Life Spring 2019

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INSIDE BUDGET NEWS | NEW HOUSING | ALLOTMENTS | COMMUNITY NEWS

Life Spring 2019

Your Council Your Borough

Issue No. 62

Spring into action!

Regenerating your borough See page 8

www.facebook.com/welwynhatfield

@WelHatCouncil

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We can provide LIFE in different formats if needed.

Call 01707 357271 or email media@welhat.gov.uk

COUNCIL UPDATES It’s been a busy winter for all our services, as work continues across the borough to keep Welwyn Hatfield a great place to live, work and study with a vibrant, growing economy.

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United in Remembrance In the centenary year marking 100 years since the First World War, generations united to commemorate the fallen at ceremonies across the borough.

FROM THE LEADER It was through the most tragic of circumstances that I became Leader of the Council, but I am immensely honoured to be continuing Mandy’s great work. She had a very clear vision of how we best serve people locally and my priority is to build on that each day to improve the quality of life for everyone in Welwyn Hatfield.

Regeneration lies at the absolute heart of our vision and, as demonstrated by our centre spread, this council is taking great strides in securing the future prosperity of our town centres and local economy.

We’re very keen to hear your views and look forward to talking with you as plans progress.

With 2020 fast approaching, we are really excited to be supporting the WGC 2020 Foundation’s efforts to make it a fantastic year of celebration for all our communities.

Page 4 explains more. And in Hatfield, guided by the 2030+ framework (see www.hatfield2030.co.uk), we’re providing local start-up businesses with office space to grow and also moving forwards with three major projects that will completely transform the town centre.

I hope you enjoy this issue and, as more blue sky and colour appears around the borough, I wish everyone in Welwyn Hatfield a healthy and happy spring season.

Tony Kingsbury

Leader of the Council

2 SPRING 2019 | ISSUE NO.62

2 Local Government Chronicle Awards

We were shortlisted for a national award looking at the work of over 350 councils across the UK. The entry focused on our continued efforts to drive growth and wider regeneration in Hatfield.

3 Creative Art

We’re working with creative Oaklands College students who are producing artwork to brighten up busy alleyways in Hatfield town centre. Their final pieces will be unveiled later this year.

Tree Planting 4 Commemorative

We planted four commemorative trees on The Campus in memory of our late Leader, Cllr Mandy Perkins, and former Mayor, Cllr Lynne Sparks. Executive Member for Environment, Cllr Stephen Boulton, said: “The new trees are a reminder of the hard work and dedication shown

by Mandy and Lynne to the people of Welwyn Hatfield.”

5 Torn from Home

The borough marked Holocaust Memorial Day with a tribute to all those affected by genocides past and present. Young people from local schools came together to give a series of short performances in a moving act of reflection.

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Our budget 2019/20 Protecting the services you value the most Like local authorities all over the country, balancing our budget is one of the biggest challenges we face. The amount of money we receive from government continues to decline at a time when demand for services is increasing.

Our savings/income

We’re meeting some of our financial challenges by raising additional income, which we’re doing this year through the council’s property portfolio and the retention of a larger share of business rates growth.

How your council tax bill is made up

Our spending

£16m is set for investment in the council’s capital programme for the continued regeneration of both town centres, and for a new splash park facility at Stanborough Park North (see pages 8-9).

A further £24m will be split equally to provide more affordable homes and improve existing council housing.

This year’s Council Tax leaflet, including a detailed breakdown of the council’s budget, how Council Tax is calculated and the discounts available, will be available online from Tuesday 12 March: www.welhat.gov.uk/counciltax. To be sent a paper copy through the post, please call 01707 357000 and ask for the council tax office.

Use your right to vote Local elections take place on Thursday 2 May and every borough ward in Welwyn Hatfield will be contested.

You can only vote in elections if your name is on the register. If you are NOT already registered, you can register online at www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote. It only takes five minutes and you just need to input your name, address, date of birth, nationality and National Insurance Number and answer a few Did you know you questions. can register to vote Alternatively you when you are 16? can also contact Even though you Electoral Services can’t vote until 18, it by email at means your details elections@ welhat.gov.uk, or are on the database call 01707 357300 for when you are to request an eligible. application form.

What will I pay?

