Latest:

A 19 year-old man from Sandy Close, Hertford, has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health act after he stabbed a teenage girl 32 times.

Edward Bell attacked the girl on Waterford Common in December 2006 whilst his friend James Galloway filmed the incident on his mobile phone.

At St.Albans Crown Court, Judge Michael Baker described the assault as "premeditated brutality". Bell has since been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic.

More from BBC News.

(Press release from Herts Police)

Months of detailed planning will come to fruition next week as the new Hertford Police Station opens its doors to the public on April 14.

The station will be open daily to the public from 7.00am until 11.00pm. A broad range of police services will be based at the station including Neighbourhood officers, intervention teams and crime prevention staff. The senior officer who is based at the station will be the East Herts Chief Inspector Jon Speed.

Estates lead member for the Police Authority, Anne Wright, said: “This is a huge step forward in our plans to provide a higher visible police presence in Hertford, with the new site being far more accessible and conveniently situated near the town centre. It is just one of a number of major developments we are making across the county, including a new police station and court at Hatfield and the extension and development of our Stevenage site.”

Chief Superintendent Al Thomas, Eastern Area Commander, said: “This is the start of a new era of policing in East Herts which will see services delivered from near the town centre in a state of the art facility designed for modern policing needs.

“The plans to migrate staff into Hale Road have been well conceived and there will be minimal or no disruption whilst the moves take place.”

To make the transition easier, the existing public enquiry office at the Ware Road Police Station will also be open until close of business on Monday 14 April.

Work on the new police Ware police station in Bromley Lane continues to make progress, and it is expected to be open to the public in early summer. In the meantime, the local neighbourhood team will be operating from the site.

An official opening ceremony will be held for both police stations later in the year.

Neighbourhood Inspector Diane Watson who covers Hertford and Ware said: “The plans are very positive and when Ware opens for business it means policing will be managed from the heart of these two communities.

(Press release from East Herts District Council)

East Herts Council is to prosecute developers who demolished a Victorian-era building without consent, harming the historic character of the Hertford Conservation Area.

Members of the Development Control Committee on Wednesday (March 12) heard how instructions from council officers had been ignored in the weeks leading up to the demolition of 87 Railway Street, Hertford.

The entire building was torn down on Sunday, January 27, with developers citing safety concerns about the integrity of the building raised by a structural engineer two weeks previously. However, a Building Control officer had inspected the site on January 14 and found that only the chimneystack on the site was unsafe.

The officer reminded the owners on several occasions that they’d need to contact the council’s planning department before taking any action. This they did not do. A dangerous structure notice was later served by the council, requiring the chimneystack to be partially demolished to a safe and stable level.

Malcolm Alexander, Executive member with responsibility for development control said: “The developer claimed the demolition was for safety reasons and yet they had taken no action for two weeks. They were told their obligations and they had every opportunity to fulfil them.

“This was a wilful disregard for the proper legal process and as a result we’ve lost an important building, seriously harming the historic character of this conservation area.”

(Press release from Herts Police)

Officers from the Eastern Area Roads Policing Unit have issued fifty Fixed Penalty Notices to drivers in Bengeo this week with a further 21 the previous week.

Officers were carrying out enforcement patrols of a ‘no right turn’ from Bengeo Street into Cross Road, which is in place Monday – Friday 7.30am – 9.30am. These traffic restrictions are in place as part of a six month trial.

Ten other tickets for other road safety related matters were also issued.

Sergeant Neil Emmerson from the Eastern Area Roads Policing Unit carried out the patrols and said: “The clearly visible signs have been lawfully placed to reduce the number of vehicles travelling through the narrow streets in Bengeo. These figures are hugely disappointing which is reflected in the number of people stopped over three days in the past two weeks. Enforcement of these new signs will continue during the six month trial and people committing this offence will be dealt with by way of a £30 fixed fine."

County Councillor Stuart Pile added: "It has been imperative that the County Council work in partnership with police to provide a regular level of enforcement for the scheme to reduce the number of vehicles travelling through Bengeo. We are also working with Mill Mead School to increase the number of children walking to school."

A scooter and bike shed have recently opened to enable children to store their property for the day. The school has also been working with the Road Safety Unit to start a second lollibus, a walking bus with a lollipop person, from Sele Farm to complement the one that is already running from Westfield Road.

(Press release from Tesco)

Tesco will be exhibiting detailed plans for the proposed redevelopment to its store in Hertford next week. The exhibition, which will include a model of the scheme, will take place in a mobile unit in the store car-park on Friday 29th February from 1pm until 5pm and again on Saturday 1st March from 10am until 3pm.

Public exhibitions outlining the initial plans for the redevelopment of the store were held in January to get the views of the local community. During the exhibitions, Tesco agreed with local residents to meet with them again to show the detailed designs that have now evolved through the consultation.

Michael Kissman of Tesco said, "We made a promise to the people of Hertford that we would go back to them when we had developed our proposals. Engaging with the community whilst the designs were evolving has been invaluable in ensuring the scheme offers maximum benefits to the community".

