January always seems to overstay its welcome, and this final weeks feel longer than most. With February around the corner, there’s already a hint of brighter days ahead, not necessarily warmer.

We’ve now concluded our recent reader survey, and the message was clear. You want local news, fewer editions each week, and stronger focus on council and planning updates. Thank you for taking the time to share your honest feedback. Your support across Hertfordshire means a great deal. We do have a plan, scroll below for details.

Enough talk, let’s get straight to it. Here’s what’s making headlines across Hertfordshire today:

• 40 Ancient-Inspired Trees Create Sawbridgeworth’s Newest Wildlife Corridor
• £50,000 Community Chest Unlocks Grassroots Projects Across Stevenage
• Democracy Takes an Unexpected Intermission in Stevenage
• Holocaust Memorial Service Held in Welwyn Hatfield
• 300 New Homes Approved on Edge of Redbourn

…and much more of the local news that matters to you.

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Based on your recent feedback, we’re making a simple change to how Hertstown is delivered.

From next week, Hertstown will be published as one clear weekly edition.

Each edition will include dedicated sections by district, so you can quickly scroll to news and updates relevant to your town. Any county-wide news or events that have a direct local impact will appear at the top of the newsletter.

We’ll also place greater focus on:

The aim is to make Hertstown easier to scan, more locally relevant, and more useful week after week.

Thank you for continuing to support this local service. We’ll keep working to make it work better for you.

Pishiobury Park got a living legacy last week that won't reach its full glory for decades—but it's already transforming the landscape. Forty new lime trees have been planted to create an avenue stretching from the southern end of Oak Walk toward the main car park, establishing a corridor where people and wildlife will move together through seasons to come. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the avenue centers around a veteran lime tree estimated to be between 200-400 years old, creating a multi-generational conversation between ancient and new. The Countryside & Rights of Way Service led the project, supported by volunteers who turned out on a wet and muddy day to dig, plant, and invest in a future they'll share with their grandchildren. The planting follows a recently updated conservation masterplan for Pishiobury Park that maps out how this beloved green space will evolve.

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East Herts Council isn't just tweaking shop windows anymore. The authority has launched a comprehensive retail and town centre study that could fundamentally reshape how residents shop, socialise, and spend their weekends across Bishop's Stortford, Buntingford, Hertford, Sawbridgeworth, and Ware. The study aims to understand current shopping patterns, identify gaps in retail provision, and develop strategies to keep town centres vibrant as consumer habits shift toward online shopping and changing lifestyle preferences. Residents and businesses are being invited to share their views through surveys and consultations throughout the coming months, with findings expected to influence planning policies and investment decisions for years to come.

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North Hertfordshire is tackling a health topic that affects half the population but rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. The council is hosting a free menopause support workshop in Letchworth where women can access expert advice, share experiences, and learn practical strategies for managing symptoms that impact everything from careers to relationships. Led by specialist practitioners, the session will cover hormone changes, workplace adjustments, mental health support, and lifestyle modifications that can make the transition more manageable. The initiative reflects growing recognition that menopause support shouldn't be a luxury confined to private healthcare—it's a public health priority that deserves community-level resources.

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Stevenage organisations just hit the funding jackpot—and the whole town benefits. The latest round of Community Chest Fund awards has distributed grants to local groups tackling everything from youth engagement to environmental projects, with successful applicants celebrating their share of funding designed to strengthen community bonds and address local needs. From sports clubs expanding access for disadvantaged children to environmental groups creating green spaces, the awards demonstrate how strategic small-grant funding can multiply impact when placed directly in the hands of people who understand their communities best. Recipients were honoured at a celebration event showcasing the diversity of projects now moving from planning stages to real-world action.

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Democracy is taking an unexpected intermission in Stevenage. The Secretary of State has confirmed intentions to postpone the May 2026 local elections, a decision that extends current council terms and shifts the political calendar in ways that could affect everything from planning decisions to budget priorities. The postponement, which requires parliamentary approval, aligns local elections across different councils and is intended to streamline democratic processes, though critics argue it reduces accountability and delays voter input on crucial local issues. Residents who were preparing to make their voices heard at the ballot box will now wait longer to influence who makes decisions about their streets, services, and community investments.

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Welwyn Hatfield's draft Local Plan just dropped a development bombshell that could relocate two major community institutions into the town centre. The council has opened consultation on proposals that would see Oaklands College and Welwyn Garden City Library potentially move to central locations, transforming both the educational landscape and the heart of the town itself. The plan aims to create a vibrant hub that combines learning, culture, and commerce in a walkable town centre, though questions remain about what happens to current sites and whether the vision matches community priorities. Residents have a limited window to review detailed proposals and submit feedback that could shape Welwyn Garden City's identity for decades.

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Welwyn Hatfield Council will gather residents for its annual Holocaust Memorial Day service to honour victims of genocide and confront uncomfortable truths about hatred's enduring presence. The commemoration goes beyond historical remembrance, connecting the Holocaust to contemporary genocides and challenging attendees to recognise warning signs of persecution in their own communities. Speakers will share survivor testimonies, light memorial candles, and emphasise that "never again" requires active vigilance rather than passive remembrance. The service provides space for reflection on humanity's darkest chapters while reinforcing the responsibility each generation carries to prevent history's most horrific patterns from repeating.

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Your council tax bill isn't set in stone yet, and Hertsmere Borough Council wants residents to weigh in before the numbers are finalised. The authority has published draft budget proposals and opened a consultation period where residents can examine spending priorities, challenge assumptions, and suggest alternatives before councillors make final decisions. The proposals outline funding allocations across services from waste collection to housing support, with difficult choices required as councils navigate ongoing financial pressures and demand for services. This is the rare moment when resident input can genuinely influence how millions of pounds get allocated—but only if people actually show up to the consultation.

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Democracy encountered a technical difficulty in Three Rivers this week. The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for January 22nd faced disruption due to important procedural issues, forcing the council to release updated information about how planning decisions will proceed. While specifics of the technical complications weren't detailed in the announcement, the council has assured residents that planning applications will still be processed and determined appropriately, albeit potentially on an adjusted timeline. Applicants and objectors with items on the affected agenda should check the council website for rescheduling information and revised submission deadlines.

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South Oxhey Playing Fields just became a living laboratory for one of the world's most effective reforestation methods. Three Rivers District Council has implemented Miyawaki tree planting—a Japanese technique that creates dense, native forests that grow ten times faster than conventional plantings—transforming open space into biodiverse urban woodland. The method plants multiple native species in close proximity, mimicking natural forest structures and creating ecosystems that support wildlife, improve air quality, and provide cooling effects in built-up areas. Within years rather than decades, the playing fields will host a multi-layered forest canopy that offers environmental benefits while demonstrating how nature-based solutions can be integrated into suburban landscapes.

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Hemel Hempstead Town Centre will glow with handmade magic on March 14th when the River of Light Lantern Parade transforms streets into a moving artwork celebrating spring's arrival. The parade brings together residents, schools, and community groups to create lanterns and installations for a walking procession that blends creativity, light, and collective celebration. Puddingstone Arts is hosting a Creative Team Meet-Up on January 27th at Fishery Wharf Café where volunteers can learn how to get involved, discover design possibilities, and join the team making the spectacle happen. The meeting runs from 7pm to 10pm and welcomes anyone interested in contributing their creativity to this community-wide project. Booking is required, and the parade itself is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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Watford's February half-term just got wilder—in the best possible way. Groundwork East is offering free Wildplay nature sessions on February 16th and 18th where children aged 3-9 can explore local greenspace and the River Colne through scavenger hunts, natural art, and creative outdoor play. Parents or guardians join their children for fully outdoor sessions that encourage discovery, movement, and connection with nature right in their neighbourhood. The sessions are part of the Rediscovering the River Colne project, which aims to connect everyone with the waterway that flows through their community. Participants should wear suitable footwear and warm outdoor clothing, as the adventure happens entirely outside regardless of weather.

