The rain has barely taken a break this past week and forecasts suggest more of the same, with a chance it could turn to snow. We’re keeping an eye on the Met Office for any hint of a White Christmas. Still, the countdown has been lively, from glowing street lights to buzzing indoor markets and the Christmas Jumper Park Run coming up.

There’s plenty happening across Hertfordshire and we’ve rounded up the stories you need to know.

Today’s headlines:

…and more local updates that matter.

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Hertfordshire has released its first Local Nature Recovery Strategy, outlining priority actions to restore habitats, support wildlife and strengthen climate resilience. The plan, developed by the Hertfordshire Nature Recovery Partnership, focuses on key areas such as chalk stream protection and improved habitats for species like swifts and water voles.

Public involvement was high, with more than 70 landowner sites proposed and 751 consultation responses, the most of any LNRS in England.

Local leaders say the strategy marks a major step toward a greener, more resilient county.

Click here to read the full strategy and get involved.

Hertfordshire County Council has broken ground on a new day service in Pin Green, set to support around 70 adults each week. The modern, single-storey facility will replace the current Leyden House Day Service and has been co-designed with the residents who use it.

The centre will sit within a green residential area and include a courtyard garden, art and games rooms, and sustainability features such as renewable energy and biodiversity-focused landscaping.

Construction, led by Pentaco Construction, is underway and scheduled for completion in autumn 2026. Leyden House will remain open until the new site is ready.

Cllr Sally Symington said the project marks a major step toward offering high-quality, inclusive spaces that help adults with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

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A Court of Appeal ruling has formally concluded the legal challenge against the Gilston Area's outline planning permission, paving the way for the next phase of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town development. The project includes 10,000 new homes alongside schools, employment space and community facilities. Construction on the Central Stort Crossing is expected to accelerate, with on-site building of the first villages anticipated in 2026/27.

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East Herts Council has launched "Explore East Herts," a UK Shared Prosperity Fund-backed campaign promoting rural businesses and activities across the district. The initiative highlights local walks, tea rooms, pubs and experiences, from zorb strike sessions to Christmas light trails, running until March 2026.

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North Herts Council has launched a consultation on its draft Town Centres Strategy, seeking input on the future of Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Royston and Baldock. The strategy focuses on land use, high-quality design, transport access and community wellbeing. Residents can participate via the council's Placemaker platform until 30 January 2026, with Community Forum discussions scheduled throughout December.

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North Herts Council leader Daniel Allen was removed from his post after a no-confidence vote, with Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors overturning his minority Labour administration. The dispute centred on the cabinet’s backing of a four-unitary local government model instead of the two-unitary option supported by full council. Critics said the cabinet ignored elected members, while Labour argued it followed public consultation results. Cllr Val Bryant is acting leader until a new leader is elected on January 13, with party discussions ongoing. Allen remains a cabinet member and has not ruled out seeking re-election as leader.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is encouraging residents and businesses to reduce Christmas waste and recycle responsibly. From 1 December, a new 12-month waste enforcement pilot launches in partnership with Kingdom Local Authority Services, targeting fly-tipping and littering across the borough.

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The council's Cabinet has approved a new vision for the borough's Local Plan, placing residents' wellbeing at the heart of future development through to 2043. Structured around three themes, People and Places, Economy and Infrastructure, and Environment and Climate, the vision will inform a Regulation 18 consultation scheduled for early 2026.

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The deadline for applications to Round 2 of the St Albans District Community Project Fund has been extended to Sunday 7th December. The council is particularly seeking to fund projects that support digital inclusion and help make services accessible to residents.

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St Albans council leader Paul De Kort said the district authority will not “implement” the results of Harpenden Town Council’s independent parking survey, which was launched in response to controversial on-street charges. He argued the district council has the electoral mandate to make the decision, noting the new charges have already generated more income than forecast. Conservative members pressed for assurances that residents’ views would be acted on, but De Kort said only that the findings would be reviewed, not adopted. Harpenden Town Council continues to oppose the charges, and an independent firm is distributing surveys to households and businesses.