"We now have a scheme that we believe is right for Hertford - the proposals will provide around 100 new jobs and 52 new homes, including affordable housing. Shoppers will be attracted back into Hertford from nearby out of town stores, helping to increase town centre trade and the plans will provide an environmentally friendly and sustainable site to preserve and enhance the town's historical character."

Tesco's proposals will also include around 10,000 square foot of space for a community use. The company is currently discussing the possibility of using this space for a new doctor's surgery with a local GP.

(Press release from East Herts District Council)

East Herts Council’s Executive is to recommend a “robust, prudent and achievable” budget for 2008-09, ensuring it focuses its spending on the priorities that residents tell them are important.

Running more than 80 services for the public will cost £24.2 million next year: almost £9m will come from fees and charges and through efficiency savings, £8m from government grant and £8.7m from council tax. £1.5 million also needs to be put aside for rising pension costs.

The proposed council tax rise is around 12 pence a week: The average Band D council tax payer would pay £150.30 for district council services for the full year, up 4.5% on last year (£143.83). The final figure will be set by full council on February 20. The district council’s portion will be combined with the amounts required by Herts County Council, Herts Police Authority and relevant town or parish councils in East Herts.

Michael Tindale, Executive Member for Finance & Resources, said more money would be spent in three key areas – recycling, enhancing customer services and development control – in line with what the public wanted.

Money was also being put aside for some big-cost items in future years, such as a required housing conditions survey, the next district elections, the review of the Green Belt and the Local Development Framework. Funds to ‘smooth’ any future interest rate falls were also being increased.

Knowledge of how much government grant East Herts would receive until 2011-12 helped long-term planning, said Cllr Tindale, but that grant would rise by just 1% next year, and 0.5% for each of the following two years.

“The gap will get wider because costs just to stand still will increase,” he said. “We have as yet unidentified savings to find of £1.1 million over the next three years, and this is where our future decisions over issues like the leisure contract and the council’s working arrangements will come into play.”

The new 10-year leisure contract begins in October 2008 and the council has made clear to tenderers that reducing the subsidy it pays out will be key. The working arrangements study will focus on how the council houses its own staff to ensure customer service is in the right place. A presence in Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford will be maintained.

Cllr Tindale added: “We’re looking for stability over the next four years: we’re committed to keeping our part of the council tax to no more than a 4.5% increase and will do that by keeping tight control on our budgets and focussing on our priorities.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a serious road traffic collision on the A414 near Hertford yesterday (January 30).

The collision happened at just gone 6pm just before the junction with Thieves Lane and involved a cyclist and a silver Audi A4. The cyclist, a 68-year-old local man was taken to QEII Hospital with serious head injuries.

The A414 between Cole Green roundabout and the Hertingfordbury roundabout was closed for around three and a half hours.

PC Steve Morris from the Eastern Area Roads Policing Unit is investigating and said: “I would like to make an appeal to anyone who saw what happened to contact police. Or if you have any information which could help our investigation I would like to hear from you.”

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Morris in the Eastern Area Roads Policing Unit on 0845 3300 222.

Hertford’s Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) comes into force on Monday 4th February.

New signs will warn people that they’re entering an area where the police have the authority to ask people to stop drinking and surrender their alcohol. The signs be installed at set locations along the boundaries of the DPPO, which was approved by East Herts Council in November, and covers most of the town centre, including the castle grounds.

Herts Police said "It’s not about stopping law-abiding people enjoying a quiet drink, but if police officers and PCSOs believe that someone drinking in public within the boundary is creating disorder, they can take action. Anyone who refuses to stop drinking or dispose of their alcohol can be issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice or they can be arrested and face a maximum fine of £500".

Diane Watson, Neighbourhood Inspector for Hertford and Ware said: “We are delighted that we have been granted this DPPO. It will act as a powerful weapon in helping us to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour in the centre of Hertford. I would like to thank the public and our partner agencies in supporting us with this application.”

Malcolm Alexander, East Herts Council’s Executive member for Community Safety said: “We want people to have a safe night out in Hertford, but we don’t want residents and businesses to have problems with alcohol-related crime.

“With this order, we can help the police stop the minority from committing anti-social behaviour, whilst allowing everyone else to enjoy their time in Hertford town centre.”

Detectives in the Eastern Area Burglary and Robbery Unit are appealing for witnesses and information and are asking residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity following three distraction burglaries.

Detective Sergeant Tim Johnson said: “I would urge all members of the community, particularly in area’s where the elderly and vulnerable live, to report any suspicious activity immediately. If you believe a vehicle looks out of place or people are acting suspiciously for the environment it is important you give us a call so we can decide the best course of action. We would rather it turn out to be nothing than someone become a victim of crime.”

More from Herts Police.

A man has today been sentenced to a six-and-a-half year prison term after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Alexander Ruggeri in Hertford last year.

The body of the 45-year-old was discovered in Cole Green Farm, West Farm at around 1.30pm on Saturday, February 24 2007. Mr Ruggeri, who died of stab wounds, was believed to have been ‘living rough’ at the time of his death.

More from Herts Police.

Severe congestion in Hertford town centre during the evening peak hours is set to continue until the end of the month as work continues to replace the gas main in South Street.

