Topic ID 1468
Hello, We currently live in north London, but we're thinking of moving to Hertford. Bengeo seems like a nice area. We were wondering if you could recommend good areas of Hertford, or areas to avoid? Thanks! Ben[:)]
Reply ID 18131
Already discussed [url="http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=318"]here[/url] and [url="http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=318"]here[/url]
Reply ID 18183
Hey hello. Thanks for the redirection. Sorry for not searching better to begin with! We went to Spencer Street today, which was a strange place. It's like a group of houses in the middle of what is almost nowhere, and almost an industrial estate, but an industrial estate that doesn't seem to do much. I just wondered what the history of this place is. Connected to the rail services of old maybe? Or was it something else? And are there any plans for its future? It looks like prime housing development land.
Reply ID 18184
The derelict land next to Spencer Street used to be the original electricity works and the houses were built for the workers I beleive. Similarly, Marsh Gate Drive (formerly Gas House Lane) was built for employees of the Gas Works, which were at the end of the road and is now similarly derelict. Also, see http://www.hertford.net/issues/2003/housing2908.asp
Reply ID 18205
benandem Not sure of your situation and requirements but we moved from North London (via West London) to Hertford at the tail end of last year and have a fairly unbiased view of Hertford's areas. Drop me an email if you need any info. Cheers
Reply ID 18207
Steve-Both of these topics are locked and they were both started in 2004-Many things can happen in two years! I moved back to hertford (Born and breed) after a seven year break in north london and since then have converted many of my friends in to moving in to hertford and the surrounding areas. Benandem you will not regret it. My only advice would be come and visit the area at different times of days of the week.
Reply ID 18208
quote:Archived actually. This happens after a few months of inactivity on the thread. [:)]
Originally posted by Sister
Both of these topics are locked
Reply ID 18233
quote:Thanks for the advice. It's tricky to make too many weekday visits to hertford, because of work. What sotr of places/areas and times would you recommend, and why?
Originally posted by Sister
My only advice would be come and visit the area at different times of days of the week.
Reply ID 18235
Whichever area you're interested in take a look in the morning, afternoon and evening, during the week and at weekend. Best advice ever given to me when I was being offered Off Licences. That way you see when the place is at its best and worst. Many an off Licence Manager has regretted not doing that and dare I mention it, plenty of hoping to be retailers. There is no subsitute for research; and if you're thinking of Folly Island think 'car'.
Reply ID 18240
I also think that if you see a house forsale that you like knock on the neighbours doors and ask their advice! Worked for me!
Reply ID 18241
benandem, I live in one of the perceived "worst" areas in Hertford - Sele Farm. Even up here, life is a million times better than North London and Cheshunt where I previously lived. I don't think there are any bad places to live in Hertford, it will probably come down to what you are looking for in the way of local amenities, car parking, etc.
Reply ID 18306
I agree I think everywhere in Hertford is good, then again I was born here and have never left so am a bit biased! but it will depend on your budget some areas tend to have larger house which are therefor more expensive and some slightly smaller and a little less money. there are 2 in The Drive in Bengeo I know of both £400,000 ish
Reply ID 19151
I'd recommend Bengeo too - it's a great place. Easy access to the A10/A602 and quiet. I always feel safe walking around Bengeo day and night.
Reply ID 19154
Horns Mill seems to be getting a bit of a bad name at the moment, but I would say the worst part about it is the lack of facilities.# Other than that I can't really comment further Sele Farm is a Local Authority Estate with lots of private ownership, very close to Hertford North Station andd very good transport links for the A1 and further West. There is a bus link into the town centre every 15 minutes during the day, plus a useful selection of local shops (for local people) Bengeo has a slightly higher status, which some people get quite snobby about. Some areas have problems with traffic and parking, but there is a wide range of accomodation from small terraced cottages up to large modern detached houses. Bengeo does have reasonable access to the A10, A602, and A1 but depending on which part of Bengeo you live in you will have to negotiate the notorious Bengeo Rat Run. Foxholes I would describe as a modern middle class estate - reasonably spacious family houses, easy access to the A10 and the East, but a long way out of the town centre, no local shops (unless you count the McDonalds and BP Garage at Rush Green). Pinehurst This is a local authority estate next to foxholes Has a bit of a reputation - not sure what the facilities are like. Folly Island Picturesque Riverside Terraced Cottages - unsuitable for car owners. Right in the Town Centre There are also lots of family houses in between the outlying estates and the town centre.
Reply ID 19155
I agree that when trying to drive west (eg via A414 to the A1) and back into Bengeo, the traffic chaos on the Wellington Street/Nelson Street junction can be hellish at times. That's one of the few downsides of Bengeo!
Reply ID 19156
I spent aproximately 4 very unpleasent months in the Horns Mill area. There was a woman who would sit on our front garden wall drinking cans of strong lager and throwing the empty cans into our garden. She would also watch as her children fought in our garden, shouting at them, "You f****** little b*******!". I had to call the police 3 times.............and the fire brigade when the car next to mine was torched, in broad day light while I was in my car. All of our cars were vandalised. And we were verbally abused as a matter of course. My wife had to run the daily gauntlet of boys of primary school age asking her to suck their d***s.......or worse. The council had to put one of those jumbo skips in Purkiss Road once a month otherwise residents just throw all their waste into the ditch and block it. It is not a nice place.
Reply ID 19157
quote "I spent aproximately 4 very unpleasent months in the Horns Mill area." unquote... Exactly what part of Horns Mill? I've been up here nearly 6 years and never experienced anything like that... NI-Lad
Reply ID 19161
Jez-P, i feel left out, what about Hertford East or "Kingsmead" ?
