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ATFORD
ABOUT
Autumn 2020
Sustainable,
on-demand public
transport for
Watford, in a click
‘It was the best of times, it was the worst cut car use. It’s a terrific resource, which
of times.’ I’ve been using myself. There’s more info
on page 10 about this service.
It’s been a tough year and there’s still a lot
to do to beat COVID-19 – we owe it to those Our Environmental Health team has been
who have lost loved ones to continue to working hard with local businesses to help
do everything we can to stop the spread them reopen safely, and we’ve developed a
of the virus. Amidst the profound sadness, COVID-19 safety ‘Confidence Mark’ for the
there is still much hope, and I am extremely town, which many licensed taxis are using to
proud of Watford and the way we have show they have implemented the necessary
Peter Taylor pulled together. safety changes. You can read more about
Elected Mayor of this on page 24. We are also launching a new
Watford From our NHS staff and care workers, to support programme for small businesses
shop and postal workers and those who and start-ups, with not-for-profit social
www.watford.gov.uk/ empty our bins, so many have gone above enterprise, Wenta, which is designed to help
electedmayor and beyond. My thanks to them all. existing businesses to recover and support
new businesses to thrive.
Our Watford Helps volunteering initiative
is a testament to our town – 1,600 offered It’s been a tough time for retailers across
their services, with over 8,300 receiving the UK, with Watford being no exception.
support. Our COVID-19 appeal has raised Despite our best efforts, John Lewis
over £157,000 of vital funding, helping decided not to reopen their Watford store,
over 50 charities and voluntary groups to with both Debenhams and intu going into
continue their fantastic work across administration. Our town centre remains
our borough. vibrant and busy and I am confident intu
will be sold soon to another property
Watford Together has helped connect our management company. I’m pleased to
community through arts and culture, with confirm that a Next multi-brand beauty and
hundreds participating in the ‘One Town, home store will fill the Debenhams space
One Book’ scheme. My regular Sunday soon. I would urge you all to support our
evening quiz with Luther Blissett has also town centre, safely, whenever you can.
proved popular.
Finally, like many of you, I am also sad to
Just before lockdown we launched the see our football club relegated this year.
Beryl bike-share scheme – as part of my If only there were points for community
manifesto to deliver more sustainable contribution – their support for Watford
transport. It has proved hugely popular General Hospital over the past months has
with residents, who’ve taken 50,000 been truly top of the Premier League!
journeys to date, and we have recently
started a pilot project with electric bikes.
The ArrivaClick on-demand minibus
scheme is also now in operation, to help
Published by Watford Borough Council. This magazine is printed on chlorine-free paper, made from sustainable
forests and costs 22p to print and distribute. Please recycle it when you have finished with it. This magazine is
available on our website. It can be downloaded as a PDF document and also as an audio file.
2 About Watford Autumn 2020
ABOUT
ATFORD
Features
Watford Together – our town. our future 4
Bringing the town together in a time of adversity 6
Community spirit in abundance in Watford 8
Sustainable, on-demand public transport for Watford, in a click 10
On your bike! 12
Exciting new sport, play and leisure facilities at Oxhey and Garston Parks 14
Live, work and enjoy Watford! 16
The future of your council 18
Council and One YMCA collaborate on new rough-sleeper facility 19
News in brief 21–23
Helping our business community get back on its feet 24
Your new waste and recycling collection service 26
How to self-isolate 28
Sustainability survey 29
Your councillors 31
WE’RE HERE TO HELP IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
www.watford.gov.uk
Email: enquiries@watford.gov.uk
Telephone: 01923 226400
Watford Borough Council, Town Hall, Watford, WD17 3EX
watfordcouncil
Customer Service Centre open Monday to Thursday
8.45am to 5.15pm and Friday 8.45am to 4.45pm
Sign up to our e-newsletter to
receive information of interest to you.
Visit www.watford.gov.uk/newsletter
www.watford.gov.uk 3
Watford Together
OUR TOWN. OUR FUTURE
Welcome to our new Council Plan.
We pride ourselves on thinking bigger for Watford, so we can achieve the best for our town, our residents
and our communities. In what have been some of the most challenging times we have ever faced, it is now
more important than ever that our big ideas can set the right direction for Watford and accomplish great
things for the future. Here is an outline of our new Council Plan, which sets out what we want to achieve
over the next four years, to enable our town to flourish and emerge even stronger than before.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor
Our corporate themes
1 A council that
serves our residents
• Focus our budget to deliver on
our commitments and secure
investment to work for Watford.
Our commitments
• Promote Watford as an
enterprising town where
We are a different kind of council –
pioneering and always searching • Welcome innovation, businesses can invest, grow
for better answers; a bold council technology and new ways and succeed.
that gets things done, focuses on of working, to continuously • Create thriving and affordable
opportunity and challenges old- improve. neighbourhoods and the right
fashioned thinking. We work as environment for businesses
‘one team’ and everything we do is
to make our town successful and
improve the lives of our residents.
2 A thriving, diverse
and creative town
to flourish.
• Ensure the right mix of facilities,
We want Watford to be an services and transport links as
outstanding place for everyone: part of new developments to
Our commitments residents, business owners and create successful, well-designed
• Make sure our council is a caring visitors alike. Our plans have new communities.
and collaborative organisation created a thriving and attractive
that puts what matters to people • Make sure we have quality
town, but we know we cannot
at the heart of everything we do. homes to meet the needs of
stand still. We must always look
residents, including housing that
• Deliver high-quality, sustainable to the future and be ambitious
is affordable through ownership,
services. for Watford, to guarantee our
private rental and social
continued success and prosperity.
• Empower leaders at all levels housing.
This has never been more
in our council to inspire
important as we look to thrive • Build on our new, greener ways
our organisation and our
post COVID-19. to travel in and around Watford
communities.
and promote the transition to a
low-carbon economy.
