Robyn Bennett

Watford MP Matt Turmaine’s visit to Watford Fire Station was interrupted when firefighters were called to an emergency. Station Commander Paul Gallagher continued the tour, showing Turmaine the station’s equipment, training facilities, fire engine and aerial ladder platform. The station’s current platform is due to be replaced by a turntable ladder capable of reaching 42 metres. Turmaine thanked the crew for their dangerous work and expressed interest in returning for a fuller visit.

Hertsmere Borough Council has validated or decided a wide range of planning applications across Elstree, Borehamwood, Radlett, Bushey, Potters Bar, Shenley and surrounding areas. Proposals include outline developments for new housing, including schemes for up to 49 dwellings, alongside house extensions, loft conversions, HMO regularisations, commercial alterations, tree works and reserved matters linked to earlier permissions.

Watford Borough Council received several planning applications and related condition-discharge submissions, covering extensions, loft conversions, building alterations, signage, landscaping, construction methods and other works at properties across Watford. The notices include applications for sites on Langley Road, St Albans Road, The Gardens, Sandringham Road, Roughwood Close, Balmoral Road and Eastlea Avenue.

Dacorum Borough Council has received several planning applications across Hemel Hempstead and surrounding Hertfordshire areas. The most significant proposal concerns the demolition and redevelopment of Hillier Garden Centre on Leighton Buzzard Road for storage or distribution use, with associated parking, access, landscaping and servicing. Other applications cover loft and dormer extensions, tree works, residential construction, and the discharge of planning conditions in locations including Berkhamsted, Aldbury, Kings Langley, Tring and Bovingdon.

A six-bedroom detached house in Aldenham’s Ridings development is being marketed for £1.65 million. Built in 2019, the 3,437-square-foot property includes four bathrooms, a south-facing 75-foot garden, an open-plan kitchen and family room, a principal bedroom suite, double garage, underfloor heating, an electric-vehicle charger and a dedicated cinema room. Viewings are available through Camden Chase via Zoopla.

Hertsmere Borough Council has validated a wide range of planning applications across Hertfordshire. Major proposals include an outline application for up to 49 homes behind Blanche Lane in South Mimms, residential development south of Allum Lane in Elstree, and various housing, home-extension, tree-work, landscaping, commercial-use and condition-discharge applications across Borehamwood, Potters Bar, Bushey, Radlett and surrounding areas.

Watford Borough Council has received several planning applications, including proposals for three additional flats at Hanover Court on King Georges Avenue, a mobile home at Fairview Drive, extensions and outbuildings at properties on Woodhurst Avenue and North Western Avenue, tree works at Brunswick Nursing Home, changes to a former British Telecom site, and amendments to a housing scheme on Radlett Road.

Three Rivers District Council has validated six planning applications across Mill End, Moor Park, South Oxhey and Chorleywood. The submissions cover contamination-condition information for St John’s Roman Catholic JMI School, proposed residential extensions and alterations, an outbuilding, and a new front porch.

Dacorum Borough Council has received a series of planning applications across Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead, Chipperfield, Little Gaddesden and Flamstead. Proposals include two new homes on land formerly used for storage, permission in principle for up to three dwellings, house extensions, a garage conversion, porch replacement, tree works and the discharge of conditions attached to earlier permission. Each application is identified by its reference number and location.

Gill Worgan CBE, principal and CEO of West Herts College Group, has reassured students that GCSE results will not determine their future. She highlighted A-levels, T-levels, apprenticeships, vocational qualifications and specialist technical courses as alternatives to university, many offering practical experience alongside classroom study. Worgan also encouraged families to seek advice and consider different pathways if plans change on results day.

Watford Rotary and St Mary's Church have relaunched a weekly drop-in community café at St Mary's Church on Watford High Street. Held every Thursday morning, it offers adults—including people experiencing loneliness, unpaid carers and those facing physical or mental health challenges—tea, conversation, activities and signposting to additional support without requiring bookings. Volunteers are also being sought.

Arriva route 20 buses will be diverted in Leavesden on August 10 while Haines Way is closed from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for planned engineering works. The diversion will omit the Sheepcot Lane and Haines Way loop, and passengers are advised to check Arriva’s website for updates. Hertfordshire County Council is carrying out the work.

A weekly overview lists planning applications submitted to Wandsworth Council, covering residential extensions and conversions, commercial and community facilities, telecommunications equipment, signage, tree works, sports infrastructure and transport electrification. Applications span locations across Wandsworth, including Balham, Battersea, Putney, Roehampton and Wandsworth town, with individual reference numbers provided.

Watford Borough Council validated several new planning applications, including revised conditions for development north of Russell Lane, home extensions, a loft conversion, a garden outbuilding, and alterations to commercial and residential properties. The applications include reference numbers and addresses across Watford, while the Public Notice Portal is promoted as a source for local planning, licensing, and road-closure notices.

