Hertsmere News Hertsmere Borough Council’s Magazine Spring 2015
Your vote matters
Inside this issue
Council tax freeze • New e-alerts Residents’ survey results • get fit
Election news
Follow us on Twitter @HertsmereBC
Have your say on how Hertsmere is run 7
Lo gener cal and al elec tions
May
It's qu ick regist & easy to er onlineto vote !
Do you have a view on what happens in your local area? Then please make sure you are correctly registered to vote.
www.gov.uk/register-to-vote All 39 Hertsmere seats will be up for election on Thursday 7 May when a general election will also take place. In addition, all seats at local town and parish councils in Hertsmere will be up for election. The next Hertsmere election will then be due in 2019, with Hertfordshire County Council’s next election due in 2017. Being registered to vote gives you an opportunity to influence what goes on where you live – if you’re not registered to vote, you won’t have your say and you could be refused credit.
Jo Bateman, Principal Electoral Services Officer, said: “We have written to every household in the borough to check the information we hold on voters is correct because the registration system has changed. Individuals are now responsible for registering themselves, as opposed to one person registering the whole household.” Details of candidates for all elections will be published on our website, on social media and in local newspapers nearer the time.
> Ways to REGISTER
> Ways to VOTE
The deadline to register to vote is 20 April.
In person at a polling station
Registering online Visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/ registertovote and follow the link. You will need your National Insurance (NI) number.
Registering by post Use the form you should have received through your door earlier in the year or contact us – email elections@hertsmere.gov.uk or call 020 8207 7481.
If you are registered to vote a poll card will be sent to you about five weeks before the election. If you do not receive a poll card please contact us. The card tells you where you should vote – you can only vote at your allocated polling station. It is helpful if you take your poll card with you but you don’t have to.
2 | Spring 2015 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk
Voting by post If you are registered for a postal vote you will be sent your ballot paper(s) before the election and you will need to post them back to us. To vote by post you need to apply and forms have to be completed and returned by 5pm on 21 April.
Voting by proxy Proxy voting means another person can vote on your behalf. To have a proxy vote, forms have to be completed and returned to us by 5pm on 28 April. You can vote by proxy if: • you will be away on holiday. • you have to work away from home. • you are ill or in hospital.
In this issue
Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hertsmere
Welcome
Contents 2 May elections 5 Money well spent
You will be pleased to hear that you won’t be paying any more for the services Hertsmere provides this year, as we have frozen our portion of council tax for the sixth year in a row to continue to help those residents who are struggling. We collect council tax on behalf of a number of other organisations and only get 11% of it. Turn to page 6 to find out more about where your council tax goes. It’s great to hear that the vast majority of people are satisfied with Hertsmere as a place to live and with council services, namely waste and recycling, street cleaning and parks, according to the results of the council’s most recent independent residents’ survey. We’re really encouraged by the results, especially in light of the continued pressures on our budget, and the responses around feeling safe were particularly impressive – 99% say they feel safe in their local area during the day and 80% still feel safe after dark, a 5% increase from three years ago. Conducted in a similar way to how television viewing figures are compiled (5,100 homes represent
the viewing behaviour of the UK’s 26 million TV households), Opinion Research Services carried out the survey on our behalf with a random but representational sample of residents which can then be extrapolated into figures for Hertsmere’s population as a whole. We have asked the same questions every three years since 1999 so we can make comparisons but will be looking at whether we need to make any changes to the survey in the coming years. Turn to page 7 to find out more about the survey. Finally, it will be nice to welcome spring to the borough. Getting out and about when the weather is better is something I’m sure we are all looking forward to and there are plenty of ideas on the centre pages to get you outdoors and more active.
7 Satisfaction guaranteed 12 Scam warning 13 Don’t be a road monster! 15 Councillor contacts 16 What’s on
Contact us www.hertsmere.gov.uk customer.services@hertsmere.gov.uk @HertsmereBC www.facebook.com/hertsmere 020 8207 2277
Visit us Councillor Morris Bright Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council leader@hertsmere.gov.uk @Morris__Bright
Hertsmere Borough Council Civic Offices, Elstree Way Borehamwood, WD6 1WA Open Monday to Thursday 9am to 5.15pm, Friday 9am to 5pm Bushey Area Office The Bushey Centre, High Street Bushey, WD23 1TT Open Tuesdays, 9.30am to 2pm
This magazine is produced by Hertsmere Borough Council three times a year. We welcome stories and photos – email them to corporate.communications@ hertsmere.gov.uk The deadline for the next issue, which is due out in June, is 27 April. Each edition costs around 23p per copy to design, print and deliver. When you have finished with it, please recycle it in your blue box.
