Welcome to the latest edition of Our Broxbourne. It is with great pride that I take up the position of Leader of the Council for a second time.
Having previously served as Leader between 2014 and 2019, I am well acquainted with all things Broxbourne, importantly, the needs of residents and businesses.
I am looking forward to reconnecting with many of you during my work to drive forward the Council’s vision for the future and finding opportunities to continue making changes that will help the Borough be an even better place to live, work and visit.
As you know, there are many things happening across the Borough, from game changing developments such as Sunset Studios, Brookfield and the Google
data centre, to regeneration projects such as the Waltham Cross Renaissance programme which are set to enhance the appearance and vitality of our town centres and public spaces. For these, and many other noteworthy plans currently in the pipeline for the Borough of Broxbourne, together with my colleagues, I am looking forward to consolidating the success of the last few years so that we can all continue to thrive and enjoy our Borough.
Reception opening hours
Pre-bookable appointments and self-service support is still
Keeping the Borough’s streets clean and tidy
The Council’s Street cleansing service uses a combination of techniques to help keep the Borough’s streets clear of litter.
Main roads in the Borough are frequently cleaned and every morning town centres are mechanically swept, litter picked and litter bins emptied. A ‘barrow beat’ is assigned to each of the three town centres, Waltham Cross, Cheshunt, and Hoddesdon for the remainder of the day.
The Borough’s, parks and green spaces, residential roads, and adopted footpaths are cleaned on regular schedules, and seasonal work includes weed control, as well as clearing fruit fall in the spring and leaf fall in the autumn and winter months.
The Council also employs a Rapid Response team to address issues such as fly-tipping, dead animals,
broken glass, and spillages to ensure speedy removal without impacting on scheduled cleansing.
A regular programme of inspections helps to monitor standards of cleansing and the general state of the Borough. The Council also works with the Probation Service, using community payback as a supplementary resource to keep well used public spaces, such as Public Right of Ways, cut back and tidy.
In addition, an increasing number of ‘Adopt-a-Street’ volunteers are helping to ensure the Borough remains a clean and pleasant environment for everyone.
The Council’s ‘Adopt-a-Street’ scheme encourages community involvement in caring for the local environment. Can you spare the odd hour, or are you keen to coordinate a group litter pick in your neighbourhood? All equipment is provided, and rubbish (from an organised litter pick) is collected. To sign up, visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ adoptastreet
Making it easier to cycle your way around the Borough!
New cycle maintenance stands
Public cycle maintenance stands are being installed at Waltham Cross Playing Fields, Waltham Cross Town Centre and at Theobalds Grove Station, with further stands due to be installed later in the year.
The stands, which are equipped with various tools, are ideal for carrying out basic repairs such as punctures, adjusting brakes and gears.
Cycling Proficiency
Broxbourne Council funded cycling proficiency sessions in four primary
schools in Waltham Cross during the summer term. This programme will expand to further schools across the Borough in the autumn. A series of cycle camps for young people will also take place during the school holidays – keep an eye on the Council’s website and social media for details.
Guided bike rides
Volunteers have been trained by British Cycling to lead guided bike rides. A programme of events should go live this summer. Please check the Council and British Cycling websites and social media channels for details.
Trial an e-cargo bike
Local businesses, sole traders and charities have the opportunity to trial an electric cargo bike for a month. E-cargo bikes are ideal for delivering orders to customers or carrying tools and equipment. They generate less pollution whilst improving the rider’s fitness level. They also reduce fuel, insurance and maintenance costs.
To trial the e-cargo bike, email sustainability@broxbourne.gov. uk with ‘e-cargo bike’ in the subject line. Priority will be given to those able to use the bike instead of petrol or diesel vehicles.
Volunteer Fair
Following the success of the two previous Volunteering Fairs, a third one will be held at the Laura Trott Leisure Centre on Thursday 17 October, 12.30pm–2.30pm. The last event had over 30 community organisations attend including Isabel Hospice, Carers in Herts, Reach Out, Alzheimer’s UK, Age UK Hertfordshire, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Precious One, the Herts Sports Partnership and Home Start Hertfordshire.