Reply ID 19162
The skip idea in Horns mill is a very good idea as it stops fly tipping and is well used! I also have lived in horns mill for a good few years and enjoy living so close to the country side! I am sorry that Ewoowar has had a bad time there but not all of horns mill residence are offensive and rude! As for it is not a nice place- well I think its nice!
Reply ID 19173
I was at the end of Purkiss Road, by the green. It seemed okay when we visited the property before moving in. I should have conducted more thorough research. I know this may sound daft, but we very quickly found our immediate area so intimidating that the prospect of venturing further into the estate was not high on our agenda. So further in things may be different. There may be a stronger sense of community and social responsibility. By the way............the car was torched by the lad who lived next door and his mates. As I witnessed it I told his father...........who asked the lad if it was true and when the boy said "no" he went unpunished. I think the skip is a brilliant idea. But the fact that it is needed is a sad reflection of society. It saves the council cleaning out the ditch every few months. Having said that I believe that if the council extended the scheme to other areas, even those without problems with rubbish being dumped, the skips would be welcomed and used.
Reply ID 19176
I myself live on the oh no shall i say it....Pinehurst estate and would like to add MY HOUSE IS NOT LOCAL AUTHORITY ONE BIT!!! I live very near to the Bp garage and maccy D's...... I often wish i had a LOCAL authority property bacause then my bank balance would be much happier!! And just to add we have only lived here for 10mths but never ever have we had any problems, i can't even say i've ever heard a raised voice! I did hear it used to have problems but can happily say, not any more!!! Would also like to add that i have worked for people (as a nanny) who live in exclusive homes with price tags of £3Million+ and it was in their neighbourhoods i witnessed regular dodgy goings on with teenagers and substances, whilst Mummy/Daddy was at work! Also big house parties every time the parents were out....etc....... Every area has a few!! Ahhh!!! Feel better now!
Reply ID 19179
When we were looking to move into Hertford the estate agent passed us properties for Horns Mill, Pinehurst and Alexander Road (at the bottom end of Sele) so we went to view them - when we got there we never even bothered to get out of the car. Sorry to any residents of those areas reading this but they looked awful.
Reply ID 19190
Well just like to add 'Good for you!' Where we live PAR CLOSE at the top of the A10 is very nice thanks even if we do drive through the Pinehurst estate, and i'm quite glad you didn't like the area as someone with that amount of spitefulness would not be welcome. But then i suppose when we are as OLD as you we may be in a NICE area!!
Reply ID 19194
quote:Why move from Belgravia?
Originally posted by Leo Densian
When we were looking to move into Hertford the estate agent passed us properties for Horns Mill, Pinehurst and Alexander Road (at the bottom end of Sele) so we went to view them - when we got there we never even bothered to get out of the car. Sorry to any residents of those areas reading this but they looked awful.
Reply ID 19195
quote:Sounds to me like YOU'RE the spiteful one. Leo was simply expressing an opinion based on experience.
Originally posted by kkey21
Well just like to add 'Good for you!' Where we live PAR CLOSE at the top of the A10 is very nice thanks even if we do drive through the Pinehurst estate, and i'm quite glad you didn't like the area as someone with that amount of spitefulness would not be welcome. But then i suppose when we are as OLD as you we may be in a NICE area!!
Reply ID 19197
quote:Really? And what experience would that be?
Originally posted by Steve Sounds to me like YOU'RE the spiteful one. Leo was simply expressing an opinion based on experience.
Reply ID 19198
albeit a brief experience, its quite clearly the experience of driving though the estate.
Reply ID 19202
I am finding this thread offensive and personal! I live on the horns mill estate and do not have a problem with it! I am also a key worker and these houses provide good soild properties with three bedrooms, large gardens which are cheaper than the average three bedroom property in Hertford! There are many Nurses, ambulance personel and firemen who live on this estate (and live well within their means). Wouldn't we all like to live in the better off parts of Hertford, maybe I will when I can afford it! I do feel safe at night walking around! Stop squabling about who lives in the better part Hertford and start encouraging these people to move to move to any part which fits their financial constraints!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply ID 19203
Well said - was all getting a bit silly.
Reply ID 19214
Come on you lot - get a grip. My comments were not exactly aimed at any residents but were a general first impression of the area. However I cannot let some of the forum flaming go by without some comment:
quote:So - you dont actually live on Pinehurst then? I've just put Par Close into Multimap and it wasn't there so presumeably YOU live in a nice shiny new house on a newly built development. Slightly different from my modest 1960's built mid-terrace.
Where we live PAR CLOSE at the top of the A10 is very nice thanks even if we do drive through the Pinehurst estate
quote:Dont be stupid - whats age got to do with anything? Its what you can afford. Oh - and are you saying you are NOT in a nice area now? Make yer mind up.
But then i suppose when we are as OLD as you we may be in a NICE area!!
quote:Quite - If I'd lived there, so stop trying to be smart. We were 1st time buyers on a limited budget but with firm ideas of areas where we did and did not want to live. When you view a house you have to go on first impressions to a large degree and thats only what we did and which I reported here - a shame that some have taken it very personally. We were not prepared to gamble the price of a house before we really found out what the area was like. Maybe if the opportunity arose my critics then would resist a move to Warren Park Road or Queens Rd or whatever and stay put in Birdie Way. Get real! Back to the original thread:
Why move from Belgravia?
quote:Ben - you will see the comments and make up your own mind. You did not indicate your budget but the people who seem to have taken my comments personally seem to generally live (in theory) in the cheaper areas of the town with absolutely no slur intended. I paid £69k in 1992 for my 3 bedroom terrace off London Road in a really good school catchment area - at the time we bought the Pinehurst / Sele Farm area were probably about £5-7k less. Obviously the price differential will be more now I'm afraid. All I am saying is we stretched our budget a bit to get what we wanted and if you take your time a deal can be done(we actually wanted Foxholes but we could not afford it - c.£75k at the time). Because we stretched ourselves we have been through some tight times as a result (whats a foreign holiday? [:(]) but its not a decision we have regretted for a second. Hope you find the place thats right for you and that you also find we are not spiteful in Hertford despite what some people seem to think!
