Summer 2021 - Watford Borough Council
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ABOUT
Summer 2021
ABOUT
Welcome to this summer edition of About Watford. I hope lots of you have been
enjoying going out and socialising again since restrictions started lifting. While
Covid-19 may not yet be behind us, there has been lots of work going on to keep the
virus under control in Watford and keep us on our road to recovery. This magazine
will hopefully give you a taste of some of the new projects that are ongoing and the
exciting things we have planned for Watford’s Summer of Fun.
ATFORD
Features
I have recently appointed three new members of my Cabinet: Cllrs Aga Dychton,
Focusing on development - Why can’t the council just say no? 4
Jenny Pattinson and Ian Stotesbury, who have portfolios focused around community,
Restoring Cassiobury's Wetlands - Exciting new wetlands restoration project in Cassiobuty Park 6
wellbeing and the environment. These new Portfolio Holders have a very important role
Watford's heritage buildings to get green makeover - Colosseum and Town Hall efficiency upgrades 8
to play in the Council with a lot of our current and upcoming projects focusing on these
Saving residents’ money - Making homes more efficient 8
Peter Taylor themes as we ensure the future health and sustainability of our town.
New boxing gym open in Watford - Meet Saud Hafiz from ABC Gym 10
Elected Mayor of
King Ping! - New table tennis tables installed in the town 11
Watford We have a number of brilliant projects coming up, focusing on maintaining and
improving our green spaces and biodiversity. We have recently begun a ‘rewilding’ Supporting Mental Health Awareness Week - Connecting with nature 12
www.watford.gov. project in Cassiobury Park and work is due to start shortly to restore the wetlands in New contactless donation points - Raising funds for local charities 13
uk/electedmayor the park’s Nature Reserve (see p6). These projects will enhance the area for residents to Watford’s incredible vaccination effort - Paving the way for a safer future 14
enjoy and allow nature to thrive once again in this unique habitat. Summer Of Fun - Check out our sensational summer events in your pull out and keep guide! 15
Welcome back Watford - Eat. Shop. Enjoy. Repeat! 20
Similarly, recognising the importance of leisure and recreational facilities to our mental Watford Market welcomes new businesses - And there's plenty more to come! 21
health, we have also been working closely with a number of partners to expand the Business Growth Grant - Supporting local businesses 22
offers we have available for our residents, including a new boxing gym (p10) and RefillAbell - A new plastic-free shop coming to Watford 24
outdoor ping pong tables (p11). There will be a number of events taking place over News in brief 28
the summer months to enable you to meet up safely with friends and family, from our Election Round Up and Your Councillors 30
very popular Summer of Fun (p15) to Imagine Watford which makes its comeback as
‘Reimagined Watford’ (p17) after having to be cancelled last year.
We have also been working hard to support our local businesses both big and small,
through offering financial support, advice services and new commercial opportunities
(p22). As we move further into the recovery phase, it is vital that we use this time to
support local retailers and entrepreneurs, while helping even the smallest businesses to
WE’RE HERE TO HELP IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
lead sustainable projects and initiatives.
Finally, I would like to say a huge congratulations to Watford Football Club for their
www.watford.gov.uk
promotion back to the Premier League – it just goes to show how resilient Watford are,
and like them we will soon be back on our feet and thriving! Email: enquiries@watford.gov.uk
Telephone: 01923 226400
If you have an issue that you think I might be able to help with, please get in touch at
themayor@watford.gov.uk or call my office number on 01923 278371. Watford Borough Council, Town Hall, Watford, WD17 3EX watfordcouncil
Sign up to our e-newsletter to
receive information of interest to you.
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.
Visit www.watford.gov.uk/newsletter
2 About Watford Summer 2021 www.watford.gov.uk 3
MAJOR PROJECTS MAJOR PROJECTS
Focusing on development the country, brilliant facilities like our
award-winning parks and theatres,
employment options… I could go on.
ratified Local Plan in place (we hope
early next year), a number of key
local issues have to be considered
Councils have
limited powers
Why can’t the council just say no?
So there will always be demand for by a developer when a project is put
Watford homes, no matter how many forward, including:
we build. Central government
Elected Mayor Peter Taylor reflects on the challenges faced by the council in the face of the high l Is it a high-quality design? implemented a National
new homes target set by central government for Watford, which are similar to those of our much Watford's target l Does it improve the natural
Planning Policy Framework
larger neighbouring boroughs. environment?
l Does it promote sustainable travel?
(NPPF) in 2012. If a proposed
Our target is currently set at 14,000
new homes over 18 years. Our l Does it boost health and development meets the
How the system works and this drives the developer to build
wellbeing? requirements of the NPPF
at volume – which means high rise planning team have evaluated all
Undoubtedly the UK has a chronic homes. the sites in the town that have the l Are local historic buildings then local councils and
potential for development - these protected?
housing shortage. The government is councillors should pass it – if
l Does it create vibrancy?
