Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

What a weekend it’s been! From Love Cheshunt’s superheroes and princesses lighting up the dance floor at Grundy, to live music at Rock Around the Clock Tower, Broxbourne was buzzing with energy. Things kicked off on Thursday with B3Living’s community day, bringing families and dignitaries together for a fantastic time.

Friday also marked VJ Day, though any official recognition locally seemed quiet. Meanwhile, demonstrations outside the former Marriott Hotel brought strong voices around the ongoing asylum seeker debate.

All in all, it was a busy weekend, and with sunshine ahead this week, there’s plenty to look forward to. I’ve rounded up the highlights from the borough and some key county updates for you.

Here’s what’s inside today’s issue:

Alongside the ongoing summer activities, we’ve got important local updates you won’t want to miss. Tomorrow, we’ll be publishing a special editorial on retrofitting your home – exploring what it means for your finances and, most importantly, your health. Keep an eye out for it.

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Hertfordshire County Council is changing its street lighting schedule to save £14,000 annually. Currently running lights on a full night setting with 25% dimming between 23:00 and 06:00, the council will swap to part night lighting, which means lights will dim between 21:00 and 23:00 before being switched off until 05:00 and staying on until dawn. A total of 1,293 street lights across the county will be affected by the change. The council states that these changes align with their policy to ensure energy is used responsibly while keeping safety as a priority.

Hertfordshire County Council is supporting young people's workplace success through their Services for Young People program. The SfYP Supported Employment Team helps young people with learning difficulties and disabilities to find suitable paid work and thrive in the workplace. Supported Internships are for young people aged 16-25 with additional needs who want to move into employment but need support to do so. The council also provides career guidance and advice for young people with special educational needs and disabilities up to age 25.

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Hertfordshire Constabulary welcomed 36 new officers at an outdoor graduation ceremony in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday, 14 August.

The group of 21 student officers and 15 trainee detectives were celebrated by family, friends and dignitaries including Chief Constable Andy Prophet and Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards.

Chief Constable Prophet praised their “grit and determination” during 22 weeks of training and said they were now ready to serve communities across the county.

PC Mevindra Armon and PC Charlotte O’Sullivan received the Andy Hutchings Endeavour Award, honouring a much-loved police trainer.

Families in Hoddesdon enjoyed a day of free ice cream, face painting, and community activities as housing association B3Living hosted its annual community day at Pound Close Recreation Ground on Thursday, 14 August.

The event brought together local organisations to provide advice and support while offering fun entertainment for children, including balloon art and even an exotic reptile exhibit. Visitors could access services such as the Better Health Bus from Hertfordshire County Council, Broxbourne BEST waste management, the Money Advice Unit, and family support charity CHEXS, among others.

Residents also had the opportunity to meet Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking and newly elected Mayor Patsy Spears, raising local concerns and learning more about available services.

B3Living CEO Steve Woodcock praised the turnout, saying:

B3Living, based in Hoddesdon, provides over 5,500 homes across southeast Hertfordshire and the Essex border, supporting more than 13,000 local people. The organisation plans to begin construction of 400 new affordable homes between 2024 and 2027.

For more information, visit www.b3living.org.uk.

Hertstown Media has launched a new photography challenge inviting residents to showcase the beauty of Hertfordshire through their lenses. From village lanes and bustling high streets to landmarks and modern architecture, the project aims to tell the county’s story by blending historic images with scenes from today.

Winning entries will be chosen from every town and village, with selected photographs featured in a special series on Hertfordshire’s heritage.

Residents can take part by sending their images via WeTransfer to [email protected] with the subject line Herts Stories – [Your Village/Town].

Send your photos by 13th September, for your photos to be selected.

Broxbourne Council has released its Summer Fun Brochure, packed with events for children, families and young people across the borough.

The comprehensive guide features outdoor cinemas, play schemes, exhibitions and various activities designed to keep residents entertained throughout the summer holidays. The programme offers something for all ages, from toddler-friendly sessions to youth activities.

Events are scheduled to run throughout the summer season, providing local families with accessible entertainment options close to home.

The full brochure with dates, times and booking information can be downloaded at https://ow.ly/NIz550W9SUL

The Hampstead is a five-bedroom home from Redrow’s Heritage Collection that perfectly blends classic design with modern convenience. Inside, two bedrooms come with en-suites, alongside a family bathroom and guest cloakroom. The fifth bedroom offers flexibility as a home office or guest space.

Downstairs, the open-plan kitchen, dining and family area creates a bright social hub, complemented by a separate lounge, utility room and an integrated double garage for added storage.

Located at Hendricks Green in Waltham Cross, residents enjoy the best of both worlds – countryside living just 30 minutes from London by train. With excellent schools nearby, green spaces to explore, and eco-friendly heating options, this home is designed for families who want comfort, convenience and style.

📞 Contact Redrow today to arrange a viewing.

Tuesday

24°C 🌡 14°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 05:51 Sunset 20:16

Wednesday

21°C 🌡 12°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 05:52 Sunset 20:14

Thursday

20°C 🌡 8°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 05:54Sunset 20:12

Friday

22°C 🌡 10°C | ☀ Sunny and light winds | ☀ Sunrise 05:56 Sunset 20:10

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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