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Hertsmere News Hertsmere Borough Council’s magazine
Summer 2016
Fly-tippers beware! Inside this issue
Civic Awards Summer Fitness New Mayor Combatting Fraud Museums
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Council news
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Food safety is in good hands Do you or your employees need food safety training? If so, our Environmental Health team can help. We offer a Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering training course, which is packed with vital information given through talks, demonstrations and visual aids. The six hour course, which can be run during the day or over two consecutive evenings, costs £58 per delegate. On-site courses are also available. At the end of the course you will complete a short
examination recognised by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
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Who does what? Although Hertsmere works in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, the two authorities are completely separate with different responsibilities, staff and councillors. Hertsmere Borough Council is responsible for providing services including benefits, car parking, community safety, elections, environmental health, housing needs, leisure and parks, licensing, planning, street cleaning, kerbside waste and recycling collections. Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for providing services including adoption and fostering, early years’ childcare, fire
Go to our website – www.hertsmere.gov.uk/foodhygiene – to find out more or to book on to a course.
Do you know the difference between the borough and county council?
and rescue, health and social care, household waste recycling centres, libraries, public transport, registry, roads, schools, street lights, trading standards and youth provision across the 10 districts of Hertfordshire. And did you know, while you may pay all your council tax to Hertsmere, we only get 11 per cent of it – the equivalent of 43p a day (for an average, band D property). Hertfordshire County Council gets 77 per cent, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire gets 10 per cent and if you have a town or parish council in your area, they get approximately two per cent.
77%
Contact Hertfordshire County Council on 0300 123 4040 or visit www.hertsdirect.org Our contact details are on page 3.
10% % 2 11% PARISH AND TOWN COUNCILS
Naming and numbering Our policy for street naming and numbering, which also sets out a revised table of charges, has recently been updated. We control the naming and numbering of streets and buildings across the borough and also authorise any changes that are made to them. This helps to ensure a co-ordinated approach among the various key agencies, enabling emergency services to find a property quickly and ensure efficient mail deliveries. Anyone wanting to change the name or number of a property or to apply for an address for a new property needs to make an application to us.
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The updated policy outlines the process we follow, which includes consultation with the relevant ward councillors and other agencies, as well as how to apply. For further information visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/ streetnaming. If you have any questions, please email streetname.numbering @hertsmere.gov.uk or call 020 8207 7491.
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In this issue
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Welcome Welcome to our summer edition! What better time to go out and enjoy our beautiful, award-winning parks and open spaces across the borough? We’ve even got a brand new space for you to enjoy, following the opening of the new ‘pocket park’ in Borehamwood (see page 5). This edition includes lots of suggestions of activities and classes to help keep you fit and well. From cardio to burlesque, we aim to lay on something for everyone. If you’re looking for gentler pastimes, the borough’s museums have a number of fascinating exhibitions and events coming up. We also focus in this issue on efforts to keep the borough clean and green for everyone. Schools across the borough played a huge part in the Clean for the Queen campaign to mark Her Majesty’s 90th birthday. More disappointingly, the council had to take action to clear huge piles of illegally dumped rubbish and fly-tipping in privately-owned service roads, predominantly in Borehamwood, as they were starting to present a potential health hazard. Everyone has a role to play in taking pride in Hertsmere and looking after our local area so we are doing all we can to
remind private landlords of their responsibilities and to prosecute those who fly-tip. There’s evidence of the robust action on the front cover, showing a vehicle seized during a multi-agency operation clamping down on this type of offending. Our Electoral Services team has been working really hard in recent months getting ready for both the Police and Crime Commissioner election and the EU referendum. I hope you enjoy finding out more about the work they do on pages 10 and 11. I’d like also to wish our new Mayor, Councillor Pete Rutledge, every success for the year ahead. Finally, can I wish you all an enjoyable summer and, hopefully, some fine weather.