6 Council tax
Potters Bar Area Office Wyllyotts Centre, Wyllyotts Place Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN Open Thursdays, 9.30am to 2pm
On the cover: Staff at our National Voter Registration Day road show in February – see page 2 for details of the upcoming elections.
If you would like this magazine in a different format please call 020 8207 7445. www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Spring 2015 | 3
Community news
Follow us on Twitter @HertsmereBC
More than 300 people from across Hertsmere joined a candlelit parade and ceremony to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in January. The Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Carey Keates, led the procession through Bushey High Street. He said: "The event gave us a fitting opportunity to pause to remember the millions who have been affected by the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides. We must continue to keep the memory
What’s happening in Herts? Want to find local community groups, voluntary organisations, services or check what’s going on in your local area?
alive and consider what we have learnt as a result. The strongest communities are those that celebrate differences and where there is respect for all.” This year marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the largest Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, in 1945.
Have a view of bus services?
Check out the Hertfordshire Directory – www.hertsdirect.org/directory – you can search by location or keywords and use filters to help you find the right things for you. The directory, managed by Hertfordshire County Council, is a work in progress so if your group isn’t included, add it!
Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is responsible for providing public transport in Hertsmere and is consulting on how it funds some bus services in the county. HCC subsidises about 11% of all buses running in Hertfordshire, the others are commercially run so the vast majority of bus services are not part of the consultation and won’t be affected by any possible changes. The current consultation proposals include withdrawing funding from contracted services which operate after 7.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and those which operate on a Sunday, except for routes which go directly to a hospital. If approved, the proposals would save nearly £1.5m.
Treasurer wanted Got some time on your hands? Want to put it to good use to help your local community? 4 | Spring 2015 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk
The consultation closes on 10 April.
>
For more information visit www.hertsdirect.org/busconsult or call 0300 123 4036.
Community Action Hertsmere (CAH) is looking for an honorary treasurer to oversee the financial affairs of the charity as a member of their board of trustees. To find out more or to apply please email heatherw@communityactionhertsmere.org or call 020 8207 4504.
Community news
Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hertsmere
Need a mortgage? If you’re looking to get on the property ladder, but don’t have a large deposit, the council could help. As part of a national scheme, the council can assist first-time buyers who can afford mortgage repayments and have a 5% deposit, but do not have a larger deposit often required by mortgage lenders. The scheme allows us to provide a ‘financial indemnity’ so that a 95% mortgage can be obtained on a similar interest rate to a 75% mortgage. The maximum loan size for the scheme is £280,000 per property, reflecting the relatively high prices of homes in the borough.
>
For more information visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/LAMS
Health services in Hertsmere What is your view of health and social services in Hertsmere? That is the question your local NHS services are asking, in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council. They’re undertaking a strategic review of people’s health and social care needs across west Hertfordshire entitled ‘Your Care, Your Future’ to ensure services are fit for the future and meet people’s needs. Some Hertsmere residents have already shared their views, highlighting issues including difficulty in getting a doctor’s appointment. Options for how services might be provided in the future will be published this summer and Hertsmere residents will be asked to provide their comments so please get involved in this landmark review of health and social care services.
>
Further details about the review and the need for change are available online at www.yourcareyourfuture.org.uk or call Healthwatch Hertfordshire on 01707 275978 to speak to someone about your experiences of health and social care in west Hertfordshire.
Money well spent More than half a million pounds has been spent over the last few years on a host of local projects and initiatives to benefit local people throughout the borough. The money has come from Hertsmere’s Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) which was awarded a ‘performance reward grant’ in 2010 for meeting certain government targets. The LSP, also known as ‘Hertsmere Together’, is committed to working in partnership to deliver the best quality and most efficient services to residents and focuses on creating healthier, safer and thriving communities. Projects include: • an outdoor gym in Oakmere Park, Potters Bar (right). • a financial literacy project with Hertsmere Citizens Advice Bureau to help give residents the skills, knowledge and confidence to make sound financial choices. • providing engaging youth activities that develop personal and work skills for young people aged 14 to 30 through The Prince's Trust. • a Coffee Ethic kiosk at our Civic Offices providing work opportunities for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, helping them to re-integrate into work and society.