For those who cannot wait until October, the Broxbourne Volunteer Centre, run by Communities 1st, can be contacted on 01727 649950 or volunteer@ communities1st.org.uk
Happy memories of the toys of childhood are set to come alive with the opening of Lowewood Museum’s new exhibition, Toys of our Time, covering the 1950s-90s.
Muffin the Mule, Sindy dolls, Action Man, Tracy Island and lots more are sure to evoke the memories for older visitors, while younger family members can play with Lego, test
their skills with table football or have a go on a PlayStation.
The exhibition is free to attend and is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the ‘Your Heritage, Your Museum’ series.
Lowewood Museum is located in High Street, Hoddesdon, close to the Spotlight theatre, and is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 4.30pm. Keep an eye on the Lowewood Museum Facebook page for special activities throughout the year.
Support for
After your visit, why not have a rest in the lovely refurbished cafe or sit outside in the pretty gardens and treat yourself to delicious locally made cake and drink.
The UK’s growing Creative and Cultural Sector is calculated to be worth a total of £169.4 billion, and is worth £3.4 billion in Hertfordshire. Broxbourne Council wants to support residents to be able to take advantage of these opportunities and assist them in turning their creative expression into careers and livelihoods.
Since the publication of the Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy in 2023, the Council’s Arts Development Officer has been supporting local artists and creative practitioners by:
• Establishing new craft markets for artists to sell their products. The first of these was held in Hoddesdon on 23 June.
• Developing a database of local artists and providing them with opportunities e.g. becoming ‘artist in residence’ at Cheshunt and Hoddesdon libraries.
• Identifying venues where artists can display their works.
• Setting up a network for start-up and freelance artists to help them begin or progress their creative careers, including business basics, promotion, support with grant applications and networking opportunities.
For information on any of these initiatives, please email community@broxbourne.gov.uk
Joan Underwood with doll 1948 Helen Giles with E.T. in the 1980s
George Billson and Tracy Island 1992
Affordable homes available to buy in the Borough
Opportunities to purchase a shared ownership home in Broxbourne have emerged as part of new developments in the Borough.
What is shared ownership?
Shared ownership enables buyers to acquire a minimum 10% share in a property and pay rent to the housing association for the remaining share.
Shared ownership is an affordable way to get on the housing ladder. Further shares in the property
The Quadra Apartments, Cheshunt Lakeside
One bedroom homes available. Visit www.b3athome-cheshunt. co.uk for information.
can be bought over time so that the buyer can eventually own the home outright – this is known as ‘staircasing’.
Am I eligible?
There are certain requirements to qualify for shared ownership – your
High Leigh, Hoddesdon
Three and four bedroom homes available. Visit www.paradigmliving. co.uk for more information.
annual household income must be less than £80,000 and you must be able to afford the deposit and mortgage payments for a home suitable for your needs.
For more information, visit www.sharetobuy.com.
Green Park Gardens, Waltham Cross
Two and three bedroom homes available.
Visit www.paradigmliving. co.uk for more information.
E.On and Broxbourne Council are working together to offer free cavity wall insulation to eligible residents through the Great British Insulation Scheme.
You may qualify for free cavity wall insulation through the Great British Insulation Scheme if you are a homeowner with an Energy Performance Certificate rating (EPC) of D to G, or if you rent your home, have an EPC of D or E and answer yes to any of the statements below:
• Your council tax band is A to D, or
• Your household income is less than £31,000, or
• You receive a benefit such as Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit or Housing Benefit, or
• A household member has been identified by an NHS doctor as vulnerable, due to having a health condition that may be impacted by living in a cold home.
You can check your EPC rating on your energy bill or by searching Gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.
If you meet the criteria call 0333 202 4422 quoting “Broxbourne letter”, or visit www.eonenergy.com/GBIS. You do not have to be an E.On customer.