We were wondering if you could recommend good areas of Hertford, or areas to avoid?
Reply ID 19220
Some people do not want to be streached! Just live and enjoy life-which is what i am doing on hornsmill! We are not all thugs on hornsmill-It only takes one or two people to lable the area!
Reply ID 19227
quote:Who's said you are?? The original thread question was what are the best/worst areas of Hertford - I have tried to give my honest opinion to that request which some people have taken exception to. Obviously there are some perfectly nice people in the areas I have mentioned and I have NEVER suggested differently. However the areas I have identified are simply not generally regarded as the most desirable parts of Hertford - just deal with it!
We are not all thugs on hornsmill
Reply ID 19237
So sorry where was it you lived again then?? Last time i checked the title says places to live/avoid in Hertford, not slag the area off... Your critisism Leo was very below the belt and not acceptable, you could of worded it better lets be honest. And yes, i do live in the new houses but it is labelled under Pinehurst and yes wouldn't we all love to live somewhere bigger or better, but for now this area suits us perfectly and we are happy here, so i would definately recommend it. I myself work in an exclusive development just off warren park rd and find the traffic at school time a complete nuisance so that is the comment i would like to add to places to live/avoid in Hertford. A nice friendly one!!
Reply ID 19238
Jeez, you people from Pinehurst and Horns Mill really get defensive don't you! Where did Leo 'slag you off' exactly? Which part was 'below the belt and unaccceptable'? I think he's been very even handed, stating quite clearly that he doesn't want to offend and that most people in these areas are good, yet you still all get on your high horse. You're all a bit to quick to take offence.
Reply ID 19240
Not Leo comments directly, just the general feeling of this thread! I am saying no more on this topic as I feel I have said my piece, and we could go on for weeks!
Reply ID 19241
To be honest this thread is asking for people to post their opinions in negative manner on a certain subject i.e. ‘where to avoid living in Hertford’. People will and have posted their opinions and experiences on these things. It doesn’t make them fact it’s just an opinion. However, it is only natural that people that live in the areas that have been classified as ‘best avoided’ may well get offended and regard it as a personal attack on them. The entire thread is somewhat flawed since everything is just a personal opinion and we know little about the requirements of the person wanting our advice – and as we have seen one person’s ‘nice area’ is another person’s ‘best avoided’. Perhaps it would be more posetive to say why we like the areas we know / live in.
Reply ID 19243
Well Said ! I could not agree more ! Shall I Start ? I live in Bengeo which is a very nice part of Hertford to live in. Having said that it is one of the more expensive parts of Hertford and parking is an absolute nightmare. Unless of course you do manage to find a house with off street parking but obviously these will again push up the price. It is walking distance from the town about 5mins. It has a primary school and a few local shops. I hope this helps ?
Reply ID 19252
The walk is more like 25 mins though! But it is all down-hill. Apart from the walk back... This is roughly the same time as walking to Hertford North. Hertford East is same time if you cut through Hartham Common. Benandem, should you be so inclined, there is also a private primary & pre-prep (4x4's seem to be *very* welcome!) in Bengeo. (BTW, How is your location search progressing?) Like virtually all of Hertford, we're wonderfully close to the countryside and if you live up high enough the views are quite glorious. When leaving for work (7.30am) the country route to the A10 often takes less time than going through Hertford town. The rat-runs take far longer than the main roads due to all the car-dodging.
Reply ID 19253
25 minutes from Bengeo to the town ???? How slow are you walking ?
Reply ID 19254
quote:Fair point - I'm not the fastest walker but set a good steady pace! Also depends where you take your start & finish points. We're on the top of the hill, so far at the top that we're beginning to slide down the other side, and the end point is at the shop.
Originally posted by tulip
25 minutes from Bengeo to the town ???? How slow are you walking ?
Reply ID 19279
Farrow don't listen to Tulip, she doesn't walk anywhere she gets in the car! [}:)]
Reply ID 19280
quote:Which is why it takes 25 minutes from Bengeo to town, walk to car, extract from boxed in parking, drive to hertford through the rat runs reversing and letting other cars through, join the traffic jam into town, find a parking space, pay and display, walk the final few hundred metres into town.
Originally posted by Nicky
Farrow don't listen to Tulip, she doesn't walk anywhere she gets in the car! [}:)]
Reply ID 19282
And then when you get into town you've got to dodge the pavement plastic boxes [;)]
Reply ID 19318
What cheek ! I do use my car when leaving Hertford but certainly not when just walking down the town - especially when I am usually on my way for a few drinks !!!!
Reply ID 19322
I think the "what places should I avoid" question is a valid one, even if it is a bit emotive, especially if you live in one of those areas. Of course, Sele, Pinehurst and Hornsmill always take a hit in these types of discussions. However, I don't think the question should be avoided. If we do that, then it will just be said behind closed doors. At least here it can be debated. Some places are unfairly tarnished, and some places have a reputation purely based on the regular trouble that happens there.
Reply ID 19334
and tulip does like her drink [}:)] ha ha sorry tulip I was on the wind up and knew that as you were on holiday I could get away with it [:D] Do you still love me [?]