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor
under pressure to deliver new homes Our neighbouring councils Three are included in our draft Local Plan
they don’t the developer can
for people across the country. Watford Rivers, Dacorum, Hertsmere and St which sets out how development will
Albans have similar housing targets be delivered in Watford up to 2036. In conclusion, while I believe the
appeal. Councils who fail to
residents want their adult children to
have options to stay living in the town to us but a lot more land available The plan will be sent for independent target for Watford is excessive for a deliver their housing targets
in the future, and I’d like to think that to them. This is primarily green assessment in the summer and we small borough, we have little choice struggle to win these appeals
one day my own children will have belt which can only be built on in hope to have it approved next year. but to try and deliver against it in the and can be left paying the
that option too. exceptional circumstances – they also best possible way - promoting quality
developers’ costs which can
have protected Areas of Outstanding Consequences of not and sustainability and ensuring the
quickly mount to millions of
In light of the demand for homes, Natural Beauty which we all want to delivering against the right supporting infrastructure is put
each council in the UK is set a housing preserve for future generations. target in place. We must not lose our ability pounds.
In the three years since I’ve been in target by central government. to positively influence the growth of
office, the issue that is raised with me There are two key factors that play All councils have a duty to cooperate Failure to deliver the target that’s our town.
time and again is development in the a role in setting these targets: the when it comes to housing, so we have been set through an up-to-date
town. People are concerned about average salary of residents and asked all our neighbouring authorities Local Plan results in our planning
the number of new developments the average house price in a given to take some of our housing growth powers being limited. Most of the
How does Watford’s housing annual housing target
that they see and the developments area. If the house prices are deemed because of our limited size and high councils in Hertfordshire do not have compare with other boroughs?
in the pipeline that have been unaffordable when viewed against housing target. So far, they have all an updated Local Plan and so are Population 100,000 Housing target
granted planning permission. the average salary then that area is said it’s not possible but I will continue having to approve almost all housing Watford
Size 8m2 787 pa
People are worried about high rise required to build more homes. The raise the issue and put forward developments – in fact, the majority
homes and whether our current theory is that the cost of new homes Watford’s case. of them have approved more new Population 94,000 Housing target
infrastructure like transport, schools, will reduce once more are available.
Three Rivers
homes than Watford over the last Size 34m2 624 pa
roads and other facilities can support The calculation also fails to consider year.
the rising population in the town. This makes sense but what the the demand for homes from outside Population 147,000 Housing target
St Albans
calculation doesn’t consider is the of the town. In our case we are What can the council do? Size 62m2 893 pa
No town stands still. Places evolve space available in the area. Watford just outside premium property
and that is the natural order of things. price territory London, and many
Population 155,000 Housing target
is one of the smallest boroughs While our planning powers are Decorum
However, the rapid growth in Watford in the UK at just 8m2 (21km2). We people look to move from the city Size 78m2 1,023 pa
already limited, once we have a
is a concern that I share and one have so little land available to us for to Watford because we have so
which as a council we have very little development. Most of the sites that much to offer: commuter transport
control over. developers invest in are small scale options, some of the best schools in
4 About Watford Summer 2021 www.watford.gov.uk 5
CLIMATE ACTION CLIMATE ACTION
Work starts this summer on the new wetlands restoration project in Cassiobury Many of these projects would not traditional wildflower meadows
Park Nature Reserve. Its aim is to transform the area’s former watercress beds into a be possible without the help and have vanished from much of
wildlife sanctuary complete with reeds, ponds and scrapes. dedication of community groups our countryside. Nationwide, a
and volunteers. If you would like to staggering 97% of flower-rich
The main watercress beds went get involved or for information on grasslands have been lost since
out of use in the 1970s and in future projects, contact the park the 1930s.
the early 1980s the area was management team at Cassiobury,
fenced off as a nature reserve, at cassiobury@watford.gov.uk The rewilding project is also a
which has sadly declined. The key part of the council’s new
restoration will return the Putting the wild back into Sustainability Strategy, with
watercress beds to an excellent Cassiobury Park the ambitious goal to make
wetland habitat for birds, like the the borough carbon neutral
snipe and the green sandpiper, Watford Borough Council is by 2030. The plan focuses on
and for insects and mammals embracing biodiversity with a promoting natural solutions
too. The project will increase new rewilding programme that to climate challenges. Find out
the reserve’s biodiversity and will create beautiful wildflower more at www.watford.gov.uk/
provide people with a large and Borough Council, with support open space for everyone to view meadows throughout Cassiobury sustainablewatford.
accessible site for observing and from Friends of Cassiobury Park, and enjoy. The restoration will also Park next year.
learning about nature. Herts and Middlesex Wildlife provide educational opportunities The meadows will also provide
Trust and Community Connection at the reserve and will relieve The stunning wildflower displays, opportunities for education and
Works will include the removal of Projects CIC. flooding elsewhere in the park by which will support our native community involvement through
silt from the beds themselves, re- restoring part of the flood plain pollinators, will take a year to activities such as seed bombing,
opening the river inlet and clearing Elected Mayor of Watford Peter that has been missing for some establish, and by spring 2022 a method of sowing wildflowers
the flow channel and exit into the Taylor said: "This new wetland in time. Projects like these help make park-users and wildlife will be able and helping us nurture these
river. There will be viewing screens Cassiobury Park will provide a our town a greener and more to fully enjoy these new habitats. important habitats. If you would
at intervals along the edge. The much-needed home for wildlife sustainable place for residents to They will be planted with native like to get involved, visit www.
project will be led by Watford and will bring back a large unused live.” wildflower species and managed watford.gov.uk/cassioburypark.
sensitively by reducing mowing
The council is working with the Hertfordshire & for a more naturalised landscape
Middlesex Butterfly Conservation Trust and Friends and to help bring the countryside
back into Cassiobury Park.