The scheme will run until March 2028. Works come with a 25 year guarantee and are estimated to save £235 per year on heating bills and 650kg of CO2 emissions per year.
Join the Broxbourne Citizens’ Panel HAVE SAY! YOUR
Are you a resident or business owner in Broxbourne? Are you aged 16 or over? Do you want your views heard and to make a difference? If the answer is yes, then sign up to the Broxbourne Citizens’ panel.
The Citizens’ Panel is for people who are willing to give their views about Council services and neighbourhood improvements. Joining the panel means that your feedback will help to improve and develop services.
You will be asked to complete a form to capture your personal information. This will be used to select individuals or businesses to consult with, and to analyse differences in responses.
A taste of
our
Your details will be kept confidential and not used for any other purpose. Sign up before 31 August 2024 to be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to a show of your choice at the Spotlight theatre in Hoddesdon.
If you do not have access to the internet, then please contact the Council’s helpline on 01992 785577.
programme @
The Marvin Gaye Songbook
Starring Nate Simpson fresh from playing Bob Marley in the hit West End musical! Saturday 21 September, 7.30pm
Lolo Williams –Life through a Lens
Wednesday 20 November, 7.30pm
The Noise Next Door
The Adventure Academy Age 5+, 2pm Freewheeling Age 15+, 7.30pm Sunday 6 October
Psychic Sally
A unique evening of psychic powers Wednesday 27 November, 7.30pm
Why not enjoy a relaxing pre-show drink and a slice of our delicious...
Signing up is easy; visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ citizenspanel or scan the QR code below.
The Dazzling Diamonds 14+
The smash hit comedy variety Drag show Sunday 17 November, 7.30pm
Sleeping Beauty
This years sensational panto! Don’t miss out!
Thursday 12 – Monday 30 December
Scan to see our full programme of events
Doors and bar open 1.5 hour prior to event start.
This summer, young people have no excuse to be bored. In addition to HAPpy, Lark in the Park and the Summer Parks Programme, there are the following weekly youth projects:
• Multi-sports at Holdbrook multi-use games area (Longcroft Drive, Waltham Cross) on Monday evenings, 5.30-7.30pm with Sporting Aid
• Multi-sports at Goffs Lane Park in Cheshunt (EN7 5EF) on Tuesday evenings, 5-7pm with Broxbourne Council
• Rising Star Basketball project at Waltham Cross Playing Fields (EN8 7LX) on Wednesday evenings from 24 July, 5.30 -7.30pm with Sporting Aid
• Premier League Kickx programme with Stevenage FC Foundation on Thursday evenings, 6-7pm at Waltham Cross Playing Fields (EN8 7LX).
The main provider of youth work in the Borough is Hertfordshire County Council Services for Young People. Its Broxbourne team run a wide range of groupwork sessions as well as street based sessions in the community. Young people can also get information, advice and support at the Young People’s Centre in Crossbrook Street, Cheshunt. A current list of projects can be found online at www.servicesforyoungpeople.org and searching for Broxbourne.
National
Families are invited to join the Council at this year’s National Play Day event at Cheshunt Park (EN7 6QD) on Wednesday 7 August between 12noon and 4pm.
It will be another fun-filled summer’s day with loads of free sporting activities and epic inflatable activities available to all.
The Hertfordshire Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAPpy) will be running again this Summer at the Isabella House Nursery in Waltham Cross (EN8 7PA) and at the John Warner Sports Centre in Hoddesdon (EN11 0QG). Aimed at children who are eligible for free school meals, the HAPpy camps offer sports, arts and crafts, games, and a healthy meal, promoting physical fitness, creativity, and social interaction. Both camps run from 9am to 1pm. The Hoddesdon camp runs from 29 July to 16 August and is for children aged 5 to 12, whilst the Waltham Cross programme runs from 29 July to 23 August and is for 8-16 year olds.