Contents 4 Year of Volunteering 6 Civic Awards 7 New Mayor 8 Fly-tippers crushed 10 Question Time 12 Keep safe this summer 13 Blue badges 16 What’s on
Contact us www.hertsmere.gov.uk customer.services@hertsmere.gov.uk @HertsmereBC
Councillor Morris Bright Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council leader@hertsmere.gov.uk @Morris__Bright
Collection calendar inside You should receive a waste and recycling collection calendar for July to December with this magazine. If yours is missing please contact us or you can download one from www.hertsmere.gov.uk/
collectioncalendar
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 December, is 10 October. Each edition costs around 29p per copy to design, print and deliver. When you have finished with it, please recycle it in your blue box.
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Visit us 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 Potters Bar Area Office Wyllyotts Centre, Wyllyotts Place Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN Open Thursdays, 9.30am to 2pm
If you would like this magazine in a different format please call 020 8207 7445.
On the cover: An illegal fly-tipper’s truck is crushed www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Summer 2016 | 3
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Community news
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Modern life makes it hard to be healthy Without knowing it, by the time we reach our 40s and 50s many of us will have dramatically increased our chances of becoming ill later in life. Whether we are eating the wrong things, drinking more than we should, continuing to smoke despite everything we know, or just not being active enough, all of these small things can add up to an unhealthy you. The good news is we can fight back.
Volunteer and feel the force! This is Hertfordshire’s Year of Volunteering, which was launched at the Herts County Show at the end of May.
One You will help you get healthier, supporting you to make simple changes towards a longer and happier life. One You provides tools, advice and encouragement every step of the way. Take the free One You health quiz to see how you score and start the fight back to a healthier you. For more advice, tips or to take the test visit www.nhs.uk/oneyou
There are many ways people from teens to pensioners can get involved by volunteering their time, skills and energy to make a valuable contribution to local communities. For those aged 14 to 18, here in Hertsmere we have an active group of Volunteer Police Cadets, who get involved in a wide range of activities and events and learn about police procedures and the law. They also play a vital role at community events. Madison Harding-White, (pictured on the left), has been a Hertsmere cadet for four years. Madison said: “Cadets is, of course, the best place to learn first-hand
what it’s like to be a police officer and what the job involves. “I've experienced talks from the police firearms unit and dogs team, to restraining prisoners and searching suspects – so if you are thinking about a career in policing, the cadets is a great place to start. “Cadets has given me the opportunity to contribute to the wider community – we knock on doors at Christmas to give advice on avoiding burglary, show our respect at the Holocaust memorial service and march on parade in November for Remembrance Sunday. And when I stand in my uniform, I always feel proud.”
How convenient! Our Community Toilet Scheme provides clean, safe and accessible toilets in convenient locations across the borough. This means you can use toilets in certain premises for free without having to make a purchase or use their services. Participating premises will display a Community Toilet Scheme sticker in their window to indicate the facilities offered and all community toilets are regularly inspected to ensure they meet appropriate standards.
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The names and locations of local businesses participating in the scheme are available on our website - www.hertsmere.gov.uk/cts 4 | Summer 2016 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk
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Community news
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Get out and exercise this summer We have lots of sessions taking place in the great British outdoors this summer. Activities include yoga in the parks, learn to run, boxercise and stroller strength. Sessions are just £3 and for details of sessions please visit the website.
Why not try something completely different? Come along to our new exciting, fun and sassy classes in Borehamwood – Golden B Burlesque! This fun dance fitness class will help you feel confident and toned for just £4 per week. It incorporates a dance based fitness class with cardio fitness. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Sessions take place every Wednesday between 3pm and 4pm at Farriers Hall in Borehamwood.
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For more information about all our sessions, please visit the website, www.wemoveshemoves.com
New ‘pocket park’ for Borehamwood A new town centre garden was officially opened in Borehamwood in April, when a red ribbon cutting ceremony was presided over by the former Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Martin Worster. The project was designed in-house by our Parks team, with Engineering Services' colleagues helping to bring the design to life. At the centre of the garden is a five metre Christmas tree which will be decked with festive lights each year. Located at the junction of Shenley Road and Furzehill Road, the park features a granite-paved seating area, which is surrounded by more than 40 varieties of wild flowers and grasses, the majority of which are native to the UK. The Co-operative Funeralcare, which is located alongside the new garden, has made a contribution towards the festive lights for the tree. www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Summer 2016 | 5
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Community news
Bushey’s hidden gem Bushey Museum, which is tucked away in Bushey village, has won VisitEngland’s Hidden Gem award and been declared the best museum in the south east of England.