of Cassiobury Park, using their extensive knowledge
to plant appropriate wildflower seeds for butterflies Wildflower-rich meadows and
Tufted Vetch Garlic Mustard and insects. The species that will be planted include: grasslands are precious places for
wildlife. A lifeline for bumblebees,
Tufted Vetch, which attracts bumblebees, Garlic
butterflies and other pollinating
Mustard, an important food plant for caterpillar insects, meadows are also a food
species and also the Sweet Vernal Grass and Crested source for seed-eating birds, offer
shelter for small mammals and
Dogstails, both of which are a good source of food for
provide hunting grounds for bats
the larvae of Brown and Skipper butterflies. and insect-eating birds. Sadly,
Sweet Vernal Grass Crested Dogtails
6 About Watford Summer 2021 www.watford.gov.uk 7
CLIMATE ACTION CLIMATE ACTION
Watford’s beautiful heritage buildings Saving residents’ money whilst saving the
get a green makeover planet
Watford Borough Council has been awarded £3.7million of government funding to help secure the Watford Borough Council is helping residents in Leavesden Road and the Kingswood Estate to
sustainable long-term future of Watford Colosseum and the Town Hall. lower their bills and make a difference to carbon emissions.
By securing £2million of funding
from government, the council
has been able to target areas of
Watford with a high proportion
of energy inefficient homes
compared to Watford’s average.
Grants go towards installing
energy saving measures such
as external wall, underfloor and
roof insulation, as well as smart
heating controls.
The project has been well received
by residents in the area, with
residents now starting to reap the
benefits. Diana Tembo had external
wall insulation installed: “It's already
noticeably warmer and the heating
hasn’t come on at all since during This project works towards our lowering your energy bills
The money will support the heritage and cultural assets, which vibrant, diverse and creative town the colder nights. The work has climate net-zero reduction target or switching provider/tariffs,
installation of a range of energy includes the Colosseum and Town with a range of cultural venues smartened up the house, replicating (where emissions from homes you can contact the council’s
efficiency measures in the 1930s Hall, as one of its top priorities. and performances for all our the brick finish to match the look of account for around a third of partner, Better Housing Better
Grade II listed buildings and will community. We also recognise the surrounding houses. It's lovely Watford’s emissions). You can find Health.
make an important contribution Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of the vital importance of tackling and cosy and once it's warmed up it out more at www.watford.gov.uk/
to the council’s carbon neutral Watford, said: “The funding we climate change, protecting the stays warm for a long time.” sustainablewatford. Contact the free helpline today
commitment for Watford by have secured will support two environment for generations to on 0800 038 6030 (Monday
2030. of our ambitions for Watford. come by achieving carbon neutral The project aims to raise EPC To enquire about applying to Friday 9am-5pm) or email at
We are committed to being a in the next decade.” levels to at least a C rating for for funding, or for advice on greenhomesgrant@nef.org.uk.
The Green Grant Funding, those households which have
awarded by the Secretary of incomes of below £30,000, where
State for Business, Energy and improvement upgrade work will
Industrial Strategy as part of the be free. The project will have a
Public Sector Decarbonisation significant benefit to residents in
Scheme, is also a significant boost terms of cost savings. The average
to the council’s Town Hall Quarter utility cost over a three year period
programme. for a home with an EPC rating of C
is around £2,000. This compares
This major improvement scheme with an E rated home which would
has identified the protection cost £3,500, increasing to £4,875
and enhancement of Watford’s for an F rated property.
8 About Watford Summer 2021 www.watford.gov.uk 9
COMMUNITY
Former pro boxer Saud Hafiz
What do you think it is that
makes boxing clubs like West
Herts ABC such a positive place
on opening a new boxing gym to help young people?
At West Herts ABC it’s different
Saud Hafiz is a well-known boxer, competing for England and winning two national amateur titles to just your standard gyms
before turning pro, going undefeated. Saud spoke to us about opening West Herts ABC at 263 St with just a ring and some
Albans Road, sharing his views on local talent and how his boxing gym is set to make a difference. bags. We have so much
engaging equipment to
What sort of help did you receive help we have received, and hope get hit and keep moving forward. help people get fit that
getting the project up and the relationship can continue long That’s a champion – somebody has nothing to do with
running? into the future to make Watford a who sets themselves a target punching anything! When
better place. and reaches it. I want to make a you climb through those
We were lucky in that we received difference and have the parents ropes and get in that ring,
some money from the Mayor's Does Watford have its next come to me and tell me it worked it doesn’t matter who you
Small Grants Fund. Watford Anthony Joshua or Shannon and they are benefitting from the are, you’re on your own
Borough Council have been Courtenay waiting in the wings? sessions. This is the making of a in there. The courage it takes for For more information, contact free membership of one month,
present since the start. They have champion. somebody to do that is something info@westhertsabc.com or visit please follow @westhertsabc
been tremendous in helping us In every session we’ve run, I kid else. Remember, fortune favours www.westhertsabc.com. To be on Instagram and Facebook and
print flyers, supporting us on you not, there are two to three kids You were once a pro fighter the brave! entered into a prize draw for comment with ‘WHABC’
social media and just giving us that I see potential in and I think yourself. How did boxing help
general guidance throughout could go a long way. I do see myself you in your life?
the journey. Also, other external
agencies were a massive help, like
producing champions out of West
Herts ABC but for me, a champion In terms of myself, life was hard.