Reply ID 19659
Just a bit of an update really on a few things I am discovering after moving to Hertford. We live on the Ladywood Rd/Halleys Ridge development and I'm so glad I'm on the west side of town. Luckily for me I go to work in the Hatfield direction and never get any traffic. Should I need to go across Hertford in the rush hour it's an absolute nightmare!! benandem - have a think about where you need to get to from Hertford and at what time - this could have a bearing on where would be better to base yourselves. Another thing I've found - I haven't been over to the Foxholes side of town but I do get the impression it's more family orientated. We have a toddler and altough love where we live it is a little thin with kids. Maybe we'll move on when it gets closer to school time.
Reply ID 19669
You don't have to come much further up the hill from Haileys Ridge to find the kids - they normally hang around on the green spaces in Sele Farm.
Reply ID 20519
hi there me and my wife and 2 children are thinking of moving to birdie way, and saw a bad comment on one of the posts, can someone tell me there view of it and why. thanks Andy
Reply ID 20529
Hi, i myself live in the new houses just off birdie way, and have nothing unpleasant to say about the area at all. We have been here nearly a year and in that time i had a baby and feel extremely happy and safe and i would recommend it. I feel the whole topic got very personal and went abit too far, but it;s got the thumbs up from us! And if you should need an amazing childminder..................[;)]!
Reply ID 20530
The estate did have a bad reputation in the past - but then again so did/do a lot of places. I had to go up there to deliver something last week and it seems OK from a first impression.
Reply ID 20531
Everywhere has good and bad sides but only this evening I read in the local paper that the community centre on Pinehurst was vandalised again and the pre-schools equipment smashed. Having said that, the testimony of those living there is worth more than mine as I do not and if you read the local paper there are unsavoury incidents in other parts of the town as well.
Reply ID 20628
I lived in Eagle Court on Pinehurst for a couple of years in the early ninetiesz and never had any problems
Reply ID 20639
My girlfriend and I Live in Birdie way. It is peacefull, quiet and we have had no problems.. We think Pinehurst is a nice place to live. The shop is a rip off though. Best avoided
Reply ID 20978
It really depends on what you mean by good and bad, what are you looking for in your move to Hertford? From reading the local press, Sele Farm seems to get a lot of coverage,but then only certain parts ,and it did used to be really quite bad at one point a few years ago. But then Bengeo also gets it's fair share. Pinehurst seems to have a certain atmosphere about it, especially if you compare it to the new build 'developments' (they don't call them estates anymore!) around it. Pinehurst has a better bus service then Bengeo, but it is nearer to the A10. Foxholes always looks ok to me, and doesn't come up in the press that much. Other things to consider is Folly Island has a parking permit scheme, which is I think £75 per car, and there is another scheme proposed for all of the side streets between Hertford East Station and Gallows Hill. So that may be an issue for you. West Street is very nice but packed with cars, and Hornnsmill had serious flooding the other year which has probably pushed up house insurance costs. If you go to http://www.sequencehome.co.uk and do a search on Hertford, then select a property, there is a tag that lets you look at loads of information about the area, such as crime rates, school results, transport links etc, etc. That should give you some information about the area. Hertford is covered by SG13 and SG14 post codes. Happy hunting, you will love it when you make the move where ever you end up, I did and I was a born and bred North London Muswell Hillbilly!
Reply ID 20985
Last time I was at the Pinehurst shop, it was not a nice experience (just before Christmas). I won't be going back there in a hurry.
Reply ID 21018
We keep hoping that the shop will smarten up on pinehurst, as its not too pretty on the eye, but is pretty handy! Maybe one day a tesco express will move in!! Very pleasant shop keepers though i must add!!
Reply ID 21395
I am hoping to buy in Folly Island (although all the houses I saw on sat had SOLD signs and none FOR SALE>>) but was bit worried re the 'not suitable for car owners' comment..I dont mind paying for a permit - but we both need our cars - can we get two per house and then is there any chance of parking ? We have already abandoned plans to move to Brighton because it is impossible to park (2 year waiting list for a permit in central areas!!) Anyone got a nice clean house for sale on the island for LESS than 250k ?? Thanks a million
Reply ID 21396
quote:Both cars??? Folly Island??? [:D]
Originally posted by Lesley
..but we both need our cars - can we get two per house and then is there any chance of parking ?
Reply ID 21401
quote:Hi Lesley. There are two main line stations into London, one of which directly supports areas Northwards. There is a bus station a stone's throw away and you get one, not two, just one permit on The Folly. Have a think about ditching one of the cars if you can, there are plenty of alternatives.
Originally posted by Lesley
I am hoping to buy in Folly Island (although all the houses I saw on sat had SOLD signs and none FOR SALE>>) but was bit worried re the 'not suitable for car owners' comment..I dont mind paying for a permit - but we both need our cars - can we get two per house and then is there any chance of parking ? We have already abandoned plans to move to Brighton because it is impossible to park (2 year waiting list for a permit in central areas!!) Anyone got a nice clean house for sale on the island for LESS than 250k ?? Thanks a million
Reply ID 21402
So, where can visitors to occupants of the folly, park or is it just tough luck ??????????????
Reply ID 21409
quote:Yep, it's just tough luck
Originally posted by spitfire
So, where can visitors to occupants of the folly, park or is it just tough luck ??????????????
Reply ID 21410
quote:There are plenty other areas in Hertford with better parking.
