Message from the Leader of the Council, Mark Mills-Bishop
Welcome to the first edition of Our Broxbourne Magazine in 2025.
The year is young but already there is much to reflect on and look forward to in the Borough.
The nominations for this year’s Borough of Broxbourne Awards opened in December. Many fantastic entries, telling the stories of local heroes, were received ahead of the awards ceremony which took place on 6 March. More about the winners will be featured in the next edition later in the year.
The Waltham Cross Regeneration project is progressing well and is on track to be complete in autumn this year. The town centre has continued to thrive with the weekly markets held on Wednesdays and Fridays, in addition to regular community events such as local treasure trails which are widely enjoyed by families visiting the town centre.
At the end of January, the Council joined many organisations across the country to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. The Borough’s yearly remembrance service was held at the Spotlight and Gardens of
Lowewood Museum, where local school children shared messages and poems along with other displays of respect.
With sustainability a key priority for the Council, we were pleased to see the launch of Solar Together, a group buying scheme, that gives residents the opportunity to join forces to buy affordable sources of renewable energy, such as solar panels. More about this can be found on page eight.
I could not wrap up without mentioning the Government’s plans for Local Government Reform. The Council is working with the other district and boroughs in Hertfordshire to gather evidence to inform proposals on what reform might look like in our area. I would like to stress that I will be doing everything I can to ensure that Broxbourne’s residents and businesses continue to receive excellent services for the best value for money in the future.
More information on this can be found on pages four and five.
With best wishes
Reception opening hours
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Pre-bookable appointments and self-service support is still available online at www.broxbourne.gov.uk
If you are a victim of a hate crime, the Council offices are a safe space for you to report the crime.
Collecting your council tax
You may not know that although we collect your council tax, we do not keep it all. We collect your payments but we pay most of it out to Hertfordshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner, keeping only a very small amount of what you pay each year.
(services such as the maintenance of roads and pavements, education and social care.)
(funding the County’s police force.)
The £163.24 that we keep of your council tax is spent on the
Here are just some of the
Local Government
You may have read reports that the Government has written to councils in two tier areas inviting proposals for the creation of what are known as unitary councils. In Hertfordshire this either means that:
Aall ten existing districts, including Broxbourne, would be abolished with the county council becoming responsible for all local authority services across the whole county
Bthe county council would be abolished and groups of existing district councils would join together to form two or more unitary councils, each one having responsibility for all local authority services. These councils are expected to have a population of 500,000 or more.
The Government is clear that it expects councils to work together to formulate proposals and expects to deliver the process as quickly as possible, including through new legislation where it becomes necessary to ensure progress.
What is meant by two-tier
and unitary?
Hertfordshire is currently a two-tier area. This means that there is one upper tier County Council (Hertfordshire) responsible for things such as education, highways, street lighting, public health, social care and waste disposal. In addition, there are 10 lower tier district and borough councils, such as Broxbourne Borough Council, responsible for more local services such as planning, waste collection, street cleansing, environmental health, licensing and community safety. The councils in two tier areas collaborate but exist as separate entities.
A unitary authority is one where all services are operated by one single council. An example of this would be a London borough or authorities such as Thurrock Borough Council.
Will there be one single council
for Hertfordshire?
Broxbourne Council, along with the other districts and boroughs in Hertfordshire, does not believe that a single unitary council covering the whole of Hertfordshire is the right approach. Hertfordshire is too large, both in terms of geography and population (1.2million people) and the delivery of excellent local services will be compromised on that scale.
Government Reform
What are the positives and negatives of a unitary authority?
In principle, reducing the number of touchpoints that you as a local resident or business has, will be simpler. The Government has suggested that abolishing the two-tier system will be more cost effective and efficient, however this will depend greatly on what form the unitary authority will take.
Broxbourne has a population of approximately 100,000 people, and a geographical area of 52km2. The Government’s advice is that any unitary authority should have a population of 500,000 or more, within a much larger geographical area. This means that local services will be operated more remotely and will not be tailored to the unique requirements of a local area as easily as they are under existing arrangements.
Next steps?
There is an initial deadline of 21 March where indicative proposals have to be submitted to the Government, with a second deadline of 28 November for detailed proposals.
The Government will then decide whether it agrees with the proposals and direct the next steps. If the proposals are accepted, it is possible that changes to council structures could be implemented from 2028.
Broxbourne Borough Council wants to protect the interests of residents in a new unitary authority. Broxbourne has the lowest council tax of the ten districts and boroughs in Hertfordshire and a strong focus on regeneration and economic growth. The Council does not want local residents to lose these advantages.
The councils in Hertfordshire are in the process of gathering evidence which will help to inform proposals going forward. As part of that, the Council would like to hear your views. Send an email to LGR@Broxbourne.gov.uk to share your thoughts on the Government’s plans. You can also keep up-to-date with the latest information at www.broxbourne.gov.uk/LGR
Parks and open spaces
Broxbourne has a number of beautiful parks and open spaces, including five Green Flag Award winning parks.
Barclay park, Hoddesdon
Barclay Park is situated on a gentle hillside overlooking an ornamental lake.
Facilities include car parking, picnic tables, a lake, easy access pathway and play equipment.
The active Friends of Barclay Park group was established in 2011 and has been successful in attracting Heritage Lottery Funding which has been used to restore the lake, interpretation panels, creating new habitats and materials to deliver educational activities to local school children.
of specimen trees, interesting architectural features and a wealth of history.
Cedars Park, Cheshunt
Cedars Park, originally part of the Theobalds estate, was given to the people of Cheshunt and Waltham Cross in 1920. The site covers 40 acres and ranges from woodland to wildflower meadows and formal parkland, containing an abundance of diverse flora and fauna, a variety
Significant work has taken place in recent years to protect and improve Cedars Park, including repairing paths, improving the car park, café, toilets, and disabled access, planting 2,500 trees and developing natural play features for families.
The Park has a ‘Friends of’ group which provides support for community events and volunteers carry out conservation tasks on a regular basis.
Cheshunt Park, Cheshunt
Visitors to Cheshunt Park can enjoy a walk or cycle along the historic Roman Road, Ermine Street, or a picnic in one of the conservation areas or wildflower meadows.
For a few months each year a small herd of English Longhorn cattle graze a section of the park as part of the grassland and community orchard management programme. The woodland provides an opportunity for ornithologists to study the local bird life.
An easy access trail provides a path for all abilities, and has rest stops at regular intervals.
Younger visitors can enjoy the modern and challenging play equipment, whilst teenagers can make use of the basketball and football facilities, hang-out area, and the popular skate park.
Old Highway Recreation Park, Hoddesdon
Old Highway is a recreation ground providing play and sports facilities and a large area of mown grass within a residential area.
Barclay Park, Hoddesdon
Cheshunt Park, Cheshunt
Cedars Park, Cheshunt
A tennis club and bowls club are based here, which is open for public use from May to September, between 1-8pm every day. The park covers 5 acres and facilities include car parking, toilets, accessible paths, play equipment, adult gym equipment, tennis courts, bowling green, and a Multi-Use Games Area for basketball and football.
Wormley Top Field, Wormley
Wormley Top Field was designated as a Local Nature Reserve by Natural England in 2005. It is a place of outstanding natural beauty, rich in wildlife with a historical heritage pre-dating the medieval period.
Predominantly a wildflower meadow, mown paths through the grassland offer long views across to the Nazeing Ridge and there is an abundance of wild flowers and birds. Adjoining Top Field is Cozens Grove, an ancient wood with a medieval sunken roadway.
Cedars Nature Centre
Cedars Nature Centre is an award winning, not for profit, fully licensed zoo set in the grounds of Cedars Park, Cheshunt, operated by Let’s Talk Animals C.I.C.
Familiar favourites, such as meerkats and owls, are just some of the animals found here, alongside unusual creatures, such as zorillas and tenrecs.
Cedars Nature Centre offers fun animal experiences, including Meet the Meerkats, VIP Tour and Junior Keeper Experience.
To find out more visit www.cedarsnaturecentre.co.uk.
Beautiful Broxbourne photo competition
Share your photos of ‘Beautiful Broxbourne’ and be in with a chance of winning two tickets to a show of your choice at the Spotlight Theatre in Hoddesdon.
Whether it is a photo of the Borough’s parks or the beautiful flowers in your garden, send it to communications@broxbourne. gov.uk by Friday 6 June.
Old Highway Recreational Park
Wormley Top Field, Wormley
Great Big Green Week
Great Big Green Week, the UK’s biggest celebration of action to tackle climate change and protect nature, will take place between 7-15 June.
The first Broxbourne ‘Big Green Fest’ will take place on Sunday 8 June at Cedars Park. The family friendly event will feature workshops, inspiring talks, tasty local food vendors, music, and other fun activities. Friends of Cedars Park will introduce their biodiversity enhancement activities and the Men’s Shed will showcase its creative craft and DIY projects. A free bicycle maintenance check stall offered by Dr Bike, will also be on site to help you get yours ready for summer.
If you have an idea for a project you want to deliver and would like to know what support the Council can provide, email sustainability@ broxbourne.gov.uk.
For the full schedule of Great Big Green Week activities, please check the Council’s events webpage closer to the time: broxbourne.gov.uk/events.
Great British Insulation scheme
Worried about rising energy costs? Broxbourne Council has partnered with E.ON to offer eligible residents free or discounted home insulation and expert energy-saving advice via the Great British Insulation Scheme. Proper insulation can help maintain a comfortable temperature all year round, reducing heat loss in the winter, and keeping the heat out during the summer.
To find out more, visit E.ON’s website via the QR code (on the right), or call 0333 202 4422.
Residents should also keep an eye out for announcements on the Warm Homes Local Grant energy improvements scheme coming later this year.
Solar Together
Solar Together is a county-wide group buying scheme that helps homeowners, small or medium-sized businesses and tenants to purchase and install a solar panel system and storage batteries at a reduced cost compared to the average market price.
The scheme works as a reverse auction where approved suppliers bid for the work, offering competitive prices as buying in bulk reduces prices to the customer.
It is completely free to register with Solar Together, and there is no obligation to proceed with installation.
Register for the scheme by 4 April 2025 at solartogether.co.uk/broxbourne/home
Improving Biodiversity in your garden
A balanced approach to gardening can support essential biodiversity, such as insects, birds and mammals, while ensuring sustainable water practices.
Pick the Right Plants
Choosing the right plants is key to attracting wildlife, and selecting drought-tolerant varieties will help reduce the need for frequent watering. Planting native flowers and herbs will attract a diverse range of pollinators and require less water once established. Consider plants that bloom throughout the year to support insects, like Primrose, and Forget-Me-Not in the spring; Foxglove and Honeysuckle in the summer and Aster, Heather, and Snowdrop for the autumn and winter. Additionally, herbs such as lavender, thyme, and rosemary are hardy, lowwater options that attract pollinators.
Allow Weeds to Flourish in Some Areas
Letting some “weeds” grow naturally in your garden not only encourages wildlife but can also reduce water waste. Plants like Garlic Mustard and Stinging Nettle support butterflies like the Orange Tip and Peacock, which rely on them for nectar and laying eggs. Although often considered weeds, Dandelions provide nectar for bees, and their seed heads are a food source for goldfinches. Allowing these plants to thrive requires no additional water and helps keep the ecosystem balanced.
Plant Water-Efficient Trees and Shrubs
Incorporate trees and shrubs that support wildlife and use minimal water. Trees like hazel and crab apple provide shelter and food for birds, insects, and mammals and do not need constant watering once established. Ivy, Hawthorn, and Alder are also great choices that support biodiversity, while thriving in lowwater conditions once established.
Embrace Messy Spaces
A bit of mess can go a long way in creating a more biodiverse garden. Allow parts of your lawn to grow longer, which helps retain moisture in the soil and creates habitats for beetles, slugs, and other insects that attract birds and hedgehogs.
Consider creating a mini-wildflower meadow with drought-tolerant plants like poppies and ox-eye daisies, which will require less water than regular lawn grass.
Additionally, compost heaps can support a healthy ecosystem and can be created using kitchen scraps like vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and plant prunings.
Provide Water Efficiently
Water sources are crucial for wildlife. Creating a pond can encourage a self-sustaining environment where water evaporates more slowly, helping to retain moisture in your garden.
If you cannot accommodate a pond, a small birdbath or shallow dish works well. Placing pebbles in it allows bees to perch and drink without drowning. You can also collect rainwater using water butts, which save water and provide a free, eco-friendly resource for your garden’s plants and wildlife.
Use Mulch to Conserve Water
Mulching is an excellent way to keep moisture in the soil, reduce evaporation, and maintain consistent soil temperature. Organic mulches such as leaves, straw, or grass clippings also provide food for soil-dwelling insects like beetles and worms, which support biodiversity.
Water Wisely
Finally, if you do need to water your garden, do so efficiently. Use drip irrigation or water in the early morning or late evening to minimise evaporation.
By integrating these strategies, you’ll create a vibrant, biodiverse garden that supports local wildlife while conserving water— helping to protect the environment in the process.
BOOST YOUR MOOD
Join a Health Walk today!
Hertfordshire Health Walks are free, sociable walks, led by friendly volunteers.
Health Walks are graded to help identify the walk that is most appropriate for your fitness level. From gentle ‘first steps’ walks that are suitable for anyone looking to increase their physical activity after illness or injury, to brisk ‘grade 4’ walks that typically last one hour, you will be sure to find a walk that meets your needs.
To find a walk near you scan the QR code on the right or visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Moving More
Get inspiration to be more active in 2025 with Moving More.
The Moving More activity finder is an online database of thousands of physical activities across Hertfordshire.
It is designed to help you find something that matches your interests, fitness level and schedule, making it easier for you to be active; from energising fitness classes to relaxing nature walks, and even online sessions you can do at home.
Find out more at www.MovingMore.co.uk
Opportunities for Excellence
Calling all aspiring athletes in the Borough!
Apply before 31 March for the Opportunities for Excellence grant which provides funded gym memberships to either the Laura Trott Leisure Centre or John Warner Sports Centre. Apply online at www. broxbourne.gov.uk/OFE.
SUNDAY INSTRUCTOR-LED RUNNING CLUB at the Leisure centres
Join the instructor-led running session for a fun and energising 55-minute class designed for runners of all levels.
Meeting at Laura Trott Leisure Centre or John Warner Sports Centre receptions at 9am on Sundays, whether you are looking to improve your pace or simply enjoy the fresh air, these sessions offer a great way to stay motivated and get fit.
This class is outdoors and involves mixed terrain routes, so suitable clothing and footwear is a must.
This is a timetabled session and is included with membership. Non-members are welcome on a pay-and-play basis. Book online at BeBroxbourne.co.uk or via the Be.Broxbourne Fit app.
GET FIT THIS SPRING WITH A PERSONAL TRAINER
If you want help to get started, support to stay motivated or are looking for a new challenge, why not try a personal training session?
The fully qualified Be.Fit trainers have access to an extensive range of training equipment in the gym to help you achieve your fitness goals. Visit bebroxbourne. co.uk/personal-training for more details.
SIX WEEK COURSES IN Yoga and Pilates in the exclusive Studio Escape
Studio Escape is a purpose-built studio for small group tuition in yoga, Pilates and complementary therapies. Set within the Laura Trott Leisure Centre, Studio Escape is fully equipped with mats, blocks and mood lighting. Having everything in one space for groups of no more than nine makes it perfect for beginners and more advanced practitioners. Short courses allow you to see how you get on with no major commitment, and you can progress along with the same group each week.
Visit www.bebroxbourne.co.uk/activities/studio-escape/ for course dates and prices.
WALTHAM CROSS REGENERATION PROGRESS UPDATE
Work on the Waltham Cross Regeneration Project is progressing well. The Monarchs Way underpass has been closed and filled with concrete, and two new pedestrian crossings are being built to provide access into the town centre.
A lot of work has taken place along the High Street to install new cables, move existing utilities and create new drainage pipes in preparation for the new road foundation and paving, which will help create a modern look and feel.
Access to Eleanor Cross Road will be limited to one lane until the end of summer to facilitate improvement works in this section. Temporary traffic management will be in operation at this location to help ensure safety. The Eleanor Cross Road and Pavilions car parks will be unaffected.
Works are on schedule to complete in the autumn of this year.
For related queries, please email LoveWX@ broxbourne. gov.uk
Sign-up to receive e-alerts and stay up to date with the latest project updates!
For a bird’s eye view capturing the improvement works in motion visit
2025 Hertfordshire County Council election
County Council elections will take place on Thursday 1 May between 7am-10pm.
If you are not yet registered to vote visit www.gov. uk/register-to-vote before 5pm on Friday 11 April.
If you wish to vote by post, and are not already registered to do so, visit www.gov.uk/apply-postalvote to register by 5pm on Monday 14 April.
If you want to appoint a proxy to vote in person on your behalf, visit www.gov.uk/apply-proxyvote and register by 5pm on Wednesday 23 April.
In order to vote in person you will need to provide an accepted form of photographic ID, such
as a passport or driving licence. Information on the accepted forms of ID can be found at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-andelections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id
If you do not have an accepted form of ID you can apply via the QR code for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) or at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-idvoter-authority-certificate on Wednesday 23 April.
Please contact the Council’s election office on 01992 785555 if you have further queries.
the glassh use legacy
Celebrating the rich history of the glasshouses of Broxbourne and their impact on the Borough, Lowewood Museum’s latest exhibition, ‘the glasshouse legacy’ runs until Saturday 28 June.
The new exhibition features audible stories from people who used to work in the glasshouse industry, as well as fascinating photos and artefacts about this important slice of local heritage.
The exhibition is part of the ongoing Your Heritage, Your Museum project, funded by the National Lottery, to collect the stories of the Borough of Broxbourne and provide opportunities for people to share their heritage.
Lowewood Museum, located at High Street, Hoddesdon, is run by an independent charity and is open on Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 4.30pm. Entry is free so drop in any time.
When visiting, take the opportunity to enjoy a hot drink and a snack at Lowewood’s cafe.
For more information, visit www.lowewoodmuseum.com
MEMORY HUB CHESHUNT
If you, or someone you care for, is forgetful, worried about memory loss or living with dementia, there is no need to book a GP appointment. Why not join staff from the Broxbourne Alliance and Lea Valley Health NHS Primary Care Networks at the Cheshunt Memory Hub?
Carers Information Café
HUB CHESHUNT
MEMORY
Sessions take place on the last Friday of every month (excluding December) at the Laura Trott Leisure Centre, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt from 10.30am–12noon.
CHESHUNT
During the sessions you can speak to a range of professionals who can provide information, support, and onward referrals. There is no need to book, just come along to receive advice, support and have a friendly chat.
MEMORY HUB
A new resource for carers has been set up at the Laura Trott Leisure Centre in Cheshunt by Carers in Herts and the Broxbourne Alliance and Lea Valley Health Primary Care Networks. Carers can drop in and enjoy a cuppa, whilst finding out about services and advice to help them with their caring role. Health checks for carers are also available. The Carers Café takes place on the second Wednesday of each month from 10.30am to 12noon. There is no need to book. For further information contact Carers in Herts on 01992 586969 or visit
www.carersinherts.org.uk
Youth Programme
This spring, there are lots of free-to-attend activities for young people!
HAPpy Easter Camps offering fun sports and games, as well as a nutritious meal, will run from 7-17 April, 9am-1pm at the Hertfordshire Women’s Centre, Waltham Cross and the John Warner Sports Centre, Hoddesdon. These are for children aged 8-16 who are entitled to free school meals. To book visit sportinherts.org.uk/happy-activity-camps. You must have a code from your child’s school.
Boys Boxing Self-Defence Course
Learn how to box on this free 6-week course at the Laura Trott Leisure Centre, Cheshunt. Takes place on Thursdays from 10 April to 22 May (no session on 1 May), 6-7.30pm. To book, email hello@merakiboxing.com.
Learn to Ride Broxbourne Council and British Cycling will hold an ‘Active Travel Day’ on Saturday 10 May at Waltham Cross Playing Fields. This will include free learn to ride sessions for children. To find out more or to book, email community@broxbourne.gov.uk.
Holdbrook Multi-sports Young people aged 11-18 can take part in football, basketball, dodgeball and more at the Holdbrook Multi-Use Games Area, next to Holdbrook Primary School, Waltham Cross. Mondays, 5.30-7.30pm.
Broxbourne Youth Council (for young people aged 13-18) meets every Wednesday during term-time at the Cheshunt Young People’s Centre, Crossbrook Street, Cheshunt, 7-9pm. For more information contact sfyp@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Cheshunt Park Junior Parkrun This free weekly 2k event for juniors (4-14 years) takes place every Sunday at 9am. It is free to attend but runners must register first at www.parkrun.org.uk.
SpringEvents
APRIL
Older People’s Fair
Halsey Hall, Cheshunt
Friday 4 April, 10am-2pm
CHEXS Easter event
Cedars Park
Saturday 5 April, 12noon-4pm
Spring Fayre and Heritage Day
Hoddesdon town centre
Saturday 12 April, 10am-5pm
Easter Fayre
Waltham Cross town centre
Thursday 17 April, 10am-5pm
St George’s Family Fun Day
Grundy Park
Saturday 26 April, 12noon-5pm
MAY
May Day Celebration
Lowewood Museum
Saturday 3 May, 10am-3pm
Active Travel event
Waltham Cross Playing Fields
Saturday 10 May, 11am–3pm
Open Air Cinema
Hoddesdon town centre
Saturday 17 May, 10.30am–6pm
Open Air Cinema
Waltham Cross town centre
Tuesday 27 May, 10am-5pm
JUNE
Volunteering Fair
Laura Trott Leisure Centre
Thursday 5 June, 12.30-2.30pm
Goffs Oak Community Day
Goffs Oak Playing Fields
Saturday 14 June, 12noon-4pm.
Windrush Celebration
Waltham Cross town centre
Saturday 21 June, 12noon-8pm
Windrush Celebration
Hoddesdon town centre
Sunday 22 June, 11am-7.30pm
For further information on these events, visit www. broxbourne.gov.uk/events
Kidz Klub is an Ofsted registered holiday playscheme providing a safe environment for children aged 4* to 12.
A variety of activities are available, including sports, dance, team games, treasure hunts, roller skating, swimming, face painting, arts and crafts and more.
Kidz Klub will take place at the John Warner Sports Centre in Hoddesdon during the Easter (7-17 April) and Whitsun (27-30 May) school holidays.
Full day rate per child is £27.35
Sibling discount of £2.60 each day per additional child. Various childcare vouchers are accepted. Visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/kidzklub for more information.
To book your child’s place, please call the John Warner Sports Centre on 01992 445375.
*Only children born before 1/9/2020 can attend Kidz Klub. Proof of age is required when booking.
BOROUGH OF BROXBOURNE COUNCILLORS 2024/25
Broxbourne Borough Council has 30 members elected to represent residents from all Borough wards.
There are 25 Conservative Group Councillors, three Labour Group Councillors and two Reform UK 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.