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And the Civic Award goes to… The great and the good of Hertsmere were commended at a special awards ceremony in May as part of the council’s annual Civic Dinner.
The accolades are available to attractions that are part of the VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme, which highlights the elements that matter most to visitors such as a warm welcome, the presentation and story-telling of collections, as well as the quality of the tea and cake! See our 'what's on' section for exhibition news. Admission to the museum is free, open Thursday to Sunday 11am to 4pm. For more information about the museum please visit www.busheymuseum.org Eight people collected awards from former Mayor, Councillor Martin Worster. He said: “It was a wonderful evening where we were all able to recognise and say thank you to a special group of people who do so much to benefit others in Hertsmere. “I’d like to say thanks and well done to all of this year’s award winners. In their individual ways, each one has made a difference to the lives of others. I hope their example will inspire other volunteers to come forward and help make the borough an even safer, happier place to live and work.” Six volunteers from across Hertsmere collected a Civic Award for their outstanding contribution to the local community: • Bob Williams who works with the Hertfordshire Fire Service for his work with young people. • Paul Welsh MBE Hon MA for his commitment to Elstree Film Studios.
Zeppelin memories This October will see the 100th anniversary of the L31 Zeppelin crash over Potters Bar. The council, Potters Bar Museum, The Battlefield Trust and local volunteers are working together to plan a commemorative event in Oakmere Park this autumn. Plans include an historic plane fly-by, a museum
exhibition and a visit from German dignitaries. Please keep an eye on our website – www.hertsmere.gov.uk – and the Potters Bar Museum Facebook page for updates as the plans develop.
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• Christopher Watts for his commitment and enthusiasm for various volunteer and charitable organisations in the borough • The landlord of the Three Crowns public house in Bushey Heath, Michael Duffy, is being recognised for his continued charity work. • Michele Davis for her commitment to Hertsmere’s Citizens Advice Bureau as a volunteer. • Sasha Capocci is recognised for her tireless work with many local community charities and organisations. • Christopher Davess received the Dave Rankin Award for Community Safety for his act of bravery, whilst Yasmin Gill, a Hertsmere Volunteer Police Cadet, was awarded with a Youth Civic Award. Watch the winners’ stories on our YouTube channel – www.youtube.com/HertsmereBC – and check out all the photos from the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hertsmere
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New Mayor The mayoral chains have been passed on to Councillor Pete Rutledge who becomes Hertsmere's Mayor for the year. Cllr Rutledge takes over the role from Cllr Martin Worster and was inaugurated at the annual council meeting in May. The new Deputy Mayor, Cllr Charles Goldstein, was also welcomed. Cllr Worster, of Potters Bar Furzefield ward, raised £16,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity during his year as Mayor. Among his fundraising activities, he organised a football tournament at the Arsenal training ground in Shenley in which eight teams took part. He also held a quiz night and an ‘Antiques Roadshow’ dinner at Potters Bar Golf Club, and attended more than 200 engagements. He said: “It has been both an honour and a privilege to serve the citizens of Hertsmere as Mayor for the past 12 months. I have visited many organisations throughout the borough and gained a valuable insight into their workings and function. The visits have included schools, places of worship, charitable organisations and numerous other bodies which ensure the wellbeing of our community. “All in all I am proud to have witnessed and participated in the sterling work by all those who strive to make Hertsmere a first class area in which to live and work. Long may it continue to flourish.” Cllr Pete Rutledge is looking forward to his year as the new
community as I can, be that through an official event or just popping in to any gathering for a chat and a cup of tea. I have not chosen a charity to support during my mayoral year, instead any money raised through mayoral events will go back into worthwhile causes within the local community.” If you would like the Mayor to attend one of your events please contact the Mayor's secretary on 020 8207 7477 or email mayors.secretary @hertsmere.gov.uk
Mayor, during which he will be raising money for local organisations in Hertsmere. Cllr Rutledge served as Deputy Mayor last year and represents Bushey St James ward. He said: “It is a real honour for me to be selected as Mayor of Hertsmere for the next year. It is a position that I intend to fulfil to the upmost of my abilities. As Mayor I am very much hoping to meet as many people within the
community as I can, be that
Museum project takes off Two Hertsmere councillors were on hand to oversee the start of a major development project at the country’s oldest aircraft museum in April. The now Mayor and Mayoress of Hertsmere, Councillors Pete Rutledge and Jane West, saw work get under way on the new display hangar at the de Havilland Museum in London Colney. They were also able to announce that
the museum had passed the first stage of its application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £1.5m funding for the project, which will provide the museum with much-needed space to conserve historic aircrafts.