Become the King Ping of Watford!
Watford Community Housing and isn’t just someone who goes on to I lost my father when I was very Watford Borough Council has Following the success of similar or background, everyone can get
Watford and Three Rivers Trust. win a world title, it ain’t about how young, I had no role model and installed two new outdoor table facilities at Oxhey Activity Park involved in this amazing activity.”
We are very grateful for all the hard you hit, it’s how hard you can I would often get bullied. It was tennis tables in the town centre and Cassiobury Park, this project
really difficult and I just wanted to encourage local people to is part of the Watford Get Active For more information about other
a sense of belonging. I played a take up the sport, have fun and initiative led by the council to table tennis facilities in Watford,
good standard of cricket and a bring an unused area of the create healthier, stronger and visit www.watford.gov.uk
good standard of football when I town back to life! more sustainable communities
was younger, but boxing was just through physical activity and sport.
something else for me. You have The new tables installed next to Enabling inactive residents to
to respect the sport of boxing, it’s Watford Central Library and Watford increase their physical activity not
an art. Mencap’s Café in the Library will only benefits their physical health,
make table tennis more accessible but their mental wellbeing too.
With that comes you looking after and give local residents more
your health - you don’t smoke, you opportunity to be active, by giving Nick, from Nicholas Li Table Tennis
don’t drink and you don’t hang people a place to meet, relax and Academy, said: “It really doesn’t
around the streets as much. To enjoy a quick game, all for free. matter how experienced you
divert myself away from all of this People are being encouraged to are – get a paddle in hand and we
I focused on my boxing and that bring their own bats and balls to help promise you will have a blast. This
helped me in a positive way. It stop the spread of Covid-19, with the is a fantastic opportunity for people
gave me self-discipline and helped council working to have equipment to get together, have fun and
me understand to be respected available from Café in the Library play some table tennis! Whatever
you need to respect others. free of charge in the future. your experience, skills, abilities
10 About Watford Summer 2021 www.watford.gov.uk 11
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
Watford Borough Council New contactless donation
supports Mental Health points to help raise funds
Awareness Week for local charities
Watford Borough Council supported a national campaign for Mental Health Watford residents and visitors who want to support the charities that have been
Awareness Week from 10 to 16 May. helping local people survive the coronavirus pandemic now have a quick and easy
way to show their support.
Watford Borough Council and
Watford and Three Rivers Trust
have set up two contactless
tap points in the town. This
includes Daisy in the Park Café
in Cassiobury Park and inside
Metrobank on Watford High
Street, offering people a quick
way to donate £3 to the Watford
Covid Appeal.
The Watford Covid Appeal has
Mental Health Awareness Week already raised £170k from the
generosity of residents and local
10-16 May 2021 CONNECT WITH NATURE businesses, with the funding
distributed to over 50 local
frontline charities who have been
Led by the Mental Health and about, travel or spend time walks. There is help available for unable to undertake their normal
Foundation, this year’s campaign with loved ones and friends, it has residents who are struggling via fundraising efforts. This includes
focussed on the benefits that taken its toll. our Healthy Hub. Please check on getting emergency food to those
being in nature has on your your family and friends, as mental in need, supporting victims of
wellbeing. "Our beautiful award-winning health can affect anyone at any domestic abuse and those with
parks have proved invaluable for time.” mental health issues, providing town locations and include other has helped us reach out to some
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter so many of us over the past 12 shelter for the homeless, care fundraising efforts, such as of the most vulnerable older
Taylor led two walks in local parks months. Spending time outside For information on the support to those bereaved, advice and homelessness support. people locally and provide them
with residents while discussing the and being surrounded by nature that’s available, please visit www. guidance to those who have lost with essential keep warm items.
many health benefits of being in can have huge benefits on your watford.gov.uk/info/20288/ their jobs and practical help to Lynne Misner CEO of Small Acts of But most importantly, this hand-
nature for mental health. mental health – improving your watford_healthy_hub_and_ young families facing the strain of Kindness, a charity who received delivered gift says someone cares
mood and reducing feelings of safeguarding isolation. funding from the appeal said: and is thinking about you.”
He said: “It has been a tough year stress. I was pleased that we could “For older people, the pandemic
for everyone dealing with the support this campaign. Thanks Find out more information on The tap point is a pilot and, if and particularly during lockdown People can find out more and also
impact that Covid-19 has had on to Maria and Nicky at Cathartic Mental Health Awareness Week at successful, more contact points has been a really lonely time. support the campaign by donating
our lives. Not being able to get out for helping us arrange the www.mentalhealth.org.uk could be rolled out across other The funding we have received online at watfordcovidappeal.org.
12 About Watford Summer 2021 www.watford.gov.uk 13
COMMUNITY
Watford’s incredible
vaccination effort
The efforts of Watford’s local GP practices and surgeries, medical centres and the
team at Watford General Hospital leading the Covid-19 vaccination programme, are
all supporting the town’s most vulnerable people and helping pave the way for a
safer future.
like to thank the health and
care workers in Watford for
going above and beyond during
the pandemic and encourage
everyone to take up the call for the
vaccine when their turn arrives.” Watford is opening back up and it’s throwing a
party! Our Summer of Fun is all about making
Dr Ketan Bhatt, GP Partner at the most of those sunny vibes and getting
Manor View Practice, added: “I Watford back to its buzzing old self. We have
would urge everyone to book an some much-loved events returning, plus
appointment when invited. But some new ones to really make this a summer
remember – even when you are to remember.
vaccinated, it’s vitally important
to continue to break the chain of
infection by washing our hands,
using a face covering and keeping
According to Department of tirelessly to ensure Watford’s our distance from others.”