Originally posted by Lesley
I am hoping to buy in Folly Island (although all the houses I saw on sat had SOLD signs and none FOR SALE>>) but was bit worried re the 'not suitable for car owners' comment..I dont mind paying for a permit - but we both need our cars - can we get two per house and then is there any chance of parking ? We have already abandoned plans to move to Brighton because it is impossible to park (2 year waiting list for a permit in central areas!!) Anyone got a nice clean house for sale on the island for LESS than 250k ?? Thanks a million
Reply ID 21417
quote:Moving there soon, all going well. Only the one car. Train/Bus connections are well worth looking at. Houses go fast. The main 2 Agents involved with the Sales seem to be Steven Oates or Shepherds. You should just about hit the going price but people are overbidding on the prices - unfortunately I found out but it's worth it. Good Luck.[;)]
Originally posted by Lesley
I am hoping to buy in Folly Island (although all the houses I saw on sat had SOLD signs and none FOR SALE>>) but was bit worried re the 'not suitable for car owners' comment..I dont mind paying for a permit - but we both need our cars - can we get two per house and then is there any chance of parking ? We have already abandoned plans to move to Brighton because it is impossible to park (2 year waiting list for a permit in central areas!!) Anyone got a nice clean house for sale on the island for LESS than 250k ?? Thanks a million
Reply ID 21429
quote:Hertford - lovely place, good choice Folly Island - lovely place, good choice, hope you find a property there Parking in Hertford - very difficult in the older areas of the town and there are no real solutions to the problem MAJOR WARNING - some of us on this forum are very opinionated and our comments should be read taking into account our diverse views on a town we all love (with one or two notable exceptions)[:)]
Originally posted by Lesley
I am hoping to buy in Folly Island (although all the houses I saw on sat had SOLD signs and none FOR SALE>>) but was bit worried re the 'not suitable for car owners' comment..I dont mind paying for a permit - but we both need our cars - can we get two per house and then is there any chance of parking ? We have already abandoned plans to move to Brighton because it is impossible to park (2 year waiting list for a permit in central areas!!) Anyone got a nice clean house for sale on the island for LESS than 250k ?? Thanks a million
Reply ID 21434
Lesley - re Folly Island. Property does come on the market but is usually snapped up very quickly because it is seen as a good place to live - and it is. Just keep yourself registered with all the estate agents. Parking on Folly Island - I have written the book. Up until this year there were 117 houses and depending on your calculations of space 110 parking spaces. These have been reduced by up to 35 owing to developers closing off the car park for property - planning application in pipeline. See thread - 'homeless swans on folly island'. This has made parking even more of a lottery. Fine if on night shift becasue there is always space during the day. Tough on everyone else. One permit per car per household. This is unlikely to change if the proposed development goes ahead becauseas you can see the mathematics don't work out. The consultations with all the various agencies were based on the car park being available. So, if you do find a property come up, make sure that you properly investigate car parking situation. It is something that estate agents have glossed over in the past.
Reply ID 21455
quote:Just wanted to correct this... its £25 a year Also no chance of getting 2 permits per household on Folly Island. You'll have to leave a car over on the car park in Hartham which is free in the evening.
Other things to consider is Folly Island has a parking permit scheme, which is I think £75 per car
Reply ID 21542
Unfortunately you dont know what my circumstanmces are - we BOTH need cars thats why i said so ...! there are not suitable alternatives for us.. I have an elderly mother in Willesden West London - who I may need to go to at odd hours (would take hours on public transport ) I work mainly in Enfield Town but my job means i needs to leave the office and go to various places - where transport may not go and time is of the essencen so buses no good... although my boyfreind works in the city so he would go to work each day on the train he then has to drive to Brighton every other weekend and back to get his children... we cannot manage with one car or we would So you are saying they will only give one permit per house?? Thanks for any advise...
Reply ID 21559
quote:Erm ... yes, well in Hertford anyway. Slightly different rules in Stortford which was included in the pilots. The problems on Folly Island began when everyone thought that after 30+ years of negotiation/consultation that the allowance would be one permit at £25 and a second at £50. When the Traffic Orders were published the goalposts had been moved to the next field. If you really do need 2 cars (and I accept the way modern life dictates this need) then Folly Island is not for you. Unless you can find a way round the rules and park one car off the Island. BTW some residents have been booked for swapping the permit between cars. The PA's are eagle eyed.
So you are saying they will only give one permit per house??
Reply ID 21580
quote:From what you said in your previous post, there wouldn't be room for the cars if people were allowed 2 permits anyway.
Originally posted by sloopjohnb
The problems on Folly Island began when everyone thought that after 30+ years of negotiation/consultation that the allowance would be one permit at £25 and a second at £50. When the Traffic Orders were published the goalposts had been moved to the next field.
Reply ID 21602
I realise that this is all a bit academic now but with the movement of shift patterns and the use of the car park plus the fact that some people like me don't have a car, the genenral feeling was that two cars would be possible. Going back a few years Mouchel offered places on Hartham as part of the package. East Herts worked on the premise that if people like the Sloop family moved away then their replacment might have a car and need a space. Working on the accepted basis of 117 houses/110 spaces they decided that it was fair to offer one permit to one house. There has been a survey done by consultants again after six months of seeing how the permit system has worked but with the impending development I cannot see personally (and must stress this personal view) how the scheme can now be amended to offer two permits per household.