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Environment news
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Crushing blow for fly-tippers As the council continues to crack down on fly-tippers, a tipper truck that was seized when the occupants were arrested was crushed in April. The unregistered vehicle was seized in March this year when its two occupants were arrested in Heathbourne Road, Bushey on suspicion of fly-tipping offences in the borough. This followed a joint operation between our Environmental Health officers and the police. The occupants were bailed by the police whilst the council continues its investigation into a number of alleged offences and prepares to summon the individuals to court. Following the arrests, the vehicle was seized under the Control of Waste (Dealing with Seized Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 and, under Section 21 of those regulations, became the property of the council when a legitimate claim on the unregistered vehicle wasn’t made within 15 working days. The legislation allows vehicles to be seized not only if occupants are caught committing fly-tipping offences, but also for committing duty of care offences or being unlicensed waste carriers. It’s the first time this legislation
Clear up of private service roads A clean-up operation of illegally dumped rubbish and fly-tipping in some of Borehamwood's privately-owned service roads took place in the spring.
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has been used to crush a vehicle in Hertfordshire. The council, police and other authorities work closely to tackle the problem of fly-tipping. It's a serious crime for which a court can impose an unlimited fine and up to five years' imprisonment. Anybody who passes waste to an unknown person without exchanging traceable paperwork immediately commits an offence. This also applies to local residents, who should not pay to have waste removed from their property without first checking that the person removing the waste is a licensed waste carrier. You should also always obtain a receipt.
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If you see fly-tipping in action please call 999 and report as much information as possible, especially the registration numbers of any vehicles. If you find fly-tipped rubbish, don’t touch it, but report it direct to us on 020 8207 2277 or via our website www.hertsmere.gov.uk/ reportit
The clearance works focused particularly on some areas behind Shenley Road and Manor Way. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Morris Bright, commissioned a multiagency inspection of the service roads following a number of complaints from residents. Although the areas affected comprise private land, there were significant concerns about the squalid state of the service roads and the potential health hazard that was presented.
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Environment news
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A sweeping success! With Her Majesty the Queen celebrating her 90th birthday this year, local groups and schools from across the borough came together in the spring to help spruce up the borough. Clean-ups took place in support of the nationwide Clean for the Queen campaign, aimed at tidying up the nation. Schools from across the borough were loaned equipment from the council to litter pick their school grounds and local parks.
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Local organisations, with support from our celebration grants scheme, are also holding a number of events during June to mark the Queen’s official birthday including arts and crafts sessions and a royal tea lunch hosted by Mencap at St Teresa’s Parish Hall, Borehamwood.
Our Environmental Health team continues to work with other agencies to identify perpetrators and, wherever possible, those suspected of committing these offences will be prosecuted. We are also doing whatever we can to recover the costs of this operation; to remind landowners of their responsibilities; to deter further offending and to ensure this illegal practice doesn't continue.
