full statement is available here: https://orlo.uk/ep5WD.

The Council acknowledges residents’ concerns about The Bury and is preparing for wider community engagement in the new year. Further details on how residents can get involved will be shared in the coming months.

Residents are encouraged to share this update within their community groups and networks.

STEVENAGE

Circular Economy Champion: Stevenage Centre Gives Household Items a Second Life

Hertfordshire County Council announced the reopening of the Stevenage Reuse Centre, providing residents with a dedicated space to donate and shop for quality second-hand household items, all while reducing waste and supporting a circular economy. The centre has moved into a brand-new building and offers a wide range of quality second-hand household goods – from furniture and small appliances to toys and homeware – all at affordable prices. The facility plays a key role in cutting waste by giving items a second life, helping to reduce the need for new products.

WELWYN AND HATFIELD

£1.5m Funding for Energy-Saving Home Upgrades

Residents in the borough could benefit from up to £30,000 of free energy-efficiency improvements thanks to new Government funding.

Eligible households may receive upgrades such as insulation, draught-proofing, double glazing, heating controls, and heat pumps.

You may qualify if your property has a low EPC rating (D–G) and either:

• Household income is £36,000 or less,

• Someone receives means-tested benefits, or

• Your home is in an area of economic need.

Find out more and apply: https://orlo.uk/RfNCY

Free Health and Wellbeing Checks at Hatfield Asda

The Better Health Bus will be at Asda Hatfield Superstore, 98 Town Centre, AL10 0JP, on Thursday 21 August, 10am–4pm.

Residents can drop in for free checks on blood pressure, BMI, and other health factors. Friendly advisors will also be on hand with tips to reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/x4JAj

Healthy Hub Pop-Up Clinics This August

The Healthy Hub team is offering free advice and support to help you improve your health and wellbeing. Drop in for guidance on mental health, physical activity, weight management, quitting smoking, health MOTs, and nutrition.

📅 Pop-up clinic dates:

• Tues 19 Aug – Campus West, WGC (1st floor café), 11am–1pm

• Thurs 21 Aug – Friendship House, Wellfield Close, Hatfield, 10.30am–12.30pm

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/frNvH

WATFORD

New River Colne Sculptures Installed

As part of the Tales of the River project, artist Tamara Froud of Mosaic Art Ltd has created three interactive sculptures inspired by the River Colne – a chalk boulder, a dragonfly on a rock, and a fallen tree log.

Local schoolchildren helped design a special “River Guardian,” with their drawings etched into the artworks and showcased in an upcoming exhibition.

Installation began in early August along Radlett Road — keep an eye out on your next river walk!

More info: rivercolnewatford.co.uk/sculptures

Watford Park Goes Big Screen in Latest Conjuring Movie

Watford’s Cassiobury Park will be hitting the big screen next month in the latest instalment of The Conjuring film series.

The production was supported by the Herts Film Office, which provides location advice, permits, and logistics to help bring major film and TV projects to Hertfordshire.

Photo credit: Donald McDougall

NORTH HERTS

Royston Leisure Centre – Temporary Closures

The Main Pool will be closed 18 Aug–9 Sept for essential works as part of our £15.89m modernisation project.

Changing rooms:

• 18 Aug–23 Oct: Closed

• 24 Oct–7 Nov: Partial access

Please arrive swim-ready, bring a dry robe, and use the temporary entrance via reception.

Membership payments will be adjusted — details by email.

More info: Royston Leisure Centre

Have Your Say on Licensing Policy Changes

The Council is consulting on proposed updates to its Statement of Licensing Policy, which guides how we manage licences for:

• the retail sale of alcohol

• alcohol supply at clubs

• regulated entertainment

The policy sets out how applications for new licences, variations, and reviews will be considered.

We want your feedback on the proposed changes. Find out more and share your views here: https://ow.ly/E3yE50WzTHH

Warm Homes Local Grant – Apply Now

Three Rivers District Council is encouraging eligible residents to apply for the Warm Homes Local Grant, offering fully funded home improvements such as insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and draught-proofing.

Homeowners and private renters may qualify if their property has an EPC rating of D–G and they either:

• receive means-tested benefits, or

• have a household income below £36,000 per year.

📞 Call the National Energy Foundation free on 0800 107 0044 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
💻 Apply online: https://orlo.uk/jJBqG

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Historic Elegance in Buntingford - Bridewell House, Wyddial Road, Buntingford, SG9

This beautifully restored Grade II listed five-bedroom residence blends period charm with modern luxury. Set overlooking Buntingford’s Ford, the home features four elegant reception rooms, including a lounge with exposed beams and a stunning inglenook fireplace.

A bespoke kitchen, handcrafted interiors, and preserved original features showcase exceptional craftsmanship. Outside, landscaped gardens with a stone patio, lawn, and vegetable garden offer a private retreat, with parking for up to five vehicles.

A rare opportunity to own a home of true distinction.

MONDAY WEATHER ☀️ 🌤️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

23°C 🌡️ 13°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:50 Sunset 20:19

STEVENAGE

23°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:49 Sunset 20:19

HERTFORD

23°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:49 Sunset 20:18

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

23°C 🌡️ 13°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:49 Sunset 20:19

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Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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