What a week across Hertfordshire. After all the grey, Sunday finally gave us a bit of blue sky and it made all the difference.

I found myself at Hertford Castle for the Dark Skies event on Saturday, surrounded by stargazers, activities, and even a mobile planetarium, and somehow the rain stayed away. Over in St Albans, they’ve well and truly painted the town red and are clearly leaning into Valentine’s season, there’s a lot happening there right now. At Broxbourne, they truly have talents. Incredibly talented school kids performed to be selected to perform at the BOB Awards. Stars were born that night.

Well, as I was out and about gathering stories, one topic kept popping up across all districts and boroughs: local government reorganisation. The public consultation is out, and if you haven’t had your say yet, it’s worth doing sooner rather than later.

We’ve also introduced something new at Hertstown Media to bring people together in real life, around a table at a local restaurant. I think you’ll really like it, scroll down to find out more. We’ve also added a job board.

The Winter Olympics are underway too, have you been watching, any favourites so far? There’s plenty of news and events packed into this edition, so keep scrolling to see what’s happening near you.

A warm welcome to our new subscribers, we’re glad you’re here. Got an event coming up in your area? Send it our way and we’ll happily share it. And if you’d like to support our local journalism, you can always buy me a coffee using the link below.

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Hertfordshire's council structure is changing. Residents have seven weeks to influence how.

The Change The Government will replace Hertfordshire's two-tier system (one county council plus 10 district/borough councils) with new unitary councils delivering all services under one roof.

Three Options Following community engagement, councils have proposed two, three, or four unitary council models to simplify services and reduce costs for 1.2 million residents.

Your Input Matters View proposals, maps, and analysis at www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk
Paper copies available at council offices and libraries.

Consultation closes: 26 March 2026
Government decision: Summer 2026

🗳️ Last Call to Shape How Your Town Is Run
Time is almost up for St Albans residents to influence how parish and town councils are structured across the district. The consultation closes in days. If you care about how local decisions are made, this is your moment to speak up.
Read more

💸 £1,094 Fine for Hairdresser Over Illegal Waste Dumping
A local hairdressing business has been fined more than £1,000 after breaching waste disposal regulations. The ruling sends a clear message to businesses. Cutting corners on waste compliance will cost you.
Read more

🤝 Business Leaders Invited to the 2026 St Albans Business Summit
Local businesses are being called to attend the 2026 Business Summit, a chance to network, share ideas, and hear from leaders shaping the district’s economic future.
Read more

Harpenden Car Park Upper Levels Temporarily Closed from Today

The upper storeys of car parks in Harpenden will be temporarily closed while essential safety inspections are carried out. Ground floor parking will remain available during the closure period to minimize disruption for shoppers and visitors.

Read more

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🎓 Students Meet Employers at Generation Welwyn Hatfield
Students across the borough came face-to-face with local employers at a careers fair designed to close the gap between education and real-world work. For many, it was their first look at what their future could hold.
Read more

🏛️ Power Shift as New Joint Council Administration Emerges
Political leaders have agreed in principle to form a new joint administration at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. The move signals a significant change in how the council will be led going forward.
Read more

🏅 35 Years in the Pool: One Teacher, Thousands of Swimmers
A North Herts swimming teacher is marking 35 years of teaching local children a life-saving skill. Generations of families have passed through their lessons, making this a true community legacy.
Read more

🌍 Letchworth Garden City Goes Global
The world’s first garden city is in the running for a prestigious international award. More than a century on, Letchworth’s planning vision is still influencing cities around the world.
Read more

🎨 River Lea Becomes an Open-Air Art Gallery
A new River Lea Art Trail is bringing creativity to the water’s edge. East Herts Council has teamed up with local artists to turn the riverside into a celebration of art, nature, and community.
Read more

🚨 £29,000 Food Safety Fine Sends Shockwaves
A Stevenage food business has been hit with a £29,000 fine after serious hygiene breaches. The size of the penalty leaves no doubt. Food safety is non-negotiable.
Read more

🧾 New Council Charges on the Table. Residents Invited to Respond
Stevenage Council is consulting on a new recharge policy for 2025–27. Residents can now have their say on how costs and service charges should be managed.
Read more

🔋 Solar Panels Power Up Batchworth Depot
New solar panels have been installed at Batchworth Depot, cutting both energy bills and carbon emissions. The council says it is leading by example on green energy.
Read more

🏛️ Three Rivers Museum Gains National Accreditation
Three Rivers Museum has achieved official national accreditation, recognising high professional standards and quality. A major milestone for local heritage.
Read more

🎲 Watford’s Getting Its Own Monopoly Board. What Makes the Cut?
A Watford-themed Monopoly board is in the works and residents are being asked to nominate the landmarks that deserve a square. Iconic buildings, hidden gems, it’s your call.
Read more

👗 Students Lead the Way on Sustainable Fashion
A clothes swap run with West Herts College students is putting sustainability centre stage. The event promotes reuse, reduces waste, and refreshes wardrobes at the same time.
Read more

🌟 Talent in Broxbourne: Three Acts Headed to BoB Awards

Young performers from across Broxbourne Borough took to the stage at Hertfordshire Studios last week for the Talent in Broxbourne showcase, with three acts selected to perform at next month’s BoB Awards. The judging panel included Karen Trew, Patsy Spears, Corina Gander, and John Forrest, who praised the exceptionally high standard of performances. The event was organised by Sherrie McDaid, Kev Orkian, and Jackie Dove, celebrating youth talent across the borough.