To book, parents should sign up via the HAPpy portal at sportinherts.org.uk/happyactivity-camps. They will need the code received from the child’s school if they are entitled to free school meals. If they are not entitled to free school meals, or go to school outside of Hertfordshire, please send your child’s details and an explanation as to why you need to access this support to community@broxbourne.gov. uk and one of the team can make a referral
Holidays
Lark in the Park is a series of free events in parks across the Borough taking place during the summer holidays for children aged 5-16 years.
Starting Monday 22 July and running until Friday 30 August, Lark in the Park hosts a range of fun activities, including water fights, Nerf wars, playground games and sport activities. Each day, children will have the opportunity to choose and design their preferred activities.
Each session runs from 2.30-4.30pm. No registration is needed. Simply turn up and sign in at the beginning of the session.
Monday – Grundy Park
Tuesday - Cedars Park
Wednesday - Cheshunt Park
Thursday - Barclay Park
Friday - Waltham Cross
Playing Fields
Kidz Klub is an Ofsted registered holiday playscheme run by the Council, providing a safe, fun and stimulating environment for children aged 4* to 12 years.
A variety of activities are on offer each day, including sport, dance, team games, treasure hunts, first aid skills, soft play, swimming, roller disco, arts and crafts, water play and much more.
Kidz Klub takes place at the John Warner Sports Centre in Hoddesdon during the Summer Holidays from 22 July - 30 August, excluding Monday 26 August. Kidz Klub will also run in the October half-term from 28 October to 1 November.
Cost: £26.30 per day (booked in advance). Sibling discount of £2.50 per additional child. Some childcare vouchers are accepted, visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/Kidzklub for more information.
To book your child’s place, call the John Warner Sports Centre on 01992 445375.
* Only children born before 1/9/2019 can attend Kidz Klub. Proof of age is required when booking.
The Hertfordshire Summer Parks Programme is coming to Grundy Park in Cheshunt, offering young people aged 12-16 a range of exciting activities.
On Tuesdays 6, 13 and 20 August, 3-6pm, young people can engage in adrenaline activities such as climbing walls, pump tracks and inflatables, or indulge in creative expression including graffiti art and painting workshops. All participants will receive free food and drink vouchers. This programme is delivered by the Hertfordshire Sport and Physical Activity Partnership, in partnership with Broxbourne Council.
FREE six week self-defence course for women
Partnering with Militia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the Council is running a FREE six week self-defence course for women and girls aged 14+.
Sessions will start on Saturday 21 September, 2.30-3.30pm in Broxbourne (EN10 6SG).
Topics covered include safety and awareness, evasive tactics, striking and defence, escaping from being pinned down and keeping opponents down without using violence. For more information and to book a place, email community@broxbourne. gov.uk
Upcoming Events
Lark In The Park
Every weekday from 22 July to 30 August, 2.30pm-4.30pm. See page 9 for details.
Summer of Fun
Every Saturday morning in July, August and September, 11am-3pm, Waltham Cross Town Centre
Classic Vehicle Day Sunday 4 August, 10am-4pm. Waltham Cross Town Centre
National Play Day. Wednesday 7 August, 12noon-4pm. Cheshunt Park
Wormley Community Day
Thursday 8 August, 11.30am-3pm. Wormley Community Centre
Princess and Superhero Parade and Picnic Friday 16 August, 12noon-3pm. Grundy Park, Cheshunt
Harmony Garden Open Day Saturday 17 August, 10.30am-4pm. Shirley Close, Cheshunt
Outdoor Cinema
Tuesday 20 August,11am, 1pm, 3pm. Waltham Cross Town Centre
Rock Around The Clock Tower
Sunday 18 August, 11am-7.30pm. Hoddesdon Town Centre
Outdoor Cinema Friday 23 August, 11am-8pm. Grundy Park, Cheshunt
Love Hoddesdon Food And Drink Festival Saturday 14 September, 10am-6pm. Hoddesdon Town Centre
Volunteering Fair
Thursday 17 October, 12.30pm-2.30pm. Laura Trott Leisure Centre, Cheshunt
Half-Term Fun Fair Saturday 26-Tuesday 29 October, 11am-7pm. Waltham Cross Town Centre
Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch Thursday 31 October. 9.30am-5pm. Waltham Cross Town Centre
Remembrance Sunday Sunday 10 November, 11am. Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt and Goffs Oak
Hoddesdon Loves Christmas Sunday 24 November. 10am-6pm. Hoddesdon Town Centre
Christmas Shopping Day Saturday 7 December. 10am-4pm. Waltham Cross Town Centre
All events are subject to change. Please visit www.broxbourne. gov.uk/events and the Council’s social media for further details.