St Albans councillors have approved a motion supporting transgender rights, committing the council to publicly mark key trans awareness days and include statements in job adverts welcoming applications from trans, non-binary and LGBTQ+ people. The motion, introduced by Cllr Harriet Sherlock, aims to signal safety and inclusion for trans residents amid rising hostility. Labour and Green councillors backed the proposal, while two Conservative members opposed it, raising concerns that job advert wording could imply bias. The final vote was 44 in favour, two against and two abstentions.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Bushey Synagogue to hear directly from community members about the growing threat of antisemitism. He met with schoolchildren, students and mothers before holding private discussions with Council Leader Cllr Jeremy Newmark about the council's work to strengthen community relations across the borough.

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Watford's Community Safety Partnership held a personal safety event at the Harlequin Shopping Centre, distributing over 350 safety packs including personal alarms and anti-spiking kits to help women and girls feel safer in the town centre at night. The initiative forms part of wider efforts to combat violence against women and girls.

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Parkgate Infants & Nursery School has won the council's school banner competition promoting safe parking near schools. The winning pupil received a £20 book voucher, with the school awarded £200 in vouchers. The initiative is part of a wider pilot scheme delivering parking safety education sessions to local schools.

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The Watford Community Hub at Chaffinch Lane, located within King George V Playing Fields, is being offered for lease for community use. The site, featuring kitchen facilities, changing rooms and office space, is ideally suited for a cycle hub or community cycling centre. Expressions of interest are due by 19 January 2026.

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The Liberal Democrats won the Tudor ward by-election in Watford, with Callum Robertson securing 821 votes and defeating Reform UK candidate Mark Dixon, who received 433. Other candidates trailed behind, including the Conservatives, Labour and the Greens. Turnout was 30.49 percent. The by-election followed the resignation of Charlott Saunders. Robertson said he was grateful for residents’ support, while Watford’s Lib Dem mayor Peter Taylor said the result showed growing confidence in the party and predicted Robertson would bring strong energy to local issues.

Dacorum Borough Council hosted a Nature Recovery Seminar at The Forum, bringing together local organisations, charities and landowners ahead of Hertfordshire County Council's new nature recovery strategy. The event included interactive workshops and the launch of a Green Community Grants Scheme to support local environmental projects.

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Council Leader Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst has issued an appeal for residents to support local shops and businesses in the run-up to Christmas. The message accompanies a programme of Christmas events planned across the district.

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Three Rivers District Council has been awarded Highly Commended in the Supportive Local Authority category at the Community Energy England Awards. Judges praised the council as "trailblazing" for its partnership work with Grand Union Community Energy on projects including solar canopies and Sustainable Streets.

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5 Beds | 3 Baths | 4 Receptions

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At the heart of the home is a superb open-plan kitchen, dining and family room, complete with French doors leading to the rear garden. A separate laundry room, a bright formal lounge and a private study create practical, flexible living spaces for a modern family. A central staircase anchors the layout, and a downstairs WC adds convenience.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom features its own dressing area and en-suite. Bedroom two also has an en-suite, while three additional bedrooms share a spacious family bathroom with a separate shower. A double garage completes the property.

Elegant, functional and finished to an exceptional standard, “Grayford” is a standout choice for families seeking a distinguished home in Stevenage.

STEVENAGE

13°C 🌡️ 11°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:55 Sunset 15:50

Fairlands Valley Spartans delivered a standout performance at the Hatfield Five, a fast and flat five-mile race, with 26 Spartans competing and achieving eight personal bests and nine season bests. The highlight came from Jim Brown, who claimed county silver in the men’s 70+ category, finishing in 44:27 and beating third place by 36 seconds. Several runners recorded major PBs, including David Harris-Cherguit (27:35), Nick Gill (28:55), and Georgie Hooper (34:00). For seven members, it was their first time racing the distance. Well done Spartans.

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