Good morning and HapPy Monday!

Can you believe it’s already the last day of June? What a weekend it’s been; Watford, Welwyn & Hatfield, and Broxbourne were buzzing with celebrations, and school fetes popped up everywhere. If that’s any sign, we’re in for a summer packed with even more excitement! (Keep an eye out for our Friday Edition for the full weekend roundup.)

For now, we’re here with your daily dose of what’s happening across our councils and town centres. Here’s what’s making headlines in Hertstown today:

🌡️ Heatwave Health Alert for Residents
🚧 Hertfordshire Sets Road Repair Priorities as New Contract Begins
🎖️ Armed Forces Day Celebrated Across the County
🌱 Welwyn Hatfield Climbs to Joint Second in Climate Rankings
🎬 Elstree Studios Partners with a Global Leader for Its Centenary
…and lots more!

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News at a Glance

⚠️ Heatwave Health Alert for Residents ⚠️ 

The recent heatwave poses serious risks, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heatstroke, particularly affecting older adults, young children, and people with chronic conditions.

To stay safe:

• Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) and avoid alcohol or caffeine.

• Stay cool by staying in shaded or air-conditioned areas, using fans, and taking cool showers.

• Avoid peak sun between 11 am–3 pm; wear light clothing and apply sunscreen.

• Check on vulnerable neighbours and seek medical help if you or someone shows symptoms like dizziness, headache, or vomiting.

Stay hydrated, stay cool, and stay safe!

Hertfordshire Sets Road Repair Priorities as New Contract Begins

Hertfordshire County Council leaders met with contractor Ringway this month to establish expectations for their highways contract starting in October, with road repairs prioritized in the new administration's first 100 days.

Council Leader Steve Jarvis acknowledged resident frustrations with road maintenance efficiency and committed to exploring new repair methods and seeking additional government funding. "We won't be afraid to do things differently," Jarvis said.

Ringway Managing Director Mitesh Solanki confirmed the company's alignment with the council's vision for data-driven service delivery, committing to introduce more electric vehicles and recyclable materials.

Ringway, which manages the UK's largest portfolio of highways contracts, recently completed Hertfordshire's Dutch-style roundabout in Hemel Hempstead ahead of schedule, part of a £6.4 million Active Travel Fund initiative promoting safer cycling and walking infrastructure.

Hertfordshire Marks Armed Forces Day with Community Events

Councils across Hertfordshire united to honour Armed Forces Day with a range of events and tributes. From flag-raising ceremonies to impressive displays—including a hands-on look at a bomber jet—communities showed their appreciation for service personnel.

North Herts Council shared their support online, affirming their promise to ensure the armed forces community is fully supported and treated fairly. Broxbourne Council also marked the occasion with a ceremony outside council offices, attended by local leaders and guests, all standing together in gratitude for the men and women who serve. Dacorum Council put together a short film for Armed Forces Day to give thanks and celebrate the men and women who make up the armed forces community - from current serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

WELWYN AND HATFIELD

Welwyn and Hatfield Celebrate Summer with a Vibrant Fringe Festival

The sun was shining and the community spirit was high as Welwyn and Hatfield hosted their biggest summer event of the year, a Hawaii-themed family fun day right in the heart of Hatfield Town Centre. Kids were thrilled by a special guest appearance from Stitch, who braved the heat to keep everyone smiling (special thanks to the hero inside the costume!).

Festival-goers enjoyed a packed programme of activities, from face painting and lively entertainers to a mini-disco, bubble sessions, a foam machine, and colourful Hawaiian necklaces. The excitement didn’t stop there, kids also collected stickers and medals, and everyone embraced the summer vibes in their brightest outfits.

Thanks to the dedicated organisers and volunteers, the summer fringe festival brought the community together for a truly unforgettable day in the sun.

Reminder: ASB Awareness Week Event Today!

Don’t forget—today as part of #ASBAwarenessWeek, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is teaming up with Herts Police to host an Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) surgery.

If you have concerns about anti-social behaviour in your area, come along and chat directly with police officers and council representatives. It’s your chance to get advice, support, and have your voice heard.

📍 Council office reception, Welwyn Garden City
🕚 Drop in anytime between 11am and 2pm

Let’s work together to make our community safer!

Welwyn Hatfield Climbs to Joint Second in Climate Rankings

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has jumped from 8th to joint second place in Hertfordshire's climate action rankings, achieving a 39% score that exceeds the district average of 35%.

The council's 11% improvement significantly outpaced the national average increase of 6%, reflecting strong progress toward their net zero goal by 2030.

Key successes include a 67% score in 'Collaboration and Engagement'—boosted by the launch of the Climate Hub online platform—and 55% in 'Buildings and Heating' thanks to extensive council building retrofits.

"Action on climate change is a priority for the council so I am delighted to have jumped to joint second place in Hertfordshire," said Council Leader Max Holloway. "We are committed to leading by example and encouraging others to make positive change."

The rankings, compiled by Climate Emergency UK, assess councils across 91 questions covering seven key climate action areas.