Following the closure of South Street, traffic has been diverted via Railway Street and Mill Road. The added weight of traffic trying to use Mill Road has led to virtual gridlock and the highways authority has had to install temporary traffic lights during peak hours to control the flow of vehicles using the mini-roundabout outside Hertford East station.

Rail services from Hertford East into Liverpool Street are back to normal following Monday's derailment at Hackney Downs.

Rail services from Hertford East into Liverpool Street have been disrupted after a derailment at Hackney Downs.

Trains are being diverted via Stratford, leading to longer journey times.

The train has been removed and Network Rail are repairing the track. A One Railway spokeswoman said they do not know how long repairs will take and disruption will continue.

More from One Railway.

(Press release from Herts Police)

Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident on Friday 14 December in Salisbury Square, Hertford.

At around 1.15am an 18 year old female was approached by a male near to the White Hart public house and Monsoon. After a brief altercation the male is believed to have kicked the female in the stomach, causing her to fall to the ground. The female has sustained internal bruising as a result of the attack.

The male is believed to be around 25 years old, of European appearance with dark hair and dark eyes. He is described as around 5ft 10 in to 6ft tall and of medium build. He was wearing a white short sleeved t-shirt or shirt with a brown scarf and jeans at the time of the incident.

PC Claire McDonald said: “This is a particularly vicious unprovoked attack. Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident, or anyone who may be able to provide information which could lead to identifying the offender.

If anyone has any information at all in relation to this incident I would urge them to call on 0845 33 00 222 without delay.”

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name and you could be entitled to a cash reward.

A body has been found in the River Lee near Hertford Lock. Emergency services cordoned off the towpath between the lock and Marshgate Drive shortly after 2pm on Tuesday afternoon.

A number of narrowboats are used as homes in the area where the body was found. Police are saying little about the find at this stage in their investigations.

(Press release from Hertford Museum)

Hertford Museum staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters have been on tenter hooks for the last month as they waited to hear whether their application for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for £985,000 towards their development project was successful.

On the evening of 27th of November, Helen Gurney, the museum Curator received the news that they had been waiting for. Helen said, "This is such great news! Our museum now enters a new and exciting era, where we can all look forward to a better museum for everyone!"

The grant will help the museum achieve its aims of encouraging more people to learn, enjoy and have access to the heritage of Hertford through:

• a completely revamped first floor which will enable more of the collections on display to tell the story of our town and its history
• a new lift to allow access for all
• a new ground floor 'resource room' where visitors can access our diverse and rich paper collections
• a new 3 year full time 'Learning Officer' post to widen learning opportunities in the museum and with our amazing collections
• a new learning space on the ground floor

The HLF grant will also enable Hertford Museum to carry out a number of improvements, including conserving and improving the historic Bull Plain building.

Robyn Llewellyn, Heritage Lottery Fund Manager in the East of England comments; "This major lottery boost will enable Hertford Museum to greatly improve it's exhibition spaces and visitor facilities, benefiting people for miles around. What is already a popular and important visitor attraction will become a landmark local museum, bringing the past to life for everyone to explore and enjoy."

The museum has successfully raised £100,000 through individual and organisation donations (including £45,000 from East Herts Council and £10,000 from Hertford Civic Society) and fundraising events, but still needs to raise a further £100,000 to enable them to achieve all the aims of the wider development project.

Helen adds, "We are hoping that local people and businesses will now see how serious we are about our development project with this huge investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and help us to raise the required funds to ensure its success."

The new Learning Officer will start work in the spring of 2008 and the Museum will close its doors in September 2008 for one year, whilst all the improvements take place, and will re-open to the public in late 2009. During closure, the Museum hopes to do a number of outreach activities in various venues in and around the town. The Museum also hopes to rent a shop premises in the town centre so that we can keep the local community updated with our project.

(Press release from Herts Police)

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following a fire in Hertford on November 1.

At 11.20pm police were called by the fire and rescue service who were dealing with a fire on the ground floor of a block of a block of flats on Revels Road. The fire had been started in the communal hallway.

Fire officers led five people to safety, no-one was injured.

Detective Constable Ian Harrison is investigating the incident and said: “This is being treated as arson and I would like to speak with anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact police without delay. People’s lives were put in danger during this incident, if you know who is responsible or if you have any information which would assist us in tracing those responsible I would like to hear from you.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Harrison on 0845 3300 222. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name and you could be entitled to a cash reward.

East Herts Council has approved plans for the refurbishment of Hertford Post Office.

The plans include opening up the former door on the front elevation, replacing existing opaque glass with clear, removing internal walls and building a new 2 storey block at rear of the site.

This year's Hertford Civic Society Award has gone to Hertford House Hotel. The Society also recognised the new Faith and Hope building in Castle Street.

Commendadtion also went to properties in Old Nicholas Lane, Highfield Road and the restoration of The Dolphin.

The Healthcare Commission has rated East and North Herts Primary Care Trust as "Weak" in it's Annual Health Check.

The Trust provides a weak quality of service to patients and is poor at managing its finances. However, The Commission's report says that "in a recent survey of trusts in England, patients rated this organisation as satisfactory in terms of their overall experience".

The Trust is failing to meet core standards and performs below the minimum requirements, according to the report.

An overturned lorry has closed the A414 Foxholes roundabout, causing rush hour chaos and gridlock in the town. Traffic is diverting along the Ware Road and delays are feeding back along all roads into the town.

Drivers have reported journey times of an hour to get from Hertford North to Ware Road. Others are abandoning their vehicles to get to their destinations.

The trial of James Galloway, accused of attempted murder following the multiple stabbing of a teenage girl on Waterford Common, has been halted after the judge dismissed the jury.

Legal arguments at the close of the prosecution case led the judge to halt the trial, giving the prosecution six weeks to review their evidence and bring the case back to court.

Galloway's co-accused Eric Bell has already pleaded guilty to atempted murder and is awaiting sentencing.

(Press release from East Herts Council)

The contractors are on site and work has started at Hertford's eagerly awaited skatepark.

Like any project of this size, it's taken a while to reach this point because East Herts Council, which is building the facility, wanted to be sure it would be right for the young people who have been asking for it and at the same time was within the budget available.

The skatepark will be on Hartham Common at Hertford and the site has been carefully chosen to be easy to reach and easily visible, making it safer for everyone.

Work is expected to last at least eight weeks so the skatepark could be ready for use by Christmas.

The council has held two public meetings to ask the town's young people what they would like to see at the skatepark and then to discuss the final design with them.

Linda Haysey, Executive member for community development, leisure and culture, said: "Young people have been saying for a long time that they wanted a skatepark in Hertford and East Herts Council has been committed to providing this facility for the town.

"There have been a lot of issues to resolve along the way, including the finances and ensuring it would be right for as wide an age group and level of skills as possible."

"I don't think I'll be using it myself," Cllr Haysey admitted, "but I'm delighted that work has started and that people will soon be able to enjoy their hobby on a safe and designated site."

Steve Crawford, of Freestyle, the company that designed the skatepark, said: "The design will provide lots of variety and will appeal to beginners and professionals alike.

"We're looking forward to creating a professional skatepark that everyone can be proud of and enjoy for years to come."

(Press release from East Herts Council)

Tenants of Bircherley Court in Hertford will be able to sleep easier in their beds after East Herts Council responded to their petition and agreed to lock the neighbouring multi storey car park at night.

The elderly residents of the Riversmead scheme signed a petition complaining that groups of people were racing around Bircherley Green car park at night on motorbikes, shouting and causing a disturbance and treating the car park like a race track.

The move has won support from the police who had received an increasing number of complaints from residents in the late evenings and early hours of the mornings.

After receiving the petition the council took the decision to lock the car park from 9pm to 7am each night Monday to Saturday and on Sundays from 5pm to 9am and advertised the proposal in local newspapers. No objections were received during the three week response period so the closure is due to go ahead from October 8.

Mike Carver, Executive member for planning policy and transport, said: "Having a disturbed night caused by anti social behaviour is an unpleasant experience and even more so if you're elderly or feel vulnerable.

"The council has responded promptly to the petition and taken residents' concerns on board. By locking the car park we hope the quality of life for the residents will improve."

Dorothy Hone, ward member for Hertford Castle, said: "We have been concerned for the wellbeing of the residents in Bircherley Court and we hope this move will be of benefit to them."

Jackie Trundell, Riversmead sheltered services manager, said: "This is a good example of us all working together to cut down on anti-social behaviour. Our residents are now looking forward to some undisturbed nights at long last."

(Press release from East Herts Council)

Crime and the night-time economy are on the agenda for the next Hertford area Community Voice meeting, giving residents a chance to discuss their concerns with local police officers.

The meeting takes place at East Herts Council's offices, in the Council Chamber at Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford on Thursday, September 27 from 7.30-9pm.

Hertford is a popular place at night, with revellers coming from across the region to enjoy the many bars and restaurants. In recent years, projects like taxi marshalling and a Pub Watch scheme have been launched to reduce disorder in the evenings.

Hertford's neighbourhood police team will be at the meeting to answer questions, whether they're about the night-time economy or local crime in general.

Suzanne Rutland-Barsby, chairman of Hertford Community Voice said: "Don't miss the opportunity to talk to local police officers about any issues you might have. Hertford is a wonderful area to live in and a popular place for a night out, but we have to make sure residents' lives aren't disrupted in the evenings, and that the area remains safe."

Local property developer Parkhall Ltd has submitted a planning application for 14 new flats opposite Hertford East station.

The modern design on the site of the former Dolphin car park features 12 flats on three floors topped by two penthouses. Access from St.John's Street will lead to parking at the rear.

Police are appealing for witnesses after an armed robbery at Michael's Jewellers in Railway Street.

A man brandishing a handgun walked into the shop at 4:55pm yesterday (Thursday) and demanded cash.

The man is described as aged around 25-35 years, white, of thin build and with dark hair. Height approx 5ft 7in and clean shaven.

Half an hour later, a man of a similar description held up the BP Garage in Ware Road, Hoddesdon.

Press release from Herts Police

The Sportman in Fore Street has been closed down by East Herts District Council following the repeated discovery of underage drinkers on the premises.