Reply ID 21763
Sorry I sounded so stroppy! I wrote my reply after seeing the 'there are alternatives'(to driving) posting but not all the others with the info re permits - thanks a million for all that..it is worth thinking about...its all a dream for me right now as my boyfreinds kids are too young for us to both move together - my bf has to keep a house in Brighton for use two nights a fortnight when they come to stay - alternative two round trips of 200 miles every other weekend which wont happen so I will still be dreaming of my house on folly island for a couple of years yet Thanks so much for the info - i will continue to read your forum I wrote and ran a website for where i live now (tho now run by someone else..) which is also an island- Enfield island ...if anyone is interested its at: http://www.eivral.com - some good pics there Cheers
Reply ID 22584
Back on topic - I'm going to give my two bits worth having lived in Hertford for many years - firstly St Andrews Street and now Fordwich Rise. I come from a working class background - but have worked my way up the property ladder through the years. Bengeo - it's not Hertford is it - and judging by the traffic you can add an hour to your day just sitting waiting for it to move - especially during the 4 x 4 school run and Saturday mornings into town. Also the people there (Judging by the posts) have a massively high opinion of the place and it is really rated quite middle of the road in terms of location and quality of housing stock. Like I said Bengeo is not Hertford. Sele Farm - To be honest I don't have a problem with Sele and if some people (snobs) actually got up there now and again and opened up a bit, they would see this to be true. Folly Island - Nice situation but like the terraced houses nearby - not ideal if you want to swing a cat Hertford is a great place to Live (I grew up in WGC as a youngster and it's going downhill by the day) and has a lot of potential for becoming a smart town of the future. I think as an overall place it has a lot of plus points and any forum member worth his/her salt should remember this. ciao
Reply ID 22638
quote:I don't think the traffic problems are solely found in bengeo. you only have to look at the A414, St Andrew's Street, around Hertford North station (yes, that includes Fordwich Rise) to see that the problems at rush hour are widespread. And yes, us bengeo-ites do have a high opinion of the place - what's wrong with liking where you live? There is a huge range of housing from flats to terraced houses to big detached houses - like there is in the rest of Hertford. Bengeo is a friendly, safe place to live, with good access to Hertford town centre and to Hertford North. Is there a problem with that?? As for Bengeo not being Hertford - what is your actual point???
Bengeo - it's not Hertford is it - and judging by the traffic you can add an hour to your day just sitting waiting for it to move - especially during the 4 x 4 school run and Saturday mornings into town. Also the people there (Judging by the posts) have a massively high opinion of the place and it is really rated quite middle of the road in terms of location and quality of housing stock. Like I said Bengeo is not Hertford.
Reply ID 22643
My point is (and you've proved it) that you can't have a bad thing to say about certain places in some areas without people getting on their high horse on the forum and defending it like the value of their property depends on it. The way your post reads.... "There is a huge range of housing from flats to terraced houses to big detached houses - like there is in the rest of Hertford. Bengeo is a friendly, safe place to live, with good access to Hertford town centre and to Hertford North." Sounds like an estate agent description As for Hertford North side having the same traffic issue as Bengeo and say Ware Road - that's total rubbish. I agree St Andrews St is pretty bad but as you head up the A414 from thieves Lane towards Fordwich Rise after 6pm on a weekday and on Saturdays - it's a clear run. Bengeo is gridlocked during these times. When I talk about Bengeo not being Hertford it isn't - that's why it's called Bengeo
Reply ID 22644
quote:I'm not sure I follow that logic. The locale of Bengeo lies within the town boundary, therefore it's a part of Hertford.
Originally posted by richardthelionheart
When I talk about Bengeo not being Hertford it isn't - that's why it's called Bengeo
Reply ID 22651
Does that mean that, Sele Farm and Hornsmill are also not Hertford?
Reply ID 22653
Bengeo is not part of Hertford, just like Chapmore End isn't etc. It's just that Bengeo is so close to Hertford the houses have merged and it's now very hard to tell where Bengeo ends and Hertford begins ;-) Sele Farm and Hornsmill are estates within Hertford.
Reply ID 22654
We moved to the east side of town in February. So far we really like it here. We have lovely neighbours, its very quiet, and people are friendly. We found that when we started to look in Hertford last summer that not many properties actually came on to the market. I think that,s partly a reflection of people being content to stay. We thought Bengeo was lovely with its older more interesting housing stock, and it reminds us a bit of North London. The first time we drove through the town we thought it was great. We love the fact that Hertford has lovely buildings, canal,s, nice places to walk and some good restaurants. We also really like the diversity of people here and in general the town has a nice feel to it. I also personally find lots of things to do nearby, and lots of places to take my toddler. My only criticism of the place would be Hartham Common. When we first looked at Hertford we came across the common and thought 'what a lovely space for everyone to use'. We found it sad though, the amount of rubbish that had been dropped there and it gave the place a generally uncared for appearance. A couple of months ago I went there and it had been totally cleaned up!!! It was a beautiful sunny day, we saw a kingfisher and a heron and people were enjoying themselves. Someone had obviously put much hard work into cleaning the place up. Imagine our dismay when we went last week and walked all along the riverside. It was so sad to see endless amounts of rubbish everywhere and the poor birds trying to nest among it... What more can I say I am sure that many of you have been there and have felt the same way. So on the whole a great place to live, I just wish that people would value their common a bit more and take their rubbish home with them!
Reply ID 22655
Giving my age away but I was born in Hertford in 1960 and lived there til I think 1992 and Bengeo was always thought of as being within and part of Hertford. It was only the snobbier types that happened to live in Bengeo that liked to distance themselves from the town. The same for Sele, Hornsmill - part of Hertford. As for Chapmore End thats a different story, it's Chapmore End!
Reply ID 22656
quote:Bengeo and Chapmore End are villages. Sele Farm and Hornsmill are estates.
Originally posted by Elkiee
As for Chapmore End thats a different story, it's Chapmore End!
Reply ID 22658
quote:Actually to be correct Bengeo is, or was a Parish and the Town consists or consisted of 3 Parishes. I live on Bengeo Street and the post office deem my adress as Bengeo Street, Hertford. So what does that tell you? http://www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/places/hertford.htm
Originally posted by ~Sarah~quote:Bengeo and Chapmore End are villages. Sele Farm and Hornsmill are estates.