Three Rivers District Council has received applications covering home extensions, alterations, garage conversions, ecological and landscaping conditions, drainage, and tree-root protection across Rickmansworth, Sarratt, Abbots Langley, Carpenders Park, Croxley Green, Kings Langley and Oxhey Hall. The article lists the relevant addresses, proposals and reference numbers, while directing readers to the Public Notice Portal for further local planning and licensing notices.

Dacorum Borough Council has received a series of planning applications across Bourne End, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Tring, Bovingdon and surrounding areas. Proposals include permission in principle for two detached homes, house extensions and alterations, tree felling and maintenance, garage conversions, and the submission of materials and other details required by previously granted permissions.

A Community Safety and Engagement Board meeting at Watford police station focused on local policing priorities, particularly hate crime. Inspector Simon Cooper said the forum had strengthened relationships between police, community advisers and partner agencies, leading to the recruitment of two additional third-party hate-crime reporting centres. The quarterly boards, launched across Hertfordshire in June, are intended to help police understand the needs of the county’s diverse communities and improve public safety.

Everett Rovers lost 3-1 to Biggleswade United in their first-ever match at step five of the English football pyramid. After falling behind, Everett equalised through Alex Morgan and held the hosts level at half-time. The match turned late when Biggleswade were awarded a disputed handball penalty following further pressure and goal-line clearances. Everett goalkeeper Jonny Pitts suffered a dislocated shoulder, a coach was sent off, and outfield player Brandon Bernhauser had to take over in goal. Liam Smyth converted the penalty before Scott Metcalfe added a third, while Tom Ward was later dismissed. Despite the defeat, Everett's coaching staff praised the team's resilience and performance.

New signs have been installed at the North Western Avenue bus gate in Watford after an eight-year campaign led by Leggatts ward councillor Asif Khan. The restricted residential route has been widely used by unauthorised drivers, causing resident frustration, bus delays and potentially dangerous encounters with vehicles. A Hertfordshire County Council survey found that only 42 of 359 vehicles using the gate in one day were buses. Automatic number plate recognition cameras are planned for 2027 to improve enforcement, although Khan is pressing for their installation to happen as soon as possible.

Four public notices affect the Watford area: Admiral Bars (Herts) Limited is seeking longer opening hours and expanded sexual-entertainment hours for Diamonds and Strings; PadelStars Limited has applied to sell alcohol at Woodside Leisure Centre; Life HR Ltd has applied for an off-premises alcohol licence for an online wine subscription business in Rickmansworth; and Three Rivers District Council proposes a 25-year lease of Leavesden Pavilion and football pitches to Evergreen FC. Residents can submit objections or representations to the relevant councils within the stated deadlines.

Harlequin Watford has launched Club HQ, a month-long August programme featuring fitness classes, family entertainment, wellness activities, late-night shopping and a compact padel court in Charter Place. The schedule includes toddler dance, Pilates, freestyle football, Latin dance, yoga and introductory padel sessions delivered with local instructors, community partners and Encourt. Selected sessions cost £3, with proceeds, apart from platform fees, supporting the Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust.

Watford Workshop has opened and named the Dr Gordon Sellers Learning POD in memory of its late chairman, who served the charity for 12 years. The facility provides more than 400 hours of monthly learning and training for adults with disabilities, covering literacy, numeracy, household skills and money management. Watford Workshop has supported disabled adults since 1964 through skills training, employment opportunities and work for commercial clients.

A four-bedroom detached house on Cassiobury Drive in Watford is on the market for £1.25 million. The extended property has four bathrooms, three reception areas, a study, playroom, open-plan kitchen and living space, a principal bedroom suite, a south-facing two-tier garden and parking for around four cars. Features include a Rotpunkt kitchen with integrated appliances, underfloor heating, air conditioning, smart heating controls, a garage and a roughly 100-foot garden. Viewings are available through Dey King & Haria Ltd via Zoopla.

Watford Borough Council is considering several planning applications, including banners advertising a new padel club outside Woodside Leisure Centre, rear extensions at homes on York Road and Westlea Avenue, the removal of a tree in a conservation area on Malden Road, and a double-storey side extension on Glen Way.

Dacorum Borough Council is considering a range of planning applications across Hertfordshire. Proposals include a two-caravan Gypsy and Traveller site in Kings Langley, permission in principle for up to nine homes in Chipperfield, a new dwelling near Felden, school extensions and infrastructure works, residential extensions, changes of use, agricultural buildings, parking alterations and an asbestos storage facility.