Herts Police requested a review of the premises licence after they cautioned the owner Aktaar Uzzaman for selling alcohol to 16 year-old customers.

At a meeting of the licencing committee on 3rd July, it was decided to revoke the premises licence for three months.

The listed building was sold by Barracuda Inns in 2005 and was bought by the owners of Bollywood indian restaurant in Fore Street for a reputed £700,000.

(Press release from East Herts Council)

Hertford's long-awaited skate-park is almost here - and the designers are inviting everybody to see the details at Castle Hall, The Wash, Hertford on Tuesday, July 31 from 2pm-3pm.

The plans will be on display at the public meeting to help the consultants, Freestyle Skateparks, to put the finishing touches to the design and landscaping details. After the meeting, a final design will be produced, and work is expected to begin on construction during the summer.

East Herts Council is investing over £100,000 in the project, which was delayed to allow time for a local skate park group to raise a further £100,000 for a larger scheme. Although the group was unable to raise the funds, the council resumed work on the project, with the option of adding to the skate park if more funding became available at a later date.

Tony Jackson, Leader of the Council said: "We're very excited by these plans. They've been a long time coming, but we're confident that soon Hertford will have an excellent facility that local children will be able to enjoy for years to come."

(Press release from Herts Police)

Hertford Safer Neighbourhoods Team are going to give bikers a final warning to stay off private property in Hertford, or they could face arrest.

Police are erecting signs on the land known locally as Archers Springs on the B1000 Welwyn Road informing the public that it is private property and those found on the land will be reported to police and dealt with.

The erection of the signs follows years of anti social behaviour on the land by bikers - who use the land.

Local residents have been keeping anti-social behaviour diaries recording incidents and police have issued several Section 59 warnings to bikers on the site and explained that the land was private property.

More from Herts Police

(Press release from East Herts District Council)

Changes to the current swimming programmes at the joint-use school pools in East Herts were confirmed by the Executive last night, to be implemented from September 1.

There'll be extra time each weekend for the popular inflatable fun swimming sessions at Ward Freman and Leventhorpe pools, along with more time for swimming lessons and pool parties.

However the less busy sessions, like casual swimming at weekends and bank holidays, will only be available at the two council-owned pools at Hartham and Grange Paddocks. The Executive heard that in a year at Leventhorpe pool, just 375 people had been to the casual sessions on Saturdays. And at Ward Freman, only 163 people used the pool at the weekend between March and May this year - an average of about a dozen people over two days.

Council leader Tony Jackson said: "We're continuing to invest in leisure services across East Herts, not just in swimming pools. We need to be realistic and adjust the leisure programme to meet the demands of the public.

"We're extending the popular fun sessions and we're encouraging more youngsters to learn to swim by giving more time over to swimming lessons. Rather than funding a session used by only a small minority of people during the year, we're directing investment into the services that are widely used and offering the best value for money for all residents."

(Press release from Herts Police)

Hertfordshire Safety Camera Partnership is running a survey online at www.hertsdirect.org/safetycameras

County Councillor Stuart Pile, Executive Member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs said:

“I would encourage road users to log on and complete the questionnaire. We are always keen to hear people’s opinions and we are aiming to get a picture of how well our road safety messages are getting across.”

Respondents are assured that the survey is anonymous.

More from Herts Police

(Press release from Herts Police)

A Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) is being sought for part of Hertford town centre and Hartham Common.

A public consultation begins on June 25 for eight weeks. If the public support the application for the order it will go before East Herts District Council’s executive committee in November.

The DPPO gives police officers and PCSO’s the authority to ask people to stop drinking alcohol within that area if they believe it is creating a disorder. They can ask people to stop drinking and to get rid of the alcohol, by pouring it away, putting it in the bin or giving it to the officer. If people refuse, they can be issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice or can be arrested and can face a maximum penalty of £500.

The ban will be in place at all times but the proposal does not effect the general area of Hartham Common, only the children’s play area and adjacent car parks.

More from Herts Police

(Press release from EHDC)

A woman who worked part time for the Hertfordshire Probation Service and Herts Regional College pleaded guilty to two charges of benefit fraud at Hertford Magistrates' Court on May 10.

Rita Jones, 44, of High Road, Stapleford, Hertford, admitted that she had failed to declare she was in receipt of child maintenance payments and tax credit awards.

An adjudicating officer confirmed that she had been overpaid housing and council tax benefit amounting to £2,523.26

Mrs Jones received a conditional discharge for 12 months and was ordered to pay £100 towards prosecution costs.

In the last four years East Herts has stopped fraudulent benefit payments totalling in excess of £984,000. Anyone who suspects someone of committing benefit fraud is urged to call the freephone 24-hour hotline on 0800 373 852 with information.

(Press release from Herts Police)

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a public order offence in Hertford Heath on Friday night May 11.

The incident happened at a shop on London Road between 8.30pm and 9.10pm. Two youths went into the shop and made racial threats to the store owner. They then joined a group of up to 10 youths outside the store before leaving the area.

More from Herts Police

(Press release from Herts Police)

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a burglary at a flat in Hertford.

The incident happened between 5pm and 7.25pm on May 2 at the Waterfront on Mill Road.

More from Herts Police

(Press release from East Herts District Council)

East Herts Council said farewell to nine of its 50 councillors at its final meeting on Wednesday night (18) before May's elections.

Between them, the nine have clocked up 85 years of service to the public: and former Leader Hedley Banks alone has served the council for 31 years.

Cllr Banks, who represented Thundridge and Standon ward has been a district councillor since 1976, and was Leader of East Herts Council between 1999 and 2001.

At full council, tributes were paid to Cllr Banks from all sides of the chamber: Tony Jackson, the current Leader, reminded councillors that, in 1976, Abba was number 1 with Fernando and Concorde made its first commercial flight. "There's one word to sum up Hedley Banks and that is pragmatic - he has brought pragmatism that cuts though a lot of the dross that many of us get caught up in - this authority owes an enormous debt of gratitude to him," he said.

Mike Wood, Leader of the Opposition, described Hedley as "a bridge-builder" between the different parties and Keith Barnes, for the Independent group, said he couldn't imagine East Herts Council without him.

In response, Cllr Banks said it had been a privilege: "Working with great councillors and great staff of all ages has been a double bonus for me - I'll miss everyone and wish them all well."

Independent councillors Barry Sapsford and David Atkins (both Ware Christchurch) are stepping down after 30 years between them - 16 for Cllr Sapsford and 14 for Cllr Atkins.

Six councillors are standing down after one four-year term: they are Nicola Burdett (Con, Sawbridgeworth) who was Executive Member for Community Safety; Jo Cain (Con, Braughing); Rob Conway (Con Hertford Kingsmead); Sally Newton (Con, Hertford Bengeo), Helle Penson (Con, Hertford Sele) and Matt Port (Con, Hertford Bengeo).

Chairman Allen Burlton wished all retiring councillors well and thanked them for their service to the community: "Without people like you, East Herts Council wouldn't be able to operate," he said.

A survey by the Halifax Bank shows that key workers have no hope of being able to afford property in Hertford, with prices over 9 times the salaries of most workers

The average home in Hertford costs over 12 times the salary of a fireman and nearly nine times the salary of a policeman. Teachers, nurses and paramedics are similarly priced out of the market, with homes being more than ten times their salary.

Useful link: From BBC News Property woe for public workers

Download PDF: Affordability for key workers by area [726KB]

Hertford is one of two East Herts towns have been named as Hidden Britain Centres, opening the door to Government funding to promote the towns' appeal as highlights of the nation's countryside.

Hertford and Buntingford are two of only 10 Hidden Britain Centres that will be created in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. They were selected by DEFRA after East Herts Council's AGRE co-ordinator Carole Skidmore stepped in. Her past work with DEFRA, and her role promoting farmers' markets across the district helped persuade them how the project could benefit the local economy.

Hidden Britain is a national project which aims to highlight the best of the lesser-known areas of rural Britain. A steering group will be responsible for promoting the towns' attractions - from their rich historical heritage to the unique retail offer and farmers markets found in East Herts.

The group is looking for ideas from local communities - to find out just what they think are the best bits of Hertford, Buntingford and the surrounding villages. A village shop, a local pub, or any place which friends and family enjoy spending time could add to the appeal of East Herts. If you'd like to be involved, contact Carole Skidmore at EHDC on 01279 655261.

Mary Orton, Director of Customer and Community Services said: "We want communities to be involved right from the start so they can decide what benefits they want to see for their own areas. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote East Herts towns - and get more shoppers into the towns using the local stores and markets."

(Press release from East Herts District Council)

From parks to pest control; litter to licensing - don't miss the chance to vote on the future of your services, warns East Herts Council, as elections are formally announced on Tuesday (March 27).

Local elections are the most important way to influence services and issues that matter to you, and on Thursday May 3, all 50 council seats will be up for election, along with ballots in the 41 parish and five town councils.

There are more than 100,000 eligible voters in East Herts, but you can't have a say if you're not registered to vote. You can vote if you live within the district, if you're over 18 and are a British, Commonwealth or EU citizen. Forms were sent out to all residents in the Autumn, but if you've not sent yours back yet you'll need to do so by April 18. If you're a new resident you'll need to ask the council for a new registration form.

Chief Executive and Returning Officer Anne Freimanis said: "Now's the time to register to vote, if you've not done so already. It takes just a few minutes to fill out the paperwork, but your vote will affect your life and the lives of your neighbours for the next four years."

(Press release from Hertfordshire County Council)

Don’t miss the chance to have your say on the future of waste management in Hertfordshire.

The Hertfordshire Waste Partnership’s consultation is well underway to establish people’s views on ways of reducing waste, increasing recycling and on alternative treatment methods for dealing with the remaining waste. The consultation runs until 30 March 2007.

Surveys were sent to households across the county in January and so far more than 10,000 responses have been received. There’s still time to visit the website www.wasteaware.org.uk/strategy to complete the questionnaire online and make your views known.

The Met Office are warning of strong winds and the possibility of snow from Sunday onwards, with a 30& risk of disruption in the county.

East of England: severe weather warnings

12:35 Saturday 17th March 2007
Hertford East Residents Parking Approved

East Herts District Council has given the go-ahead for a Controlled Parking Zone around Hertford East Station.

Councillors met on Thursday 15th March to approve a scheme that covers Villiers Street, Townshend Street, parts of Railway Street and Ware Road, Holden Close, Spencer Street, Marshgate Drive (to 27), St.John's Street and Priory Street.

The scheme is expected to be up and running by the beginning of 2008.

12:15 Tuesday 13th March 2007
Plans For Kwik Fit Flats

Kwik Fit have submitted a planning application to demolish buildings on their former site in Ware Road and erect a retail outlet and 13 flats.

14:50 Saturday 10th March 2007
Council Tax 2007-8

East Herts District Council has published the coming year's council tax charges. They are:-

11:10 Friday 9th March 2007
Nine Arrested for Suspected Fraud

Nine people were arrested in the town centre on Wednesday under suspicion of Fraud by False Representation. The arrests came after pickpocketing and the sale of false gold was reported

16:25 Wednesday 7th March 2007
Schoolboy Mugged in Welwyn Road

(Press release from Herts Police)

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a teenager was robbed in Hertford on Saturday afternoon (March 3).

The incident happened after the 16 year old boy had got off a train at Hertford North Station at about 3.30pm. He walked through the station and noticed 3 men following him. When he got onto Welwyn Road the males surrounded him and threatened him, one was carrying a knife. They took mobile phones and a small amount of cash before heading back off towards the station.

More from Herts Police

11:35 Wednesday 7th March 2007
Police Issue Further Appeal for Information

(Press release from Herts Police)

DETECTIVES are making a further appeal for information and witnesses in connection with the murder of 45-year-old Hertford man, Alexander Ruggeri.

Alexander’s body was discovered in Cole Green Farm, Hertford on the afternoon of Saturday, February 24. Forensic experts are still working to establish an approximate date of death.

More from Herts Police

13:04 Tuesday 6th March 2007
Places at Richard Hale to be Decided By Lottery

Richard Hale School is to be one of seven in Hertfordshire that will have places allocated by lottery.

Presdales School in Ware will also have places allocated using the system.

Hertfordshire County Council is only the second local authority to introduce the system, after Brighton announced a similar scheme at the end of February.

More from BBC News

14:02 Monday 5th March 2007
Plans for Pines School Site To Be Discussed

East Herts District Council will this week discuss plans for the site of the former Pines School site on the Pinehurst Estate.

Owners Hertfordshire County Council are asking for more time to assess the future of the site, with various plans having been mooted, including housing, a Disability Resource Centre and a Family Support Unit.

Planning officials are recommending that the request be turned down because more than enough time has already been allowed for the County Council to complete the assessment. The need for such an exercise is also questioned in the officer's report.

10:25 Monday 5th March 2007
County Council Makes Climate Change Pledge

(Press release from Hertfordshire County Council)

Hertfordshire County Council has officially signed up to a local version of the Kyoto Protocol.

Council leader David Beatty and Caroline Tapster, the authority’s chief executive, put pen to paper on the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change at County Hall on February 27.

The full council had earlier voted in favour of the pledge, which commits local authorities to action on issues such as carbon emissions and greenhouse gases.

21:58 Wednesday 28th February 2007
Man Charged With Murder

Police have charged a 32 year old man with the murder of Alexander Ruggeri, who was found dead on Cole Green Way last Saturday.

John Bennett, of no fixed abode, will appear at St.Albans Magistrates Court on Thursday morning.

14:10 Tuesday 27th February 2007
Statement from Family of Alexander Ruggeri

Herts Police have issues a statement from the family of Alexander Ruggeri, whowas found dead on Cole Green Way at the weekend Statement from Family of Alexander Ruggeri

17:55 Monday 26th February 2007
Man Found Dead on Cole Green Way

Herts Police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a man’s body in Cole Green Farm, West Street, Hertford at around 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon (February 24).

A post mortem releaved that 45-year-old Alexander Ruggeri died from stab wounds.

A 32-year-old Hertford man was arrested this afternoon in connection with this investigation and is currently in police custody.

09:15 Friday 23rd February 2007
Council Tax up 5%

Council tax is set to rise by 5% from April after the County Council cabinet passed a 5% increase on Monday, whilst East Herts District Council decided on a 4.8% rise earlier in the month.

09:15 Thursday 22nd February 2007
District Council Awarded Three Stars

The Audit Commission has awarded East Herts District Council a three star rating (max four) following an annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment.

17:25 Thursday 8th February 2007
Armed Robbery at General Store

(Press release from Herts Police)

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery at the Grape and Grain General Store in Hornsmill Road, Hertford on Wednesday February 7.

The incident took place at 5.20pm when the offender entered the shop through the main door. He pointed a handgun at a member of staff who was standing behind the counter and demanded he hand over cash and cigarettes.

01:22 Wednesday 7th February 2007
Met Office warns of heavy snow

(Weather Warning from Met Office)

"The Met Office is expecting a period of heavy snow to develop across Southwest England and much of Wales during Wednesday night and this is expected to extend across the Midlands, London, the Southeast of England and East Anglia during Thursday morning."

However, due to Hertford's microclimate, the town may well escape the worst of the weather, as has often been the case in the past. Areas a few miles to the North or West may suffer, but Hertford is often spared the worst effects of the weather.

01:55 Tuesday 6th February 2007
No Trains At Hertford East

There are no train services in or out of Hertford East due to a points failure just outside Broxbourne. A replacement bus service is currently in operation. It is unlikely there will be any services at all today (Monday).

The National Rail website reports that "there is no estimate for a normal service to resume".

09:25 Friday 2nd February 2007
Vacant Shops To Be Occupied

A new clothes chain and estate agents are to occupy two empty shops in the town. Lanes Estate Agents of Enfield are to move into Ugly's in Market Street and M&Co are to take on the former Methven's bookstore in Bircherley Green.

14:12 Tuesday 30th January 2007
American Planting

(Press release from EHDC)

Hertford's famous statue of Samuel Stone will soon be feeling even more at home as New World inspired flowers and shrubs take root around him.

Samuel, who was born in Hertford, moved to America aged 31 and went on to co-found the town of Hartford, Connecticut. His lifesize image stands next to Castle Hall on The Wash.

In his honour, East Herts Council is planting colourful annuals around the statue and American themed shrubs and trees in the popular seating area. These include Sweet and Red Buckeye - large leaved trees with yellow and red flowers and Canoe Birch - used by native Americans to build canoes and peeling silver bark.

There will also be:

• Yellow Wood - a tree with drooping wisteria fragrant white flowers
• Red Chokeberry - shrub with red berries
• Allspice and Sweet Pepper bush, both aromatic
• Cornel dogwood - large white flowers and red stems in winter
• Oregon Grape - a shrub with grape-like fruit.

Work is due to start in early February and will take two to three weeks. It will complement improvements to the other side of Castle Hall being paid for and carried out by Wetherspoons as a condition of their planning permission for a new pub.

Malcolm Alexander, East Herts Council's Executive member for environmental management, said: "The planting has been chosen to add colour and fragrance to this popular seating area and the American theme is an imaginative idea which will add lots of interest. The work is part of the council's ongoing work to enhance our town centres."

9:30 Thursday 25th January 2007
U3A Bemoan Lack of skate park progress

Hertford’s University of the Third Age have bemoaned the lack of progress in providing a skate park in Hertford. Plans for the park were first mooted six years ago. The District Council recently put plans for the park on hold.

Issues: Skate Park

19:40 Wednesday 24th January 2007
No Unitary Authority

(Press release from EHDC)

Hertfordshire’s 10 councils will not be applying for unitary status favouring working even more closely together to provide better services through partnership in a ground-breaking initiative.

The county and district councils believe individual applications for unitary status would have been divisive, resource intensive, probably unsuccessful and above all wrong for Hertfordshire.

01:30 Wednesday 24th January 2007
Met Office warns of heavy snow

(Weather Warning from Met Office)

From the early hours of Wednesday morning heavy snow falls are expected to spread southwards across many parts of central and southern England with up to 5cm of snow accumulating in places, especially on high ground. Following the snowfall clearing skies may lead to icy stretches on untreated road surfaces. The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the 'Highways Agency' for further advice on traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads.

10:40 Tuesday 23rd January 2007
Story Of Our Town Comes To Life

(Press release from EHDC)

Hertford Museum is preparing for a major revamp to include an exciting first floor gallery featuring a multi media exhibition about the county town, with help from an East Herts Council grant.

The £45,000 grant will go towards the museum's centenary development project, including a major display called Our Town which will explore themes such as growing up in Hertford and free time. The project would also see a lift installed so that everyone can easily access all the public areas.

The East Herts Council grant is subject to a successful lottery bid of £810,000 to the Heritage Lottery Fund. To apply for the grant, the museum had to raise 10 per cent of the £900,000 total project cost. With the council's grant, combined with donations from individuals and businesses across the town, the museum has reached its £90,000 target.

The project includes a resource room where visitors will be able to study the museum's rich collection of paper records, such as maps and posters, and the digitisation of thousands of old photographs, negatives and slides. There would also be closer working with nearby villages including changing displays which would then find a permanent home in the relevant village.

Museum curator Helen Gurney said: "It's many years since such a large sum was spent on the museum. It's a very exciting although nail-biting time as we won't know until September if our bid has been successful.

"This is a development that the trustees have wanted to do for many years. We've had lots of support from the council and everyone in the town and that has been great."

Bob Parker, Executive member for community development, said: "Hertford's history goes back centuries and the museum is an enjoyable way for school groups and adults to learn about their heritage.

"The centenary development project will allow everyone in the community to benefit from what the museum has to offer and will improve access and the council is pleased to be able to contribute towards the project."

If the lottery bid is successful, work could begin in early 2008 and would take some 12 months to complete.

8:10 Friday 19th January 2007
Viaduct Re-opens

Traffic now moving on the A10 Viaduct in both directions.

BBC Travel News

17:50 Thursday 18th January 2007
Lorries Blown Over on Viaduct

A number of lorries have been blown over on the A10 viaduct. The road is closed in both directions.

Reports say that traffic on the Ware Road and in the town centre is slow but moving.

More on The Forum.