NORTH HERTS

£16.4M Investment to Transform Local Leisure Centres

North Hertfordshire will upgrade three leisure centres with a £16.4 million investment, including £7.74 million government funding, starting July 2025 through spring 2026.

The project will make centres more environmentally friendly by replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps, installing solar panels, and improving insulation to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Exciting improvements include upgraded changing facilities, gym refurbishments with a Royston extension, and a brand-new flume at North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth.

Unfortunately, the scale of work requires some temporary closures during summer months, which we recognize will disrupt residents' regular fitness and swimming routines when they need these facilities most.

To minimize impact, the council and Everyone Active are providing:

• Extended seasons at Hitchin and Letchworth Lidos

• Access to all Everyone Active centres for members

• Reduced/paused direct debits during closures

• Automatic membership extensions for lost time

While these closures may cause inconvenience, the investment will deliver world-class, sustainable leisure facilities for the community's long-term benefit.

WATFORD

Watford Council to Consider £3M Leisure Centre Expansion

Watford Borough Council will decide on July 7th whether to approve a major £3 million modernization of Watford Leisure Centre Central, which would more than double gym capacity and add new fitness facilities.

The joint-funded project between Watford Borough Council (£2.5 million) and Everyone Active (£560,000) aims to meet growing demand by expanding the gym from 70 to 120 stations, adding two large group exercise studios, a new spin studio, and refurbished changing rooms.

To accommodate the expansion, the sports hall would be slightly reduced, decreasing badminton courts from four to three while maintaining the five-a-side football pitch. The investment costs would be covered by increased facility usage.

The upgrade follows the success of Watford Leisure Centre Woodside, which has been recognized as one of England's top five leisure facilities for three consecutive years.

"This would be a major investment in the health and wellbeing of our town," said Elected Mayor Peter Taylor. "These proposals would make the centre even better, allowing even more people to enjoy first-class gym and fitness classes in the heart of our town."

If approved, construction is expected to begin later this year.

HERTSMERE

Elstree Studios Partners with Global Leader for Centenary

Hertsmere Borough Council's iconic Elstree Film Studios has announced a groundbreaking partnership with The MBS Group, the world's largest studio operator, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The collaboration will preserve the studio's heritage while modernizing operations for its second century. MBS operates over 650 soundstages globally, including facilities for major productions like James Cameron's AVATAR franchise and Netflix's The Crown.

From Hitchcock's first British "talkie" to Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Elstree has been central to Britain's film industry. The partnership follows a recent visit from His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, marking the studio's centenary celebrations.

"Elstree Studios is where Britain's Hollywood story began and where its future continues to unfold," said Councillor Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council.

The deal positions the historic studio to attract major global productions while continuing to serve the local Hertsmere community.

LOCAL RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

Watford Artist Sally Barr Celebrates Double Exhibition Success

Local artist Sally Barr is making headlines this summer with two solo exhibitions—a remarkable achievement that caps off an inspiring decade-long journey of resilience and creative discovery.

From New Beginnings to Artistic Recognition

Ten years ago, Sally arrived in Watford with her young daughters following the breakdown in her relationship which led her to a women's refuge. Taking a career break from her London finance job to focus on healing and raising her children, Sally found an unexpected lifeline in art.

What started with selling embellished notebooks on eBay evolved into a deeper artistic calling when Sally picked up a paintbrush. Despite early setbacks with her Etsy shop, her determination to build a creative life never faltered.

Sally's commitment to the art community shines through her work managing a 12,000-strong Facebook group for United Art Space, while her professional portfolio includes book cover designs and features in art publications.

Summer Showcase

This July, Sally's persistence pays off with two exciting exhibitions:

• "The Freedom Collection" at Cassiobury Park Café (July)

• Solo Exhibition at Watersmeet, Rickmansworth (July-September 2025) featuring a "Meet the Artist" event in September

"I know this isn't very exciting for most, but I'm really proud of myself," Sally says modestly. Her pride is well-earned—these exhibitions represent years of artistic growth and unwavering determination to pursue her creative dreams.

A Story of Transformation

Sally's journey from women's refuge to celebrated local artist demonstrates how creativity can be a powerful force for healing and personal transformation. Her story offers hope to anyone facing adversity and shows that it's never too late to pursue your passion.

"For some reason the universe has blessed me with not only my first solo exhibition but 2," Sally reflects. It's not just the universe—it's the result of courage, persistence, and refusing to give up on her artistic vision.

Follow Sally's artistic journey on Instagram @artist.sallybarr and discover her featured work here.

MONDAY WEATHER ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

33°C 🌡️ 17°C | 🌤️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:45 Sunset 21:23

STEVENAGE

31°C 🌡️ 17°C | 🌤️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:45 Sunset 21:24

HERTFORD

32°C 🌡️ 17°C | 🌤️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:45 Sunset 21:23

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

32°C 🌡️ 17°C | 🌤️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:45 Sunset 21:23

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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