Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

Global politics is noisy right now. The UK is weighing what action to take as Trump’s tariffs loom, while France is even talking about deploying a “bazooka” response. Closer to home, Hertfordshire councils are split over whether May’s elections should go ahead, and there’s quiet chatter in some corners after recent Reform UK gains. We’ll leave all that to the national papers and keep our focus firmly on what matters here in our borough.

So you don’t have to hunt around, I’ve pulled together the local stories that actually affect you this week.

In today’s issue:

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Hertfordshire County Council is supporting the f40 group's campaign for increased and fairer education funding and major reforms to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. The campaign calls for better funding distribution across England, where some areas receive thousands of pounds less per pupil than others. Councillor Mark Watkin, Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, visited Swallow Dell Primary School's new Specialist Resource Provision to see how mainstream schools are delivering inclusive support for pupils with SEND.

Four of six councils due to hold elections want the vote to go ahead.
Broxbourne, St Albans, Three Rivers and Watford oppose postponement.
Stevenage and Welwyn Hatfield have requested a one-year delay.
Ministers will make the final decision.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Register My Appliance Week, urging residents to register their electrical appliances with manufacturers. The initiative helps manufacturers contact owners quickly if safety repairs or recalls are needed. Registration is free and takes just minutes at registermyappliance.org.uk. Electrical fires remain a significant home safety concern, and registering appliances—whether new, second-hand, or inherited—ensures you'll be alerted to potential dangers.

Hertfordshire County Council is supporting the f40 group's campaign for increased and fairer education funding and major reforms to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. The campaign calls for better funding distribution across England, where some areas receive thousands of pounds less per pupil than others. Councillor Mark Watkin, Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, visited Swallow Dell Primary School's new Specialist Resource Provision to see how mainstream schools are delivering inclusive support for pupils with SEND.

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Broxbourne Council Leader Councillor Corina Gander has confirmed the council will not ask the government to postpone the May 2026 local elections. The announcement came after the Minister of State for Local Government asked council leaders whether local elections should be delayed due to local government reorganisation demands. Councillor Gander stated: "I am absolutely clear Broxbourne Council will not be asking for the 2026 Broxbourne Council Local Elections to be delayed. I believe in democracy and giving people a voice, therefore, I am not prepared to deny them their voice at the ballot box."

Couples planning to tie the knot can explore their options at an upcoming wedding fair at Cheshunt Register Office. The historic venue at Bishop's College features the unique Octagonal Suite ceremony room with wood-panelled vaulted ceilings and tall leaded windows. The picturesque grounds include a small lake and bridge over the New River, providing excellent photography opportunities. The venue can accommodate up to 50 guests.

Broxbourne Council has issued a statement after complaints from landlords about rising pressures in the private rented sector.

Some landlords are leaving, but the council says this reflects individual circumstances rather than local policy.

Its expanded Simple Lets scheme now offers rent guarantee help and free property inspections.

A full editorial on the issue will be published on Wednesday. Watch this space.

CCTV cameras have been installed at fly-tipping hotspots in Waltham Cross, including Swanfield Road, following a campaign led by Cllr Sean Waters with local residents.

The cameras aim to deter illegal dumping and help identify offenders. Cllr Waters welcomed the move but said CCTV is only part of the solution and called for the council to keep its impact under review.

He is also pressing for greater community engagement on problem sites and the publication of a borough-wide Fly-Tipping Action Plan.

Motor trade businesses based in the Theobald Arch, Waltham Cross, have been told they must leave when their leases end, with no compensation.

Traders fear losing long-standing customers and having to restart elsewhere. It is believed Arch Co, TfL, and Broxbourne Borough Council are considering a redevelopment that could include new flats near the station and converting some arches into cafés and retail units.

At the time of publication, the council had not responded to requests for comment.

Broxtown will continue to follow this developing story.

Broxbourne has a young sporting talent on the rise.

Roman Curtis, a 13-year-old local resident, is at the start of a promising motorsport career. Over the past few years he has raced in corporate go-kart leagues, winning two championships at Brentwood Racing Track. In July 2025 he also competed at the SODI World Finals in Campillos, Spain, where he won 2 out of 5 races and finished ranked 7th in the world for his category.

Roman and his family have lived in Broxbourne for 24 years, and they are now looking for local business sponsorship to help support his training, travel, and competition costs as he progresses through the sport.

They already have sponsorship packages prepared and are keen to connect with businesses who would like to back a home-grown talent, gain positive local visibility, and be associated with a high-performing young athlete.

If you run a Broxbourne business and would like to explore sponsorship opportunities, or simply want to learn more, please contact Roman’s family via:

👉 [email protected]

Broxtown will also be happy to help facilitate introductions between Roman’s family and interested businesses.

If you run or support a voluntary, community, faith or social enterprise organisation, we want to hear from you.

Community Alliance offers free membership to local voluntary organisations and community groups, including access to training, networking, and practical support to help you meet challenges and make the most of new opportunities.

To shape our training programme for 2026, we need to better understand your priorities and the barriers you’re facing. Your feedback will help ensure the support we provide is relevant, practical, and genuinely useful to your organisation.

Please take a few minutes to complete the short Training Survey by 30 January 2026.

Thank you for helping strengthen the local voluntary sector.

SSet within the exclusive, semi-rural gated development of Halstead Grange, this exceptional chain-free home occupies a secluded corner plot and is approached via its own private, tree-lined driveway. Inspired by classic English stately homes, the property combines grand architectural features with high-spec contemporary finishes, offering over 3,643 sq ft of beautifully designed living and entertaining space.

The ground floor provides an elegant flow of reception rooms, including formal living, dining and study spaces, alongside a stunning rear “super room” featuring a German-designed kitchen, breakfast area and family room. Upstairs, the home offers five generous bedrooms, including a luxurious principal suite with dressing area and en suite, plus three further en suites and a family bathroom.

Outside, the property boasts a double garage and an impressive, secluded wrap-around garden extending to approximately 160ft wide, creating a rare sense of privacy in a highly sought-after location.

Tuesday

10°C 🌡 6°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:56 Sunset 16:27

Wednesday

9°C 🌡 7°C | 🌧 Heavy rain and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:55 Sunset 16:29

Thursday

9°C 🌡 5°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:53 Sunset 16:31

Friday

9°C 🌡 4°C | 🌧 Light rain and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:52 Sunset 16:33

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected]