Hertsmere News winter 2017

Hertsmere News Hertsmere Borough Council’s magazine

Winter 2017

Festive Fun! Inside this issue

Safety at Christmas Keeping Active Local Plan Update Winter Parks What’s On

Council news

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Getting creative for Christmas SABIR

Christmas came early for five of the borough’s budding young artists who picked up prizes in this year’s festive card competition.

The Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Charles Goldstein, was spoilt for choice, with so many entries from Hertsmere's talented youngsters.

Five-year-old Amelia Robertson, from Saffron Green Primary School in Borehamwood, is having her advent calendar design made up into the council’s electronic greetings card.

The Mayor’s card will be a snowman design by Dylan KAJA Fleming, aged 10, from Kenilworth Primary School in Borehamwood.

Three young people were also recognised. They are Kaja Jacek, nine, from St Teresa's Catholic Primary School in Borehamwood; Molly Brown, 10, from Ladbrooke JMI School in Potters Bar and Sabir Dahir, also 10, from Radlett Lodge School - The National Autistic Society.

Mayor Cllr Goldstein said: “We really enjoyed looking at all the entries and were impressed by the time and effort that had gone into all the designs. There was so much creativity on show!

“Congratulations to the winners and we’d like to say a really big thank you to all the children and schools that took part."

MOLLY DYLAN

AMELIA

Keep in touch Do you feel like you’re the last to know about what’s going on in your local area?

Here’s how you can keep up to date with the news that matters to you.

• Follow us on Twitter for tweets, photos and links to our press releases @HertsmereBC

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• Check our website regularly. The homepage is updated frequently and all our press releases can be found under ‘Latest news’ – www.hertsmere.gov.uk

• Follow us on Instagram, where we showcase the best Hertsmere has to offer @hertsmerebc

• Subscribe to our FREE News for You e-alerts for the latest news straight to your inbox. Click on the purple button on our website.

2 | Winter 2017 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk

• Come to a council meeting or watch our planning, executive and full council meetings online – www.hertsmere.public-i.tv • Contact your local councillor – www.hertsmere.gov.uk/findmycllr or call 020 8207 7558

In this issue

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Contents

Welcome It’s been another busy 12 months for everyone at Hertsmere Borough Council and it’s hard to believe that the festive season is nearly upon us again.

This edition focuses on news and updates from across our council service areas from the past few months.

Our Planning and Corporate Communications teams have been seeking and capturing your views as we develop our new Local Plan. Once finished, this plan will provide us with a blueprint for growth in the borough over the next 15 years, whether that be identifying what sorts of building will be allowed in what areas or providing guidelines for helping when planning applications are considered.

You can find out more about our progress with drawing up our new Local Plan on page 11. I’d like to say a very big thank you to everyone who attended our recent drop-in events or facilitated sessions which explored some of the different ways that the required growth of 9,000 new homes and 9,000 new jobs in the borough could be achieved. There will be further consultation with residents in the spring as we start to draw up some preferred options for further feedback and comment.

There’s lots of evidence in this edition of all the work that goes on in the

borough to help keep people of all ages socially engaged and physically active.

These programmes are an important way of protecting our mental and physical wellbeing. We have some great allies and joint funding support for these projects, from Arsenal in the Community to Active Herts and, of course, the many willing volunteers who rally together to support events such as Older People’s Day. Equally, there’s a raft of work ongoing to help keep our residents safe and secure. Our Private Sector Housing Unit works hard to protect tenants and challenges landlords to ensure they meet legal and moral requirements to provide a decent home. The interview with Andy on page 10 tells us more about this important role.

I hope you find this edition an interesting and informative read.

I’d like to extend season’s greetings to you all and wish you a healthy and happy 2018.

4 Electric car charge points 5 Winter with ParksHerts 6 Keeping active 8 Christmas recycling 10 Q&A with Andy Chittenden 11 Local Plan update 12 Christmas safety 13 Modern slavery 15 Meet your councillors

Contact us www.hertsmere.gov.uk customer.services@hertsmere.gov.uk @HertsmereBC www.facebook.com/hertsmere 020 8207 2277 hertsmerebc

Councillor Morris Bright Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council leader@hertsmere.gov.uk

Collection calendar inside You should receive a waste and recycling collection calendar for January to June 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 March 2018, is 15 January. 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.

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: Amelia, aged five, winner of our Christmas card competition, with the Mayor of Hertsmere www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Winter 2017 | 3

Environment

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Electric car charge points arrive in Hertsmere We’ve installed Hertsmere’s first electric vehicle (EV) charge points in three council car parks.

The charging points are located at: • The Civic Offices car park in Borehamwood • Salisbury Close car park in Potters Bar • High Road car park in Bushey

The charge points will be 7kW, which provide enough charge to power around 30 miles of range per hour – ideal for drivers running errands around the area.

The uptake will be monitored, with a view to extending the network to other car parks across the borough in the future.

Food safety training Food business owners in Hertsmere have been snapping up places at a series of new training workshops.

Four sessions on how to improve your food hygiene rating score; how to cater for customers with allergies and intolerances; responding to allegations of food poisoning and controlling cross contamination of E.coli were held at the Civic Offices in Borehamwood in September and October.

All the workshops were delivered by a fully-qualified Environmental Health Officer.

Around 80 people attended the workshops. Further sessions are being planned for 2018.

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To find out more email sara.kannenberg@hertsmere.gov.uk or keep an eye on our page www.hertsmere.gov.uk/ foodsafetytraining for information, as it becomes available.

Annual financial summary published Council's accounts for 2016/17 are available to read.

As well as presenting the final figures for the year, this document explains what happens to your council tax and how we have spent the money we receive.

You can download the full annual financial report and statement of accounts from our website at www.hertsmere.gov.uk/financialsummary If you have any questions, or would like a copy sent to you, please phone 020 8207 2277 or email accountancy.finance@hertsmere.gov.uk. Alternatively you can write to: The Corporate Director, Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 1WA. 4 | Winter 2017 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk

Environment

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Winter with ParksHerts This winter take a walk through icy scenes, vibrant berry reds and enjoy the frosty fresh air with all the family. Find a wintry landscape near you with ParksHerts With over a hundred places to explore on foot ParksHerts walking routes can help you make the most of your visit.

Find your perfect park by selecting ‘woodland’ along with filters based on who’s going, what activities you want and the facilities offered. So, whether it’s to let the kids run about, walk the dog,

relax in nature or to get fit - ParksHerts will help you to get out in Hertfordshire.

The website is compatible with all mobile devices and tablets, so you can find out more about our parks whilst you’re out and about, from the history of the area to where the nearest toilets are.

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Visit the ParksHerts www.parksherts.co.uk – to find your perfect park!

You can also like us on Facebook: facebook/ParksHerts, or follow us on twitter: @ParksHerts and Instagram: @ParksHerts.

PARKS ROUND UP A sport for everyone!

Come along to try out our new six basket disc golf course in Aberford Park.

This is a game that people of all ages and ability can enjoy whilst exploring Aberford Park’s woodland.

The aim is to throw the disc in the basket in as least throws as possible, whilst trying to navigate the natural obstacles. Pick up a disc and scorecard from Aberford Restaurant.

DISC GOLF

GREENWAY

Connecting people The first stage of Greenway surface improvements along the Tykes Waterway was completed in October.

The Greenways is a network of car-free off-road routes across the borough that aims to connect people to facilities and open spaces.

Extending the pathway heading north from Aberford Park towards Leeming Park/Gateshead Road and widening existing areas makes this a much-needed addition to a well-used route.

Moatfield becomes artfield!

BUSHEY RANGERS

Take a look at the new mural on the Bushey Rangers clubhouse, depicting the key features of the park – its wildlife, its historical relevance and the community football club. The work was organised by Hertsmere Borough Council and Countryside Management Service and was carried out by a Hertfordshire artist.

For more information about our parks visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/parks www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Winter 2017 | 5

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Keeping Active Celebrating Hertsmere's older people There was good food, good company and good music on offer as part of Older People’s Day in October.

With thanks to council grants of up to £300 for community groups and voluntary organisations, hundreds of people over 65 were able to take part in events across the borough ranging from coach trips to tea dances.

Twelve different events took place to mark the day, which champions the achievements and contributions that older people make to society.

Hertfordshire Warmer Homes Scheme The cold winter months present lots of challenges, so it’s good to know that if you need extra help to stay warm there is support available.

The World Health Organisation recommends that safe indoor temperatures for older people, young children and those with a longterm health condition are 21°C (70°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night.

The Hertfordshire Warmer Homes scheme can help. Run in partnership by the district and borough councils and Hertfordshire

County Council, the scheme can provide free or discounted household improvements, such as insulation that will make homes easier and cheaper to heat.

For more information about the scheme and other support staying warm, please contact HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044 (local rate) or info@hertshelp.net

Linguistic workout for sporty youngsters It’s sometimes said that football is an international form of communication, but for children in Hertsmere it is being used to help foster a love of wordplay in all languages.

Almost 40 children, aged nine and 10, took part in a coaching session at Arsenal training ground to mark Foreign Language Day in September. An inter-school tournament was held, refereed entirely in French, followed by classroom-based language activities in German, Spanish and French.

The day, delivered by Arsenal in the Community coaches, kicked off the ninth year of our highly successful community sports partnership with Arsenal Football Club.

During that time a range of local initiatives have been delivered, including curriculum football, holiday activities and girls football.

6 | Winter 2017 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk

Health and well-being

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Shape up

Active Herts in great shape

The ‘Shape Up’ male-only weight management scheme has been extended, thanks to council funding.

Getting motivated to do more physical activity and exercise can be difficult, so the Active Herts programme is on hand to help.

The first year of the programme has led to 238 Hertfordshire residents now living healthier lives from doing more physical activity. It’s a three-year programme funded by us, Sport England, Public Health Hertfordshire, our local Clinical Commissioning Group and Hertsmere Leisure.

Hertsmere's highly qualified Active Herts specialist, Lee Bruce, will work with you to develop a plan that is tailored to your interests and needs.

To be eligible for the Active Herts programme, you need to answer ‘yes’ to the following questions:

The programme focuses on combatting the growing problem of obesity amongst middle aged men in Hertsmere, looking at healthy eating and tackling habits that lead to weight gain.

It’s fun and effective, using group exercise and sport to improve fitness and support weight loss.

Call now for more information and book your FREE space on 01923 496391 or visit www.shapeupherts.com

• Do you currently do less than 30 mins of physical activity or sport that raises your breathing rate each week?

• Are you over the age of 16?

• Do you live in Borehamwood?

If you are interested and think you are eligible, contact Lee on 07741 248 852 or email Lee.Bruce@ hertsmereleisure.co.uk. Further information can be found at www.activeherts.org.uk

Dive into the New Year Make a splash in 2018 by taking advantage of a new offer for swimming sessions available next month.

Our award-winning activity programme We Move, She Moves has teamed up with Hertsmere Leisure to offer 10 swims for £20.

The offer is available at The Bushey Centre, The Venue in Borehamwood and Furzefield Leisure Centre in Potters Bar. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there’s a wide range of other sports or activities to try. Learn to Run courses for new and experienced runners will be kicking off in January across the borough.

If you’re looking for something new and exciting, Pound could be the answer. The fullbody exercise encourages participants to drum along while working out. Alternatively,

Fight Club is a freestyle combat class set to music.

For anyone seeking a more relaxed way to tone up, an hour-long Pilates class is also available in Potters Bar. Further yoga classes are also being planned in Bushey from the new year.

For further information about the swim offer and all the other classes, visit www.wemoveshemoves.com www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Winter 2017 | 7

Recycling news

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Christmas recycling and waste

Revised collections

During the festive season around 30 per cent more rubbish is produced so please remember to reduce, reuse and recycle this Christmas!

For details of your revised waste and recycling collections this Christmas and New Year please refer to your enclosed collection calendar. You will also get a bin hook-on in the run up to Christmas.

For more information on how to stay eco-friendly this Christmas please visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/xmaswaste or call 020 8207 7480 or like us at www.facebook.com/recycleforhertsmere

What is it?

Where can I put it?

Brown bin/ Green bin Blue box black box

Black bin Other/Comments In addition to your recycling bins and boxes, there are other ways to recycle your waste.

Advent calendar – plastic insert and cardboard outer (separated) Batteries

Local tip/ recycling banks

Baubles Bubble wrap Brown packing paper (e.g. Amazon deliveries) Cardboard boxes Cartons Christmas cards

Local recycling points

Christmas tree (real)

Local tip

Christmas tree (fake) Crackers Electrical items

Local tip/ recycling banks

Fairy lights

Local tip/ recycling banks

Flowers Foil and foil containers

Clean foil only please!

Food Glassware (e.g. drinking glasses, bowls) Holly, mistletoe Napkins Plastic pots

Clean plastic only please!

Polystyrene Ribbon Sweet/biscuit tins Tinsel Toys Wrapping paper

A full A-Z of recycling is available at www.hertsmere.gov.uk/recycling 8 | Winter 2017 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk

Donate to a charity shop

Other news

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A GREAT YEAR FOR MAYORAL FUNDRAISING More than 20 local charities and clubs have benefitted from funds raised during the former Mayor of Hertsmere’s year in office.

NO IFS, NO BUTTS,

JUST S TOP

Keep our play areas smoke free – that’s the message we’re promoting as part of our commitment to a healthy and thriving borough.

We have an advisory smoking ban across all of our play areas to discourage people from lighting up where children may be affected.

Breathing in second-hand smoke is particularly harmful for children. It can cause an increased risk of asthma, meningitis, respiratory conditions like bronchitis, coughs and colds, and cot death. It is hoped the voluntary ban will remind mums, dads and other adults of the impact of smoking on their health and the health of their children.

Posters, designed by competition winner Ellen from Summerswood Primary School, will

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be going up encouraging visitors to stub out their cigarettes when in and around play areas. Ellen is pictured with Councillor Caroline Clapper, Portfolio Holder for Health.

From coffee pots to cricket sets and PA systems to a Geiger counter, former Mayor Councillor Pete Rutledge distributed a whole host of items to various groups across the borough, thanks to the generosity of local people.

Councillor Rutledge commented: “It was fantastic to help all the local organisations that applied. As most of the money raised was from local people I felt that it was only right that any funds raised should go back to worthy local causes, including the Visually Impaired Club, the de Havilland Museum, the Barracuda Swimming Club and the 1372 Air Cadets.

“Thank you to everyone who gave generously.”

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If you need help to stop smoking you can get support from Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service on 0800 389 3 998, or text SMOKEFREE to 80818. The service can offer effective behavioural advice from trained advisors, along with tips to manage cravings.

All aboard!

It is 150 years since the opening of Elstree and Borehamwood Station, which changed the face of the once rural village forever.

To celebrate ‘First Impressions’ is creating a six-month programme of activities. Elstree and Borehamwood Museum is planning an exhibition exploring the impact of the railway, drawing on its collection and knowledge of volunteers and local residents. Elstree University Technical College is producing a film, combining photographs, cine and video alongside interviews with railway veterans and local residents and the library is planning railway-themed programme.

‘First Impressions’ includes Hertsmere Borough Council, Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Thameslink and local volunteer group Elstree Screen Heritage.

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If you would like to share your memories, photographs or memorabilia with the railway exhibition, please contact Elstree Screen Heritage at contact@ElstreeScreenHeritage.org or leave a message at the museum.

Former Mayor, Cllr Pete Rutledge is pictured with John Clark, Chairman of the Masonic Fishing Charity receiving a donation outside the Raj Garden in Bushey which twice gave over its whole restaurant for mayoral charity events.

www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Winter 2017 | 9

Meet the team

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QUESTION TIME

ANDY CHITTENDEN

One of two officers working in the Private Sector Housing Unit, Andy has a very varied role which includes dealing with complaints and issues relating to houses in disrepair, illegal evictions, mobile homes, campsites and houses in multiple occupation. He is also the nominated empty homes officer.

How long have you worked for Hertsmere and what did you do before?

I have worked at Hertsmere for eight years. I started work as a traffic engineer in the planning and policy team before moving to the Housing Department and re-training to become a Private Sector Housing Officer. Before joining Hertsmere, I worked for 30 years as a police officer in Hertfordshire and London.

What does your job involve?

The majority of my time is spent dealing with rented properties in disrepair. We try to engage with landlords and ask them to arrange repairs to the property, where this fails we regrettably have to resort to enforcement action. Most of the time landlords see the importance of treating their tenants well and will make the necessary repairs. Licensing houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) also takes lots of time. We get reports of unlicensed HMOs, overcrowding and ‘beds in sheds’, and we investigate all reports – they sometimes result in prosecutions. Some of the tenants are vulnerable and landlords sometimes take advantage.

What do you enjoy most about being a Private Sector Housing Officer?

It’s the variety of the role and making a difference to the lives of some of the people we deal with. We can’t always help of course, only where there are serious defects and the law gives us power to intervene, but often we can negotiate with landlords and resolve problems. Bringing empty or abandoned homes back into use can be rewarding. Through loans, advice or sometimes enforcement action, such as compulsory purchase, we will get a property back into use.

What changes have you seen during your time at Hertsmere?

Like a lot of local government, private sector housing is affected by frequent legislation changes. There is increasing pressure to be more efficient, to do more with less and the squeeze on the public sector is evident. The Homelessness Reduction Act will have a big impact as this extends the rules on homelessness and puts more pressure on councils to perform certain tasks.

Above: Andy at his desk and out in the field

You must find yourself on the receiving end of abuse when dealing with distressed tenants or confrontational landlords.

How do you cope with that?

We do sometimes receive abuse or threats, which are clearly unacceptable, but most of the time people understand we have an Recently the spotlight has been on improving the private rented important job to do. We are trying to make a difference to the sector. Landlords must now comply with strict rules on serving living standards of tenants in Hertsmere. It can be very distressing notices and securing deposits and in some cases, if they fail, they for tenants and their families to live in substandard accommodation. will not be able to serve a valid notice to evict their tenants. Next Legislation allows us to inspect and assess properties and the year we expect new legislation to help us better control HMOs with management of HMOs. We can usually work with landlords to new rules making more HMOs licensable. In addition, we are make improvements, but some ‘rogue landlords’ need firmer hoping to bring in civil penalties of up to £30,000 for landlords action. Landlords who fail in their duties could face court and who fail to comply with the law in relation to disrepair or A full A-Z of recycling is available at www.hertsmere.gov.uk/recycling unlimited fines, so they should really be looking after their tenants. management of rental properties.

10 | Winter 2017 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk

Planning news

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ISSUES & OPTIONS Residents have been asked for their views on a range of potential development approaches as part of the next step towards creating a new blueprint for the future of Hertsmere.

We are busy analysing hundreds of views and comments received as part of the second round of public consultation aimed at helping to prepare for the borough’s new Local Plan. The new Local Plan will identify what sorts of development will be allowed where, and the factors that will be taken into account when planning applications for any sort of development are put forward.

New estimates suggest 9,000 new homes and 9,000 new jobs will be needed in the borough over the next 15 years, which means the rate of housebuilding could have to more than double from what has been achieved in recent years.

Among the different ways growth could be achieved are: • brownfield development, which involves using land that has previously been occupied; • new garden suburbs, which would see developments of up to 500 new homes created next to existing communities; • village growth, which looks at enlarging existing villages; • and a new garden village, which would see the creation of a new community of up to 4,000 homes.

All households in the borough should have received a Planning for Growth newsletter in September or October about

the consultation.

You can also watch a short film about the new Local Plan process and how you can get involved. Visit our web page www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan Evening drop-in sessions were held in Potters Bar, Elstree, Bushey, Radlett and Shenley in October and November, and there were a series of facilitated workshops, in which audience members discussed key issues.

To find out more go to www.hertsmere.gov.uk/ newlocalplan

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Homes at a discount Hertsmere residents and people with a local connection are being given a helping hand to get on the property ladder, thanks to a pioneering council scheme.

We are offering anyone who already lives in the borough, has worked locally for at least six months or has close family ties to the borough, an opportunity to secure a one or two bedroomed property in the heart of Borehamwood for 80 per cent of its market value. In addition, to be eligible, applicants should not earn more than £80,000 a year, cannot be a current home owner and should be unable to buy a home without help.

Twenty properties in Liberty Court, part of the newly developed complex formerly known as Isopad House, are available through the scheme. The purchaser does not pay rent on the share that they do not own. The remaining equity is owned by us, acting as ‘silent partners.’

Armed forces personnel who live in the borough or have lived locally before being posted will receive high priority.

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Anyone who believes they may be eligible should contact Hertfordshire’s Help to Buy agents bpha who are managing applications on behalf of the council. To find out more go to www.bphaoptions.org.uk www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Winter 2017 | 11

Community safety news

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Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/csp Email partnership.support@hertsmere.gov.uk or call 020 8207 7801 You can also receive information from our Community Safety team by signing up for our News for You e-alerts via our website www.hertsmere.gov.uk/communitysafety

Working in partnership for a safer Hertsmere

Christmas Safety 01

Check festive lights are safe and CE marked.

Don’t leave lit candles unattended and place tea lights in a holder.

02

The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, increases when alcohol has been consumed.

Don’t drink and cook!

03

Never leave your car unattended with the keys in the ignition, even when defrosting car windows.

Opportunist thieves can strike at any time.

04

Park in a well-lit area or an attended car park. The nights are longer, giving criminals an easier environment to commit crime.

05

Keep all doors locked when you’re out or go to bed.

06

Make it look like someone is at home when you go out for the evening. Leave timer lights on and close curtains. If you have a burglar alarm, set it.

07

Test your fire alarm once a week.

08

Never leave spare keys near your home, for example under a plant pot or mat – it’s the first place a burglar will look!

09

Never drink and drive. Ring a taxi or arrange a lift before your Christmas celebrations begin.

10

Keep Christmas presents out of sight.

Visible gifts under the tree are tempting to thieves.

11

Avoid walking home alone at night. Ask somebody to accompany you or use a registered taxi.

12

Never leave your house or car keys near your front or back door, keep them out of sight.

12 | Winter 2017 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk

If you are in danger or an emergency situation call 999.

For non-emergencies or to report a non-urgent crime please call 101.

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MODERN SLAVERY Raising awareness of a hidden crime Modern slavery and human trafficking is an organised crime that affects vulnerable men, women and children. It can include sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, criminal exploitation and fraud.

The signs of modern slavery and exploitation are often hidden, making it difficult to recognise potential victims.

Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is working closely with local partners, including the Shiva Foundation and Hertfordshire Constabulary, to raise awareness of this serious yet under-reported crime.

In July, we committed to a pioneering pledge, the first of its kind to be endorsed by a local authority in Hertfordshire, to commit to work towards eradicating the crime. During August several events, aimed at educating the public on how to spot the signs and report modern slavery, took place.

In addition, the CSP has trained more than 140 Hertsmere professionals to spot the signs of modern slavery on behalf of their organisation. Hertsmere Borough Council also sits on the Modern Slavery County Steering Group representing all other district councils in Hertfordshire.

Want to make a difference?

Want to join a dedicated team and learn something new? Then why not consider volunteering for Citizens Advice Hertsmere?

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For more information please visit our website: www.hertsmere.gov.uk/ modernslavery or to report a suspicion, contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.

• Do you enjoy helping people resolve their problems?

• Would you like to volunteer for the most effective advice giving network in the UK? • Do you have two half days a week to spare?

They will help you rise to the challenge. Become a volunteer and you'll help your community and benefit from the experience. To find out more email: training@hertsmerecab.org.uk

Hard-hitting drugs talk An inspirational speaker returned to Hertsmere schools to give more hardhitting workshops on his own experiences of addiction and crime.

Youngsters at Mount Grace School in Potters Bar and Bushey Meads School in Bushey were given a strong message during a series of drug awareness workshops held in November.

During the workshops, Paul Hannaford spoke about how he went from being a promising young footballer, who occasionally smoked cannabis with friends, to heroin and crack cocaine addiction and prison by his mid-20s.

His talk also touched on his experience of

young offender units and how he almost died following a knife attack.

Paul, who has previously spoken at Hertswood Academy and The Park Education Support Centre, delivered the workshops to all 600 pupils at Mount Grace School and 320 pupils at Bushey Meads School. The workshops were funded as part of our community safety programme, in conjunction with Hertfordshire Constabulary.

FACING ABUSE AT XMAS? Don’t suffer in silence this Christmas; you’re not alone.

Domestic abuse affects one in four women and one in six men.

If you have been affected by domestic abuse and would like support, please call Hertfordshire’s Domestic Abuse Helpline on 08 088 088 088.

You can find out more about Paul’s story by visiting his website www.paulhannaford.com/life-story

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For more information and to arrange a workshop at your school, contact Loran Kingston loran.kingston@hertsmere.gov.uk or call 020 8207 2277.

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS

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Are you interested in knowing what your local ‘Safer Neighbourhood Policing Priorities’ are? If so, please visit www.snt.herts.police.uk and search for your local Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and upcoming community events. www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Winter 2017 | 13

At your service From drainage surveys and repairs to general maintenance, construction and ground works, our Engineering Services team offers a reliable and efficient service across Hertfordshire and beyond.

The team is a commercially run unit carrying out drainage surveys, maintenance and repairs, surveying, tree and ground works. Our customers include our own departments, other local authorities, water companies, schools, private organisations and individuals.

We are ISO and Investors In People accredited and fully compliant with all current health and safety, environmental and equal opportunities legislation.

All staff are Construction Skills Certification Scheme qualified, DBS checked and fully trained in their specific areas of work.

For a quote, or further information please contact us on 020 8207 7492, or email engineering.services@ hertsmere.gov.uk

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Outreach hubs Community Hertsmere is a local charity that places the needs of local voluntary organisations, community groups and volunteers at the heart of their activities.

Their Outreach Hubs are a chance for you to meet staff and volunteers face to face, as well as find out more about the activities and services they run.

• Every Tuesday, 9.30am to 1pm, at the Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2AA • Every Wednesday, 1pm to 4pm, at Citizens Advice, 8 Rudolph Road, Bushey, WD23 3DU • The first and third Tuesday of each month, 1.30pm to 4.30pm, at The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL • Every second Tuesday each month, 2:30pm to 5:30pm, at Wayside Community Centre, Potters Bar EN6 5NE.

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If you would like more information, call Nazra on 020 3457 7536 or email engagement@communityhertsmere.org.uk

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14 | Winter 2017 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk

Your councillors

Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hertsmere

Meet your Councillors Aldenham East

Key

You can contact your ward councillors at any reasonable time.

Hertsmere has a Conservative majority, with 35 Conservative councillors, three Labour councillors and one ward currently vacant. 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 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

07534 984703

020 8207 3759

07784 913837

Borehamwood Cowley Hill

POSITION VACANT

Borehamwood Hillside

Borehamwood Kenilworth

Richard Butler (Lab)

Michelle Vince (Lab)

Charles Kelly (Con)

Meenal Sachdev (Con)

Farida Turner (Con)

cllr.richard.butler@ hertsmere.gov.uk

cllr.michelle.vince@ hertsmere.gov.uk

cllr.charles.kelly@ hertsmere.gov.uk

cllr.meenal. sachdev@ hertsmere.gov.uk

cllr.farida.turner@ hertsmere.gov.uk

07706 079439

07549 130736

07973 403886

07973 401522

020 8953 4347

Bushey Heath

Jeremy Newmark (Lab) – Group Leader cllr.jeremy.newmark @hertsmere.gov.uk

020 3637 9930

Bushey North

Victor Eni (Con) cllr.victor.eni@ hertsmere.gov.uk

020 8953 8627

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

Elstree

Bushey St James

Pervez Choudhury (Con)

Carey Keates (Con)

Pete 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

Sarah HodgsonJones (Con)

John Donne (Con)

Paul HodgsonJones (Con)

Abhishek Sachdev (Con)

Anthony Spencer (Con)

Peter Wayne (Con)

cllr.sarah. hodgson-jones@ 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

01707 660852

01707 658063

01707 660852

07712 837 990

07973 349083

01923 857955

www.hertsmere.gov.uk | Hertsmere News | Winter 2017 | 15

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 Until 6 January

Toys, Games and Gadgets Bring your little ones along to show them how the older generation misspent their youth!

They can try out the games for themselves – whether it’s Pong, Simon, Computer Perfection, Game Boy or Beat the Buzzer.

Bushey Museum Rudolph Road, Bushey 020 8420 4057 www.busheymuseum.org Until 1 April 2018

Around and About Bushey Views of Bushey and beyond, past and present.

Wyllyotts Theatre Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar 01707 645005 www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk/ wyllyotts-theatre

13 Dec - 31 December 2017 1pm & 5pm

Cinderella Pantomime Left at home by the ugliest of sisters, Cinders cannot go to the ball. However, with the help of her Fairy Godmother and brilliant buffoonery from Buttons, the most exciting night of her life can begin…

20 December Coach leaves Furzefield Centre at 5.30pm

Theatre Trip: Classic Carols with Alan Titchmarsh Presenter and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh returns for a joyous assortment of traditional Christmas music and sublime carols. £59.50 includes tour of lights after the concert

The Radlett Centre 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk 9 to 31 December

Beauty and the Beast With fantastic musical numbers, dazzling sets and costumes, this production promises fun and laughter, colourful pantomime characters, a beautiful heroine, a beast who is not as he seems and lots of audience participation!

From 20 January 2018

Exodus: Masterworks by Emigre Artists from the Ben Uri Collection Works on the theme of identity and migration by leading artists of Jewish heritage, on loan from the Ben Uri Collection.

Potters Bar Museum Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar 01707 645005

Until February 2018

Merit Toys and Games Take a nostalgic trip back to your childhood with the museum’s latest exhibition that celebrates the history of Merit Toys and Games.

Getting in touch During Christmas and New Year our office opening hours will be: Civic Offices Borehamwood

Area Offices Bushey

Area Offices Potters Bar

Thu 21 Dec

9am - 5.15pm

Closed

9.30am - 2pm

Fri 22 Dec

9am - 2pm

Closed

Closed

Mon 25 Dec

Closed

Closed

Closed

Tues 26 Dec

Closed

Closed

Closed

Wed 27 Dec

9am - 5.15pm

Closed

Closed

Thu 28 Dec

9am - 5.15pm

Closed

Closed

The Elvis Years - The Story of the King

Fri 29 Dec

9am - 2pm

Closed

Closed

Mon 1 Jan

Closed

Closed

Closed

The Elvis Years is an outstanding musical production which brings to the stage the incredible and compelling story of the ‘King of Rock and Roll’. Tickets £22

Tue 2 Jan

9am - 5.15pm

Closed

Closed

11 January | 7.30pm

16 | Winter 2017 | Hertsmere News | www.hertsmere.gov.uk

Don't forget you can find lots of information on our website, including information about how to contact us.

www.hertsmere.gov.uk