Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

We hope you had a good weekend and a smooth start to the week. Tuesday is when we bring together the stories and updates that matter most locally, carefully curated so you don’t have to go searching.

The rain is still with us, with warnings issued ahead of Storm Chandra. While we keep an eye on conditions closer to home, our thoughts are also with communities across the Atlantic facing severe weather and power outages.

Back here in Broxbourne Borough, we’re making a few changes following your recent survey feedback, and we’re also publishing a correction after a misrepresentation in our last edition.

Here’s what’s making headlines across the borough:

• Broxtown to Change Publication Format, Shaped by Your Feedback
• CORRECTION: Theobalds Arches Reporting on Trades and Eviction Claims
• Norovirus Cases Surge Across the Region, Experts Warn
• Bank of England Economist to Address Hertfordshire Chamber Lunch
• Business Spotlight: Fishy Delishy, Cheshunt
➕ And more local news that matters to you.

👋 A warm welcome to our new subscribers, and thank you for being part of the Broxtown community. If you’d like to support our local journalism, you can buy us a coffee using the link below. Have an event you’d like us to cover? Submit it here.

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Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent Broxtown reader survey. Your feedback was clear and has directly shaped how the newsletter will be delivered going forward. From now on, Broxtown will publish one clear weekly report, bringing together local news and events in a single edition. The focus will remain firmly on Broxbourne Borough, with regular updates on council activity, planning and development, local services, and transport.

Each edition will also continue to highlight local shops, businesses and new openings, alongside community events and Business and Community Spotlights celebrating the people and organisations that make the borough what it is. Our editorial cadence will remain unchanged, with regular deep-dive pieces exploring the issues that matter most to residents, providing context, explanation and different perspectives.

Thank you again for your honest feedback. We’ll keep working to make Broxtown relevant, useful and worth your time. If you value what we do, please help us grow by sharing the newsletter with friends, family and neighbours.

A Labour councillor will act as this week’s Guest Editor, offering clarity on the rationale behind the proposed abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions and what the change could mean for renters and landlords.

In his contribution, the councillor sets out why the rule is being removed, arguing that stronger renter protections are needed to reduce unfair evictions and improve housing standards, while still allowing landlords to regain possession of their properties for legitimate reasons. He also outlines why, in his view, the reforms offer benefits to both renters and responsible landlords.

The full piece will be published tomorrow as this week’s Editorial, providing readers with a clearer understanding of the policy, its intended impact, and the wider housing context.

Look out for tomorrow’s edition.

In our last edition, we reported that traders operating from Theobalds Arches near Theobalds Grove station had been notified of potential redevelopment plans, which could lead to the end of their leases and possible eviction. The report followed concerns raised locally by businesses and residents about the future of the arches and the impact on those currently operating there.

CORRECTION: In that report, we stated that enquiries had been made to Broxbourne Borough Council and that the council had not responded. We would like to clarify that there is no evidence that a formal enquiry was submitted to the council prior to publication, and the reference suggesting a lack of response from the council was inaccurate. We apologise for this error.

Given the level of interest from residents and local businesses, we are continuing to follow up on this matter. Formal enquiries have now been sent to Arch Company and Broxbourne Borough Council to seek clarity on any redevelopment plans, tenant communications, and potential timelines.

This issue has generated significant local interest due to its potential impact on the community. We will provide further updates once confirmed information is available and remain committed to accurate, factual reporting.

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Health officials are urging residents to take precautions as norovirus infections climb sharply in early 2026. UK Health Security Agency data shows a 47% spike in cases, with those aged 65 and over particularly affected.

The winter vomiting bug, distinct from coronavirus, spreads rapidly through communities. UKHSA recommends washing hands regularly, staying home when symptomatic, wearing face coverings when visiting vulnerable individuals, and maintaining good hygiene practices. Residents experiencing symptoms should isolate to prevent transmission.

Learn More

Broxbourne Borough Council has opened applications for roundabout sponsorship opportunities across the borough, starting with the Waltham Cross roundabout. The initiative offers local businesses visibility while supporting civic infrastructure.

The Economic Development team is managing the programme, which is exclusively available to Broxbourne-based businesses. Interested companies can contact the team on 01992 785 565 to discuss sponsorship packages and advertising specifications.

Residents who registered for postal votes on or before 30 January 2024 must re-apply by 31 January 2026 to maintain their postal voting status. The Electoral Commission's updated requirements mean existing registrations expire this month.

Anyone who applied after January 2024 is unaffected. Those needing to re-register can complete applications online through the council's electoral services portal. Missing the deadline means voting in person at polling stations.

Hertfordshire's business community will hear directly from Bank of England economist Lorna Pringle at the February Chamber Lunch on 22 February at The Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club.