Waltham Cross town centre edges closer to a major transformation…
While pictures are worth a thousand words, video is said to be worth a million, so to help bring the exciting plans for the town centre to life, a fly-through video has been released giving great insight into what the future will look like for Waltham Cross town centre… Watch the video at www.youtube.com/ BroxbourneCouncil
Investigative work to confirm ground conditions and more accurately locate the position of underground utility services took place across May and June this year to inform the main town centre regeneration works. The main works are expected to start later in the summer.
To facilitate the works, a few temporary changes will be taking place in the coming months, including:
• relocation of the market to the southern end of the High Street (held every Wednesday and Friday, plus Sundays throughout December)
• protective fencing around the Eleanor Cross
The transformation will bring about much-needed change to the area, positively impacting the lives of those who live, work, visit and do business in Waltham Cross.
Improvements will include:
• modernised paving in the northern High Street
• easier access for pedestrians and cyclists
• new vehicle access route and parking in the High Street
• contemporary street furniture, including seating and lighting
The project is expected to take 18 months and when completed will complement the Queen Eleanor Square which was created in 2019.
• erection of security fencing and hoarding around work sites
Shops in the town centre will be open for business as usual. Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum.
Further information will be communicated via the Council’s social media channels and website at broxbourne.gov.uk/WXRegeneration. Queries about this project can also be emailed to LoveWX@Broxbourne.gov.uk.
Waltham Cross regeneration project checklist…
Community Skills Hub
Living Wall
Waltham Cross Playing Fields
Hoddesdon town centre
Following a public consultation earlier in the year, the Hoddesdon Town Centre Gateway project is progressing and Broxbourne Council is working with Hertfordshire County Council on detailed plans.
New brick planters are proposed, together with tree lighting, street lighting and high quality street furniture.
These improvements will complement the historic character of the town centre and build on Hoddesdon’s strength as a popular local destination.
The project will be funded by financial contributions from a number of completed developments in and around the town.
RESPONSIBLE FOOD
HERTS AWARD
The Herts Responsible Food Awards (HRFA) is an initiative run by Hertfordshire County Council, in partnership with Broxbourne Council. The new scheme provides certification to local businesses that offer healthier food options and run their business sustainably and effectively.
The scheme aims to help businesses save money, increase their reputation, and expand their reach, whilst benefiting the local community by providing options for customers to make healthier choices.
Scan the QR code to sign your business up for the scheme.
Unlock the Potential of Your Property and Business with the Hertfordshire Film Office!
Did you know that as a resident or business owner, you can turn your premises into a film location? By registering on the Hertfordshire Film Office (HFO) database, your property could be chosen for film productions, generating extra income for you. With the creative and screen industry booming, any space, from the lovely and picturesque, to the downright ugly and grotty could be in high demand.
Register your location: www.hertfordshirefilmoffice. co.uk/locations
Broxbourne Enterprise Centrestwo centres, one inspirational community
Make yourself at home in flexible offices, coworking spaces, workshop units and studios with business support – designed to empower Broxbourne’s business leaders and creative entrepreneurs. Spaces are available at the Theobalds Enterprise Centre in Cheshunt and the Hoddesdon Enterprise Centre in Hoddesdon. Email info@broxbourneec.co.uk or call 0208 143 1688.
