Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

We're Back! Happy New Year 🥰 🎉

After a quick escape overseas to recharge, Broxtown is ready to hit the ground running for what promises to be a landmark year in Broxbourne Borough.

2026 brings big changes: local government reorganisation, elections that could shake things up, and plenty of stories worth following. We'll be right here, closer than ever to residents, capturing how it all unfolds in real time.

We've also got some exciting updates to how we bring you community news and events. Watch this space over the coming weeks.

A quick ask: keep the feedback coming, share the newsletter with neighbours, and if you've got a story to tell (good vibes only, please!), we'd love to hear from you.

As always, Broxtown is your home for local news, events, and yes, the occasional bit of gossip.

Let's make it a great year.

In today’s issue:

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Hertfordshire County Council has warned of a potential £40 million funding gap as it prepares draft budget proposals for 2026/27. The proposals are expected to be published later this month.

Separately, the council acknowledged on 4 January that more work is needed on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, despite a recent inspection noting improvements.

Read more

Hertfordshire County Council had gritting teams out across the county yesterday in preparation for the snow.

Crews were on the roads from 4am, with further gritting runs carried out in the evening and again early this morning to keep routes safe.

For more information on gritting routes and updates, visit the Hertfordshire County Council website.

Read more

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Broxbourne Council has confirmed it will ask the Government not to cancel the local elections scheduled for 7 May 2026.

The Government recently wrote to councils across England, including six in Hertfordshire, asking whether they would like their elections postponed due to ongoing local government reorganisation plans. Council Leader Lewis Maylin Gander made clear that Broxbourne Council will not be asking for the elections to be delayed.

He stated that he sees no conflict between the council's democratic duty and its ability to run Broxbourne, adding that he believes in democracy and giving people a voice, and is not prepared to deny residents their voice at the ballot box.

The decision comes as Hertfordshire's 11 councils work through proposals that could see the current two-tier structure replaced with a smaller number of unitary authorities by April 2028.

Read more

Broxbourne Council is calling on residents to nominate the unsung heroes and outstanding community groups making a difference across the borough.

The 2026 BOB (Borough of Broxbourne) Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations who go above and beyond for their communities, whether through volunteering, charity work, sports, or simply being a good neighbour.

From youth leaders and carers to local charities and grassroots organisations, the awards shine a spotlight on those who deserve recognition for their dedication and hard work.

Nominating is quick and easy. Residents can put forward anyone they believe has made a positive impact in Broxbourne, no matter how big or small.

To submit a nomination, visit the Broxbourne Council website. Don't miss the chance to help a local hero get the recognition they deserve.

Now that the festive season is over, Broxbourne Council is reminding residents to dispose of their Christmas trees responsibly.

Real and artificial trees can be dropped off free of charge at the borough's Household Waste and Recycling Centres:

Real trees will be recycled into compost or wood chippings, helping to reduce landfill waste. Residents are asked to remove all decorations, lights, and tinsel before drop-off.

For those unable to visit a recycling centre, real trees can also be cut into small sections and placed in garden waste bins where applicable.

For more information on opening times and what can be recycled, visit the Broxbourne Council website.

The Cedars Nature Centre is bringing the zoo to local schools this term with offsite animal visits led by education officer Lucy. Schools can book a visit featuring a selection of animals tailored to curriculum topics. Popular sessions include general animal talks and end of term treats. Spaces are filling up fast, so advance booking is essential. For further information and pricing, visit the link in the comments.

Read More

Broxbourne Council is encouraging young athletes across the borough to apply for the Opportunity for Excellence grant scheme.

The scheme supports talented individuals aged between 11 and 30 who are looking to develop their existing sports skills and take their performance to the next level.

Successful applicants will receive a one-year membership to either John Warner Sports Centre or Laura Trott Leisure Centre, giving them access to facilities and training opportunities to help them reach their potential.

Whether competing at local, regional, or national level, the grant is designed to remove barriers and give aspiring athletes the support they need to excel in their chosen sport.

To find out more about eligibility and how to apply, visit the Broxbourne Council website.