The average Band D property will pay £211.77 for borough council services – a rise of 2.5%, or £5.16 per year. Your bill will be higher because it includes the money collected for other bodies that deliver local services, including Hertfordshire County Council, the Police and Parish and Town Councils.

Hertfordshire County Council 76% Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council 12% Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire 10% Parish and Town Councils 2%

New look for website We have launched a new-look website which hopefully makes it even easier for you find information online – especially on a mobile phone or tablet.

It’s the first phase of a longer term plan which will start to see more of your council services available online. Take a look and let us know what you think by emailing webadmin@welhat.gov.uk.

www.welhat.gov.uk | 01707 357000

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COMMUNITY

Onslow pupils enjoying their new school sensory garden thanks to Arise funding.

Support your community with a £1,000 grant ARISE Hatfield was set up in 2013 to provide an annual fund supporting Hatfield initiatives that enhance the lives of local people. Since then they have supported more than 65 projects totalling over £55,000.

Organisations that have already benefited from the ARISE Hatfield fund include schools, sport and fitness clubs, community groups and music and dance groups.

One example is Onslow St. Audrey’s School which received ARISE Hatfield funding of £600 to help

them buy plants for their sensory garden. The positive difference the garden makes for their students is endless. It gives them an opportunity to be in and around a garden, watching plants grow, helping to take care of them, and spending quiet time learning outside in a peaceful place.

Any Hatfield group, organisation or initiative interested in receiving funding of up to £1,000 is invited to apply via the ARISE Hatfield website www.arisehatfield.com. Applications are considered by an independent selection committee every quarter.

100 years of Welwyn Garden City 2020 will mark the centenary of Welwyn Garden City. The Welwyn Garden City Centenary Foundation is planning an exciting year of celebrations and the council is working hard to support what is shaping up to be a fantastic year.

• January 2020 will start the centenary celebrations in style with a fabulous launch event complete with a festival of lights and lighting of a beacon.

• A sculpture of Ebenezer Howard is also being planned in celebration of his vision for Welwyn Garden City – ‘a true marriage of town and country’.

• A carnival with 15 floats will take place on 11 July.

• To appreciate the beauty of our green space, a 20.20km Centenary Walk will circle the villages around the town, with spokes leading back to the centre.

• Over 40 of the town’s sports and leisure clubs are planning events and competitions to run throughout the year, alongside the town’s music and performing arts groups with a festival.

• Schools have stunned the judges with their shots in the centenary photographic competition which has entered its third year and already attracted over 200 entries.

• The City of Trees will recognise the 19,000 different species which can be found across the town.

• Finally, no 100 year celebration would be complete without a Royal Visit!

• Primary schools will be involved in planting bulbs and trees to commemorate the centenary.

All celebrations will be privately funded.

• The first ever community-led garden is planned to appear on the Main Avenue at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with elements relocated as a permanent feature.

To find out more, including opportunities to get involved, visit www.wgccentenary.org

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King George V skate park UPDATE In November last year we ran an online survey to get the views of local users of the skate park at the King George V playing fields in Beehive Lane, WGC.

Play area refurb LATEST Work to upgrade the play equipment in Haldens Park, Welwyn Garden City, is nearly finished and will be open for everyone from toddlers to teens this month.

We want to say a big thank you to the many of you who worked closely with us on this project. We were keen to ensure that the local community got the equipment best suited to them – and to the local environment – and this influenced the overall design. The refurbishment includes new equipment and we have tried to make sure children of all ages and abilities are catered for.

Key changes include relocating the enclosed play area to the other side of the footpath. This allows for more equipment aimed at the

toddler and junior age groups.

Equipment has also been introduced for older children and teenagers.

There are play areas located right across Welwyn Hatfield so children do not have to travel far to reach one. A number of them have been upgraded over the past few years including Hillfield and Summerfield in Hatfield, and Nursery Hill and Shortlands Green in Welwyn Garden City. To find out more about the upgrades we’ve completed, go to www.welhat.gov.uk/play-areasrefurb.

We had a good response from people, particularly skateboarders and some scooter riders, who gave us honest answers about the facility. 76% told us they felt

New group for Welham Green A new Welham Green based Friendship Group began in October last year after a local councillor noticed a high number of people living alone who had little interaction with others in their community.