Book Your Free Place →

Three new sculptures have appeared along the River Colne, and each one tells a story imagined by children. Commissioned by Watford Borough Council, supported by Groundwork East, and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Tales of the River sculptures celebrate the river's chalk bed geology, natural heritage, and the community voices that shaped the "Guardians of the River." Pupils at Lanchester Primary School designed each guardian: Smooth Chalk Flow honours the river's geology with fossils etched into its surface, protected by King Colne; a dragonfly perched on rock symbolises transformation and resilience, guarded by The Water Fay and The Princess of Rivers; and The Mossy Log celebrates winter walks and whimsy through Gary the Goblin and Hedgehog the Prickly. Local artist Tamara Froud from Mosaic Art Ltd created the installations, which Mayor Peter Taylor recently visited to celebrate their contribution to public art and environmental storytelling.

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Postal votes are no longer permanent, and thousands of Watford residents could lose their voting rights in one week without realising it. Anyone who applied for a postal vote on or before January 31st, 2024 must reapply by the deadline or their postal vote expires. The process requires a National Insurance number and a photo of a handwritten signature, and can be completed quickly at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote. Electoral Services is urging residents to check their status, reapply if necessary, and remind anyone they know who votes by post to do the same. Residents needing help can access instant support via WatBot, the council's live chat service, or contact the Electoral Services Team at [email protected] or 01923 278 369.

Reapply Now →

Watford residents are swapping beds for sleeping bags on February 28th in an unusual overnight experience with serious purpose. The Dreams United Stadium Sleep Out at Watford FC's stadium invites participants to spend a night under the stars while raising vital funds to combat homelessness. The event offers a small glimpse into the reality faced by people without shelter while generating resources for organisations providing real solutions. New Hope's Winter Shelter, which provides humanitarian response during colder and wetter weather, remains open until March 13th for anyone needing emergency accommodation.

Sign Up to Support → Winter Shelter Information →

Watford's community groups have a funding opportunity that doesn't require navigating bureaucratic marathons. The Mayor's Small Grants Fund supports projects that make tangible differences in local neighbourhoods, from one-off community events to green initiatives that reduce carbon footprints to equipment purchases that expand capacity. Random Café, a previous recipient run entirely by volunteers, used funding to purchase outdoor table and chairs, expanding seating in their community garden and increasing the café's capacity to serve neighbours. The fund prioritises projects that benefit local residents and strengthen community connections, with straightforward application processes designed to get resources into hands that will use them well.

More Information → All Community Grants →

Watford & Three Rivers Trust CVS is offering two free training opportunities in February designed specifically for local charities and Community Interest Companies. The expert-led sessions focus on strengthening governance and building digital confidence—two areas that determine whether organisations thrive or merely survive. The training addresses practical challenges that community organisations face daily, from board effectiveness to navigating digital tools that multiply impact. Places are limited, and organisations interested in participating should book soon to secure spots.

Book Your Place →

St Albans district's four major leisure centres and two entertainment venues just received validation that investment in community infrastructure pays dividends. Independent assessors rated the facilities 'excellent' following a £1.5 million investment programme by operator Everyone Active. The results speak louder than ratings: leisure centre membership (across Westminster Lodge, Batchwood, Harpenden, and Cotlandswick) increased by 12% in 2025 and now totals more than 15,000 members. The 2025 pantomime at the Alban Arena became the most successful in its history for both ticket sales and revenue, with 96% of seats sold. The Eric Morecambe Centre saw similar success with 600 more seats sold than the previous year. The performance report to the Public Realm Committee demonstrated how strategic investment in public facilities creates measurable community benefit while generating revenue that sustains services.

Learn More →

Plans for 300 new homes on the edge of Redbourn have been approved by St Albans City & District Council, despite councillors raising concerns about sustainability and location. The development, by Vistry Homes, will be built west of Redbourn near the M1 on land now classed as Grey Belt under new government policy. The site is included in the council’s emerging Local Plan. Several councillors said they opposed the scheme in principle but felt unable to refuse it due to national planning rules and the council’s low housing land supply of 1.12 years.

The scheme includes green space, play areas and allotments, with 50% of homes classed as affordable. The developer will contribute funding towards schools, GP services, bus improvements and the Nickey Line. Planning permission was approved with six votes in favour, one against and one abstention.

SOUTH OXHEY

8°C 🌡️ 6°C | ☀ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:50 Sunset 16:39

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Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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