Health Data, as of 3 June 2021, response to the vaccination
a total of 55,220 (63%) people programme has been a success.
across Watford have received On top of the vaccinations, they
their first dose of a Covid-19 have been undertaking their usual
vaccine and a total of 33,864 service to ensure that patients
(38%) people across Watford get the advice, tests, treatment or
have received their second dose surgery they need.
of a Covid-19 vaccine.
“The vaccine rollout is
The Covid vaccine programme is instrumental in the fight against
the largest vaccination campaign Covid-19 and there has been
in NHS history. Peter Taylor, a great deal of coordination
Elected Mayor of Watford, pays of manufacturing, logistics,
tribute to Watford’s vaccination rapid training of vaccination
team: “Practice teams across administration personnel and
Watford have been working cooperation of patients. I would
14 About Watford Summer 2021
Now in its 11th year, Imagine Watford is one of the
ReImagined Watford town’s biggest events. It pulls in acts from across the
globe to perform in Watford for residents and visitors
3 July - 8 August alike. Due to the pandemic they had to cancel last
year’s run.
Big Bandstand Big Dance
June – September 26 June
Throughout the Sundays in summer, there will be free A comeback for event not seen for a few years, Big Dance
live performances, from a range of bands and musicians, is a day put together by dancers for everyone to enjoy and
covering everything from ukulele, jazz to big band brass. get dancing. Put together this year by Jiveswing this event
The likes of Swanvesta Social Club and Tony Oliver Jazz will take place at the top of the parade, on the events
Days will be filling this year’s line-up. space. Bring your dancing shoes!
The Big JiveSwing Festival is one of the UK’s largest FREE Jazz
Big Jiveswing Festivals, featuring some of the best internationally acclaimed
Jazz musicians, bands and dancers within the UK. It’s a great
25 July family day out, with live cabarets, dance classes for children
and adults and a vintage photo booth, all for FREE!
Colourscape
19 - 28 August
Stage In Throughout weekends in
July and August, there will be New to Watford, Colourscape is a large labyrinth of colour
The Park performances across some of
Watford’s parks including a brand
and light. Don a coloured cape to become part of the
colour experience and enter into a new world where you
July - August new stage in Cassiobury Park. can freely explore the potentials of light, colour and space.
A firm favourite in Watford, the Big Screen is
returning! To help everyone enjoy this year’s event in
Big Screen a safe way, the screening will take place in Knutsford
and Woodside again, just like last year. Big Screen
26 July - 22 August will be held Monday 26 July to Sunday 1 August at
Woodside Playing Fields, and then Monday 2 August
to Sunday 8 August at Knutsford Playing Fields.
Now we can all get
free rapid Covid-19
tests to help protect
Don’t worry if you can’t get away to the beach this year, we’re
each other.
Big Beach bringing one to Watford. Another golden oldie for the town,
Big Beach is returning to the events space at the top of The
9 - 22 August Parade. So come along, recline on one of our beach chairs
and enjoy the summer sun.
Around 1 in 3 people who have Covid-19
have no symptoms and are spreading it
without knowing. That could be a relative.
It could even be you.
Tests show results within 30 minutes.
They also show you’re doing what you can
to protect your loved ones.
Let’s take this next step safely.BUSINESS BUSINESS
Welcome Back Watford! Eat, Shop Watford Market welcomes
and Enjoy all the town has to offer! new businesses!
After a three and a half month period of closure, the town centre and Watford’s other diverse It’s a feast for the senses down at Watford Market as we welcome on board new
shopping and retail areas threw open their doors to the public back in April. businesses during an exciting time for the area, with a range of new goods on
offer and dynamic improvements taking place led by Watford Borough Council.
Colourscape or enjoy some
of the old firm favourites – Big An established part of the
Dance, Big Screen and Big local community, the market
Beach. sells everything from fruit,
l We’re supporting a number of vegetables and fresh fish, to the
initiatives run by Watford BID finest watches and clothing. Now
to entice people into the town showcasing an expanding range
centre and make our town of goods, local punters can
beautiful – including Food and savour traditional Neapolitan
Drink Week and the return of the pizza (Ogy's Pizza), artisan
wonderful flower display as part savoury jams (Rudi’s Chilli Jam),
of Watford in Bloom. fresh homemade baked goods
l Improvements to key shopping (Rustic Bakehouse), unique
destinations Market Street, flavoursome imported candy
Queens Road and St Albans (Rock Pop Candy) or buy eco-
Eager customers were able to so the campaign is a reminder Road, as well as the renovation friendly beauty products (Trade
get their much-needed haircuts, to residents to check out all the of Watford Market, will give and Retail) and beautiful hand-
quench their thirst at local pubs, amazing things on offer right on these areas an attractive facelift. knitted clothing (Vera).
enjoy a shopping trip and take our doorstep!