Originally posted by Elkiee
As for Chapmore End thats a different story, it's Chapmore End!
Reply ID 22660
A very tiresome arguement, but here's my view anyway. If one looks at London, today it is made up of many many former villages that were once separate. Modern London is actually only the City of London that has expanded to incorporate places like Bermondsey, Barnet, Richmond etc etc. The same applies to Bengeo and Hertford.
Reply ID 22661
quote:I think you're right frazer. I can't remember seeing any properties for sale in Valley Close in recent years, probably because residents are so happy there. Despite the modest(for detached properties)size I bet they will be very expensive when they do come up for sale.
Originally posted by frazer
We found that when we started to look in Hertford last summer that not many properties actually came on to the market. I think that,s partly a reflection of people being content to stay.
Reply ID 22662
quote:Precisely although Bengeo is a village it is now more or less seen as part of Hertford like it or lump it [;)]
Originally posted by carlos fandango
A very tiresome arguement, but here's my view anyway. If one looks at London, today it is made up of many many former villages that were once separate. Modern London is actually only the City of London that has expanded to incorporate places like Bermondsey, Barnet, Richmond etc etc. The same applies to Bengeo and Hertford.
Reply ID 22687
As for Hertford North side having the same traffic issue as Bengeo and say Ware Road - that's total rubbish. I agree St Andrews St is pretty bad but as you head up the A414 from thieves Lane towards Fordwich Rise after 6pm on a weekday and on Saturdays - it's a clear run. Bengeo is gridlocked during these times. I can't say i can ever recall Bengeo being gridlocked after 6pm or on a weekday. I can recall trying to make my way down to the station via sele farm at this sort of time and the traffic not exactly flowing freely. however, i would not slate an area because of this. the difference between me and you is that I can appreciate what other areas of hertford offer, you can't.
Reply ID 22708
Hi Bengeobabe I'm not slating Bengeo completely. - In my last post on the traffic issue in Bengeo, pointing out it's known the "Bengeo rat run" (it's even called that on a number of topic discussions on this forum many times) and for someone thinking of moving here the REALITY that there are traffic problems to contend with - in the road leading to Hertford Town Centre. I don't stick to "my area" like other people sometimes do (I don't mean you by the way). As a cyclist and user of many local amenities across the different areas (Hartham, Town Centre, Ware Road, Bengeo etc etc) - I feel overall Hertford is a great place to live - especially if you compare it to other neighbouring towns (WGC, Stevenage, Hatfeld). I'm all for Hertford - you've got me wrong!
Reply ID 22712
quote:Is Bengeo a village??
Originally posted by ~Sarah~quote:Precisely although Bengeo is a village it is now more or less seen as part of Hertford like it or lump it [;)]
Originally posted by carlos fandango
A very tiresome arguement, but here's my view anyway. If one looks at London, today it is made up of many many former villages that were once separate. Modern London is actually only the City of London that has expanded to incorporate places like Bermondsey, Barnet, Richmond etc etc. The same applies to Bengeo and Hertford.
Reply ID 22722
quote:this road is not the rat run. the 2 issues are different.
the REALITY that there are traffic problems to contend with - in the road leading to Hertford Town Centre.
Reply ID 22756
quote:Nope, have you seen a sign at either end saying "Bengeo", if anything its still a Parish, one of the 3 Parishes of Hertford as per the link.
Originally posted by Berbatovquote:Is Bengeo a village??
Originally posted by ~Sarah~quote:Precisely although Bengeo is a village it is now more or less seen as part of Hertford like it or lump it [;)]
Originally posted by carlos fandango
A very tiresome arguement, but here's my view anyway. If one looks at London, today it is made up of many many former villages that were once separate. Modern London is actually only the City of London that has expanded to incorporate places like Bermondsey, Barnet, Richmond etc etc. The same applies to Bengeo and Hertford.
Reply ID 22788
quote: the REALITY that there are traffic problems to contend with - in the road leading to Hertford Town Centre. this road is not the rat run. the 2 issues are different. Whatever way you look at it its in Bengeo and it's a rat run - duhh
Reply ID 22798
Bengeo is a parish, along with Hartham I believe. It is not classified as a village anywhere.
Reply ID 22892
It is lovely town, (including Bengeo, which I think is best described as a Victorian housing estate, if it requires a boundry) perhaps a bit snob heavy, but relatively light on violent and yobbish residents. It is both conservative with a small and capital C and thus, can feel claustrophibic and oppressive at times with many cliques. Just as you begin to resent that, it surprises you with an extraordinary act of kindness. It's a bit incestuous, as few move out once in, so if you date a long term Hertford resident, expect to share your evenings out together surrounded by everyone who ever slept with him/her since puberty. As far as maintenance, public service and cleanliness is concerned, I'd say it was adequate, but only just. Hartham, although abused by a few, is a major asset. Try walking at 5am. If you are very lucky, you'll see red kites as well as kingfishers and herons. At night, Hertford has become the place to be. There are many eateries and good pubs and an excellent live music venue. As a result, Friday and Saturday nights attract a large number of visitors to the town. Many Hertford residents have learned to move their social life to other nights, when there are no queues for the many excellent venues, but make an effort to venture into the throng sometimes. If out on the busier nights, be sure to wear the uniform (pastel, untucked shirt with a logo on it for males and no more than a hankerchief, wide belt and very high heels for the ladies). In some bars there is a definate sequence. Thursday is "Preview night" where the previously mentioned females display for the males (a very light twitching of the buttocks to music is acceptable to assist this). Meanwhile the males attempt to purchase enough drink to render said females blind to the beer bellies inadequately hidden by the untucked pastel shirts. Friday is "pulling night", Saturday is the first real date in which most learn the name and true horror of whoever they woke up with that lunchtime. It's great fun to watch, even if you're already with your soul-mate! Alternatively join one of the "who can be seen to buy the most expensive bottles of champagne, whilst secretly struggling to keep up with the mortgage" clubs. Equally entertaining! Hertford is a wonderful place, for anyone with a keen sense of the ridiculous. I have loved it, hated it and laughed at it over a lifetime and it has treated me with the same revolving cycle of contempt, respect, vicious gossip, friendship and ridicule, randomly and without any logic. It all balances out in the end. If you want to know what a town is like, look to see how many leave it. Few ever escape Hertford once they've got used to it's quirks.
