Good morning and HapPy Wednesday!

It is 19th March, a warm mid March. Spring is in the Air – and So is Local News!

With the sun shining on this warm mid-March day, it’s the perfect time to dust off the lawn mower and get your garden ready for spring. But beyond backyard prep, there’s plenty happening in our community.

All eyes are on local government reform, with a proposal set to be unveiled on 21st March. While details on resident consultation remain unclear, the announcement is expected to bring significant changes.

Here’s what’s making headlines this week:

• Hertfordshire County Council has raised concerns over Stansted Airport’s expansion plans.

• The county council has approved funding for highway maintenance, addressing long-standing infrastructure needs.

• In positive news, North Herts has introduced a new outdoor gym, providing free fitness opportunities for residents.

• An award-winning bee project is expanding to Royston, boosting biodiversity and community engagement.

Beyond Hertfordshire, surrounding counties are buzzing with events and job opportunities—stay tuned for updates!

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News at a Glance

Residents to Benefit from Hertfordshire's £100 Million Highways Investment

Hertfordshire County Council has greenlit a £100 million budget for the 2025/26 Integrated Works Programme (IWP), a sweeping initiative to upgrade the county’s highways infrastructure. The plan includes over 1,100 projects focused on improving roads, pavements, bridges, and traffic signals, with a strong emphasis on safety, reducing congestion, and supporting sustainable travel options like walking and cycling.

The IWP’s coordinated approach ensures efficient project delivery while minimizing disruption to residents. By combining multiple schemes, the council aims to maximize resources and deliver long-term benefits across the county.

For Broxtown, this investment promises significant local infrastructure improvements, paving the way for safer, smoother, and more sustainable travel for the community.

Hertfordshire County Council Voices Concerns Over Stansted Airport Expansion Plans

Hertfordshire County Council has voiced concerns over Stansted Airport’s masterplan to increase passenger capacity from 43 million to 51 million annually. While acknowledging potential economic benefits, the council warns that expansion must not harm local communities or the environment. Key issues include noise, air quality, and transport congestion.

The council calls for detailed mitigation plans and delays the Sustainable Development Plan until these are addressed. Councillor Stephen Boulton emphasized that growth must be sustainable and benefit local residents, including those in Hertfordshire.

A formal planning application is expected later in 2025.

LOCAL COMMUNITY UPDATES

NORTH HERTS

New Outdoor Gym Opens at Avenue Park, Baldock, Offering Free Fitness Opportunities for All

A brand-new outdoor gym has launched at Avenue Park, Baldock, offering residents free access to high-quality fitness equipment, including touchscreen bikes, cross-trainers, and pull-up stations. The facility, part of a North Herts Council initiative, aims to promote outdoor exercise for all fitness levels. Similar gyms have also opened in Letchworth and Hitchin.

Cllr Mick Debenham highlighted the benefits of outdoor fitness, while Everyone Active plans to host guided exercise classes this spring and summer. For more details www.everyoneactive.com/centre/north-herts-community-outreach.

Award-Winning Bee Corridor Expands to Royston

North Herts Council is expanding its internationally recognized bee corridor project from Letchworth to Royston. The initiative, led by contractor John O’Conner, aims to boost biodiversity by creating habitats for pollinators. A community launch event will be held on 29 March at Priory Gardens, featuring eco-friendly activities. The council has committed £10,000 to develop more bee corridors across the district.

EAST HERTS

New Playground Brings Excitement to Tonwell Residents

A new playground is taking shape in Tonwell, with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and community-led fundraising efforts. East Herts officials visited the village to meet with parish councillors and assess progress on the much-anticipated project.

Bengeo Rural parish councillors engaged with local teenage girls to ensure the playground features were inclusive for all. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to creating accessible community spaces. The playground is expected to be a valuable addition for Tonwell residents once completed. To read more about inclusive spaces click here.

Luxury Fashion Boutique Opens in Bishop’s Stortford with Government Support

Officials recently visited the boutique to celebrate its opening and highlight the impact of the grant in supporting local businesses. The initiative aims to boost economic growth by helping entrepreneurs secure retail spaces and contribute to the vibrancy of high streets.

The opening of Maison De Scarlett marks a significant step in enhancing the local retail scene, providing high-end fashion options while reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting small businesses in East Herts. More on Shared Prosperity Fund here.

WELWYN & HATFIELD

Local Businesses Shine at HatTech Wolves Den Competition

The HatTech Wolves Den event in Hatfield, hosted by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Equans, saw local businesses pitch for a £1,000 grant and a year’s Silver Membership at HatTech Business Centre.

The Bald Viking Beard Company, founded by Callum Dee, won the competition, impressing judges with its plans to expand its men’s grooming products. Runner-up Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel, a successful franchise, received the membership to aid business growth.

Council Leader Max Holloway praised the event for supporting local entrepreneurship, reinforcing the council’s commitment to business development in the region. Read more here.

Tandoor Chai Brings Indian Fusion Flavors to Hatfield

Tandoor Chai, a new restaurant on Harpsfield Broadway, offers a unique twist on traditional Indian cuisine, featuring dishes like Moroccan lamb pita pockets and tandoori chicken burgers.

Co-owner Smrutha Ramesh says the restaurant has received 22 five-star reviews in just two days. It is also the only UK restaurant to prepare chai tea using a traditional Indian method for a richer flavor.

Run by Ramesh and her partner Dilipkumar Raju, the restaurant took four years to find its Hatfield location. Customers praise the food and ambiance, with hopes to attract diners from across the country. Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-9 PM, Fri-Sun 12-9 PM.