part in an intense workout at the On top of administering the The improvements small
gym (if that’s your thing). Putting the buzz back into rollout of government grants for businesses are benefitting from
Watford businesses, we’ve launched our include new signage and branding,
To help local businesses and own series of grants and support enhanced entrances, an overhaul
our community on the road to Watford Borough Council is doing programmes for local businesses of the indoor market and a new
recovery, Elected Mayor Peter all sorts of things to get Watford (see p22 for more info). Not only planting scheme to make the further enhance our vibrant town market provides an affordable
Taylor launched a borough-wide back to its lively self! are these businesses crucial for market greener, more inviting, and and also represent an important option without the hassle of
campaign Shop Local, Shop our local economy but they are a to bring a unique character to the contributor to our local economy. high start-up costs. Your local
Watford earlier this year, to lU
sing £85,636 from the huge part of Watford’s character. space. The £250,000 investment As well as the improvements being market could help provide the
highlight the wealth of excellent government’s Welcome Back by Watford Borough Council made to the market, it is exciting perfect platform to showcase
Fund, we’re giving the town a Leila Simpson from the LP
businesses we have to offer. will also include the creation of to see these new traders adding your product within the local
boost – including improving Café said: “It is so wonderful
a community café and seating to the market’s offering, and I community with rents from £75
green spaces, providing more to be back, the local support
From well-loved local independent area, and pop-up shops where would encourage everyone to pop per week.
outdoor seating areas and during all lockdowns has
traders, vibrant start-ups at a range of different traders can down and experience something
maintaining Covid safety been amazing, and it’s such
Watford Market and some of temporarily sell their goods. new while supporting local For more information, visit
measures. a pleasure to open our doors
the biggest businesses in the businesses.” www.watfordmarket.co.uk,
lO
ur events programme is back to the community again! We
region, Watford has something Elected Mayor of Watford, follow on facebook.com/
with some new additions! are looking forward to seeing
for everyone! The town is also Peter Taylor said: “These new If you are looking to try out a watfordtownmarket
Enjoy one of our free live familiar faces and meeting
listed as one of the of top 20 businesses, along with our new business idea or diversify and instagram.com/
music sessions, get lit up by new ones.”
UK retail destinations by CACI, brilliant current traders, will your existing business, Watford watfordtownmarket.
20 About Watford Summer 2021 www.watford.gov.uk 21BUSINESS BUSINESS
Watford Business
The Watford Business Growth
Grant is a new programme
from Watford Borough Council
Growth Grant
and the Hertfordshire Growth
Hub, designed to support local
small businesses and help
launched
them bounce back from a bad
year. To be eligible, a business
simply needs to have between
five and ten employees, be
based in Watford, and to have
been adversely affected by the
It’s been a hard year for businesses pandemic.
in Watford, with many forced to
Once a business has expressed
close or seeing reduced footfall for interest in the scheme, Growth
long stretches of the pandemic. But Account Managers from
as Watford begins to reopen, help is Hertfordshire Growth Hub work
on the horizon. closely with them to determine so tough for so many small
their business needs and offer free, companies. The Watford Business “We’re delighted to be
bespoke advice and support. If the Growth Grant Scheme is our way working in partnership with
business is a suitable candidate, the of investing in local businesses so Watford Borough Council
Growth Account Manager will also that they can get the support they to deliver this grant scheme,
assist them in applying for a grant of need to succeed in the future.” aimed at providing support
between £2,000 and £5,000 to help to local businesses. Driving
improve operating performance The programme will remain open targeted impact through
and drive innovation and growth. until all the existing funds have this scheme, as well as
been allocated, or until 31 March
providing these businesses
Grant money can be spent on 2022, whichever is sooner. Since
with a comprehensive
consultancy services, software launching at the end of March a
range of advice, resources,
and important equipment, or large number of businesses have
support and events through
even be used as match funding already applied, so it’s worth
to unlock larger grants. Elected applying soon if you think you
the Growth Hub, will help to
Mayor Peter Taylor hopes that might be eligible. boost the local economy."
the expertise and financial aid
Sian Ryan
supplied by the program will be a Find out more at
Head of Service at the
lifeline for businesses trying to get www.watfordbusiness.com/
Hertfordshire Growth Hub
back on their feet. business-growth-grant
Launching the programme at
Watford-based tech company
Wirebox, the Mayor said; “Watford’s
business community is so
important to the town, providing
employment opportunities to
residents and helping us to
prosper. The past year has been
www.watford.gov.uk 23BUSINESS
RefillAbell - a new plastic-
free shop coming to Watford
RefillAbell is a Zero Waste Shop that aims to eliminate plastic packaging from food
and household products. The store is situated at 4 Haydon Road, Oxhey Village and
will be opening in June 2021. Here, RefillAbell tell us their story…
Mary Hennessey Photography
RefillAbell is a Zero Waste
Shop that aims to eliminate
plastic packaging from food
and household products. The
store is situated at 4 Haydon
Road, Oxhey Village and will be
opening in June 2021. Here, they
tell us their story.
The idea for RefillAbell grew out of
the first lockdown, when Sameer,
manager of Abell Chemist, shared
his vision for a plastic free shop
with Jane Hopkins. Hopkins
had been helping deliver NHS At RefillAbell you will be able There will also be household
prescriptions for the chemist to bring your own containers liquids such as laundry liquid and
as a volunteer. Three pop ups, to refill with dried food goods, washing up liquid, toiletries such as
countless meetings and an entire such as rice, pasta, nuts, seeds, shampoo, toothpaste and reusable
year later, RefillAbell is nearing its oils and a range of snacks and period products. RefillAbell
grand opening and our ethos of sweets. RefillAbell has a peanut supports local, UK businesses and
‘re-use, re-purpose, reduce and butter machine that makes fresh, aims to have high quality products
upcycle’ are at the core of what we wholesome peanut butter at the that are sustainable, fairtrade,
are about. press of a button. often organic and cater for dietary
requirements such as gluten free
and vegans.
Rinse out your empty containers
and jars, get your Tupperware
ready and place them by the door,
we look forward to welcoming you
into Watford's First Zero Waste
Store!
Follow our progress on Facebook:
RefillAbellWatford, on Instagram:
RefillAbell_Watford and on the
website: www.refillabell.co.uk
24 About Watford Summer 2021 www.watford.gov.uk 25Chargeable garden
waste collection service
Have your garden waste collected Sponsoring Beryl Bikes in partnership with
every two weeks.
Prices per year: SIGN
U
£45 debit/credit card TODA P
£40 direct debit Y!
£35 with council--related benefits
Sign up year runs from September to August annually. Full
price will be charged when signing up partway through the
year. See website for more information.
Visit www.watford.gov.uk/gardenwaste
for details and to sign up.
Garden Waste
www.watford.gov.uk/gardenwaste FOLLOW US...
camelotgroup.co.uk/careers @camelotcareersuk
WE ARE
WATFORD linkedin.com/company/camelot @CamelotCareersUKNEWS IN BRIEF
Beautiful Victorian street signs restored Woodside Playing Fields improvements
To help preserve the original Victorian style of the l Grover Road - the Grover family owned the land on
town, Oxhey Village’s Victorian cast iron street signs which this road was built in the 1880s, and at that
have been lovingly repaired and restored by Murill date they were wine merchants in the town. Their
Construction Ltd and the council. son Henry Grover – founder of Watford FC - set up
the club when he and a group of fellow teenagers
The restored plates reflect the history of the town were given permission by the Earl of Essex to kick
and the works focused on Capell Road, Upper a football around in Cassiobury Park.
Paddock Road, Villiers Road, Grover Road, Aldenham
and Oxhey Avenue.
l Capell Road - named after The Earls of Essex and
William Capell, the original owner of Cassiobury
House. The plate listed as Capel Road was restored
to Capell Road to reflect its origins.
l Villiers Road - commemorates the relationship Check out some of these amazing artist impressions The new facilities will promote an active lifestyle and
by marriage of the Earls of Essex and Earls of for the first phase of the Woodside Playing Fields encourage greater use of the park by residents and
Clarendon. The family are the former owners of the improvements. This phase will focus on creating the visitors – by putting in place the fun and fantastic
land and manor house at The Grove Hotel. Woodside Community Sports Village, with a range of facilities that you want.
developments to improve the sports facilities on site,
and help support local clubs including Watford Town Construction works are planned to start in early 2022
New entrance sign of Watford FC's 1919-20 squad installed Cricket Club and Watford Amateur Boxing Club. and it is anticipated that the development will be
completed and the Community Sports Hub opened
To highlight the heritage of the town and the from that season, and was chosen as it was the team A community café, improved parking, and a new to visitors in early 2023. For more information about
importance of Watford FC within the community, from the early years of George V's reign. The park’s toddler and junior adventurous play area will also be the project, visit www.yourwoodside.co.uk
new commemorative artwork featuring the club’s name originates from Britain’s 60th monarch King built. These computer generated images (CGI’s) are conceptual and indicative proposals.
players from the 1919-1920 season has been installed George V, who ruled from 1910 to 1936.
at the entrance to King George V Playing Fields.
The artwork also highlights the squad that played
The memorial – created in partnership with the and trained across many of the town’s parks and
football club, Watford Borough Council and Watford open spaces, supported by King George V and the
Museum – features most of the Watford FC players Fields in Trust, before the club found their current
home at Vicarage Road Stadium in 1922.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “Watford
Football Club has played an enormous part in our
community for many years and the new entrance
honours the club, the players from the 1919-1920
season and also the work of King George V in
protecting parks across the UK.”
For more information about Watford’s 12 Green Flag
award-winning parks, please visit www.watford.gov.
Photocaption: Mayor Peter Taylor, Mat Robinson from Watford FC,
Cllr Tim Williams and Sarah Priestley from Watford Museum uk/parks.
28 About Watford Summer 2021 www.watford.gov.uk 29Watford residents elect new How your council lines up
local and county councillors
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
On Thursday 6 May residents of Watford went to the polls for the Borough, County numbers shown or by email and are there for you to discuss any issues or concerns you 01923 278371
and Police and Crime Commissioner elections. have about your neighbourhood or the town. themayor@watford.gov.uk
Callowland Central Holywell
ELECTED ELECTED CT ED
NEWLY NEWLY RE-ELE
Dennis Watling Ian Stotesbury Dawn Allen- Marilyn Aga Dychton Rabi Martins Nigel Bell* Favour Matt
(Lab) (LD) Williamson Devonish (LD) (LD) (LD) (Lab) Ezeifedi Turmaine (Lab)
07719 976512 07999 938202 (LD) 01923 337282 07936 404305 01923 228713 01923 256774 (Lab) 07411 153095
dennis. ian. 07891 914319 marilyn. aga.dychton@ rabi.martins nigel.bell@ 07535 284216 matt.
