Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

We’re in the final stretch of November and rolling straight into Christmas season. Lights are popping up across the borough, although there’s still no clear word on whether Broxbourne will host an official switch-on event.

Local government reorganisation dominated last week. After a tense exchange involving Broxbourne councillors at County Hall, the borough ultimately backed the four-unitary model. That debate is far from over. I wrote an article on why decision makers need to bring people with them as this landscape continues to shift - Have a read.

Event cancellations continue to pile up. The Broxtown Community Champion Gala is off, and the Mayoral Christmas Banquet has been pulled too. Paid events seem to be an issue for residents. The community is losing out on some genuinely special moments. One thing still going ahead, at least for now, is the opening of McDonald’s at Brookfield this Thursday the 26th.

We’ve rounded up the most important stories across the borough so you don’t have to hunt for them.

In today’s issue:

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The disagreement highlights deep divisions across the county about the future structure of local services, with the final decision now resting with the Secretary of State, expected in summer 2026.

While each council evaluated the same evidence base covering financial stability, local democracy and service delivery, their conclusions varied dramatically:

Two Unitary Councils:

Three Unitary Councils:

Four Unitary Councils:

The lack of consensus is particularly striking given that all councils worked collaboratively on the same evidence base throughout the year-long review process. Each option was modelled in detail, yet leaders reached vastly different conclusions about what serves residents best.

The fundamental disagreement centres on a critical trade-off: larger councils offer greater financial resilience and efficiency savings, while smaller councils maintain closer community connections and local identity.

Several councils expressed frustration with the government's reorganisation process being "imposed" rather than locally driven, with concerns about the pace of change and potential service disruption.

The final joint submission goes to government this Friday, 28th November, despite the divisions. A formal consultation will launch in spring 2026, with the Secretary of State making the final decision in summer 2026 on which model Hertfordshire will adopt.

Whatever the outcome, it represents the most significant change to local government in Hertfordshire in over 50 years - yet our leaders couldn't agree on the path forward. This is one to watch closely.

Around 60,000 roadworks are carried out across Hertfordshire annually, mostly by utility companies. While most are planned and well-managed, unplanned or substandard works cause significant delays for road users.

From the New Year, fines for working without a permit will double from £500 to £1,000 (or £600 if paid within 29 days). Penalties for breaching permit conditions will rise from £120 to £240 (or £160 for early payment).

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways, said: "Too often companies undertake works with little consideration for the negative impact on road users. After requesting that Government increase the fines, I welcome confirmation that penalties will be doubled."

The council lobbied the Department for Transport in September, arguing existing penalties were insufficient deterrents.

Read more

Following a survey of 562 schools and 150 school crossing patrol routes, officers identified 80 high-priority locations where overgrown trees and foliage have narrowed paths and discouraged walking and cycling.

The programme targets pedestrian routes near schools first, then expands to other key walking and cycling routes across the county where vegetation issues have been reported.

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE said: "As a new administration we pledged to improve road safety and encourage residents to walk and cycle. This targeted work delivers on those promises."

He warned some sites might initially look "untidy and stark" as teams cut vegetation back deeply to avoid returning within six to 12 months.

The council is also urging residents to trim overhanging vegetation from their own property. Landowners whose vegetation obstructs footways will be contacted and potentially recharged for clearance costs.

Read more

This time of year, it’s SO hard to stay in control of your health.

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Broxbourne Council has formally endorsed the creation of four new unitary authorities as its preferred option for the future of local government in Hertfordshire. The decision was confirmed at a Cabinet meeting held on 18 November 2025.

The move follows several months of joint work involving all ten district councils, Hertfordshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner. The group has been assessing how different reorganisation models would affect local democracy, community identity, service delivery and long-term financial stability.

Three options were examined in detail: forming two, three or four new councils, each with different geographic boundaries and population sizes. After reviewing the modelling, Broxbourne Council backed the four-unitary structure, which would see Broxbourne Borough combined with East Hertfordshire District.

Council leaders argue that smaller unitary authorities would be more responsive to local needs and better positioned to deliver high-quality services.

Council Leader Cllr Corina Gander said the evaluation had been extensive and that while each option had advantages, the four-unitary model offered the strongest benefits for residents. She added that smaller authorities are “better equipped to deliver excellent services to local people,” which underpinned the Council’s support for the proposal.

Full details are available on the council’s website.

Broxbourne welcomed the Mayor of Sutera as part of the borough’s long-standing twinning with the Sicilian town, a partnership that dates back decades and was created to foster cultural exchange, friendship, and shared community projects. The visit included a formal gift exchange between the Mayor of Broxbourne, Councillor Patsy Spears, and the Mayor of Sutera, reaffirming the bond between the two communities.

Sutera, known for its heritage, hillside architecture, and strong diaspora links to the UK, has maintained close civic ties with Broxbourne through regular visits and community events. The Sutera delegation met with Broxbourne representatives to discuss continued collaboration, including educational links and cultural initiatives. Councillors Carol Crump and Steve Wortley attended the event, supporting efforts to keep the partnership active, relevant, and beneficial to residents in both towns.