4 About Watford Autumn 2020
3 A healthy and
happy town
Our commitments
• Celebrate our diversity, heritage
and culture, to make Watford
• Work even more closely with
the voluntary and community
sector to build a resilient
Our communities are the strength
and the heart of Watford. We know a place for people to succeed, community where people
they have great civic pride and from childhood to old age. support each other.
enjoy getting involved in the life of • Enable our cultural and creative • Work with partners to end rough
the town. We have seen them care sectors to flourish. sleeping and help people enjoy
for each other like never before better lives.
• Ensure we have quality events,
and we want this great spirit to
recreational opportunities and
be the launchpad for something
outdoor spaces for people to get
very special for Watford in the
together, feel part of the town
years to come. Our diverse town
and boost their health
inspires us every day and we want
and wellbeing.
its communities to really feel a
part of our joint future.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES UNDERPIN HOW WE DELIVER ON OUR
THEMES AND COMMITMENTS
Excellence Work with partners to deliver excellent outcomes for our customers and communities.
Promotion Promote Watford widely to maximise our town’s potential.
Impact Use our resources wisely to maximise financial, social and environmental impact.
Enterprise Challenge ourselves to be ambitious and entrepreneurial.
Leadership Bring people who care about the town together, to get things done.
Caring Respond thoughtfully, to show our readiness to help others.
www.watford.gov.uk 5
Bringing the town together
in a time of adversity
The lockdown hasn’t stifled the cultural and creative activities of Watford’s residents,
who’ve been quizzing, reading and taking photos as part of our Watford Together
initiative, delivered with our arts, culture and leisure partners.
Big Bold Community Quiz Photography competition
– Watford in extraordinary
Hundreds of you tuned in for our
times
Sunday evening quiz, hosted by
One Town, Elected Mayor, Peter Taylor, and Over 80 entries were submitted
One Book Watford FC football legend, Luther
Blissett. With music from Electric
for our photography competition,
which aimed to capture the
Umbrella, and a host of celebrity pandemic period through the
guests, including actor Mark eyes of residents. The winner of
Bonnar (who starred in ITV’s The the children’s category was Millie
Quiz) and Liverpool, Watford and Lovelock-Halladey, and of the
England soccer star, John Barnes, adult’s, Raluca Nemteanu. Well
One Town, One Book
quiz participants raised over £3k done to the eight runners-up:
We teamed up with Sunday Times for our Watford Helps COVID-19 Dilan Modha (10), Harry Quinn (9),
bestselling author, and former appeal, which has supported over Mahi Ruparelia (8), Moreen Mero,
Watford resident, Katharine 50 of the town’s charities to date. Lisa O’Brien, Pratiksha Modha,
McMahon to unite the town Tricia Staunton and Zoe Tunstall.
through our love of reading. The photography will be used in
Residents were invited to read a special exhibition at Watford
Katharine’s latest book, The Hour Museum and other venues around
of Separation (which is partially the town.
set in Watford), and join in with a
series of virtual book club sessions
and a writing workshop, all hosted Millie Lovelock-Halladey
by the author.
As well as being featured on BBC
Radio 4’s arts programme, Front
Row, the initiative pushed The
Hour of Separation to the top of
Watford Waterstones’ bestsellers
list! Plans are underway to run it
again next year, focusing on a
children’s novel. Tell us what you
think of Watford Together at:
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/
watfordtogether
Raluca Nemteanu
6 About Watford Autumn 2020
We’re updating the electoral
register for Watford. You can help
us to do this safely and efficiently
by following the steps on the form
we’ve recently sent you in the post.
To avoid the need for council
staff to visit you, if your letter
requires a response and you
have not already done so,
please don’t delay.
www.watford.gov.uk 7
Community spirit in
abundance in Watford
Watford people have always pulled together in tough times and our vibrant
communities have responded to the Coronavirus pandemic with great spirit,
through volunteering, supporting local charities with donations and with terrific
acts of kindness and heroism.
Over 1,600 people responded rough sleepers; a lifeline to victims Generous donations to the
to Watford Borough Council’s of domestic abuse; financial appeal have been made by local
call for volunteers at the start advice to people who’ve lost their company, Camelot, who run the
of the pandemic; they’ve been jobs; and care for households National Lottery, and Watford-
delivering groceries to people suffering bereavement. based estate agent, Imagine. The
self-isolating and shielding; picking scheme has also had support from
up prescriptions; making friendly local, well-known figures, including
Elected Mayor of Watford,
calls to people living alone; dog the BBC’s Chris Stark; Kelly Smith
Peter Taylor, said
walking for people who could not MBE, England’s greatest ever
“I am extremely proud of
get out; or helping out at a local female footballer and all-time top
how our town rose to the
food bank. Neighbours have been goalscorer; 80s popstar, Limahl;
many challenges of the
connecting and looking out for each ex-Watford FC stars, Luther
Coronavirus emergency
other more than usual and informal Blissett, Richard Johnson, Nigel
and bowled over by the
support groups in local areas were Gibbs and Tommy Smith; actor
generosity of people in
organised to help people in need. Mark Bonnar; and Saracens and
Watford. I am proud to be
England rugby favourite, Maro
Mayor of such a generous
Over £157,000 was raised in Itoje. You can find out more at:
and community-
response to the COVID-19 charities www.watfordcovidappeal.org
orientated town.”
appeal, launched by Elected Mayor,
Peter Taylor, and Watford and Three
Rivers Trust, with extensive support
from Watford FC legend Luther
Blissett and his partner Lauren. The
appeal was set up to raise funds for
local charities on the front line of the
response to the COVID-19 outbreak
who were providing support to
residents across the town.
Over 50 local charities have
benefited from appeal funds,
which have been used to provide
emergency food and medical
supplies to isolated people;
accommodation and support for
If you or someone you know needs help go to:
www.communityhelps.org
8 About Watford Autumn 2020
Local charities in the town have • Electric Umbrella • Random Café
been working wonders on the • GoKula Café • SEWA Day
front line of the Coronavirus • Guideposts Trust • SPACE
crisis, despite an unprecedented • Headway Hertfordshire • Small Acts of Kindness
fall in their income. Our Watford
• Herts Inclusive Theatre • Sri Guru Singh Sabha Watford
Helps COVID-19 Charities
• Herts Mind Network • The Bowley Charity
Appeal has helped the following
• Herts Musical Memories • The Living Room
organisations and more:
• Homestart Watford and (Watford Centre)
• 3R and Watford School Three Rivers • Watford COVID Support Group
Partnership • Hope Charity • Watford Elim Church
• Citizens Advice Watford • New Hope • Watford Foodbank
• Colnbrook School • One Vision Project • Watford Mencap
• Community Learning • One YMCA • Watford Women’s Centre
Partnership • Peace Hospice Care • Watford Workshop
• The Dan Tien • Playskill • Wellspring Church
• Disability Watford • Pump House Theatre
£
1,600 8,300 £157,000 50+
Watford Helps Acts of COVID-19 Charities Number of
volunteers kindness Appeal money raised charities helped
Dina, Volunteer at SEWA Day said: Siobhan from Watford and Three Rivers
“It is really disheartening to see so many people Trust said: “We have supported residents of
struggle in this pandemic, but it is also overwhelming Watford, Bushey and Three Rivers throughout
to see the kind-hearted community of Watford come the pandemic by providing supplies, collecting
together and unite to provide essential provisions prescriptions and offering a personal shopping
and signposting for professional assistance. service to the elderly, vulnerable and those who
have been required to shield. At the peak, we were
With every small act of kindness SEWA Day providing support to c.130 households each week.
volunteers continue to provide Selfless Efforts We have also taken on ad hoc requests, such as
for the Welfare of All (SEWA). We have served the delivering parcels, welfare door-stop checks and
community by providing food parcels, hot meals even collecting a cat to temporarily rehome it,
and personal hygiene products, also provided whilst the owner was unable to care for it.
transportation to NHS staff to get to work during
the lockdown period. It has been an emotional roller The response from the volunteers has been
coaster on ground level, as you see the suffering and nothing short of incredible. It has been absolutely
hear the real-life stories of how our community is amazing to witness people within our community,
suffering through these unprecedented times. If each all from different walks of life, come together and
person in our community can do one act of kindness, work together to support those in need.”
it can change someone’s life.”
www.watford.gov.uk 9
Sustainable, on-demand public
transport for Watford, in a click
ArrivaClick gears up to offer safe, reliable and sustainable
transport in Watford.
An exciting, new, on-demand bus service has
been launched this summer, providing an How it works
alternative and greener way to get around town.
Download the app from Google Play and the
Approved on I July, the ArrivaClick service is to
App Store – just type in ArrivaClick – Watford.
be phased in gradually, and will be scaled up as
COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Type in your destination and you will be sent a
pick-up point.
Just click and go!
The demand-responsive minibus service, Charges range from £1.00 – £2.50 per mile, with
subsidised by Watford Borough Council, offers discounts available via weekly passes and
value-for-money transport in a price range that sits credit bundles.
between an average bus and taxi fare and can be
booked and paid for via a free smartphone app, Operates
available at: www.watford.gov.uk/arrivaclick 6am – 10pm, Monday to Thursday
6am – 11pm, Friday and Saturday
8am – 9pm, Sunday
10 About Watford Autumn 2020From A to B, in safety It’s really important that, digitally, The introduction of the ArrivaClick
and comfort public transport plays a key role service is just one step towards
as lockdown measures are eased. the council’s ambitious goal
Unlike traditional public transport,
Customers can be reassured to become net zero carbon by
the new service does not follow
that we’re cleaning the vehicles 2030, after declaring a Climate
fixed routes. Customers can book
thoroughly, using disinfectant, Emergency last year. Additional
from the comfort of their own
and ensuring social distancing sustainable transport initiatives
home and the service, which
measures are followed at include the Beryl Bike Share
responds to demand, picks up
all times.” Scheme, travelWatford app and
passengers from a ‘virtual stop’
EV charging points for electric
close to their starting point. Each
Where to? vehicles across the borough.
bus has comfortable seating,
For more information, please
tables, free Wi-Fi, USB chargers The new minibuses will operate
visit: www.watford.gov.uk/
and air conditioning, ensuring across the borough and
sustainablewatford
a comfortable and convenient additionally to Warner Brother
journey. Studios and Croxley Park, with
prices ranging from £1 to £2.50
“I am looking
The service is currently operating per mile. Further discounts are
available via weekly passes and
forward to
with a fleet of three minibuses,
at a reduced capacity of a credit bundles. welcoming the first
maximum of four people at any buses to Watford and
Elected Mayor of Watford,
one time. Passengers will be joining people in our
asked to comply with the latest Peter Taylor, commented: “It is
important that we offer new ways
town in using them
government guidance, such as
wearing face coverings, and to travel around the town so that to get around.”
drivers will also be following we can cut congestion and make Peter Taylor, Elected
government guidelines. our air cleaner.” Mayor of Watford
Customers are already telling us
how much they love the service,
with all ratings either 4.5 or 5 star
to date.
“We look forward to
welcoming you on board.”
Adam Toone, Business
Development Director, Arriva
Adam Toone, Business
Development Director of Arriva,
spoke positively about the
future of the new partnership
and overcoming the challenges
brought by the COVID-19
pandemic: “We are thrilled to see
that, in partnership with Watford
Borough Council, we are able to
launch the ArrivaClick service.
www.watford.gov.uk 11On your bike!
Reducing emissions and raising money:
Watford’s Beryl Bikes break 50,000 rides and
raise funds for charity.
A net zero carbon Watford by As a result, the scheme is now
2030. It’s not as far away as it piloting a small number of electric
sounds. But Watford’s elected bikes to help people with longer
Mayor, Peter Taylor, is excited by journeys and further bike-share
the prospect of a cleaner, greener bays are being installed at Meriden
future, as new, more sustainable, Community Centre, Watford Cycle
transport initiatives are being Hub (Chaffinch Lane), Cassio
introduced across the borough Common and Knutsford playing
to help us reach this fields on Radlett Road.
ambitious target.
“The Beryl bikes have been
One of the most successful brilliant, the app works
initiatives is the new bike-share great and the bikes give a
scheme, Beryl Bikes. Since its smooth ride. I have used it
launch in March, 50,000 journeys 9 times so far!”
have now been taken on Beryl Andrew, Watford resident A staggering 5,676 rides and
Bikes. The scheme is open to
18,925 kilometres were recorded
anyone 16 and over, via the Beryl Ride for Watford during the ride-to-donate
Bikes app, and operates 200
Not only has the popular bike- initiative, with 468 rides taken on
bikes from 42 bays located
share scheme played an important a single day.
around the town.
role in improving our air quality,
it’s also been the launchpad for Watford goalkeeper and keen
“I am determined to do
a fund-raising campaign, Ride cyclist, Ben Foster, has praised the
all I can to make Watford
for Watford. In partnership with participants of Ride For Watford,
a cleaner, greener, less
local software innovator, PLM after it raised £2,806 for the
congested town.”
Central Ltd, every trip on a Beryl appeal: “I’d like to offer a massive
Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor thanks and congratulations to
Bike during the campaign saw
of Watford
50p donated to the Watford Helps those who got behind this unique
COVID-19 Charities Appeal. Funds and worthwhile campaign to help
Not only have Beryl Bikes proved
were also raised via text and vulnerable people in Watford.
a major success in reducing
additional donations from Beryl. Your efforts will go a long way in
carbon emissions, they’ve also
making a real difference to local
played an important role during
charities that are working to get
the COVID-19 pandemic, helping
vital money to where it is
people to get out and about
needed most.”
during lockdown.
12 About Watford Autumn 2020Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter
Taylor, added his thanks: “This
has been an incredible fund-
raising initiative from Beryl and
PLM Central for the Watford
Helps COVID-19 Appeal, which
now stands at £157,000. It is an
amazing example of our local
business community stepping up
to support our town during this
time of adversity.”
For more information about Beryl
Bikes or to discover more about
sustainable transport in Watford,
go to: www.watford.gov.uk/
“I’d like to offer a massive thanks and sustainablewatford
congratulations to those who got behind this
unique and worthwhile campaign to help
vulnerable people in Watford.”
Ben Foster
www.watford.gov.uk 13Exciting new sport, play and
leisure facilities at Oxhey and
Garston Parks
The new facilities have both opened − here’s a snapshot of what you can enjoy!
It’s been a busy year for our Parks so people of all ages and abilities
Team, as they’ve been working can work on their wheel skills.
hard to improve our outdoor
community areas as part of the A jump box section means
council’s ongoing commitment the younger bike and scooter
to continue improving parks and enthusiasts can try out their
green spaces for everyone to enjoy. jumps and aerial tricks too. Plus,
a separate learners’ skate park,
Test your skills at our new next to the café, gives absolute
skate parks beginners the perfect spot to start
honing their skills, before they
Test your skills at the new skate
progress to other parts of the park.
park in Oxhey Activity Park, where
The skate facilities at Garston
you’ll find a good mix of street
Park will be on a smaller scale and
obstacles, as well as a wide mini
include the following equipment:
ramp, if you’re after some real
flatbank, funbox, spine ramp,
air time. The park includes a bike
quarter pipe and skateable bench.
pump track and smooth skate run,
14 About Watford Autumn 2020Keeping it green cold food and drinks, to eat in or • New entrances and improved
take away. walkways for improved
Both schemes also include fresh
connectivity have been
planting of a wide variety of
More exciting facilities to enjoy installed at Garston Park.
shrubs and meadow species. More
• Keen and amateur cyclists
trees have also been planted to
can get on their bikes and try You can find out more
add to the borough’s growing tree
the new bike skills trail and about all the open spaces
canopy (which at 18.2%, is higher
footpaths winding through around Watford at:
than the national average of 16%)
both parks. www.watford.gov.uk/parks
and a new wildflower meadow
has been created at Garston Park.
As well as making the parks even
more beautiful, these initiatives
support ecology and biodiversity,
improve the soil and support the
environment.
Go wild and get fit in the
great outdoors
There’s plenty for the little ones in
our adventurous new children’s
play areas! Explore the play trails,
swing on the jungle swing like
a modern-day Tarzan, or zoom
down the slides. It’s important that
everyone can join in the fun, and
most of the equipment is suitable
for children with disabilities.
Keen to brush up on your table-
tennis skills? Outdoor tables are
available around the play areas,
free of charge, just remember
to bring along your bat and ball.
Seating and picnicking areas can
be found throughout both parks,
so you can keep an eye on the kids
and enjoy your lunch. “I am delighted that we have completed the works at both
Oxhey Activity Park and Garston Park. This is part of our
New riverside café at ongoing manifesto commitment to keep improving parks
Oxhey Activity Park and green spaces in Watford for children and adults alike
The new riverside café at Oxhey, to enjoy. The investment will ensure there will be plenty
The Tasty Bean Café, means of opportunities to get active, have fun and enjoy being
that everyone, from bikers to outdoors. We work hard to make sure we have fantastic
sportspeople, walkers to busy parks and green spaces and that work will continue.”
parents, can relax and enjoy a Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford
drink and snack. The café serves
a delicious selection of hot and
www.watford.gov.uk 15MAJOR PROJECTS
Live, work and
enjoy Watford!
Watford Borough Council is committed to an
ambitious redevelopment programme, to secure
economic prosperity for decades to come.
Here are just some of the latest Improving this key route will key manifesto commitments was to
ongoing developments that are make it a more pleasant place to improve this area and I am pleased
making Watford an even more live, work and shop. Pavement we have delivered. We must make
attractive town to live, work, visit clutter, old paving and redundant sure that all of our town can benefit
and invest in. street furniture will be removed, from investment, and schemes
and soft landscaping, new and like these are really important in
Key thoroughfare reused planters, and trees will making Watford a better place.”
St Albans Road create a greener environment
rejuvenation project and improve air quality. The new The project will also introduce
nearly complete trees and planters will also prevent new small ‘squares’ of high-quality
pavement parking. public realm and community
(WORK ONGOING UNTIL LATE
space on Hatfield Road, Victoria
AUTUMN 2020)
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Road and Bruce Grove. New cycle
Taylor, said: “St Albans Road is a stands will also be installed and
Working with local businesses, the
key route into and out of our town signposting has been installed
council has nearly completed its
centre. It is used by thousands to the cycling ‘quite way’ along
enhancement plan for St Albans
of people every day and is an Bradshaw Road and
Road, to help fulfil the long-term
important place for businesses, Sandringham Road.
ambition to create a sustainable
leisure and socialising. One of my
and vibrant local high street.
16 About Watford Autumn 2020One of the most noticeable The scheme aims to improve
additions will be the large, accessibility, wayfinding, lighting,
freestanding letters spelling out connectivity, pedestrian and cycle
‘WATFORD’, a concourse focal circulation, street and road layout
point to encourage photos and and air quality. Improvements will
social media posts, raising the take place until March 2025 to
profile of the town. create a safer, greener and more
attractive thoroughfare. Find out
Station forecourt In order to facilitate the more at: clarendon-road.co.uk
improvements kickstart improvements, bike parking has
plans to transform been moved from the forecourt
Watford Junction Station to a secure, 300-capacity facility,
just off the car park entry road,
Work is nearly completed on
with free cycle-repair tools and a
one of the first of a series of
compressed-air device.
improvement projects to bring
Watford Junction into the 21st
The project is part of a larger
century. The initial project aims to
improvement programme
enhance the forecourt outside the
to Watford Junction station
station and create an improved
concourse, expected to start in
‘gateway’ to the town centre.
spring 2021. Find out more at:
www.watford.gov.uk/
The refurbishment will create
majorprojects
a safe, pedestrian-friendly
environment, with more open,
Major transformation of
multifunctional space, with new
Clarendon Road continues
paving and lighting, planting,
seating and signposting. There will The £9.82m Clarendon Road
also be the beginning of a heritage transformation programme (2019–
trail through the town centre and 2025) emphasises its importance
a new Beryl bike-share bay for the as a gateway and primary link
front of the station. between Watford Junction and the
town centre, as well as being a key
business area.
www.watford.gov.uk 17COMMUNITY
The future of
your council
You may have heard recently All ten Hertfordshire
about government plans to review District Council
the organisation of local councils Leaders joined forces
across the UK. This relates directly to issue a statement
to us in Watford, as a district within on 17 July opposing
a two-tier system. Hertfordshire a single unitary
County Council is planning to council proposal for
Hertfordshire.
put forward a proposal to create
one single unitary council for the
District councils have
whole of Hertfordshire.
been a lifeline to residents
and communities during
The government has indicated
the COVID-19 pandemic,
that a Devolution and Recovery
providing welfare to those
White Paper will be brought
in need, paying over
forward this autumn, bringing
£149m in local business
a much clearer understanding
grants, housing the
of what this means for Watford.
homeless and providing
Hertfordshire’s ten district
important services, from
councils, including Watford
waste collection, to the
Borough Council, do not accept
management of green
that one unitary council best Whatever happens, we remain
spaces and housing. In
serves our residents. focused on our ambitions for
addition, the Hertfordshire District
Watford and the high-quality
and Borough Councils have
Donna Nolan, Managing Director services you value. We remain
worked hard to save over £95m
of Watford Borough Council, committed to delivering our new
during the last decade to protect
said: “I am working very closely Council Plan 2020–2024. It sets
vital services for residents.
with our Elected Mayor and out what we want to achieve for
our colleagues in the nine Watford, and how − in the post-
The leaders believe one unitary
other district councils across COVID era, and beyond.
council for Hertfordshire would
Hertfordshire to fully understand
be too large, remote and lack
the implications of the review For now, it is business as usual,
the local knowledge required
and to demonstrate why they whilst we do our best to make
to support and represent our
think one unitary council will not sure any future plans serve the
communities effectively. We
meet the needs of Hertfordshire’s best interests of our community.
will now work together with
diverse population of 1.2 million As ever, we are committed to
other key partners, and take
residents.” being open with you all, and as
account of residents’ views, to
the situation evolves, we will keep
develop alternative options for
you up to date with developments
consideration.
over the coming months.
18 About Watford Autumn 2020COMMUNITY
Council and One YMCA
collaborate on new
rough-sleeper facility
A new customised facility and service within the One YMCA hostel in Charter Place
has become home to some of Watford’s rough-sleeping community.
in our community to live life
to the full and to achieve their
full potential – that’s what this
new facility is all about. We are
really pleased to be working in
partnership with Watford Borough
Council on this pilot scheme.”
Separate provision is also
currently in hand for rough
sleepers with extremely complex
care needs and for homeless
people who don’t qualify for
welfare benefits or housing.
As well as providing Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter
accommodation, the 22-room Taylor, said: “We want to do all
facility also provides mental-health we can to make sure that no one
and substance-abuse support to in our town has to sleep rough.
vulnerable, single people, with Because of the complexity of the
the goal of setting them on the issues around homelessness we
pathway to recovery and more know that accommodation on
independent living. its own is not enough – people
need support with a range of
Since the outbreak of Coronavirus, complicated issues, to help them
some of the town’s rough sleepers to turn their lives around.”
had been living temporarily at the
Travelodge in Watford town centre Guy Foxell, CEO of One YMCA,
so they could self-isolate and said: “One of the key objectives of
get access to medical care. This One YMCA, alongside everything
arrangement finished at the end of else we do as a charity, is to
June and people then transferred combat homelessness and
over to the new facility. support all those that we help
www.watford.gov.uk 19EU CITIZENS LIVING IN THE UK PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS BY APPLYING TO THE EU SETTLEMENT SCHEME The EU Settlement Scheme protects the rights you currently have in the UK including access to healthcare, benefits and pensions. Find out more and apply at: gov.uk/eusettlementscheme 20 About Watford Autumn 2020 Irish citizens or those with valid indefinite leave don’t need to apply.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Frogmore House residential development, was
passed by Watford Borough
will be replaced with a landscaped
slope, which will increase the
refurbishment Council with a requirement for the capacity of the river, to reduce
developer to restore the flood risk.
complete listed building.
The Grade II* listed, 300-year-old
The whole of Frogmore House,
building (one of only four in
except the single-storey rear
Watford), located on Lower High
extension, added at a later
Street, has undergone a full
date, has been retained and
refurbishment and restoration, at
the historical and architectural
a cost of £2 million, to bring it back
value of the building preserved.
into active use as office space.
Frogmore House also sits on
the banks of the River Colne
The project, which was part of a
and, as part of the plan, the
planning application that included
current concrete embankment is
supermarket Lidl and an adjacent
undergoing a huge reprofiling and
Leavesden Road Baptist
Church becomes a nationally
listed building
George Baines, who was a Fellow design, which is typical of his work
of the Royal Institute of British in the early 20th century.
Architects, and was recognised
for his work on non-conformist The local and national list of
churches and chapels in the late buildings includes a wide range
19th and early 20th century. 16 of of properties and structures, from
the architect’s churches are on the Watford Girls’ Grammar School
national list. and the town’s Central Library,
to Edwardian horse troughs and
Leavesden Road Baptist Church Due to its size and distinctive World War II pillboxes. The list
and Institute, built in two phases detailing, the church makes a also features buildings in the town
(1895–6 and 1908–9) has been significant contribution to the local that were designed by architects
officially recognised by Historic area. The building demonstrates of international importance,
England as a nationally listed many features typical of this such as Ernö Goldfinger, Alison
building under the List of architect, such as decorated air and Peter Smithson and Ethel
Buildings of Special Architectural bricks, turrets and glass details. Clara McNamara – one of the
or Historic Interest. first women architects to be
The architecture and details recognised as such in England in
The Church was designed by demonstrate the fusion of Arts the 1920s. To find out more, please
the London-based architect, and Crafts and art nouveau visit: historicengland.org.uk
www.watford.gov.uk 21COMMUNITY
NEWS IN BRIEF
Forget Me Not
becomes first
dementia-
friendly
restaurant in
the town
To make the town more accessible Dining out is an important social find out more about Watford’s
to people living with dementia and activity for many people. For those Dementia-Friendly Community at:
their carers, the council and West living with dementia, however, dementiafriendlywatford.com.
Herts College introduced the town’s going out to eat can be stressful To find out more about becoming
first intergenerational dementia- and overwhelming. Understanding a Dementia Friend, visit:
friendly restaurant in March 2020, what it is like to live with dementia dementiafriends.org.uk
before the Coronavirus pandemic will help the students alleviate
struck. The plan is to restart the many issues, such as helping to On the 1 October, we are
monthly event (except during school narrow possible options in ordering. holding a sensory workshop
holidays) when it is deemed safe for Restaurant professionals and at the Pump House aimed at
both the diners and students. waiting staff are likely to encounter people with dementia and a
customers with dementia in the walk and talk event for carers.
To ensure diners have a relaxed course of their work. In fact, 70% of More information on this and
and pleasant experience, catering people with dementia live within the the other support currently
students at West Herts College’s community, rather than in an adult available for people with
Forget Me Not Restaurant became care facility. dementia and their carers can
Dementia Friends, to help provide be found at:
dementia-friendly customer service The restaurant is one of www.dementiafriendly
and understand the challenges Hertfordshire County Council’s watford.com
facing people with dementia. satellite healthy hubs and you can
Healthy Hub has launched in Watford!
Hertfordshire County Council – will Health Worker, Katie, on:
be a dedicated local venue where 01923 278136 or via email
people can access support and on: watfordhealthyhub@
signposting. hertsmindnetwork.org
As a result of Coronavirus, the Support for domestic abuse
A new wellbeing hub, which aims Healthy Hub has been launched victims is available via the
to connect people in the town with remotely to offer support Domestic Abuse Caseworker,
physical and mental-health and and assistance throughout Martha, on: 07999 772123 or
wellbeing services, has launched. the pandemic. Mental-health via email on: healthyhub@
The Healthy Hub – funded through support is available via Mental- watfordwomenscentre.org.uk
22 About Watford Autumn 2020A new crematorium
for West Herts
West Herts Crematorium (WHC) who are grieving, but has limited
which opened in Garston, capacity and no further expansion
Watford, in 1959 by the West Herts space. West Herts Crematorium
Crematorium Joint Committee Joint Committee, which runs the
serves the residents of the five crematorium, is proposing to build
constituent councils (Watford a sister crematorium in Hemel
Borough Council, Dacorum Hempstead, which will enhance
Borough Council, Hertsmere the services provided to a wider
Borough Council, St Albans City catchment area.
and District Council and Three
Rivers District Council). The proposed crematorium
at Bunkers Park will provide a
It is one of the busiest tranquil, quiet and accessible
crematoriums in the UK space. You can find out more at:
performing over 3,000 cremations westhertscrem.org/a-new-
annually. It currently provides crematorium-for-west-herts
an excellent service to those
Additional burial space agreed
for North Watford Cemetery
Nearly 400 new burial spaces These include:
will be created at North Watford • A columbarium for the interment
Cemetery, which would extend the of up to 200 ashes remains.
lifespan of the cemetery from the
• Ornamental memorial trees with
current projection of a maximum of
engraved leaves.
nine years, before space runs out,
• Improvements to the main
to nearer 13 – and possibly more.
entrance of the cemetery,
including a new, ornamental
As well as the additional burial
garden.
plots, 100 of which will be for
those of the Muslim faith, the • Resurfacing and lining the
proposals include some new car park.
features for North Watford • Creation of three pet columbaria
Cemetery, as well as some for local people who would like
upgrades to the current facilities. a more permanent memorial for
their pet.
www.watford.gov.uk 23Helping our business
community get back on its feet
It’s been a tough time for Watford businesses – we’ve lost some of our town centre
retailers during the pandemic, but Watford continues to be a key shopping hub,
with new outlets and businesses choosing to base themselves in
our town. The council is doing what it can to support the restart of
the local economy, but residents also have a key part to play…
Stay safe and shop local restaurants and pubs on offer in people, we are continuing to
our high street, they will disappear.” invest in improvements and new
Shops, pubs, restaurants and other
facilities so that Watford continues
businesses have all been offered
The Confidence Mark has to be a great base for business.
tailored support from the council’s
also been applied to taxis and
Environmental Health team to
minicabs. Drivers who have In the past month, three new, blue-
make sure they are doing what
successfully undertaken ‘travel chip businesses have joined the
is needed to keep their staff and
with confidence’ training, which council-owned Croxley Business
customers safe. People should look
gives them practical help on how Park, showing that confidence
out for the Watford ‘Confidence
to prevent the spread of infection, remains high in our town. Plans
Mark’, which shows a business has
can then display the mark in their for a new flagship commercial
taken steps to follow guidance and
vehicle and offer customers centre at the entrance to Watford
are prioritising people’s safety.
end-to-end journey safety. Business Park are progressing
well, with construction due to
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter
Support for Watford start later this year. A new website,
Taylor, said: “Our businesses have
businesses www.watfordbusiness.com, has
done an amazing job to make sure
all the latest information on grant
they can open safely and so I would With Clarendon Road and
funding and new schemes that
encourage people to support them three thriving business parks
businesses can apply for.
– it’s never been more important – (Watford, Wenta and Croxley) who
if we don’t enjoy the shops, collectively employ over 3,800
24 About Watford Autumn 2020“This is really good news for our town centre. It is a sign
of business confidence in our shopping centre that Next
is investing in this new store, which will bring new jobs
to Watford. I have had several people contact me who
are interested in opening in the shopping centre and this
shows that, despite the difficulties of the last few months,
they recognise that there are thousands of people who
come to our town centre every day to shop, enjoy a meal
and meet friends.”
Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford
Reasons to be cheerful and bars, creating a more The programme provides Watford
continental feel to the residents and businesses with
• A new Next multibrand beauty
town centre. access to free, inclusive and
and home store opens on the
• Puttshack is bringing its unique impartial business advice, skills
site of Debenhams soon.
super-tech mini golf to the town training, drop-in co-working space
• Three new companies have and digital support services. It has
centre early next year.
joined our Watford business been designed for the recovery
community: medical supplies
The Small Business and growth of Watford’s business
company, Clinisupplies; alarm-
Recovery and Growth community and for residents
tech company, CSL Dualcom;
Programme interested in becoming self-
and plant-based snack food employed during and post the
manufacturer, Vibrant Foods Ltd. Watford Borough Council and not- COVID-19 pandemic.
• Watford has been voted best for-profit social enterprise, Wenta,
town close to London for are launching a new support For more information on how you
working from home. programme for small businesses can get involved in the programme,
and start-ups. go to: www.watfordbusiness.com
• More outdoor seating licences
have been issued to restaurants
www.watford.gov.uk 25Your new waste and recy
Brown food bin
(food waste)
Collected every week
Some flats may not have this service All cooked and
Plate scrapings
uncooked food
Blue-lidded
bin (recycling) Newspapers, Glass bottles
Collected every week magazines and and jars
cardboard
Empty and rinse all containers. Squash
Chargeable
Green bin
(garden waste)
Collected every
two weeks Grass Leaves
Black bin
(non-recyclable
waste) Collected
every two weeks Non-recyclable Food soiled
Collection frequency in flats waste cardboard
may be different. Only waste placed in this bin (with the lid closed) will be
Sign up to the chargeable gard
www.watford.gov
26 About Watford Autumn 2020ycling collection service
No thanks*
• Plastic bags, including
bread bags
• Packaging
Fruit and vegetable Tea bags and Meat and
peelings coffee grounds fish bones • Oil or liquids
No thanks*
• Crisp packets
• Plastic bags and cling film
Cans, tins, Food and Plastic bottles,
• Hard plastics (e.g. toys)
aerosols and drink cartons pots, tubs and trays • Polystyrene
aluminium foil (e.g. Tetra Paks) • Wipes
plastic bottles. Remove film lids from plastic pots, tubs and trays. • Batteries
No thanks*
• Plastic bags
• Garden toys, tools,
or clothing
Hedge clippings Twigs Plants, flowers • Plant pots
and weeds • Soil
No thanks*
• Anything recyclable
• Electrical items
• Hazardous waste
Plastic bags, crisp Polystyrene Nappies • DIY waste
packets and film • Batteries
collected. Bags on top of the bin or next to the bin will not be collected. • Duvets/bedding
* Not limited to
den waste collection service at
v.uk/gardenwaste
www.watford.gov.uk 27How to self-isolate
We now know that the best way to stop the spread
of COVID-19 and avoid another period of lockdown
is to follow the guidance on hand washing, social
distancing and self-isolation. Here are some useful tips
on how to self-isolate, to protect yourself and others.