Apply here >

Volunteers at Cedars Park have been hard at work on an exciting new Educational Centre, continuing construction even in freezing temperatures of minus three degrees.

The dedicated team at Friends of Cedars Park is bringing the project to life with the aim of teaching visitors about the vital role bees play in our environment.

Once complete, the centre will welcome schools and community groups for educational visits throughout the year.

A big thank you goes out to all the volunteers who have helped make this project possible.

Any groups interested in booking a visit later in the year are encouraged to get in touch via the Friends of Cedars Park Facebook page.

Christopher Stokes Estate Agency marked its 20th anniversary on Saturday with a celebration at its Cheshunt office.

Local residents joined the team for bubbles, snacks, and plenty of festivities. To mark the milestone, the agency gave away 20 prizes, with one lucky winner taking home a family pass to Hertfordshire Zoo.

Congratulations to all the winners, and congratulations to Christopher Stokes on its 20years. Many more years of providing homes to residents in our communities.

Step2Skills has launched its new year course line-up, offering low-cost, high-quality training to help Hertfordshire residents develop new skills and boost their employability.

Courses starting in January include:

Here’s the top 4 stories making news in the Arts and Culture space in our borough - by Jacky M Carr;

1. Funding Setback, But Not the End

An Arts Council England funding bid for a community-engaged art project in the area submitted by our local Culture correspondent - Jacky Carr was unfortunately unsuccessful. However, plans are already underway to reapply with feedback from ACE and guidance from a contact made at the BEYOND Festival. This is a pause, not a full stop.

2. Community Spaces Still in Play

Despite the funding setback, conversations are continuing with local venues who offered in-kind space for the project. The aim is to keep the momentum going by bringing people together to create and connect. Those who want to be part of something new are encouraged to get involved.

3. New Creative Hub Emerging in Hoddesdon

Hertfordshire Studios in Hoddesdon is keen to welcome more creatives and build a local arts presence. This presents a fresh opportunity to develop community-driven projects in the area. Updates on this collaboration will be shared through the Broxtown newsletter.

4. New Writing Celebrates Local Stories

A brand new script inspired by the local area has been submitted for a playwriting award. This is part of a wider effort to tell stories rooted in the community. Local voices and experiences remain at the heart of the creative work being developed.

The first market of the year is here. Waltham Cross Market returns today with a wide variety of stalls to browse and shop from.

Held every Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 4pm, the market is the perfect place to pick up fresh produce, goods, and bargains while supporting local traders and businesses.

Start the new year by shopping local.

📍 Dobsons, Cheshunt

📅 Tuesday 13th January

🕛 12pm to 1.30pm

Connect with local business owners and make new connections at the next Love Cheshunt networking meeting. Free for Love Cheshunt members and first-time attendees.

Book your space at eventbrite.co.uk https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../cheshunt-business...

📍 Duffield Harrison Car Park, 56 High Street, Hoddesdon (opposite St Augustine's Church)

📅 Saturday 17th January

🕤 9.30am to 2.00pm

Got an old bike gathering dust? Give it a second life. Hoddesdon Rotary is collecting unwanted bicycles on behalf of Re-Cycle, helping communities across Africa gain access to essential transport.

📍 Hoddesdon Library

📅 Date Saturday 17th January, 11:00 - 11:45

Little ones can enjoy messy, creative play using potato shapes and plenty of paint, then take home their very own piece of artwork. A fun, hands-on activity for families without the clean-up at home.

Book your ticket in the library

📍 Queen Eleanor Square, Waltham Cross

📅 Tuesday 27 January

🕥 10.30am to 3.30pm

Free health and wellbeing support including NHS health checks, blood pressure screenings, and more. No appointment needed.

Wednesday

5°C 🌡 1°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 08:05 Sunset 16:08

Thursday

12°C 🌡 11°C | 🌧 Heavy rain and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 08:05 Sunset 16:09

Friday

15°C 🌡 11°C | 🌨 Sleet and a fresh breeze | ☀ Sunrise 08:04 Sunset 16:10

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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