• the delivery of ‘Safer Streets’ by Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership (top) to help vulnerable residents across the borough stay safe. • improving the lives of people who lead chaotic lifestyles and suffer from issues such as homelessness, drug and alcohol misuse and mental health issues. It is hoped this pilot project in Hertsmere will help lead the way in transforming how support services are delivered nationally.
Report it If you see an issue where you live, please report it to the relevant authority so action can be taken. When reporting issues to Hertsmere Borough Council such as fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling, we need as much information as possible to investigate. This is because many environmental issues are criminal offences and therefore have to be proved 'beyond reasonable doubt' in any subsequent prosecution. Investigating officers ideally need to know: • Who is reporting the issue – your full name and contact details so we can liaise with you further if necessary. Are you willing to give a statement and give evidence in court if required? • What you saw – a description of what the issue is. Did you see who committed the offence? Do you know their name, address, vehicle registration?
A council officer searching through dumped rubbish for evidence
• Where did the incident take place? • When did the incident take place – date and time. • Do you have any photographs of the incident/offence? These can be very useful but please do not put yourself at risk when taking them.
>
Report issues to the council at www.hertsmere.gov.uk/reportit or call 020 8207 2277. To find out who deals with what issues in Hertsmere visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/whodoeswhat
www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Spring 2015 | 5
Financial news
Follow us on Twitter @HertsmereBC
Council tax frozen – again! You will pay the same amount for services provided by Hertsmere Borough Council this year as you did last year, with our portion of council tax being frozen for the sixth consecutive time.
You’ll continue to pay just £3 a week for Hertsmere services
We understand some residents are struggling with the cost of living so we have decided not to charge any more for the services we provide. This means a resident in an average Band D property will continue to pay just over £157 to the borough council for 2015/16 – around £3 a week.
Hertsmere collects council tax every year on behalf of other local organisations so we don’t get the whole amount you pay each month, we get approximately 11% of it. The rest is allocated to other organisations as below.
Where does your council tax go? 11
% Hertsmere Borough Council
Services provided include: Benefits, car parking, community safety, elections, environmental health, housing needs, leisure and parks, licensing, planning, street cleaning, kerbside waste & recycling collections
2
%
Town/parish councils (where in place)
Services provided include: Local events & some activities for young people & older people, Christmas lights, some allotments, cemeteries & parks, public clocks, war memorials
Aldenham Parish Council Tel: 020 8207 2277 www.hertsmere.gov.uk Twitter: @HertsmereBC www.facebook.com/hertsmere
77%
Hertfordshire County Council
Services provided include: Adoption & fostering, children’s centres, early years childcare, fire & rescue, health & social care, household waste recycling centres, libraries, public health, public transport, registration and citizenship, roads and road maintenance, schools, street lights, trading standards, waste disposal, youth provision
Tel: 01923 856433 www.aldenham-pc.gov.uk
Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council Tel: 020 8207 1382 www.elstreeborehamwood-tc.gov.uk
Shenley Parish Council Tel: 01923 855865 www.shenleyvillage.org Twitter: @shenleyvillage
South Mimms Parish Council Tel: 07976 708019 www.southmimmspc.org.uk
Tel: 0300 123 4040 www.hertsdirect.org Twitter: @hertscc www.facebook.com/hertscountycouncil
6 | Spring 2015 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk
10%
77%
11% % 2 10%
Hertfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner
Services provided include: Community safety partnerships, crime reduction, neighbourhood policing, road crash investigations, tackling serious and organised crime, victims’ services Tel: 01707 806100 www.hertscommissioner.org Twitter: @hertspcc www.facebook.com/HertsPCC
Contacting local police Tel: 101 (non-emergency) Always dial 999 in an emergency www.herts.police.uk Twitter: @HertsPolice www.facebook.com/HertsPolice
Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hertsmere
Satisfaction guaranteed It’s great to know that the vast majority of Hertsmere residents – nine out of 10 – are still happy with the area as a place to live, following the results of our latest satisfaction survey. The results of the independent survey, carried out every three years with a random but representational sample of residents, were published in February and generally maintain a similar position to the last survey (conducted in 2011) in spite of the continued pressures on our budget. 89% of residents say they are satisfied with the way the council runs things and 84% agree that the quality of our services is good overall. And when asked about the area as a place to live, 90% of residents are satisfied, of which 53% are very satisfied. Leader of the Council Morris Bright said: “We’re really encouraged by the results of this survey. There have been difficult times financially in the past few years which have meant we’ve had to make savings and look closely at all the services we deliver. We’ve tried to do that without affecting the quality of these services so I’m really pleased to see this very positive set of results.”