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Election news
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QUESTION TIME It’s been a busy few months for our Electoral Services team, which co-ordinated the Police and Crime Commissioner elections for Hertfordshire in May, closely followed by the EU referendum on 23 June. Charged with ensuring that all aspects of the local election process runs smoothly is Jo Bateman, our Principal Electoral Services Officer. We caught up with her to find out more about her role: How long have you worked for Hertsmere? I’ve worked here at the council for more than 12 years. I never planned to be an electoral administrator (like many people it’s a job I never knew existed!). After university I came to work in Parking Services on a temporary contract. When the job in Electoral Services came up it interested me as I’ve always thought voting is an important civic duty. What does your job involve? People sometimes joke that surely I only work one day a year! Broadly my job is split into two halves; electoral registration and the annual compilation of the electoral register and organising elections. Both of these activities take six months to plan and complete. Although election day is indeed
just one day, the organisation of sending communications to Hertsmere’s 75,000 electors – 11,000 of whom vote by post – the filling of over 300 jobs to staff the polling stations and the count, along with processing candidate nominations, means we are kept very busy all year. What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Undoubtedly organising elections is the best part of my job. The pressure and workload is high. As the name suggests, electoral administration generates a lot of paperwork, but elections also have to be run strictly within the law. We have to interpret legislation which differs for each type of election. There is no room for slippage of workload as election day is a date that is set in stone. All our hard work culminates on the
night of the count which is a very busy and hectic environment. However, nothing beats the feeling of achievement when all the ballot papers are counted and the winning candidates are elected at the end of a long night. What’s the most challenging part of your job? We try to encourage as many people as possible to register to vote which can be a difficult job as outside of election time there’s less interest. However, it’s important to keep your details up to date on the electoral register to make sure you’re eligible to vote in all elections, some of which can happen at short notice if there’s a by-election. It also helps to improve your credit score.
Future voters p More than 70 pupils from seven schools across Hertsmere attended the council's ninth Annual Youth Conference, held at Civic Offices in March. The pupils, all aged between 10 and 12, took part in interactive and engaging exercises put together by the Arc Theatre, before creating a party manifesto, with help from local borough councillors. In the afternoon the pupils presented their manifestos to the other parties in the council chamber, which was followed by a ballot vote for their chosen party. The schools in attendance were:
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If you could tell the residents of Hertsmere one thing to make your job easier, what would it be? I’m not sure this would make my job easier, in fact it would increase our workload, but I would like to see higher turnouts at all elections. National elections attract a lot of attention and turnouts are good in Hertsmere but the same is not always true of local elections. It’s important to have your say on who represents you and this is especially true at local level as the council makes decisions that affect residents very directly, such as planning and development issues. What do you think has been your biggest achievement? Last year saw ‘all out’ local elections combined with the general election – on 7 May 2015 we filled 84 vacancies. It was a big challenge for us and I’m pleased to say it went very smoothly despite being a very busy day and late night! And finally, how do you relax when you get home? My job can be very desk bound so outside of work I enjoy being active; going to the gym, running and a bit of hiking at the weekends, I also enjoy travelling and am looking forward to a trip to Cornwall after all the EU referendum work has been completed.
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Policing poll Hertfordshire electors had their say on how local policing is run when they placed their votes in the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections on 5 May.
Pictured above: David Lloyd at the count
We co-ordinated the poll administration for the whole of the county for this election, with the result being declared at Allum Hall in Borehamwood. David Lloyd from The Conservative Party was duly elected as the PCC for Hertfordshire. The overall turnout for Hertfordshire was 29% compared with 14.5% at the last PCC election in 2012.
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The PCC is responsible for the way policing is delivered in the county. The PCC decides how funding related to policing and crime reduction is allocated and, in consultation with the Chief Constable, sets the strategic direction and objectives of the force through their Police and Crime Plan. For information on the Hertfordshire PCC visit their website www.hertscommissioner.org
Support for Syrian refugees Along with many other councils across the county, we are committed to providing support to those affected by the Syrian refugee crisis and doing what we can to help.
Dame Alice Owen in Potters Bar, Kenilworth Primary School, Yavneh College, Meryfield Primary School and St Teresa's Primary School in Borehamwood, and Sacred Heart Primary School and Bushey Heath Primary School in Bushey.
Our immediate priority, as part of the government’s Vulnerable Syrian Refugees’ Resettlement Scheme, is to find suitable self-contained accommodation in the private rented sector. We are therefore particularly keen to
hear from anyone who is able to offer self-contained rented accommodation to house a refugee family locally.
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If you think you can help, please contact our Housing department on 020 8207 2277.
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Community safety news
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Working in partnership for a safer Hertsmere
Keep safe this summer The warmer summer months that hopefully lie ahead can unfortunately increase opportunistic crime. Here are some timely tips from Hertsmere’s Community Safety Partnership: Going away this summer? • Think before posting your favourite holiday snaps on social media as this draws attention to your empty home • Use timer switches on lamps or even radios • Ask a neighbour to bring your bins back in after collection day • Ask a neighbour to park their car on your drive • Store valuables in a safe place whilst you are away and consider moving enticing items, such as TVs and game consoles, out of sight • Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to pop in to open and close your curtains to give your home a ‘lived in’ look.
Protecting your property • Lock all doors and windows before leaving the house • Check ground floor windows are closed and locked when you go to bed • Don’t leave any valuables in your car – a thief doesn’t know that bag is empty! • Remember to remove your sat-nav and its holder from the car; do not leave it in the glove box as this is the first place a thief will look • Keep your shed securely locked with a strong padlock and always put away gardening equipment and tools once you’ve finished with them. • Register any valuable items, such as mobile phones and tablets, on the free online database www.immobilise.com If they get lost or stolen, police are able to return it to you more easily if they’re recovered.
Promote your business locally Would you like to advertise in Hertsmere News?
For more crime prevention advice and tips, visit the Constabulary’s website www.herts.police.uk/crimeprevention
Your favourite read, which is distributed to 43,000 homes in Hertsmere three times a year, takes a limited amount of advertising on a first come, first served basis and priority is given to local reputable businesses. Magazines will be published in December 2016 and March 2017. Email corporate.communications@hertsmere.gov.uk to reserve your place and to obtain artwork specifications
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Fraud news
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Blue badge compliance In an effort to clamp down on misuse of disabled parking ‘blue badges’, the Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS) based at Hertfordshire County Council has been conducting a number of enforcement operations across the county. In Hertsmere, these are being carried out in partnership with our parking enforcement teams ensuring that those displaying a blue badge are doing so properly. In its first 12 months more than 90 reports of blue badge misuse were reported to SAFS, which resulted in badges being seized, surrendered or in the most serious
cases, criminal prosecutions. Misuse of the blue badge means: • using an expired badge • using an altered badge • using a copied badge • using a stolen/cancelled badge • the badge does not belong to any of the passengers in the vehicle.
If you suspect anyone of fraud, you can contact SAFS at www.hertsdirect.org/ reportfraud or call 0300 123 4033 to make a report in confidence.
Housing fraud Our housing team has been working closely with SAFS to identify applicants for social housing who provide false information when applying to the Housing Register or declaring themselves as homeless. This includes those who fail to disclose a change of circumstances.
Checks make sure that applicants have given the correct information in relation to the members of their household, income and bank accounts. Applicants nominated by our housing department are now required to complete a declaration at the time they become eligible for a tenancy, confirming the details they gave on their application are still true and correct. Anyone found to have given false information will be removed from the Housing Register and could be prosecuted under the Fraud Act 2006, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. This means that properties will be allocated fairly, to those in genuine need, and helps to reduce the number of homeless families living in temporary accommodation.
Have you received a wage increase? In April the government introduced a new Living Wage. So, if your wage has increased you must report this to our office as soon as you have been given notification from your employer. If you delay reporting an increase in your wage, you may be overpaid benefit which you will need to repay. You could also be investigated for fraud. It is better to report these changes now, than us find out about them later on. For more information on the changes or to report a change in your circumstances visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/changeof circumstances
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Planning news
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An independent view of our development plans A plan that’s critical in shaping the council's approach to development in the borough in the coming years was examined during a public, independent hearing in April. The hearing, which took place at the Civic Offices in Borehamwood and lasted for three days, considered elements of the council's Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Plan (SADM). The plan identifies development sites across the borough and includes details of policies to guide future planning decisions. It was submitted to the Secretary of State last November for examination by an independent planning inspector to check it is sound and that its preparation follows correct correct procedures. Following the hearing, our planning officers are now awaiting an update from
the independent planning inspector on any further modifications that are needed to the plan. Extensive public consultation on the SADM began in 2014, which included a number of drop-in sessions across the borough, and a series of changes were made following consideration of the comments we received.
