Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

Welcome to a brand-new month — and the start of autumn’s golden colours, crisp mornings, and of course… the return of school runs, packed lunches, and busy commutes. Whether you're waving off little ones at the school gates or just trying to remember what day it is after the summer holidays — we’re right there with you.

A huge good luck to everyone starting a new school term, especially those entering a new school for the first time. Hertfordshire is proud to have nearly 300,000 children and young people attending schools across the county, with over 90% rated Good or Outstanding. That’s something worth celebrating! 🎉

📸 This month, I’m excited to launch the Hertstown Photography Challenge!
We’re inviting residents to share photos that capture the spirit of our towns — from landmarks and daily life to hidden gems. It’s your chance to show off your perspective and creativity.

👉 Click here to submit your photo

As part of this, I’m also working on a coffee table book to tell the story of modern Hertfordshire through local eyes — your photos, your memories, your voices. Would you buy a copy? Want to contribute ideas or stories? I’d love to hear from you — just reply to this email and I’ll include your thoughts in the next edition.

Here’s what’s inside this week’s issue:

🎓 Secondary School Applications Now Open – Apply by 31 October
🍽️ Free School Meal Applications Still Open
⚖️ Broxbourne's Legal Push Following Epping Ruling
🏠 Retrofit Your Home with Help from Local Suppliers
➕ And much more…

👋 A warm welcome to all our new subscribers! Thanks for joining the Broxtown community. Your input shapes what we do, so let us know what you’d love to read next.

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Parents in Broxbourne and across Hertfordshire can now apply for secondary, upper school, or university technical college places for September 2026.

🗓️ Deadline: 31 October 2025

Apply online at 👉 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions
Benefits of applying online:

📌 Info has been sent via local schools and open event details are available at:
👉 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/schoolsdirectory

Paper forms are available for those without internet access but must be returned to the Admissions and Transport Team(not schools).

Under 11s (primary/junior/middle) applications open 3 November and close 15 January 2026.

✅ For updates and full guidance:
👉 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions

Hertfordshire County Council is reminding parents and carers that it's not too late to apply for free school meals if their child has started primary or secondary school this September.

The council encourages all eligible families to check their eligibility and complete the quick and easy application process online.

Applying for free school meals ensures children receive a nutritious meal during the school day and could also provide additional funding to support their education.

Parents and carers can find more information and apply at:
👉 https://orlo.uk/3SfVN

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Broxbourne Borough Council's plan to take enforcement action against the use of the Delta Marriott Hotel in Cheshunt to house asylum seekers has come under renewed scrutiny following a key court ruling in nearby Epping.

Last week, the Court of Appeal overturned an injunction by Epping Forest District Council that had temporarily blocked asylum use of the Bell Hotel. Judges sided with the Home Office, stating it had the authority to use hotels for emergency accommodation, weakening the legal basis for similar challenges.

In response, Broxbourne Council Leader Cllr Corina Gander said:

However, with the Epping ruling avoiding a legal precedent in favour of councils, Broxbourne’s planned enforcement now faces greater uncertainty.

Broxbourne may still proceed with enforcement, but the courts have signalled strong support for central government authority on asylum housing. Unless Broxbourne presents a materially different legal case or reaches a negotiated resolution, the Delta Marriott is likely to remain in use.

Broxtown will continue to monitor developments closely.

Broxbourne Borough Council is supporting Hertfordshire’s Retrofit Strategy to help homeowners improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. From insulation and heat pumps to solar panels and ventilation upgrades, retrofitting can make a big difference to your comfort and energy bills.

We’ve developed a local supplier directory featuring trusted tradesmen ready to take on retrofit jobs in your area.

💡 You’ll also find helpful guidance, funding options, and training resources at:
👉 www.HCCSP.org.uk/retrofit

✅ Want a free quote for a retrofit job on your home?
Click here to get started:

The UK Government has launched a public consultation on a proposed permitting scheme for Automated Passenger Services (APS) — covering self-driving taxis, shuttles, and other autonomous public transport services.

This move is part of a wider push to safely integrate autonomous vehicles into the UK's transport network. The proposed scheme would regulate how these vehicles operate, ensuring safety for passengers, pedestrians, and other road users, while promoting innovation in transport technology.