Right: Zoe Waring and Cllr Jaida Caliskan with the group last year.

The group meets once a month, usually mid-month, on Tuesdays at 11am.

Everyone gathers at the Sibthorpe Arms to take part in topical group discussions and listen to guest speakers and uplifting music. In December the group enjoyed guest speaker Zoe Waring (pictured) who works on the British Rothera Research station in the Antarctic, and talked about her work and adventures on Adelaide Island.

The group is free, although a voluntary contribution

of £2 is requested for the cost of the tea, coffee and biscuits provided by the pub landlady.

If you live in the Welham Green and Hatfield South Ward and are interested in coming along, or attending the group as a guest speaker, please call Councillor Jaida Caliskan on 07517 991595 or email jaida.caliskan@welhat.gov.uk

the overall layout of the skate park needs improving. Three quarters of respondents thought there was a need for more space and fewer obstacles which, alongside the main ramps, currently include a Fun Box, a Spine and a Half Pipe.

Safety was also a factor on the outside as well as inside the skate park, with nearly two thirds saying that smaller ramps for beginners would make it more usable and 80% of respondents agreeing that floodlights are required. CCTV also came up repeatedly in the additional comments box at the end of the survey.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey. We are now exploring options for updating the skate park, taking all your feedback into consideration. During 2019 we’ll be looking to hold a focus group, and working closely with contractors and local scooter riders and skateboarders, to provide a safe and practical skate park for all users.

www.welhat.gov.uk | 01707 357000

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ENVIRONMENT

Remember your Reusables Ditching single use plastic and ‘Remembering your Reusables’ is the theme of a campaign by the Hertfordshire Waste Partnership, WasteAware, encouraging people to make small tweaks to their daily routine.

There are lots of easy ways to swap single-use plastic, like plastic cutlery, or drinks bottles, for reusable alternatives. At home you could swap soap pumps and shower gel bottles for a bar of soap instead.

Reuse and Refill

Whether you are heading out to work, school, or just to the shops, why not reuse and refill your drinks bottle? The Refill scheme encourages public places, such as cafés, pubs, and restaurants, to register as Refill stations that will happily top up your bottle with free tap water. You can find your nearest Refill stations on-the-go by downloading the Refill app, or keeping an eye out for Refill window stickers around the borough.

Lose your bottle

Keep it separate

Three ways to ‘Remember your Reusables’: • Keep cup - for all of your hot drinks; many cafés offer a discount for using these • Lunchbox - packed lunches reduce waste and are often much cheaper and healthier too • Shopping bags - store these in your car, handbag or by your door so you always have them ready

The UK uses over 13 billion plastic bottles every year (including all toiletry, milk and drinks bottles). A staggering 60 per cent of these are water bottles. Imagine how much waste could be stopped if everyone simply used a reusable water bottle. Tap water is also much cheaper than bottled water, which is between 500-1,000 times more expensive, and often healthier for you too!

For more information and ideas on how you can find more reusable alternatives and ditch single-use plastic, visit www.wasteaware.org.uk/reusables

6 SPRING 2019 | ISSUE NO.62

Remember, separating your recycling is really worthwhile. While there will inevitably always be a small amount which cannot be recycled, every effort is made during collection and processing to ensure as much as possible is recycled appropriately. This includes your plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, cardboard, tins and cans, glass bottles and jars, and paper.

If you’re unsure, always check on our website for what can and can’t be recycled. Go to www.welhat.gov.uk/a-z.

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£50 REWARD

FREE

£100 STARTER KIT

Real Nappies reward scheme

Using real nappies reduces waste, saves you money and is better for the environment. And did you know that the council also runs a scheme whereby we can reimburse residents for some of the cost?

As a thank you for diverting waste from landfill, Hertfordshire residents who use real nappies can claim up to a £50 reward.

Even better – if you've never used real nappies and would like to give them a go, you can apply for a free starter kit worth over £100.

You can apply online via the Hertfordshire WasteAware website at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/realnappies.

There are lots of benefits to using real nappies: • Good for your baby – there are no chemicals or oils involved so they're kind to your baby's skin.

• Saving you money – by using real nappies you could save you up to £500 per child compared to constantly buying disposables.

• Good for the environment – a baby will go through approximately 5,000 nappy changes before they’re potty trained. That's 5,000 disposable nappies sent to landfill, or just 20 real nappies washed and used again.

In the last six months, the council has received over 75 applications. If used from birth to potty, that is potentially over 375,000 nappies diverted from landfill.

Garden Waste: pay now by Direct Debit

Save water: follow #TapChat Saving water is easy and we can all do a little to help Welwyn Hatfield save a lot. By joining the #TapChat you can find out about daily water habits to save water, time and money.

Why not start with shortening your shower by a minute or two?

Cutting your shower time by just two minutes could save you between 2-3 buckets of water each shower. If everyone did this the UK could save 8 billion litres of water a week.

Shortening your showers not only saves water - it can help you save money on your energy bills as well.

Get started by ordering a free four-minute shower timer, water saving shower head, or book a free home visit from Affinity Water at www.affinitywater.co.uk/ savewater To find more simple tips for saving water, time and money, follow #TapChat on social media or visit www.hubbub.org.uk/ tapchat.

Payment for the 2019/20 garden waste service is open and you can renew your subscription, or sign-up to the service, by Direct Debit.

We have sent all existing subscribers a reminder letter or email; please make sure you pay as soon as possible to ensure you receive collections from 1 April.

Setting up a Direct Debit only takes a few minutes and your subscription will automatically renew each year. A reminder letter will always be sent before payment is taken.

Visit www.welhat.gov.uk/gardenwaste or call 01707 357000 for more information.

www.welhat.gov.uk | 01707 357000

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SPECIAL FEATURE

R U O Y G N I T A R E N E G RE es ands of New Hhonm meet the dem to s e m o h w e n eeds Our boroug ulation. a growing pop

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PD (S Document lop helping to deve The funding is r this fo s al os op pr more ambitious to lly delivering up area, potentia d an e ac sp il ta 410 homes, re art ucture in the he better infrastr y. cit of the garden l sely with loca clo We will work er id w e th d sses an people, busine t pu us lp he community to on ace that build proposals in pl while e, ag rit he h the town’s ric . d to the future looking forwar

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will Close to £80m be invested in ld Welwyn Hatfie w over the next fe years, boosting my the local econo and breathing ur new life into o nd town centres a other key sites. d funding We’ve attracte gland, the En from Homes Local Hertfordshire nership rt Enterprise Pa t partners en and developm uncil’s to bolster the co d un po multi-million r ou in investment viving communities, re re. tu fu them for the

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re will the town cent in the heart of s te si l ta vo pi Two £4.5m. ntre, receive nearly d 3-9 Town Ce ed plans for 1 an d ainder being us ar m rw re e fo g th in ith br w lp s, he nt ill ra w au ey st The mon ops and re new homes, sh e. k earmarked for es on Link Driv m ho wal Framewor w ne s for ld 2030+ Rene ie tf g in Ha e go to develop plan th on in e ied eps in th rtunity identif t are crucial st areas of oppo eir developmen t place – th an d br an Both sites are vi ), e, uk tiv o. more attrac field2030.c a at re .h w nt w ce w n . w ee cil to (s the the coun plans to make 5m invested by regeneration ready seen £1 al s ha ch hi w regeneration

ate if we consolid come forward ly tly on en n rr ca cu s is te r parking The Hatfield si n’t Surface level ca do e. e ac w pl if e d on an in parking town centre a third of the tfield 2030+ taking up over , the exciting Ha ith multiat th ge an ch to W . le ng ib hi do somet are not feas regeneration e space to er im id w pr r e fo as s le an re pl n one site, we ca level parking on g the town centre. in ov continue impr

d centre, neighbourhoo At High View on be plication will so a planning ap illion m 5 £4 deliver a submitted to e. m m ra og pr regeneration of the development The overall re e nearby th d an centre local shopping will te er garage si Hollyfield form w ne 0 15 of region provide in the create d an le op pe l homes for loca w retail space. high-quality ne

Stay up to date on all the news via the council’s social media pages: @WelhatCoun 8 SPRING 2019 | ISSUE NO.62

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H G U O R BOR

Better Spaces

t the ces remains a a sp g in it v in at nt, generation th re l Creating pleasa fu ss e cc su ision for heart of our v together. brings people es Centre chang n w To y it C n e visitors and Welwyn Gard with residents,

ed nsultation e being prepar ide-reaching co Regulation Orders (TROs) ar e th e ov Following a w pr fic im af signed to summer, Tr ges in WGC, de businesses last wn centre chan ks in the town. to or w ed or os s op op pr for the who lives, sh ne yo new er ev r fo ills to create a environment p end of Stoneh ph to m e 20 th a at g in fic uc af removing tr ents and introd ev d an ts These include ke ar l businesses, m space for loca her details will speed limit.

TROs and furt e th on t en m com fordshire opportunity to re and via Hert the town cent There will be an nsultation nd co ou gc ar w e k/ ag .u gn si tfordshire.gov er be provided on .h w w w : te ’s websi County Council

e Lion Square

Hatfield Whit

. The re begins soon hite Lion Squa W e gn si or m de a re ect to to create The £1.2m proj citing features d s a range of ex local shops an ha to ll gn fa si ot de fo w e iv ne dr d an t, en vironm welcoming en . es ss , children's ne si bu raised planters g, in at l se , ng the iconic Pear des new pavi d the return of The work inclu an g in rk pa t, cycle play equipmen e work, . ue at st usual during th will be open as re ua sq e th s.

Shops around nd six month ed to take arou which is expect

New Leisure

Local Jobs

r Cabinet gave Park North afte h ug ro themed bo an ng a nautical plans for St cility – includi ng to develop fa ui e in ur nt is co le re ilt e’ bu W ose for a new purp the go-ahead orts pitches, also feature sp s splash park. an pl rly ea , working t activities ages. We are ray of differen signed for all de are more m sh gy to r n oo Offering an ar s and an outd ning applicatio ea an ar pl a ic g during the cn in pi en , ar courts s and prep cility will op gn fa si m de .2 ng £2 pi w lo ne towards deve It is hoped the e community. widely with th .

20 20 ary year in town’s centen

atTech

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ing in in a new build We’ve invested sses ne si bu l ca lo ide . Once Hatfield to prov ow gr start-up and be with space to ill w g in ild bu ct the ho open, we expe w es ss 30 busine home to around nefits, including be y an m y jo will en ption a manned rece meeting areas, a on n ru ill w g. It and car parkin successful ly gh hi e th as similar model GC, ss Centre in W Weltech Busine ing 30! rn tu celebrates which this year

ouncil on Twitter and ‘Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’ on Facebook. www.welhat.gov.uk | 01707 357000

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LANDSCAPE & ECOLOGY

Branch out this Spring Have you have ever wanted to know more about and get involved in protecting your local natural environment? Then why not volunteer as a Tree Warden to help us manage over 47,000 trees across the borough?

Volunteer tree wardens at Woodhall Park Orchard

A beautiful flo wering cherry at the junction Meadows and of Hazeldine Spring Glen in April last year

We have been running a successful Tree Warden scheme for a number of years and are looking for new members to join.

Our Tree Wardens host a series of talks on the natural environment and organise work parties each year. Typical tasks range from helping out at our community orchards to looking out for newly planted trees. There is also the opportunity to join the annual visit to see local tree collections, tree nurseries and formal gardens.

Our Tree Wardens are our own tree champions who survey and report any changes to trees in their locality, engage in

community events and have a passion for all things leafy!

This spring, the local walk and talk event is in Hatfield and you can join the guided tour of one residential area of the town. The talk will highlight the wonderful trees and our approach to maintaining them in the urban environment.

This evening walk will be held on Thursday 16 May from 6pm, meeting outside the Methodist Church along Woods Avenue.

For more information about becoming a Tree Warden, call 01707 357000 or email contactwhc@welhat.gov.uk

Can you help our borough bloom again?

Following Welwyn Hatfield’s two Anglia in Bloom awards last year, we are appealing for volunteers to be part of the council’s submission for 2019!

The borough was entered into the competition for the first time in 2018, and scooped Silver in the ‘City’ category (for populations between 35,001200,000) for its horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community involvement in both Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield.