Key findings:
90
84
84
75
70
satisfied with the area where they live (91% in 2011)
agree that the quality of our services is good (83% in 2011)
satisfied with our kerbside recycling scheme (82% in 2011)
satisfied with street cleaning (75% in 2011)
agree that the council treats people fairly (65% in 2011)
%
%
%
%
%
Almost everyone surveyed, 99%, said they felt safe in their local area when outside during the day. 80% said they felt safe when outside after dark, a 5% increase from three years ago.
Just over 1,000 residents were surveyed – a fair sample for the population as a whole – so we could gauge people’s views about life in the borough and ensure our services continue to meet the needs of local communities. The results will be looked at closely over the coming months to see if further improvements can be made on the wide range of services we offer. They also provide a useful insight into the issues that are important to residents and help to determine what the council should focus on. The survey was conducted by Opinion Research Services (ORS) on our behalf.
>
You can read the full report on our website at www.hertsmere.gov.uk/survey
www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Spring 2015 | 7
Health and community news
Follow us on Twitter @HertsmereBC
Ladies-only fitness If you like the idea of a fitness class that feels more like a night out you’ll love Clubbercise.
cal i s y h p t e g Let’s t of tennis or have a
a spo Want to try boxing? k ic k crack at ‘Healthier council’s new of taster e th f o rt a p es ri As itiative, a se ipment Hertsmere’ in n offer. No skills or equ n! o sessions are nd it’s just £3 per sessio a are required n tters Bar Law esdays at Po 6pm-7pm until 31 Tu is n n Te • , The Walk, Tennis Club indsor March nesdays at W , 7pmed W n o g n • Kick boxi Close, Borehamwood ks Hall, Blythe ing 18 March for six wee rt 8.30pm, sta ase visit rmation ple For more info ere.gov.uk/health www.hertsm 07 7801. 2 or call 020 8
Park run fun
This new dance fitness craze is one of many fun, affordable and social exercise classes women and girls can choose from to get moving this spring. Clubbercise involves easy-to-follow s! dance routines, glow sticks, a darkened room, disco lights and club anthem Sport by funded project, moves’ she move, ‘We the But if that’s not your thing, England, also offers boxercise, boot camps, netball, tennis, trampolining, running, yoga and more. Some sessions will take place in parks from May. e and Remember, it doesn’t matter what your ability is, everyone is welcom rlcan #thisgi . session each into having fun is incorporated Visit www.wemoveshemoves.com or call 020 8207 7801.
Walk this wainythe great outdoors this
r a stroll Swap your sofa fo lp improve your fitness and your he spring – it could mental health. it’s e environment as time to explore th r tte a be ’, no ng ki e’s al er W Th of ty Council's ‘Year Hertfordshire Coun fantastic walking opportunities e th the easiest ways celebration of all . Walking is one of and delivers across the county els lev ical activity ys ph ur yo se ea cr g. It's free, fun, to in health and wellbein many benefits for enjoyed all year round. be sociable and can and more nised group walks For details of orga w.hertsdirect.org/walking information visit wwManagement Service on or call Countryside 01992 588433.