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More information can be found on our website www.hertsmere.gov.uk/SADM
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Supporting local infrastructure The borough will soon be reaping the benefits of the recently-introduced Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
ZĞŐĂŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƵƐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ǀĂůƵĂďůĞ ƐƉĂĐĞ ĂŶĚ ƐƚĂƌƚ ĞŶũŽLJŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ĐŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƚŽƌLJ ĂŐĂŝŶ ďLJ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƟŶŐ ƵƐ ƚŽĚĂLJ ĨŽƌ Ă ĨƌĞĞ͕ ŶŽ ŽďůŝŐĂƟŽŶ ƋƵŽƚĂƟŽŶ͘
14 | Summer 2016 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk
The scheme aims to reduce the need to use the system of planning arrangements between councils and developers known as section 106 agreements. CIL is a direct charge local authorities can place on developers of larger schemes to fund new infrastructure projects. The levy, which is based on the size and type of a new development, is then used to contribute towards infrastructure that the local community wants and needs such as road schemes, schools, park improvements or a new health centre. A newly-formed panel of local councillors has started to consider initial bids with a view to agreeing the first schemes that will be supported. The next public meeting of the CIL Investment Panel, which comprises councillors from across the borough, takes place at 6pm on 13 July. For more information visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/CIL The council has also been in receipt of more than £2.3m this year in the form of section 106 agreement monies received from developers who weren’t able to provide affordable housing as part of their new schemes. We are now identifying how best these monies can be allocated, linked with planning guidelines, to support the delivery of new affordable homes in the borough.
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Your councillors
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Meet your Councillors Aldenham East
Key
You can contact your ward councillors at any reasonable time. Hertsmere has a Conservative majority, with 36 Conservative and two Labour councillors and one Independent councillor. 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 (Ind) = Independent
Charles Goldstein (Con)
John Graham (Con)
Caroline Clapper (Con)
David Lambert (Con)
Susan Brown (Con)
Rabbi Alan Plancey (Con)
Gary Silver (Con)
cllr.charles. goldstein@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.john.graham@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.caroline. clapper@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.david. lambert@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.susan.brown@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.alan.plancey@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.gary.silver@ hertsmere.gov.uk
01992 652222
07976 360961
07818 427745
07802 412714
020 8207 7578
020 8207 3759
07784 913837
Borehamwood Cowley Hill
David Burcombe (Ind) cllr.david.burcombe@ hertsmere.gov.uk
Richard Butler (Lab) – Group Leader cllr.richard.butler@ hertsmere.gov.uk
07706 079439
020 8953 7132
Borehamwood Hillside
Borehamwood Kenilworth
Michelle Vince (Lab)
Charles Kelly (Con)
Meenal Sachdev (Con)
Farida Turner (Con)
Thomas Ash (Con)
Victor Eni (Con)
cllr.michelle.vince@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.charles.kelly@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.meenal. sachdev@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.farida.turner@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.thomas.ash@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.victor.eni@ hertsmere.gov.uk
07549 130736
07973 403886
07973 401522
020 8953 4347
020 8141 8205
020 8953 8627
Bushey Heath
Bushey North
Bushey Park
Brenda Batten (Con)
Paul Morris OBE (Con)
Seamus Quilty (Con)
Lawrence Davis (Con)
Kashif Merchant (Con)
Jane West (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.lawrence. davis@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.kashif. merchant@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.jane.west@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.linda.silver@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.anne.swerling@ hertsmere.gov.uk
020 8950 1892
020 8950 5010
01923 246485
07860 500177
07958 276011
01923 449950
020 8950 9251
020 8950 8923
Bushey St James
Elstree
Pervez Choudhury (Con)
Carey Keates (Con)
Peter Rutledge (Con)
cllr.pervez. choudhury@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.carey.keates@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.pete.rutledge@ hertsmere.gov.uk
07719 788185
020 8387 3163
01923 449950
Morris Bright (Con) – Leader of the Council leader@ hertsmere.gov.uk
020 8207 7570
Potters Bar Oakmere
Jean Heywood (Con) cllr.jean.heywood@ hertsmere.gov.uk
07793 868645
Ruth Lyon (Con) cllr.ruth.lyon@ hertsmere.gov.uk
01707 644302
Potters Bar Furzefield
Dr Harvey Cohen (Con)
Cynthia Barker (Con)
Peter Knell (Con)
Martin Worster (Con)
cllr.harvey.cohen@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.cynthia.barker@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.peter.knell@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.martin. worster@ hertsmere.gov.uk
07974 910215
07956 222422
07802 631984
01707 662688
Potters Bar Parkfield
Shenley
Penny Swallow (Con)
John Donne (Con)
Paul HodgsonJones (Con)
Abhishek Sachdev (Con)
Anthony Spencer (Con)
Peter Wayne (Con)
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.anthony.spencer@ hertsmere.gov.uk
cllr.peter.wayne@ hertsmere.gov.uk
020 8207 3365
01707 658063
01707 660852
07712 837 990
07973 349083
01923 857955
www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Summer 2016 | 15
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What’s on Come along to an event near you! Elstree & Borehamwood
Museum 96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood 01442 454888 www.elstree-museum.org.uk
www.facebook.com/ EBWmuseum 18 June - 10 July
Elstree and Borehamwood Festival Three weeks of fun and entertainment for all ages with music, shows and events.