The event, hosted by Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, will also feature Ganesh Gnanamoorthy, Director of Planning and Place at Broxbourne Borough Council, providing an economic development update for the county. The lunch begins at 11:45am, with booking available through the Chamber's website.

Learn more

The Department for Transport is consulting on plans to transfer all taxi and private hire vehicle licensing to local transport authorities across England. The proposal would standardise licensing processes and potentially affect how Broxbourne Borough manages local taxi operations.

Residents and businesses have until 1 April 2026 to submit feedback on the reforms, which aim to streamline regulation and improve passenger safety standards nationwide.

Learn more

Tuesday 27 January (Today): Better Health Bus visits Queen Eleanor Square, Waltham Cross (10:30-15:30) offering free NHS Health Checks, blood pressure monitoring, and stop smoking support. More

Friday 30 January: Two key events—Cyber and Fraud Awareness session at Hoddesdon Library (free entry, no booking required), and Herts Growth Hub's business workshop "Growing Your Business with the End Goal in Mind" at University of Hertfordshire's Enterprise Hub (9am-3pm). More

Saturday 7 February: Saturday Stories at Hoddesdon Library features bird-themed tales and crafts for children aged 8 and under (11am-12pm, free).

Monday 16-20 February: Kidz Klub returns for half-term at John Warner Sports Centre, Hoddesdon, with sports, games, dance, and arts activities. More..

Chexs Parenting Unplugged continues its popular sessions with SEND specialist Jenny Hammond offering practical guidance for parents and carers. The sessions provide advice on understanding special educational needs, navigating services, and building confidence in supporting children.

Sessions run at Cheshunt Library with limited places available. The next session is 3 February. Booking is essential through Eventbrite, with tea and coffee provided.

Learn more

Cheshunt FC honoured Sam Granville and Antonis Vasiliou at their recent home fixture, both players reaching 100 appearances for the Ambers. Former player Danny Brown presented the milestone awards, recognising the duo's consistency and commitment to the club.

The recognition highlights the pair's contribution to a team built on loyalty and determination, with both players continuing to feature regularly in Cheshunt's matchday squads.

Broxbourne Borough Council maintains a comprehensive Cost of Living Directory for residents facing financial pressures. The resource includes support for food access, energy bill assistance, mental health services, and additional community resources.

The directory is available on the council's website, providing information on local and national schemes designed to help households manage rising costs.

Directory

Nominations have opened for the BOB Awards, recognising individuals and community groups making exceptional contributions to Broxbourne Borough. The awards celebrate volunteers, activists, and organisations whose work strengthens local communities.

Residents can submit nominations through the council's website, highlighting achievements in categories spanning community service, environmental action, and youth development.

Nominate here

Support local traders at Hoddesdon and Waltham Cross markets, open every Wednesday and Friday from 8am-4pm. The markets offer fresh produce, crafts, and goods from independent stallholders, providing an alternative to high street chains while strengthening the local economy.

Fishy Delishy in Cheshunt has been named one of the UK’s 10 Best Fish & Chip Restaurants 2026, placing the local favourite among the very best in the country.

The prestigious award follows a mystery dining visit by Fry Magazine, where inspectors assessed food quality, cleanliness, service, value for money, ease of ordering and social media presence. With a demanding pass mark of 96%, Fishy Delishy achieved an impressive 97%.

Judges praised the restaurant’s consistently high standards, use of premium ingredients and professional equipment, with the mystery diner describing the fish as “exceptionally fresh” with a “crisp, light batter”. Staff were also highlighted as professional, welcoming and clearly proud of their work.

To mark the achievement, members of the local community, including the MP and several councillors, visited the restaurant last week to congratulate the team. As you’d expect, visitors were also treated to generous tasters to experience the award-winning food first-hand.

Fishy Delishy is a family-run business that has built a strong reputation over the years in Broxbourne Borough for quality, consistency and community spirit.

👉 Why not visit and try it for yourself?
Mention Broxtown when you visit and enjoy a special discount as a thank you for supporting local.

📍 Fishy Delishy
13a–14 Newnham Parade, College Road
Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN8 9NU

A stunning, chain-free five-bedroom detached home set within a gated mews at Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club. Features include a luxury refitted kitchen, three reception rooms, two en suites, south-facing walled garden, double garage and parking. Ideally located near schools, transport links and Broxbourne station.

Price: £1,050,000 | Type: Detached | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3

Tuesday

10°C 🌡 3°C | 🌧 Heavy rain and fresh breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:47 Sunset 16:39

Wednesday

9°C 🌡 3°C | ☀ Sunny interval and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:46 Sunset 16:41

Thursday

7°C 🌡 4°C | 🌧 Drizzle and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:44 Sunset 16:43

Friday

8°C 🌡 5°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:43 Sunset 16:45

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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]