Good morning !

Happy Tuesday! The week is well underway, and I hope you had a fantastic weekend. Did you notice we took a little break yesterday? I was curious to see who would miss us, and if my inbox would fill up!

No worries, though, I’ve been busy scanning the news from across Hertfordshire so you don’t have to. And what a weekend it was, especially with the Lionesses’ thrilling victory! Those penalty moments had us on the edge of our seats. Huge congratulations to the team from all of us at Hertstown, they truly earned their champion title through resilience and belief.

Beyond the football, I hope you found some time to relax. Now, let’s dive into what’s making headlines across Hertfordshire today. Scroll down to see what your council has been up to!

Headlines:
🏡 Hertfordshire Sets Out Local Retrofit Strategy
💷 Council Awards Over £4,500 to Community Projects
🚬 Drug-Dealing Vape Shop Slammed
🚯 Council Axes Fly-Tipping Enforcers…and much more of the news that matters to you!

Historical Highlight:
On this day in 1981, The Prince of Wales married Lady Diana Spencer at London's St Paul's Cathedral. The televised ceremony was watched by over 700 million viewers around the world.

Here’s to a great week ahead!

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News at a Glance

Hertfordshire Sets Out Local Retrofit Strategy for Greener Homes

Hertfordshire County is launching its Local Retrofit Strategy—a bold new plan to make our homes greener, warmer, and more affordable to run. The strategy aims to help residents reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and cut carbon emissions through energy-efficient upgrades.

Why now? According to a recent county-wide survey by the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership, more than 80% of Hertfordshire residents say they are concerned about climate change, and nearly 60% are interested in making home improvements to save energy. Yet, many are unsure where to start or how to access support and funding.

The new Retrofit Strategy is designed to close that gap—making it easier for homeowners, landlords, contractors, builders, and tradespeople to get the right advice, funding, and training. From practical tips on insulation and low-carbon heating to guides on grants and upskilling, this is a chance to future-proof your home or business.

Stay tuned: We’ll be sharing more information soon to help you make sense of what’s coming, what’s possible, and what’s in it for you.

More updates and step-by-step guides coming soon—watch this space!

COMMUNITY UPDATE

NORTH HERTS

North Herts Council Awards Over £4,500 to Royston Community Projects

North Herts Council has awarded over £4,500 to three Royston area community projects. Home-Start Royston received £1,567 for home-visiting support to a vulnerable family. Barley Parish Council got £1,512 to replace two picnic benches, including a wheelchair-accessible option. Royston Day Centre was awarded £1,504 for a new cooker, cutlery, and a laptop. The grants reflect the council’s support for local well-being and inclusivity.

Drug-Dealing Vape Shop Slammed with Three-Month Closure Order

Royston Vape and Shop on High Street has been ordered to close for three months following a court hearing on 23 July 2025. The closure came after officers from North Herts Council, working with the Shared Anti-Fraud Service and Hertfordshire Trading Standards, discovered extensive illegal activities including:

• Large quantities of counterfeit tobacco and non-compliant vaping products

• 5,360 cigarettes, 0.85kg of hand-rolling tobacco, and 176 disposable vapes seized (street value £2,940-£4,200)

• Class B drugs found in vapes (street value £2,940-£5,880)

• Evidence of underage sales and employment of people with no legal right to work

The enforcement action was prompted by concerns from local residents and secondary schools about increased underage vaping linked to the shop. Just two hours after the closure order was enforced, CCTV captured individuals exiting the premises, leading to a criminal investigation.

WELWYN HATFIELD

Council Axes Fly-Tipping Enforcers After Pilot Fails

Cabinet will consider the outcomes of the council's waste enforcement pilot on 5 August 2025. The pilot programme with District Enforcement Limited (DEL), launched in September 2024, focused on tackling fly-tipping and littering across the borough through education, community engagement, and enforcement.

Despite challenges including recruitment issues and some cancelled Fixed Penalty Notices, the council acknowledges that continued enforcement remains essential. The existing agreement with DEL has been terminated, and Cabinet will consider engaging with a new enforcement partner for a further 12-month pilot.

EAST HERTS

Bin Chaos: Thousands Face Collection Shake-Up This Week

East Herts residents are receiving detailed information about significant waste collection changes taking effect from 4 August 2025. The new service includes:

• Weekly food waste collection (new service)

• Three-weekly cycles for mixed recycling, paper/cardboard, and non-recyclable waste

• Fortnightly garden waste collections for subscribers

• Black-lidded bins repurposed for mixed recycling

The changes aim to improve recycling rates, reduce waste, and deliver a more sustainable service. Residents can check their new collection dates online from 21 July at myaccount.eastherts.gov.uk/waste-services.

HERTSMERE

Residents Risk Losing Vote in Electoral Registration Blitz

Hertsmere residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details during the annual canvass to ensure they don't lose their right to vote. The council is particularly targeting recent home movers, with Electoral Commission research showing that only 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year are registered, compared to 92% of long-term residents.

ST ALBANS

19,000 Postal Voters Face Deadline or Lose Right to Vote by Mail

Approximately 19,000 postal voters in St Albans District must renew their postal votes due to new legislation limiting postal votes to a maximum three-year term. The change affects voters who applied before 31 October 2023, who must reapply before 31 January 2026 to maintain their postal voting rights for future elections, including local elections in May 2026.

WATFORD

Colourful Art Experience Returns as Teens Get Free Gym Access

Watford is offering two major summer initiatives:

Colourscape Returns (16-25 August): The popular immersive art experience returns to Cassiobury Park, featuring 70 interlinked chambers of intense colour with live music and movement performances. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £4 for under-18s, with advance booking recommended.

Free Summer Activities: Young people under 19 can access free gym and swimming facilities at Watford Central and Watford Woodside leisure centres from 28 July to 29 August. The scheme, running since 2009, offers designated time slots for gym access and swimming sessions throughout the summer holidays.

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.

TUESDAY WEATHER ⛅️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

21°C 🌡️ 14°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:18 Sunset 20:56

STEVENAGE

21°C 🌡️ 14°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:18 Sunset 20:56

HERTFORD

21°C 🌡️ 14°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:18 Sunset 20:56

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

21°C 🌡️ 14°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:18 Sunset 20:56

Thanks for Reading!

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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