The HFO is not just about locations. You can also add your business or services to the crew and supplier’s database. Whether you are an individual or a company such as a florist, caterer, clothing retailer, accountant, electrician, or hairdresser, the film industry needs your expertise! Join the supply chain and become an integral part of one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors.
Sign up your business or service at www. hertfordshirefilmoffice.co.uk/ crew
GROUP GYM MEMBERSHIP
for just £24.75 per person* per month. That’s less than £1 a day!
Join the gym with three friends or family, and you will SAVE UP TO £15.25 PER MONTH EACH on membership fees. Group gym membership gives you access to all timetabled activities (classes, courts and spin sessions) as well as unlimited access to gyms and swimming pools.
Membership provides access to:
• Two floors and five zones of the latest weight and cardio training equipment
• eGym automated personalised weight training
• 25 metre pool and teaching pool
• Two fitness studios
• Spin studio
• Multi-purpose sports hall with 6 courts
• Squash court (Laura Trott Leisure Centre)
• Astro pitches (John Warner Sports Centre)
• Steam and Sauna (Laura Trott Leisure Centre)
• State of the art body metric measuring *excludes joining and induction fee.
Four person membership costs £99 per month on monthly Direct Debit with a minimum commitment of four months, plus a one off £30. 10 group joining and induction fee.
Come and see for yourself – book a tour of the centre today. Email hello@bebroxbourne.co.uk
WHAT’S ON AT Studio Escape
Studio Escape is an exclusive, purpose built holistic studio inside Laura Trott Leisure Centre.
Autumn six week courses - starting in September.
Pilates (beginners and Intermediates) – Sunday and Monday, 10am and 11.15am Yoga (suitable for all) – Tuesday 7pm and Thursday 7.30pm Course costs £63 (discount for Be.Fit members)
Each session costs £13.99 (discount for Be.Fit members). All equipment supplied.
To book, email StudioEscape@broxbourne.gov.uk or scan the QR code.
Opportunities for Excellence
The Opportunity for Excellence scheme supports elite and promising athletes with a training support package to access Broxbourne Council’s Leisure Centre facilities free of charge for one year.
The 21 recipients in 2024 include Nikita Setchell, a 23 year-old international level canoeist, 15-year old Mia Taruvinga, who is the current 200m Herts county champion in her age group, 18 year old Owen Lambert, part of the England Judo Development Squad and England U17s Netballer, Hannah Gibson.
The award scheme is open to sports performers aged 11 years+ who are competing at county level or higher living in Broxbourne. Athletes can choose to access swimming pools, gym equipment and a variety of other facilities at the leisure centres to boost their fitness and training requirements.
To make an application, visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/OFE or contact the Community Development Team at community@broxbourne.gov.uk The deadline for applications is 31 March 2025.
Are you looking for a secure new job that
is… rewarding,well paid, flexible, active and sociable?
If you have basic water skills, a willingness to learn and good communication skills, why not train to become a swimming instructor?
You could qualify as a Level 2 instructor in as little as six months and you are guaranteed a flexible, permanent job earning £20.46 per hour.
For more information email the Group Swimming Coordinator on hello@ bebroxbourne.co.uk or visit www.bebroxbourne.co.uk.
Great coffee, freshly made meals to pre-order, grab and go or take away.
and comfortable accessible café with indoor and
BOROUGH OF BROXBOURNE COUNCILLORS 2024/25
Broxbourne Borough Council has 30 members elected to represent residents from all Borough wards.
There are 27 Conservative Group Councillors and three Labour Group Councillors.
Councillors are elected for a four year term. The role of a councillor includes:
• Agreeing Council policy
• Deciding priorities for the Council
• Setting the level of council tax and the Council’s budget
• Making certain decisions on matters such as planning and licensing
• Representing the Council and the Borough at meetings and on outside bodies
• Helping individuals living in their ward.
You may contact your local Councillor to talk about local issues or problems in your area by telephone or via the following email format, cllr.[surname]@broxbourne.gov.uk. Surnames must be written in full as underlined on the adjacent Councillor profiles.