From Village to Town: Celebrating a Century of Migration The exhibition starts in 2017. However the museum would like to hear from local residents about how they came to live in the area. To be involved contact project coordinator Matt Caro on 07771 658722 or email: mattrc50@hotmail.co.uk. 7 July | 10.30am
Going Down the Village Monthly reminiscence group for the over 60s. ‘Homes and Interior Design’ is the point of discussion for this meeting. Free
Bushey
2 July – 8 January 2017
Bushey artists abroad An exhibition featuring Bushey artists who travelled to see the world, including George Owen, Wynne Apperley and Myrtle Broome. Foreign lands depicted include Italy, Australia, India and Egypt. Simon Callow
Wyllyotts Theatre Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar 01707 645005 www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk/ wyllyottstheatre
14 – 16 July | 7.30pm Saturday matinee 2.30pm
Bugsy Malone Rare Productions, the UK’s largest youth musical theatre production company is bringing this fabulous show to the stage! Full details can be found at www.rareproductions.co.uk or 01767 681049 £14.50 | child/concs: £13 29 July | 10am and 3pm
Hairy Maclary and friends It’s Family Fun Day again! Ticket price is for entry to the show and includes: face painting and Hairy Maclary craft activities! £10
Rio Rocks
Bushey Festival 2016
A sizzling night of Latino and Brazilian entertainment! £19 | £18 concs
Bushey Museum Rudolph Road, Bushey 020 8420 4057 www.busheymuseum.org
15 September | 8pm
Whitney Queen of the Night A stunning celebration of the music and life of Whitney Houston. £21 | £20 concs
Judie Tzuke Songs & Stories 29 September | 8pm Featuring her timeless classic ‘Stay With Me To Dawn’ and more. £20
In this brand new show, Russell Kane unleashes another blisteringly-funny, award-winning stand-up performance about growing up and growing down. Famed for his critically acclaimed tours Russell has been performing sell-out shows across the globe and now he is back with this brand new show! £16
The Radlett Centre 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk
13 August | 8pm
2 – 17 July A fortnight of fun and entertainment for all ages with music, arts, drama, sport and leisure activities. www.busheyfestival.org.uk
13 July | 7.30pm
Russell Kane Right Man, Wrong Age
15 July | 1.30pm & 4.30pm 16 July | 11am & 2pm 17 July | 11am & 2pm
10 August | 8pm
Josh Widdicombe What do I do now? That guy from the TV comedy shows with the curly hair is back on the road with a brand new tour. £18
25 June - 21 August 2016
Everybody’s darling During the First World War thousands of women served as nurses. This exhibition explores the different nursing organisations that served during the war and the experiences of the nurses themselves.
16 | Summer 2016 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk
9 July | 8pm
Westenders in The World’s Most Popular Musicals The company are all past members from the London production of Les Miserables and have established themselves as one of the country’s leading Musical Theatre groups. Hear all of your favourites from iconic shows …Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, Lion King, Miss Saigon, Blood Brothers, and of course the world’s most popular musical….Les Miserables. £18.50
The Gruffalo’s Child The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood...One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning - after all, the big bad mouse doesn’t really exist... does he? Recommended for ages 3+ Running time 55mins