watling@ stotesbury@ dawn.allen- devonish@ watford.gov.uk @watford. watford.gov.uk favour. turmaine@
watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk williamson@ watford.gov.uk gov.uk ezeifedi@ watford.gov.uk
watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk
Leggatts Meriden Nascot
TED D
RE-ELE
CTED LY ELEC ELECTE RE-ELE
CTED
NEW NEWLY
Residents of Watford have voted for councillors to Six seats were also contested under the Herts County
represent them in each of the 12 wards of Watford Council election with the following councillors
Borough Council and at Hertfordshire County elected:
Bilqees Richard Smith Asif Khan* Amanda Jennifer Peter Hannon Tom Osborn Mark Hofman Mark Watkin*
Council. l Central Watford and Oxhey: Cllr Stephen Giles Mauthoor (Lab) (Lab) Grimston (LD) Pattinson (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD)
(Lab) 07976 350871 07931 529164 07702 815172 07515 468580 07359 121894 07590 689039 01923 239893 01923 255715
Medhurst (LD - HOLD) 07958 566037 richard.smith@ asif.khan@ amanda. jennifer. peter.hannon tom.osborn@ mark.hofman@ mark.watkin
bilqees. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk grimston@ pattinson@ @watford. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk @watford.
Each ward – or area of town – is represented by l Meriden/Tudor: Stephen Cavinder (LD - HOLD) mauthoor@ watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk
watford.gov.uk
three councillors. Residents in Watford voted for one l Nascot: Cllr Mark Watkin (LD - HOLD)
councillor for each of the wards, with the exception l North Watford: Cllr Asif Khan (LAB - HOLD) Oxhey Park Stanborough
ELECTED ED ELECTE
D
l Stanborough/Woodside: Cllr Tim Williams (LD -
CT
of Nascot ward which also included a by-election for NEWLY RE-ELE NEWLY
a vacant seat. HOLD)
l West Watford: Cllr Nigel Bell (LAB - HOLD)
The councillors elected this year are as follows:
l Callowland – Cllr Dennis Watling (LAB - HOLD) For a full break-down of the election results, visit Maggie Parker Karen Clarke- Imran Hamid Peter Kloss Peter Jeffree Jessica Stiff
Keith Crout Simon Tim Williams*
(IDG) Taylor (LD) (LD) (LD) 07885 (LD) (LD)
(IDG) Feldman (LD) (LD)
l Central – Cllr Marilyn Devonish (LD - HOLD) www.watford.gov.uk/electionresults 07958 518838 07963 345868 07451 989427 760658 07854 842669 07920 095281
07972 912711 01923 278608 01923 663436
maggie. karen.clarke- imran.hamid@ peter.kloss@ peter.jeffree@ jessica.stiff@
keith.crout@ simon.feldman tim.williams
l Holywell – Cllr Nigel Bell (LAB - HOLD) parker@ taylor@ watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk
watford.gov.uk @watford. @watford.
watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk
l Leggatts – Cllr Richard Smith (LAB - HOLD) The Chairman of the Council for 2021/22 is Cllr gov.uk gov.uk
l Meriden – Cllr Pete Hannon (LD - HOLD) Bilqees Mauthoor who represents Leggatts ward. Tudor Vicarage Woodside
D D
RE-ELE
CTED ELECTE ELECTE
NEWLY NEWLY
l Nascot – Cllr Mark Watkin, Cllr Tom Osborn (LD -
Cllr Mauthoor has been a councillor for over seven years
HOLD)
and has served on a number of committees including
l Oxhey – Cllr Karen Clarke-Taylor (LD - HOLD) Licensing Committee and Overview and Scrutiny
l Park – Cllr Peter Jeffree (LD - HOLD) Committee. She is a registered nurse by profession and
Stephen Bill Stanton Darren Jagtar Singh Sara-Jane Nasreen Shah Richard Glen Saffery Ann Saffery
l Stanborough – Cllr Simon Feldman (LD - HOLD) currently works as a Clinical Nurse Manager. Johnson (LD) Walford (LD) Dhindsa (Lab) Trebar (Lab) (Lab) Wenham (LD) (LD) (LD)
(LD) 07545 045044 01923 336450 07803 610441 07903 205269 01923 253783 07891 138833 07939 218788 07803 714108
l Tudor – Cllr Darren Walford (LD - HOLD) 07929 024712 bill.stanton@ darren. jagtar.dhindsa sara-jane. nasreen.shah@ richard. glen.saffery@ ann.saffery
l Vicarage – Cllr Sara Jane Trebar (LAB - HOLD) Cllr Amanda Grimston (Meriden) has been named as stephen.johnson watford.gov.uk walford@ @watford. trebar@ watford.gov.uk wenham@ watford.gov.uk @watford.
@watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk
Vice Chair.
l Woodside – Cllr Ann Saffery (LD - HOLD)
* Denotes Hertfordshire County Councillor
(plus Stephen Giles-Medhurst, County Councillor for Central Oxhey,
(IDG) = Independent Democrats Group (Lab) = Labour (LD) = Liberal Democrats and Stephen Cavinder for Meriden Tudor)
30 About Watford Summer 2021 www.watford.gov.uk 31Watford FREE Travel for Vaccinations
Use Code: ‘VACCINE1’
or ‘VACCINE2’
For any queries, call ArrivaClick
on 0345 501 0000 or email
arrivaclickenquiries@arriva.co.uk
Download ArrivaClick
Watford Today!
T&C’S APPLY*You can also read
