Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

The Lionesses have truly raised the bar with their incredible final, showing resilience and self-belief right down to the last minute. Big congratulations to them! I hope your week is off to a strong start as well.

As always, I’ve been busy gathering the latest updates from across the community, so you can count on us for what’s happening in town. Many are still curious about the Google development and the new buildings going up near the Marriott in Cheshunt and Theobald Enterprise, I’m working on getting more details for you.

In the meantime, today’s issue has important news about local changes that could impact your home and bills. Stay tuned!

Here’s what’s inside today’s edition:

🏡 Hertfordshire Sets Out Local Retrofit Strategy
🌱 Public Consultation on Hertfordshire’s Nature Recovery Plan
🏘️ Concerns and Support Over Local Asylum Seeker Facilities
🚯 Borough Launches Summer Crackdown on Chewing Gum Litter
🥩 The Gem of the Week – The Butcher’s Corner, Hoddesdon
➕ And much more…

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Hertfordshire County is launching its Local Retrofit Strategy, a bold new plan to make our homes greener, warmer, and more affordable to run. The strategy aims to help residents reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and cut carbon emissions through energy-efficient upgrades.

Why now? According to a recent county-wide survey by the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership, more than 80% of Hertfordshire residents say they are concerned about climate change, and nearly 60% are interested in making home improvements to save energy. Yet, many are unsure where to start or how to access support and funding.

The new Retrofit Strategy is designed to close that gap making it easier for homeowners, landlords, contractors, builders, and tradespeople to get the right advice, funding, and training. From practical tips on insulation and low-carbon heating to guides on grants and upskilling, this is a chance to future-proof your home or business.

Stay tuned: We’ll be sharing more information soon to help you make sense of what’s coming, what’s possible, and what’s in it for you.

More updates and step-by-step guides coming soon, watch this space!

Hertfordshire residents can help shape the county's environmental future in two online consultation sessions on Tuesday 19 August for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Session times:

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will determine where and how Hertfordshire tackles biodiversity decline and restores natural habitats. The strategy will influence planning decisions, development requirements, and environmental funding across the county.

As the designated Responsible Authority under the Environment Act 2021, Hertfordshire County Council must consult the public before publishing the final strategy. The plan will identify priority areas for nature recovery and outline specific actions needed to support wildlife throughout the region.

The strategy will have major implications for residents, affecting everything from where new housing developments must provide biodiversity benefits to which areas get prioritized for habitat restoration. It represents a rare opportunity for ordinary people to directly influence environmental policy decisions.

Both online sessions are free to attend. Participants can expect to learn about proposed priority areas, planned habitat projects, and how the strategy integrates with local planning processes.

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Following the recent protest outside an Epping hotel housing asylum seekers, some residents in Broxbourne Borough are now calling for similar facilities in the area to be closed. Concerns raised range from child safety to broader community impacts, with several locals urging borough politicians to bring the issue to the highest levels of government.

Emotions are running high, and frustration appears close to boiling point. Many in the community worry that any incident could escalate tensions locally. However, not all residents share the same views. We have spoken to locals who sympathise with the plight of asylum seekers, urging the community to show understanding for people who have fled life-threatening situations abroad.

“This is a complex issue,” one resident commented. “It touches on everything from the effects of Brexit, our ageing population, the ongoing need for healthcare staff, and the wider skills gap in our workforce.”

As debate continues, I invite residents to share their views (reply with your answers - state the questions and then answer):

With passions running high, most community voices are calling for calm and respectful discussion, recognising both the challenges and the humanity involved. Broxtown will continue to follow this story and encourages readers to get in touch with their perspectives.

This summer, the Borough Council is stepping up efforts to tackle chewing gum litter, thanks to a grant from the national #ChewingGumTaskForce. The funding will help remove existing gum from public spaces and install new signage to encourage people to bin their gum, not drop it.

The campaign is a key part of the borough’s wider sustainability strategy, which aims to create cleaner, greener streets and reduce plastic pollution. Chewing gum contains plastic that does not biodegrade—contributing to microplastic pollution and harming the local environment.

As the council launches this summer campaign, residents are being urged to make the switch to plastic-free or digestible alternatives and to help spread the message: dispose of gum properly and protect our community’s green spaces.

This initiative supports the borough’s long-term commitment to sustainability, encouraging everyone to take small steps that add up to a cleaner, healthier Hertfordshire.
Learn more about the campaign and the borough’s green priorities at bit.ly/ChewingGumTaskForce.

Your opinion matters to us - don't hesitate to get in touch!

This week, we shine a spotlight on the incredible ‘Wednesday Volunteers’ - a dedicated group of gardening heroes, easily recognised by their cheerful yellow shirts, who give up their Wednesdays to make Cedars Park a better place for everyone.

Their latest act of community spirit? Coming to the rescue of the historic maze at the far end of Cedars Park. Dating back to 1650, the maze has been lovingly replanted and nurtured by the parks department after suffering from box blight and, more recently, damage caused by bikes. But it was the ‘Wednesday Volunteers’ who stepped in, rolling up their sleeves and building a protective boxed floor all around the maze, a huge undertaking that’s safeguarded the young plantings for generations to come.

Not only have they protected the maze, but they’ve also weeded the area and applied their carpentry skills to ensure this special part of our local heritage thrives.

Broxtown extends its heartfelt thanks and admiration to the ‘Wednesday Volunteers’ for their hard work, dedication, and community spirit. Next time you see them in their yellow shirts, be sure to give them a wave!

Thank you, Wednesday Volunteers—you are true Broxtown Heroes!

A new nursery, Mini Morgans, is set to open this September on the site of Morgans School, offering more childcare options for local families. The arrival of Mini Morgans follows the success of nurseries like Tiny Toes and responds to the growing need for early years places in the community.

The team behind Mini Morgans has expressed their excitement about joining the town and building strong community links. They hope to provide a nurturing environment where young children can thrive.

Community members are encouraged to help spread the word by sharing the nursery’s flier. With the autumn opening approaching, anticipation is building for what promises to be a welcome addition to the area’s early years provision.

Broxtown will share further updates as Mini Morgans prepares to welcome its first children this September.

This week’s gem is The Butcher’s Corner in Hoddesdon, a local favourite renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and personalised service. Following a recent renovation, the shop now boasts a modern and inviting space, making every visit a pleasure.

The Butcher’s Corner offers a wide selection of high-quality meats, from everyday essentials to specialty cuts and custom orders, all tailored to suit your individual preferences. The team takes great pride in their commitment to excellence, ensuring that customers always enjoy a friendly greeting, expert advice, and the finest products.

Whether you’re preparing a family meal or searching for something special for the weekend, The Butcher’s Corner stands out as a true staple of the community.

Call now for yours! - 01992678525

Discover the difference at The Butcher’s Corner, Broxtown’s Gem of the Week!

Tuesday

20°C 🌡 14°C | ☁ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 05:18 Sunset 20:54

Wednesday

23°C 🌡 14°C | ☁ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 05:19 Sunset 20:53

Thursday

20°C 🌡 14°C | ⛈ Thundery showers and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 05:21 Sunset 20:51

Friday

20°C 🌡 14°C | 🌧 Drizzle and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 05:24 Sunset 20:48

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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