Construction has begun on a new 45-plot allotment site at Church Lane in Wormley, replacing existing plots at Halfhide Lane to make way for the Brookfield Riverside and Garden Village development.

The facility will feature individual growing plots, dedicated parking, enhanced landscaping, and a sustainable drainage system to support local wildlife. A large area of open space will remain undisturbed to protect biodiversity.

Councillor Paul Mason, Cabinet Member for Planning, called the project an exciting milestone that secures allotment provision while improving the local environment. Local gardeners can expect to begin planting in early spring 2026.

Read more about the Wormley allotments project →

Twenty-four affordable apartments have been completed on Hoddesdon's former squash club site, offering relief to local families as private rents in Broxbourne hit £1,635 per month—a 12.4% annual increase.

Mark Davies Court, opened on 19 November, will welcome nearly 70 residents from the council's housing register. The development was funded through a partnership involving B3Living, Broxbourne Borough Council (£620,000 grant), and Homes England (£1.14 million).

The centrally-located building honors late B3Living board member Mark Davies, who championed affordable housing before his death in 2019.

Read more about Mark Davies Court →

Voting for the Broxtown Community Champion Awards is climbing quickly and the leaderboard is shifting every day. With outstanding nominees across every category, this year’s decision will be tougher than ever. Now it comes down to you. Read each nominee’s story, see the impact they have made in our community and decide who earns your vote.

We had hoped to fund the winners’ prizes and gifts through ticket sales from the planned Gala Night, but with the event now cancelled, those funds are no longer available. We are relying on residents to support the awards directly through our Buy Me a Coffee donation button, so we can still provide certificates and meaningful gift hampers for our winners.

We are also searching for a venue to host the award presentation. If you know a space that could work, please get in touch.

Click here to see all the nominees.

Cast your votes now!

Broxbourne residents are being urged to act fast and nominate their favourite independent businesses for the Best Small Business Competition launched by local MP Lewis Cocking. Any small or family-run business in the Broxbourne constituency is eligible, and the winner will be the one that receives the highest number of nominations.

Lewis Cocking said small businesses remain the backbone of the borough’s high streets, adding that he wants residents to celebrate the shops and services that make Broxbourne thrive. “Our small businesses are incredibly valuable to our high streets and town centres across Broxbourne. I encourage everyone to get involved in my competition and to continue supporting our local independent businesses however they can,” he said.

Residents can nominate businesses delivering standout service, empathy, exceptional customer care or any qualities they believe define a great small business. The deadline is 28 November 2025, so nominations should be submitted as soon as possible.

Nominate here »

Broxtown is expanding its creative horizons with a brand new Music and Culture section, set to be led by local artist and storyteller Jack Carr. Known for his passion for theatre, live performance, poetry, music and written expression, Jack will help bring more community voices into the newsletter.

The new section aims to champion underdog stories and highlight creativity that starts from nothing and grows into something powerful. Residents who enjoy writing, drawing or creating are encouraged to submit their poems, stories, artwork or illustrations for a chance to be featured.

Broxtown is also opening opportunities for contributors who want their own column, as well as businesses or supporters interested in sponsoring a section of the newsletter.

Submissions and enquiries are now open.

Get your steps in and meet new people at this friendly, free weekly walking group.

When: Tuesdays at 9:30am
Where: The Jubilee Shelter, opposite Hoddesdon Library, Hoddesdon EN11
Duration: 45 to 50 minutes
Terrain: Pavements, park paths and riverside routes
Leader: Lucy Kennedy

All ages and all fitness levels are welcome. Bring comfortable shoes and come along for a relaxed, social morning walk.

Get ready for a festive day out as Waltham Cross comes alive with Christmas magic.

When: Saturday 6 December
Where: Waltham Cross Town Centre

Meet Santa in his grotto, enjoy live performances, catch the pop-up panto and soak up the festive atmosphere. A great family event to kick off the Christmas season.

📅 27 Nov – 7 Dec 2025
📍 Hertfordshire Studios
🎟️ From £12.50 | Two shows daily

British Pantomimes brings Cinderella to Hoddesdon with dazzling costumes, stunning sets, and full festive sparkle. Perfect for families, schools, and Christmas outings.

Book: britishpantomimes.com
Box Office: 01992 899000

This stunning 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom detached home in Canton Close, Goffs Oak offers more than 3,200 sq ft of high-spec living space inside an exclusive gated development. Set on a beautifully landscaped 0.35-acre plot, the property features four reception rooms, an impressive open plan kitchen and orangery, and underfloor heating throughout.

The home includes a large driveway, a detached double garage with annex potential, and wraparound gardens finished with premium porcelain paving. Built in 2017, it carries a strong EPC Rating B and sits close to transport links, schools and local amenities.

Immaculately presented and designed for modern family living, this is a must-see property for buyers seeking space, privacy and luxury. Priced at £1,950,000.

Price: £1,959,000 | Type: Detached | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4

Tuesday

7°C 🌡 -1°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:35 Sunset 15:59

Wednesday

6°C 🌡 5°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:36 Sunset 15:58

Thursday

13°C 🌡 9°C | ☀ Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:38 Sunset 15:57

Friday

12°C 🌡 6°C | 🌧 Ligh rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:39 Sunset 15:56

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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