Stay in your home or
You must self-isolate
accommodation, do
14 in one place for the
not go to work, school
days
full 14 days.
or other public areas.
Separate yourself Do not have
from others in visitors in
your home or your home or
accommodation. accommodation.
Use separate facilities Have food,
if sharing. These medication and
should be cleaned other supplies
before use by others. delivered to you.
Try to keep away from
your pets. If unavoidable,
wash your hands before
and after contact.
28 About Watford Autumn 2020What you think about
sustainability
Thanks to everyone who completed our recent sustainability survey – here is a snapshot of some of the key
findings, which are being used to inform our strategy that sets out how we will achieve our 2030 net zero
carbon goal for Watford.
94% of
90% of respondents want
to reduce their 88% of
respondents are people support
very concerned carbon the council’s 2030
about climate footprint net zero carbon
change target
Learning from COVID-19 period
55% of people would like to work The council is doing a lot to improve
from home more in the future the sustainability of the town
40% of people are likely to drive
less in the future
63% of people would walk/cycle 49% 37% 14%
more if there were dedicated routes agree undecided disagree
Beryl bike-share scheme is seen as most beneficial to
the environment, followed by home insulation schemes 94% of
respondents are
worried about
Beryl bike-share scheme air pollution
Travel Watford app W
Electric vehicle car
EV charging bays
ArriveClick
on-demand’
Home energy
efficiency 65% of people would like to
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% improve the energy efficiency
of their homes
www.watford.gov.uk 29COMMUNITY
Free information, advice and support to
help you stay mentally healthy and well.
Healthy Hub
www.healthyhubs.org/watford
Contact us:
watfordhealthyhub@hertsmindnetwork.org
01923 278136How your council lines up
In Watford we have an Elected Mayor, Peter Taylor, who was elected for a four-year
term on 3 May 2018. You can contact the Mayor if you wish to raise an issue with
him directly.
Watford Borough is divided into 12 wards. Each ward has three councillors whom you Peter Taylor
elect to represent you for a four-year term. Councillors can be contacted on the phone Liberal Democrats
numbers shown, or by email, and are there for you to discuss any issues or concerns 01923 278371
you have about your neighbourhood or the town. themayor@watford.gov.uk
Callowland Central Holywell
Sohail Bashir Ian Stotesbury Dawn Allen- Stephen Aga Dychton Rabi Martins Nigel Bell Favour Matt
(Lab) (LD) Williamson Bolton (LD) (LD) (LD) (Lab) Ezeifedi Turmaine (Lab)
07769 355750 07999 938202 (LD) 07504 824042 07936 404305 01923 228713 01923 256774 (Lab) 07411 153095
sohail.bashir@ ian. 07891 914319 stephen. aga.dychton@ rabi.martins nigel.bell@ 07535 284216 matt.
watford.gov.uk stotesbury@ dawn.allen- bolton@ watford.gov.uk @watford. watford.gov.uk favour. turmaine@
watford.gov.uk williamson@ watford.gov.uk gov.uk ezeifedi@ watford.gov.uk
watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk
Leggatts Meriden Nascot
Bilqees Richard Smith Asif Khan Amanda Jennifer Kareen Jane Johnson Mark Hofman Mark Watkin
Mauthoor (Lab) (Lab) Grimston (LD) Pattinson (LD) Hastrick (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD)
(Lab) 07976 350871 07931 529164 07702 815172 07515 468580 07785 528380 07815 419910 01923 239893 01923 255715
07958 566037 richard.smith@ asif.khan@ amanda. jennifer. kareen.hastrick jane.johnson@ mark.hofman@ mark.watkin
bilqees. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk grimston@ pattinson@ @watford. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk @watford.
mauthoor@ watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk
watford.gov.uk
Oxhey Park Stanborough
Maggie Parker Iain Sharpe Imran Hamid Peter Kloss Peter Jeffree Jessica Stiff Keith Crout Derek Scudder Tim Williams
(LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) 07885 (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD)
07958 518838 01923 440426 07451 989427 760658 07854 842669 07920 095281 07972 912711 01923 492546 01923 663436
maggie. iain.sharpe@ imran.hamid@ peter.kloss@ peter.jeffree@ jessica.stiff@ keith.crout@ derek.scudder tim.williams
parker@ watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk @watford. @watford.
watford.gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk
Tudor Vicarage Woodside
Stephen Bill Stanton Darren Jagtar Singh Mo Mills Nasreen Shah Richard Glen Saffery Karen Collett
Johnson (LD) Walford (LD) Dhindsa (Lab) (Lab) (Lab) Wenham (LD) (LD) (LD)
(LD) 07545 045044 01923 336450 07803 610441 07956 212238 01923 253783 07891 138833 07939 218788 01923 661616
07929 024712 bill.stanton@ darren. jagtar.dhindsa mo.mills@ nasreen.shah@ richard. glen.saffery@ karen.collett
stephen.johnson watford.gov.uk walford@ @watford. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk wenham@ watford.gov.uk @watford.
@watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk
(Lab) = Labour (LD) = Liberal Democrats
www.watford.gov.uk 31THANK YOU NHS STAFF AND ALL KEY WORKERS Photos by Susan Alexander
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