Three Rivers Council received applications covering technical conditions for Lidl Great Britain Limited’s proposed retail development on Hempstead Road, including contamination verification and highway improvements. Other applications involve tree works, extensions, outbuildings, an annexe, and alterations across Watford, Oxhey Hall, Moor Park, Northwood, Abbots Langley, Croxley Green and Rickmansworth.

Six employees from Watford-based Allwyn UK are volunteering at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in roles supporting athletics, cycling, gymnastics, netball and national teams. Allwyn is the Games’ official volunteer learning and development partner and has helped train more than 4,000 volunteers, known as Legends, through its Social Value Fund. Television presenter Lorraine Kelly visited the Games workforce and took part in three frontline volunteering roles, while Allwyn’s chief impact officer Alastair Ruxton praised the contribution of the volunteers and the company’s wider commitment to community participation.

A refurbished four-bedroom detached house on Chestnut Rise in Bushey has been listed for £1.25 million. The property includes three bathrooms, three reception rooms, an open-plan kitchen, dining and family area with bi-fold doors, a garden with a large decked patio, and ample off-street parking. It is located near Bushey High Street, Bushey Heath, local amenities and schools, with viewings available through Churchills via Zoopla.

Sole traders and landlords in the Watford area with annual self-employment or property income above £50,000 are being urged to prepare for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, which requires digital record-keeping and quarterly updates to HM Revenue and Customs. The first quarterly update may be due by 7 August. Preparation involves signing up, authorising compatible software and linking records to HMRC, while landlords may need year-end adjustments for mortgage interest, repairs and other allowable expenses.

Hemel’s cricket teams continued to struggle across league divisions, with the 1st XI falling to Shenley Village and slipping into a relegation position. The 2nd XI secured a third consecutive win to move into mid‑table, while the 3rd XI endured a fourth straight defeat, remaining deep in relegation danger. The 4th XI achieved a season double over Great Gaddesden, keeping their hopes of safety alive in a tightly packed lower division.

Recent planning applications submitted to Dacorum Borough Council include an expansion proposal for a Gypsy and Traveller site near Flamstead, structural changes at Ashridge Management College, multiple residential extensions and conversions across Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Tring, applications to fell trees, and amendments to previously approved plans. The update highlights a range of development, renovation and compliance requests across the borough.

Hertsmere Borough Council has opened a public consultation on new amenity standards for houses in multiple occupation, outlining proposed rules for room sizes, facilities, safety compliance, inspections and property maintenance. The standards aim to improve housing quality and clarity for landlords and tenants, with feedback invited from all stakeholders until August 31.

Police in Bushey conducted a speeding enforcement operation on Park Avenue in response to community concerns, stopping 16 drivers and issuing two traffic offence reports. Officers stated that most drivers complied with the speed limit and encouraged residents to continue sharing feedback through the Herts Connected platform to help shape local policing priorities.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor has urged new prime minister Andy Burnham to accelerate funding for the delayed rebuild of Watford General Hospital, move all Watford train stations into London’s zone six to ease commuter costs, and reform business rates and employment costs to support growth and trade with Europe. Taylor highlighted improved site access and planning approval for the hospital project and stressed the financial burden of current train pricing. He invited Burnham to visit Watford and expressed readiness to work with the new government.

A four-bedroom detached house on Ormonde Road in Northwood’s Moor Park estate is listed for £2.15 million, offering multiple reception rooms, a double garage, landscaped gardens, and proximity to strong transport links, local amenities, and well-regarded schools. Interested buyers are directed to contact Robsons via Zoopla.

A four‑bedroom detached house on Northwood’s Moor Park gated estate is listed for £2.3 million, featuring multiple reception rooms, a fitted kitchen with utility space, and landscaped gardens. The property includes a large driveway, double garage, and an en‑suite main bedroom with dressing room, with additional family and guest bedrooms supported by two more bathrooms. Positioned within a 294‑acre conservation estate bordering Hertfordshire and Middlesex, the home is marketed through Gibbs Gillespie via Zoopla.

Several public notices for the Watford area outline changes to parking rules on High Street, including altered loading hours for a shared-use bay near Café Nero. A planning application proposes extensions and flat conversions at 37 High Street in Bushey, while temporary traffic restrictions will support the Taste of the Caribbean event. Additional notices include demolition and extension plans for a property in Loudwater and a temporary 30mph speed limit on the A41 due to road works. Further details are available through the respective local councils and the Public Notice Portal.

Year 6 pupils at Watford Field Junior School met with MP Matt Turmaine, who discussed new UK tobacco and vaping laws, child safety, and the social media ban for under‑16s. He highlighted efforts to restrict youth‑targeted vape products and the ban on disposable vapes, while local police confirmed ongoing test purchases to prevent illegal sales. Teachers gave the MP letters from pupils about vaping, and Turmaine pledged to respond to all of them. The visit introduced students to democratic processes and encouraged engagement with elected representatives.