🗝️ Treasure Map Trail Launches in Waltham Cross
A new treasure map trail is inviting families and young explorers to discover Waltham Cross town centre in a fun, interactive way. Think landmarks, clues, and local pride.
Read more

Shape Hertsmere's Budget for 2026/27

Hertsmere's draft revenue and capital budgets are open for public feedback before final approval on 25 February 2026.

Have Your Say Tell the council how you think public money should be spent in the next financial year.

Take the survey: www.hertsmere.gov.uk/budget-consultation

Final approval: 25 February 2026

🏠 Millions Approved to Deliver Affordable Homes
A major funding package has been signed off to deliver affordable housing across Dacorum. The plan aims to help local families access homes they can realistically afford.
Read more

🚲 Electric Bike Hire Set to Transform Travel in Hemel Hempstead
An electric bike hire scheme is on its way, offering a cleaner, more flexible way to get around town while cutting car journeys.
Read more

🚓 Emergency Services Tested in Major Crash Simulation
Police, fire, and ambulance teams took part in a large-scale multi-car pile-up exercise designed to test coordination and readiness for major incidents across the county.
Read more

SPECtacular Apprenticeships at Herts
🗓️ Mon 9 – Sun 15 Feb 2026 | Various times
More info

Getting Started at Hertfordshire Archives
🗓️ Tue 10 Feb 2026 | ⏰ 2:00 PM
More info

Cabinet Panel on Environment: Sustainability in Schools
🗓️ Tue 11 Feb 2026 | ⏰ 7:30 PM
More info

Galentine’s Night
🗓️ Fri 13 Feb 2026 | Evening
More info

Chinese New Year Culture Show – Year of the Horse
🗓️ Sun 15 Feb 2026 | Time TBC
More info

Fit and Fed Half-Term Programme
🗓️ Mon 16 – Fri 20 Feb 2026
Active week with lunch included
📧 [email protected] | 📞 01992 785555 ext. 5591

Kidz Klub Half-Term Activities
🗓️ Mon 16 – Fri 20 Feb 2026
📍 John Warner Sports Centre, Hoddesdon
More info

Introduction to Community Energy
🗓️ Tue 17 Feb 2026 | ⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Wormley Community Centre
More info

Working Well: Preventing Burnout in the Workplace
🗓️ Wed 25 Feb 2026 | Online
More info

Hertfordshire Chamber February Lunch
🗓️ Thu 26 Feb 2026 | Time TBC
More info

🎭 Vote for Your Favourite Museum Object!
Lowewood Museum's entry is a map from the 1944 Liberator bomber crash. Support local history by voting in the Hertfordshire Association of Museums contest. Vote here

Bingo at the Heritage Lounge
🗓️ Mon 9 Feb 2026 | Evening
📍 Heritage Lounge, Letchworth Garden City
More info

🚌 Better Health Bus – Free Health Checks

The Better Health Bus will be at Westmill Community Centre on Tuesday 10 February, offering free NHS health checks, blood pressure checks, stop smoking support, free vape starter kits, and wellbeing advice.

⌚ Time: 10:30am–3:45pm
👉 Register interest: https://ow.ly/rEVp50Y3Cez

Half-Term Family Activities: Colour!
🗓️ Tue 17 – Thu 19 Feb 2026 | Daytime
📍 Hertford Museum
More info

Celtic Warrior Experience
🗓️ Mon 16 & Fri 20 Feb 2026 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Celtic Harmony Camp
More info

🗓️ Monday 9 February
⏰ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us for a practical session on staying safe online, led by our Digital Champion.

🎟️ Free to attend. Just pop along and take part. Check out saferinternetday.org.uk

Warm Herts Social Club – Hollier Court, Hatfield

Food, Friendship & Fun for Over 55s. Join us for a warm welcome, refreshments, entertainment and plenty of laughter at Hollier Court.

Location: French Horn Lane, Hatfield, AL10 8BX
Age: 55+

Book your place: orlo.uk/8EOsZ

Find more community spaces in Welwyn Hatfield: orlo.uk/xF3HN

⚽ Football Holiday Camps – Feb Half Term

Fun, high-quality football camps led by first-team players and coaches for children aged 4–11.

📆 Dates: 16–20 February 2026
⌚ Time: 9:30am–3:00pm (early drop-off from 9:00am)
📍 Location: Samuel Ryder School (3G pitch)
💷 Cost: From £22.50 (sibling discounts & early drop-off available)

⚽ Focus on teamwork, match play, confidence, tactics, and technical skills.

🎟️ Book here: https://loom.ly/tYIRzMU

HATFIELD

11°C 🌡️ 6°C | 🌧 Drizzle and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:27 Sunset 17:04

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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