STEVENAGE

Fairlands Valley Spartans Honour Champions at Annual Celebration

Fairlands Valley Spartans, a prominent running club based in Stevenage, gathered at the Cromwell Hotel to celebrate their 2024 champions. The event recognized outstanding performances across various categories, highlighting the dedication and achievements of its members.​

Key Honourees:

• Overall Male Champion: Andrew Patterson​

• Overall Female Champion: Yuko Gordon​

• Overall Club Champion: Yuko Gordon​

• Most Improved Male Spartan: Nick Gill​

• Most Improved Female Spartan: Hazel Smith​

The club also acknowledged the exceptional contributions of its members, celebrating personal bests, marathon completions, and significant improvements over the year. The evening underscored the community spirit and commitment that define the Fairlands Valley Spartans.​

For more details on the club's activities and membership information, visit their official website.​

Stevenage Council Seeks Residents’ Views on Local Priorities

Stevenage Borough Council is inviting residents to share their views on their neighbourhood and highlight key concerns that need addressing. The council has secured funding to tackle local priorities and is seeking feedback to ensure improvements align with community needs.

The survey aims to identify issues that matter most to residents, helping shape future initiatives and investments in the area. The council is encouraging participation, emphasizing that local input is vital in making meaningful changes.

Residents can complete the survey online to have their voices heard and contribute to shaping the future of their community.

CLASSIFIED - JOBS

East Herts Council is currently recruiting for several positions.

Here are the available opportunities:​

1. Principal Planning Officer

• Salary: £43,414 - £52,508 (including local weighting) plus a £3,500 market supplement

• Contract Type: Permanent

• Application Deadline: 4 May 2025

• Department: Planning

• Location: Hertford

• Posted On: 13 February 2025

• Details: Principal Planning Officer Position​

2. BEAM Casual Duty Manager

• Salary: £17.29 per hour (inclusive of local weighting)

• Contract Type: Casual (zero hours)

• Application Deadline: 23 March 2025

• Department: Operations

• Location: Hertford

• Posted On: 5 March 2025

• Details: BEAM Casual Duty Manager Position​

3. Assistant Planning Officer

• Salary: £28,869 - £36,830 (including local weighting)

• Contract Type: Permanent

• Application Deadline: 4 May 2025

• Department: Planning

• Location: Hertford

• Posted On: 12 March 2025

• Details: Assistant Planning Officer Position​

4. Human Resources / Organisational Development Adviser

• Salary: £40,219 - £43,414 (including local weighting)

• Contract Type: Fixed Term

• Application Deadline: 28 March 2025

• Department: Human Resources

• Location: Hertford

• Posted On: 13 March 2025

• Details: HR/OD Adviser Position​

For more information and to apply, please visit the East Herts Council Careers Page.​

​Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is currently recruiting for several positions. Here are the available opportunities:​

1. Assistant Director (Planning)

• Salary: Up to £82,000

• Description: An exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional to lead the Planning service in the world's second Garden City and a growing New Town.

• Details: Assistant Director (Planning) Position​

2. Apprentice - Community Sport and Health

• Salary: Starting at £25,000

• Description: An opportunity to join the Community Partnerships Team in a varied, hands-on role, ideal for someone with an interest in sport and health.

• Details: Apprentice - Community Sport and Health Position​

3. Team Coordinator

• Salary: Starting at £29,000

• Description: Seeking an experienced administrator to provide high-level administrative support to a team.

• Details: Team Coordinator Position​

For more information and to apply, please visit the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Careers Page.​

UPCOMING EVENTS

🌍 World Food Festival 2025

📅 Date: Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May
⏰ Time: 11 AM – 6 PM
📍 Location: Welwyn Garden City town centre

Join food lovers from across the region at the World Food Festival 2025, featuring a diverse range of global cuisines, street food vendors, and live entertainment. With funding from local businesses and event partners, this two-day celebration is set to be a highlight of the season.
➡️ Follow the event page: World Food Festival 2025

☕🌸 Spring Afternoon Tea at Christchurch

📅 Date: Saturday 29th March
📍 Location: Christchurch, Welwyn Garden City

Enjoy a delightful Spring Afternoon Tea featuring a selection of teas, homemade cakes, and sandwiches in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

📩 To book tickets, contact Val or Mandy (email on flyer).

Miles Jupp: On I Bang
Date: 7 April 2025
Description: Comedian Miles Jupp presents his latest stand-up show, blending storytelling with sharp wit.
Tickets: Book Now​BEAM Hertford

The Take That Experience
Date: 21 March 2025
Description: A tribute act delivering the iconic hits of Take That with energy and authenticity.
Tickets: Book Now​BEAM Hertford

Levison Wood: Walking the World – A Life of Exploring and Adventure
Date: 8 May 2025
Description: Explorer Levison Wood shares tales from his global adventures, offering insights into diverse cultures and landscapes.
Tickets: Book Now​BEAM Hertford

Spy Movie: The Play
Dates: 3 - 4 May 2025
Description: A comedic stage adaptation that parodies classic spy films, filled with humor and intrigue.
Tickets: Book Now​BEAM Hertford+3BEAM Hertford+3BEAM Hertford+3

The Phantoms
Date: 30 April 2025
Description: Featuring West End and TV star Lee Mead, this performance celebrates iconic musicals such as Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera.
Tickets: Book Now​BEAM Hertford

WEDNESDAY WEATHER ☀️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

16°C 🌡️ 5°C | ☀️ Sunny and light wind | ☀️ Sunrise 06:07 Sunset 18:12

STEVENAGE

15°C 🌡️ 5°C | ☀️ Sunny and light wind | ☀️ Sunrise 06:07 Sunset 18:12

HERTFORD

16°C 🌡️ 5°C | ☀️ Sunny and light wind | ☀️ Sunrise 06:07 Sunset 18:12

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

16°C 🌡️ 5°C | ☀️ Sunny and light wind | ☀️ Sunrise 06:07 Sunset 18:12

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Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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