Students at Watford Grammar School for Girls completed a 24‑hour English lesson to raise funds for a new on‑site English block, the Grace Fergie House. Thirty Year 10 pupils and their teacher took part in 24 consecutive lessons, supported by local businesses providing refreshments. The challenge raised over £9,000 and reached most of its target within hours. School leaders praised the students’ dedication, noting the event’s contribution to ongoing construction and its significance for future generations.

Currys Business has opened a new support hub inside its Watford store to assist the town’s growing SME community with tailored technology solutions, one‑to‑one advice and flexible payment options. The company positions the hub as a practical resource for businesses facing rising costs and complex tech needs, serving more than 5,000 SMEs in the area. Staff emphasise its role as a local point of contact offering personalised, people‑led guidance to help firms stay competitive.

A five-bedroom semi-detached home in Watford’s Nascot Wood area has been listed for £1 million, offering four bathrooms, multiple reception rooms, a private garden and parking for up to four vehicles. Two of the double bedrooms include en-suite facilities, and the location provides access to well-regarded schools and transport links, including trains to London Euston. Viewings are being handled by Rolstons through Zoopla.

Jayden Nunkoo Lowtun, a 10‑year‑old from Watford, was recognised as a winner in the 9th International Maths Olympiad at the BYITC Inspire Awards 2026, held in Bishopbriggs. He was one of five young learners from southern England honoured at the event, which celebrated achievements in the Maths Olympiad, the Abacus Programme and the She Power Awards. The ceremony included more than 100 attendees and featured judges and sponsors from the education community. Organisers highlighted the students’ dedication, academic growth and leadership skills, noting the importance of family and community support in their success.

A 10‑day Colourscape festival will take place in Watford’s Cassiobury Park from August 22 to 31, offering a walk‑through maze of colour, light and live music with daily themed performances. The programme includes alphorn and bell music, interactive workshops, contemporary ensemble performances, and a finale featuring guitarist Richard Durrant. Organised by Eye Music as part of Watford Borough Council’s Big Events programme, the festival offers varied experiences each day, with tickets available on the door and advance booking recommended.

A flag‑raising ceremony in Watford marked Armed Forces Day, recognising the service and dedication of armed forces personnel, cadets, reserves, veterans, and their families. Mayor Peter Taylor expressed the town’s gratitude and pride during the event at Watford Town Hall.

Several planning applications validated by Three Rivers District Council include proposals for residential extensions, garage conversions, tree works and safety‑related removals across Sarratt, Croxley Green, Moor Park, Carpenders Park and Rickmansworth. Additional details highlight listed‑building‑related conditions and minor non‑material amendments. The article also promotes the Public Notice Portal as a resource for accessing statutory notices and local planning information.

Dacorum Borough Council validated a range of planning applications, including a proposed change of use for a Chambersbury Lane property to a children’s care home, amendments and condition approvals for developments across Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Tring, and Kings Langley, as well as extensions, garden offices, and conservation-related works. Additional applications include landscaping, construction management details, and installation of a historic blue plaque at the Natural History Museum in Tring.

A series of planning applications were submitted to Watford Borough Council, including extensions to private homes, amendments to approved plans, certificates of lawfulness, retrospective approvals, tree works notifications and updates related to larger developments such as Watford General Hospital and The Eight Gardens. The article also highlights the Public Notice Portal as a resource for tracking statutory notices and local planning activity.

Young athletes from Three Rivers and Watford were recognised at an awards evening celebrating achievements in sport, leadership and volunteering. Winners included school teams and individual students across multiple categories, with keynote speaker Jordan Thomas presenting awards. The event highlighted the continued support of schools, staff and families in promoting youth sport in the community.

Watford Borough Council and Groundwork East launched a series of free summer events along the River Colne to encourage families to enjoy nature and support local environmental protection. Activities include Wild Play sessions for children and an Invasive Species River Amble introducing residents to the INNS Mapper app for reporting invasive plants. Local officials Peter Taylor and Ian Stotesbury emphasized the wellbeing and conservation benefits of participating. Wild Play sessions will run at Oxhey Park throughout the summer, led by Groundwork East.

Five new cricket pitches have been installed across Watford through a £40,000 investment from the England and Wales Cricket Board, KP Snacks and Watford Borough Council. The project includes four synthetic, low‑maintenance pitches at Cassiobury Park, Callowland Recreation Ground and King George V Playing Fields, along with a new grass wicket due later in the year. Local officials emphasise accessible, free facilities to boost community participation and support the ECB’s strategy to expand cricket opportunities in urban areas. The council will continue working with Hertfordshire Cricket to deliver programmes and events encouraging wider engagement.