The consultation invites feedback from local residents, businesses, transport operators, and tech companies.

🗓️ Deadline: Sunday, 28 September 2025 at 11:59 PM
📄 Have your say here:
👉 https://ow.ly/U5Ec50WK6Xk

In preparation for upcoming local and national elections, Broxbourne Borough Council has sent Household Enquiry Letters (HEFs) to all homes. These letters ask residents to confirm or update their household’s voter information on the electoral register.

Ensuring your details are accurate means you won't miss your chance to vote — whether in person, by post, or by proxy.

🔍 What to do:

This is part of the council’s annual canvass and is essential for democratic participation.

Are you a food business in Broxbourne or across Hertfordshire that promotes healthy, sustainable and locally-sourced food?

The Hertfordshire County Council is inviting businesses to apply for the Herts Responsible Food Award, a scheme that recognises eateries going the extra mile for public health and the environment.

The award is open to:

Winners receive county-wide recognition and feature in promotional materials encouraging residents to dine responsibly.

🌐 Apply here: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/HRFA

From Tuesday 23 September, several key roads in Hoddesdon will be closed between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM for essential maintenance and resurfacing.

Affected roads:

🚗 Diversions will be in place.
🚫 On-street parking will be suspended on Lord Street, Conduit Lane, and surrounding areas.

🅿️ Burford Street Car Park:

If you commute via the M25 from Junction 25 in Cheshunt, be aware of night closures starting from 1 September for 4 nights.

To avoid delays:

Hertfordshire Trading Standards is warning residents about counterfeit Labubu dolls and toys being sold in local shops and markets. While they may look appealing, these toys often fail to meet UK safety standards and could pose a serious risk to children.

✅ Check before buying:

🚨 If the toy lacks these, don’t buy it.
📢 Report suspicious toys to Consumer Advice or call 0808 223 1133

Looking to hire staff? Find out how the Waltham Cross Jobcentre can help your business recruit skilled local workers for free.

Enjoy tea, coffee, and cake while chatting with the team about:

🗓️ Date: Thursday 16 October
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Waltham Cross Jobcentre, 235 High Street, EN8 7BA
📞 Contact:

Hertfordshire is now one of the UK’s top film and TV production hubs, hosting blockbuster franchises like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Barbie, and Wicked. But did you know that local businesses can supply goods and services to this booming sector?

Join the Hertfordshire Growth Hub at Hatfield Park for The Big Picture — a free event to help businesses connect with the film & TV industry.

📅 Date: 23 September 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Riding School, Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire

What to expect:

🎤 Speakers include leaders from Sustainable Film, OMA Studio Group, and Hertfordshire Film Office.

👉 Register to attend here

DejaVu Indian Restaurant - Cheshunt's Best-Kept Secret!

Tucked away at 19 High Street, Cheshunt, De Ja Vu Restaurant is a hidden gem locals quietly rave about. Known for its authentic Indian cuisine, it has earned over 200 reviews on TripAdvisor and ranks #11 out of 46 restaurants in Cheshunt, a testament to its consistent quality.

What sets De Ja Vu apart is its reach beyond Cheshunt, delivering to nearby areas like Cuffley, Waltham Abbey, and Broxbourne, making it a favourite across Hertfordshire’s commuter belt.

With dishes priced around £13, the restaurant offers a perfect blend of quality and value. Meals are prepared by skilled chefs who stay true to traditional Indian flavours, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.

While trendy restaurants come and go, De Ja Vu proves that great food doesn't need the spotlight. It’s the kind of place that keeps people coming back — authentic, affordable, and proudly local.

Already been? We'd love to hear what you thought - drop us your review!

Tuesday

18°C 🌡 13°C | 🌧 Light rain and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:13 Sunset 19:46

Wednesday

19°C 🌡 11°C | ⛈ Gusty winds and thundery showers | ☀ Sunrise 06:15 Sunset 19:43

Thursday

19°C 🌡 9°C | 🌧 Light rain showers and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:16 Sunset 19:41

Friday

21°C 🌡 13°C | ☀ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:18 Sunset 19:39

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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