A new weekly run is Country Park so ge coming to Aldenham t your trainers at the ready! The free, 5km tim ed runs – one of m an funded by Hertsm ere’s public health y health initiatives fund – are open to and abilities and wi all ll morning from June hopefully take place every Saturday ages . Organiser Glen Turn er not a race, it's a tim from parkrun UK explained: “A park ru ed run with friends place all over the wo and families. They n is take rld an d ar e a great way to ge new people in your t fit and meet area.” For more informat ion the runs (the averag or to volunteer to help coordinate e Saturday morning commitment would only be one ev www.parkrun.org. ery four to six weeks) please visit uk or email glen.tu rner@parkrun.co m 8 | Spring 2015 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk
Activities for over 65s A brand new project to get more older people moving has been launched by Hertsmere Leisure called Herts Active Together. Working with other leisure trusts and areas in the county, activities include aqua aerobics, badminton, exercise classes, Pilates, Zumba and more. For more information visit www.hertsactivetogether.com
Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hertsmere
Live Well
nt to y or Potters Bar and wa If you’re over 50 in Bushe a new project has been le, lead a healthier lifesty u! yo for t launched – jus eing, help g your health and wellb With a focus on improvin t loss igh we g, kin coo healthy and advice on offer covers es, stress management, healthy iqu support, relaxation techn sions. ses ng oki sm walks and stop d managed ported by the council an The Live Well project, sup mere, also aims to help people rts by Community Action He community. ir the h wit ed olv inv re mo get l 020 8386 4006 or email For more information cal ctionhertsmere.org enquiries@communitya
Come dancing if you’r e
50+
Fancy learning how to quickstep, cha-cha-ch a and jive, just like on Strictly? Take to the dance floor at Hertsmere Leisure’s Fif ty Plus ballroom and Latin dance class every Wednesday, 2.30pm to 4.30pm, at 96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood. There’s no need to book, just turn up! The cost is £4.30. For more information cal l aor visit www.hertsmere 01707 645005 leisure.co.uk
Hit the right note at Composers Park Explore the countryside and wildlife on Hertsmere's doorstep at this relatively unknown green space in Elstree which takes its name from the surrounding roads which are named after famous composers. Composers Park boasts a series of diverse, colourful and important wildflower meadows as well as play equipment and seating. Look out for the eye-catching entrance feature off Watford Road which includes a large treble clef to capture the attention of passers-by. Recent park developments, including habitat restoration work, were managed on our behalf by Countryside Management Service and funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information and to download a leaflet on the site visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/composers
www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Spring 2015 | 9
Find out about the things that matter to you. You can receive the latest council news straight to your inbox – whether it’s events in your local park, how to recycle better, getting community safety advice or finding out about the latest collection at the museum. Sign up: www.hertsmere.gov.uk www.facebook.com/hertsmere @HertsmereBC
10 | Spring 2015 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk
Planning news
Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hertsmere
Elstree Way Corridor update The amendments were made to the plan, which guides the future development of homes and other facilities in the area up to 2027, as a result of matters discussed at a public examination held by an independent planning inspector last October. The EWC is known as the gateway into Borehamwood town centre and runs from the A1(M), along Elstree Way, up to
Borehamwood residents had their say on some adjustments to the plan for Elstree Way Corridor (EWC) during a recent consultation period.
the Tesco roundabout. More than 200 comments were received about the modified plan and the council is now awaiting a decision from the inspectorate about it. The EWC is now among 29 areas outside London to be shortlisted following a council bid to the government to help deliver infrastructure funding as part of a 'housing
zone'. The final successful 10 schemes would see central government support through a total of £200m in loans available to local authorities for necessary infrastructure and other remedial work, enabling faster and more coordinated development. A decision on the successful schemes is expected in early March.
Planning our future A public consultation exercise on where new development could go in the borough attracted more than 600 responses. Thank you to everyone who got involved.
The exercise, which took place last March and April and saw the council holding a number of drop-in sessions in the borough, looked for the public’s views on our draft Site Allocations and Development Management Policies document. This Plan designates areas for commercial, retail and other uses and identifies individual sites where development could take place across Hertsmere up to 2027. The comments submitted by local residents, businesses, interest groups, landowners and developers are being analysed, enabling a revised version to be produced ready for submission to the
Secretary of State. But before it’s submitted, there will be a six-week period for anyone to make further comments. Further details of how to respond will be well publicised on our website, on our Facebook and Twitter pages and in local newspapers. We’ll also write to everyone who commented last year and to all the individuals and organisations on our consultation database, so if you want to continue to be kept informed it is really important that we have up-to-date contact details, particularly if you represent a local organisation such as a residents’ association or interest group.
Any further comments received will be forwarded to the Secretary of State along with the revised Plan, and a public examination will be organised. Once that process is complete and any modifications have been made to the document, it will be adopted to guide development across the borough.
>
If you haven’t already, please sign up to receive our planning updates via email or post – email local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk or call 020 8207 2277.
www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Spring 2015 | 11
12 | Spring 2015 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.co.uk
Community safety news
Working in partnership for a safer Hertsmere
Preventing radicalisation
Pupils from Meryfield Primary School in Borehamwood with representatives from the Road Monster campaign
Don’t be a road monster! Do you turn into a road monster when dropping off your child at school? If you’re running late do you stop or park where you know you shouldn’t? Parking and stopping inconsiderately outside schools is dangerous and often illegal but it’s hoped, with your cooperation, that a new multi-agency road safety campaign will go some way to help reduce the problem in the borough. Representatives from Hertsmere Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council and local police and fire services have been working with pupils, parents and teachers across the borough to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of being a road monster on the school run. Special assemblies have been held as well as patrols outside each school giving drivers the opportunity to sign a ‘parking pledge’, promising local pupils that they will park more considerately in future. This campaign follows on from our safer school parking banners which serve as a
constant reminder on school entrances and railings that parking in restricted areas can endanger your children. Caroline Geary, Civil Enforcement Officer Supervisor, said: “Parents especially should know the dangers of flouting restrictions on the roads – they are there for a reason, to help keep your children safe. We would also encourage families to ditch the car and walk to school instead which will help keep you fit and save you the petrol money.” So far the campaign has been rolled out to schools in Borehamwood, Bushey and Radlett.
Raise community safety issues at local groups Did you know there are local groups that meet regularly to talk about neighbourhood issues such as antisocial behaviour, local crime figures and community safety initiatives?
Aldenham and Bushey
Run by Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which comprises local organisations including the council, police and fire service, the groups meet three times a year and are chaired by a community representative. Why not pop along to your local group’s next meeting and get involved:
Potters Bar, Ridge, Shenley and South Mimms
19 May, 7pm, Queens’ School, Aldenham Road
Borehamwood and Elstree 1 June, 6.30pm, Civic Offices, Elstree Way
17 June, 7pm, Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane For more information visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/csps or call 020 8207 7801.
Council staff and other community workers have received training on how to spot the signs of someone being drawn into terrorism. The session, which is delivered nationwide, focused on protecting vulnerable people who could be susceptible to extremist indoctrination. Around 60 people attended from a range of services across the borough including housing staff, local councillors and police officers. The council's Chief Executive, Donald Graham, said: "Everyone has a role to play in ensuring Hertsmere remains a safe place. Our workforce is in regular contact with members of the community so it’s important that we are aware of the signs to look out for and how to raise concerns.” To report or discuss concerns about someone, call the police non-emergency number 101 or the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
Who to report hate crime to If you or someone you know is a victim of a hate crime you can now report it to the council. A hate crime is any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based upon a person’s disability, ethnicity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity. This includes physical assault, swearing or making abusive remarks, spitting or insulting gestures, intimidation, bullying at school, college or a place of work and damaging or stealing property. Many victims don’t feel comfortable talking to the police or are concerned they won’t be taken seriously so Hertsmere Borough Council has become a ‘third party reporting organisation’. Any information you give in this way is confidential and anonymous if you prefer. You can still report hate crime to the police or online through the True Vision website which all police forces link to. For more information, support and advice visit www.report-it.org.uk or contact the council – our full contact details are on page 3.
www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Spring 2015 | 13
ADVERTISEMENTS
Spectrum Drug and Alcohol Services Borehamwood +HUUWWWIIRUGVKLUHÂśV 'UXJ DQG $OFRKRO 5HFRYHUU\ \ 6HUUY YLFH ZRUNV ZLWK SHRSOH RYHU ZKR ZLVK WR DFFHVV supporrtt for their drug or alcohol misuse. This includes supporrtt for frriiends, families and carers. If you want to speak to someone about your alcohol or substtance use, or are worrrried about the use vice by phoning 020 8953 1320. of a friend or relattive, you can contact the serrv Our serrv vice is free and confidential, and GPs, family members, carers, frriiends or agencies Âą such as social serrv vices Âą can refer somebody into the serrv vice.
Visit us at: Majjestic House, 16 Shenley Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1DL
Hertfordshire’s Help to Buy New Homes Show Help to Buy East and South East are the appointed Agent for Hertfordshire and we are bringing our New Homes Show 2015 to Hatfield.
Find out about the different schemes, existing and upcoming developments in and around Hertfordshire, as well as get advice from our specialist team, Independent Financial Advisors and solicitors.
Ramada Hotel, St Albans Road West, Hatfield AL10 9RH
With a range of Housing providers showcasing homes available for Help to Buy, whether its Equity Loan or Shared ownership you are looking for, or simply just to get some friendly advice on the different schemes – our event is totally free, with free parking and free advice. You won’t want to miss out!
www.helptobuyese.org.uk
14 | Spring 2015 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk
Saturday 16th May 10.30am-4pm
Tel: 03333 214044 #helptobuyesehomeshows
Your councillors
Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hertsmere
Meet your Councillors Aldenham East
Key
All seats are up for election on 7 May You can contact your ward councillors at any reasonable time. Hertsmere has a Conservative majority, with 33 Conservative and five Labour councillors. Your councillors are listed in alphabetical order by ward. If you don’t know which ward you live in, please visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/findmycllr or call 020 8207 7558. Aldenham West
Borehamwood Brookmeadow
(Con) = Conservative (Lab) = Labour Clive Butchins (Con)
Sam Dobin (Con)
Susan Maughan (Con)
cllr.caroline. clapper@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.clive.butchins@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.sam.dobin@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.susan. maughan@ hertsmere.gov.uk
07818 427745
020 8953 1827
07737 219318
020 8207 7578
Charles Goldstein (Con)
John Graham (Con)
Caroline Clapper (Con)
cllr.charles. goldstein@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.john.graham@ hertsmere.gov.uk
01992 652222
07976 360961
Position vacant
Borehamwood Cowley Hill
Ernie Butler (Lab) cllr.ernie.butler@ hertsmere.gov.uk
01908 610593
Borehamwood Hillside
Borehamwood Kenilworth
Michelle Vince (Lab)
Jean Heywood (Con)
Sandra Parnell (Con)
Farida Turner (Con)
Richard Butler (Lab)
Jon Galliers (Lab)
cllr.ann.harrison@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.michelle. vince@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.jean.heywood@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.sandra. parnell@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.farida.turner@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.richard. butler@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.jon.galliers@ hertsmere.gov.uk
01707 657379
07549 130736
07793 868645
020 8953 0832
020 8953 4347
07706 079439
020 8953 4351
Ann Harrison (Lab) – Group Leader
Bushey Heath
Bushey North
Bushey Park
Brenda Batten (Con)
Paul Morris OBE (Con)
Seamus Quilty (Con)
Steve O’Brien (Con)
Jane West (Con)
Leslie Winters (Con)
Linda Silver (Con)
Anne Swerling (Con)
cllr.brenda.batten@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.paul.morris@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.seamus.quilty@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.steve.obrien@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.jane.west@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.leslie.winters@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.linda.silver@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.anne.swerling@ hertsmere.gov.uk
020 8950 1892
07813 918881
01923 246485
01923 802736
01923 449950
07931 858280
020 8950 9251
020 8950 8923
Bushey St James
Elstree
Pervez Choudhury (Con)
Carey Keates (Con) – Mayor
Peter Rutledge (Con)
cllr.pervez. choudhury@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.carey.keates@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.pete. rutledge@ hertsmere.gov.uk
leader@ hertsmere.gov.uk
07719 788185
020 8387 3163
01923 449950
020 8207 7570
Morris Bright (Con) – Leader of the Council
Potters Bar Oakmere
Potters Bar Furzefield
Dr Harvey Cohen (Con)
Peter Knell (Con)
Brian Legate (Con)
cllr.harvey.cohen@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.peter.knell@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.brian.legate@ hertsmere.gov.uk
07974 910215
07802 631984
01767 448954
Potters Bar Parkfield
Martin Worster (Con) – Deputy Mayor cllr.martin.worster @hertsmere.gov.uk
01707 662688
Shenley
Robert Calcutt (Con)
Ruth Lyon (Con)