Reply ID 22893
Nicely put shunt - Made me nod my head in agreement as I chuckled at some of your observations!
Reply ID 22894
I challenge anyone to come up with a better description of our town than that - spot on, Shunt [:D]
Reply ID 22945
Bengeo is a village. There are road signs with Bengeo written on them, also if you look Bengeo up on a map you will find it listed as 'Bengeo, Hertfordshire'. Parishes/estates/vistorian estates are not listed on maps or have road signs to them in this manner!
Reply ID 22950
Yes but there are other "Villages" that have been swallowd up into larger Conurbations Holloway, Highgate, Tottenham ... Or closer to home Stevenage Yes Bengeo was once a separate village, but it is now as much a suburb of Hertford as Foxholes, Pinehurst or Sele Farm. The only real differences are historical.
Reply ID 22955
the only people who decided it is part of Hertford are the residents of Bengeo. History is what makes a place - I live in Fordwich Rise which has always been part of Hertford. Not everyone wants to live in a "suburb" - and by the way Bengeo is a suburb if you know the true meaning of the word Suburb - Definition 1. A residential area or community outlying a city or town. AKA - Bengeo outside Hertford
Reply ID 22959
Nice one Shunt.
Reply ID 22960
quote:Not really - try looking up Sele Farm, Foxholes, Pinehurst up on a map - it ain't happening![;)]
Originally posted by jez_p
Yes Bengeo was once a separate village, but it is now as much a suburb of Hertford as Foxholes, Pinehurst or Sele Farm.
Reply ID 22962
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengeo Once a village now a suburb it seems.
Reply ID 22964
Frenchie that sums it up nicely![:)]
quote:
Upper Bengeo, originally a village in its own right, has been incorporated in Hertford as that town has expanded.
Reply ID 22972
Just to say, that I too enjoyed your posting Shunt, wonderful observations [;)]
Reply ID 22973
It was very amusing, but there are exceptions to the rule for the local girls.... My wife for example!!
Reply ID 23072
Not sure it matters. Bengeo was a village. Then the Victorians suddenly put up a load of houses within a very short period of time which filled in the space between it an Hertford. Since then there have been several bulk developements, including the Avenue, New Road area, Rib vale, resulting in what we see today. I don't care what it's called, it's just where I live. If I give an address for mail, I give Hertford, or my parcel doesn't arrive. If I'm asked where I live and I'm in Hertford, I say "Bengeo", if elswhere "Hertford" is more useful. There are signs to Bengeo, but in Stevenage there are signs to Pin Green. Pin Green was a village. Is it now? Both are on maps with Hertford or Stevenage on the cover. I once knew a Stevenage resident who insisted she lived at Bragbury End, because she thought it sounded posher! Re:-costumes. Victor, this means your wife gets to wear the pastel shirt and you get the other outfit. Remind me to stay at home that night!
Reply ID 31672
Can i ask why it matters if its avillage or not?? Its Bengeo, Its called Bengeo. When asked where the white lion is if you where in the town centre, would you say, its in hertord .NO, you would say its in Bengeo. Now if that makes bengeo a village then im a monkeys uncle (call me Guy) But who CARES!!! Bengeo is lovely whether or not its part of Hertford. Now Hertford Heath...Thats a village!
Reply ID 31712
quote:I think it depends where you are asked. If I was in Hertford, and someone asked me when the White Lion is, I'd say Bengeo. If someone asked me in London, I'd say Hertford. Same goes for the likes of the swimming pool. If someone from out of town asked me where the local swimming pools were, I'd say Hertford and Ware, not Hartham and Fanshawe.
Originally posted by Mad Mick
Can i ask why it matters if its avillage or not?? Its Bengeo, Its called Bengeo. When asked where the white lion is if you where in the town centre, would you say, its in hertord .NO, you would say its in Bengeo. Now if that makes bengeo a village then im a monkeys uncle (call me Guy) But who CARES!!! Bengeo is lovely whether or not its part of Hertford. Now Hertford Heath...Thats a village!
Reply ID 31713
but hartham and fanshawe arnt villages are they? never were? more an area, dare it be said "estate" in the best sense of the word!
Reply ID 31718
quote:But as a point of reference in current day, they are all parishes. So if you were to advise someone, you would surely use the current reference. Otherwise, when someone asks where the White Lion is, you could answer "Danelaw!" [:)]
Originally posted by codek2
but hartham and fanshawe arnt villages are they? never were? more an area, dare it be said "estate" in the best sense of the word!
Reply ID 31736
If Bengeo was a village wouldnt the Post Office recognise it , you try sticking Bengeo on a letter without Hertford or the post code on it . Now how about Lower Bengeo ? [;)]
Reply ID 31740
OMG, the "Is Bengeo a village?" discussion is still going on after all this time! Who does it matter to?