Penny Swallow (Con)
John Donne (Con)
Paul HodgsonJones (Con)
Abhishek Sachdev (Con)
Rosemary Gilligan (Con)
Peter Wayne (Con)
cllr.bob.calcutt@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.ruth.lyon@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.penny.swallow @hertsmere. gov.uk
cllr.john.donne@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.paul. hodgson-jones@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.abhishek. sachdev@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.rosemary. gilligan@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.peter.wayne@ hertsmere.gov.uk
01707 655019
01707 644302
020 8207 3365
01707 658063
01707 660852
07712 837990
01923 857402
01923 857955
www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Spring 2015 | 15
What’s on Come along to an event near you! The Ark Thrift Farm Lane, Borehamwood 020 8238 7288 www.thearktheatre.co.uk
Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar 01707 645005 www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk
21 March | 7pm
22 March | 11am & 2pm
Rotary Club Variety Show
Crissy Rock in Dirty Dusting at the Wyllyotts Theatre this May
Wyllyotts Theatre
Jurassic Adventures
Including supper. £15
22 March | 7.30pm
Piano recital
A brave cast of actors, a fun script, superb scenery & of course dinosaurs! Ages 3+ £13-£15, family of 4 £50
Featuring concert pianist Michael Harvey. £12-£15
28 September | 8pm
14 April | 10.30am-3pm
Fantastic tribute featuring an array of Queen hits. £17-£19
Easter holiday children’s workshop Join the Superhero Academy for an action-packed day of activities including a screening of the Lego movie and free popcorn for all. £10
Supreme Queen
10 April | 8pm
Kast Off Kinks Former members of the legendary Kinks take to the stage. £18-£19
17 April | 8pm
Totally Tina Live music with all of Tina Turner’s hits. £17-£18
50+ Coach Trips
Elstree & Borehamwood
Run by Hertsmere Leisure. Please contact them for further details: 01707 645005 www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk
96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood 01442 454888 www.elstree-museum.org.uk
26 March
First Thursday of every month | 10.30am-11.30am
Among its most famous features are the Oxfordshire dinosaurs, the Dodo and the swifts in the tower. Includes free time in city centre. £19
Reminiscence group – pop in for a cuppa and chat about old times. Free
Park events
Status Quo tribute band £12
9 May | 8pm
Hits from the Blitz Experience the sound of the 1940s in a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of VE Day. £12
Until June Run by Hertsmere Leisure. Entrance to events is usually free. Please contact them for further details: 01442 454000 www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk events@hertsmereleisure.co.uk
Easter egg hunts Includes face painting, magician, bouncy castle, mini funfair, prizes, games and a special guest appearance! £1 per child
7 April | 12pm-4pm 12 May | 6pm
Aberford Park, Borehamwood
Ballet Cymru’s Cinderella
8 April | 12pm-4pm
An enchanting interpretation ideal for young (and older) dance enthusiasts alike, with a chance to meet the cast. £10-£15
Oakmere Park, Potters Bar
9 April | 1.30pm-3.30pm Rose Garden, Bushey
25 May
27 June | 8pm
Rainbow Run
BBC Elstree Concert Band presents
Furzefield Centre, Potters Bar For more information, please visit www.peacehospicecare.org.uk and look under ‘events’.
A tribute to the Armed Forces. £7.50
21 March Joint event with Borehamwood Library with stalls and exhibits based around the story ‘Where The Poppies Now Grow’ as part of WWI commemoration events. Free
Comedy play starring Crissy Rock from ‘Benidorm’. £19-£21
Quoincidence
Going Down the Village
Words in the Wood
Dirty Dusting
2 May | 8pm
www.facebook.com/ EBWmuseum
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
15 May | 8pm
Quoincidence
Museum
16 | Spring 2015 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk
Over by Christmas Borde Hill Garden
14 May
Borde Hill Garden with head gardener’s tour Described as one of the country’s truly great gardens by Country Life magazine. £29.50 Rainbow Run
Exhibition looking at how WWI affected local people and includes a digital ‘walk through’ of Borehamwood in 1914 put together from archive photographs. Free
Potters Bar Museum Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane 01707 645005 www.facebook.com/ pottersbarmuseum
Until June
Magna Carta Exhibition looking at the history of the document on its 800th anniversary giving the background to the 1215 agreement, widely regarded as the beginning of the concept of democracy. Free