Welwyn’s Victorian Fernery also won the Conservation Award. The Fernery is a rare piece of Victorian life in a quiet corner of Danesbury Local Nature Reserve in Welwyn, managed by the council, which had been hidden for around 150 years.

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It was a testament to the commitment of volunteers and their efforts that they helped us to achieve these fantastic awards. We’re encouraging more residents and local groups to come forward with ideas for community projects in Welwyn Hatfield that we can include in our portfolio, or even be visited by the Anglia in Bloom judges on the day of judging.

Please look at our portfolio from last year for ideas at www.welhat.gov.uk/Angliainbloom, or if you want to chat to us about how you can be involved, please contact us on 01707 357000 or email contact-whc@welhat.gov.uk.

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Allotment changes

– you’ll dig the results!

GROWING TIMES FOR VEGETABLES

There are over 50 allotment gardens in the borough – you’re never too far away from one! We manage many of those sites, totalling over 500 plots.

RADISH 21 Days

SALAD LEAVES 24 Days

Moneyhole allotments

We’re working our way through an improvement programme to prepare as many plots as possible for budding growers.

This time of year is excellent for spring sowing, so why not think about taking a plot and growing your own? It’s kinder on the planet, your health and your wallet!

Deerswood

Allotments Of ficer, James Ho mer, at Moneyhole

Harwood Hill We’ve completed work to reestablish overgrown plots, removing shrubs and weeds and pruning fruit trees. The beds were rotavated and covered with The covers on at Harwood Hill a weed supressing membrane to prevent weed growth. It was excellent to see people on the waiting list accepting the plots without hesitation and they are all looking forward to the 2019 growing season with real enthusiasm. We also divided one of the larger plots into two, an initiative we’re rolling out in other areas to better suit busy, modern lifestyles.

As one of the larger sites in Hatfield, we have chosen Deerswood to install a mains water connection.

The existing rainwater harvesting system will remain on site and, to promote sustainability, plot holders will be encouraged to use the stored rainwater whenever possible. However, we do believe the mains connection will be a welcome addition to the site, particularly if the UK continues to experience an increase in hotter and drier summers.

ONIONS 35 Days

CARROTS 56 Days

TURNIPS 56 Days

Martin Close A small neighbourhood site in Hatfield, Martin Close has become largely overgrown. Similar to the scheme at Harwood Hill, the planned works will see the removal of all weeds, shrubs and trees on the site. Two existing large plots will be divided in half and covered to create four plots.

To find out more, visit www.welhat.gov.uk/allotments. To enquire about allotment availability, or to join the waiting list, please email allotments@welhat.gov.uk

www.welhat.gov.uk | 01707 357000

POTATOES 70 Days

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HOUSING & PLANNING New bungalows off Cowper Road, WGC

Affordable Housing update Our award-winning Affordable Housing Programme continues its momentum, with more properties purchased and construction underway on a number of schemes.

Two which completed in 2018 have since won prestigious county-wide awards. Lime Tree Court and Lilac Close were honoured in the Design Excellence category at the Herts Building Futures Awards last November. Lilac Close (formerly garages behind Furzen Crescent) is a collection of seven two bed houses and Lime Tree Court (previously known as Garden Avenue) is a mix of 22 one and two bed flats. The council worked with Architects, Rock Townsend and construction partners, Mears New Homes, to deliver both projects.

This spring, work has started on-site at Little Mead in Hatfield (with partner FSG Property Services) to build seven new houses. Construction

will soon be completed on 16 new council-owned homes at Northdown Road, Hatfield, as well as homes in Cowper Road, WGC, and Hillcrest, Hatfield, both of which have been built in partnership with Welwyn Garden City Housing Association. These will New houses of f Hillcrest in Ha tfield - now ca provide 11 new homes for rent, with lled Sorrel Close eight more homes due later this year or early next on four other sites across the these new projects in future issues of borough.

Life.

Alongside this are a range of other schemes Find out the latest on our Affordable Housing and opportunities being worked on, including Programme and the story so far at new temporary accommodation and homes for www.welhat.gov.uk. older people. There will be more information on

Local Plan latest In 2016 we consulted on the blueprint for future growth in the borough – a plan which will guide decisions on the delivery of new homes, jobs and services, while protecting our local environment.

We submitted our draft Local Plan for examination in May 2017 and, so far, an independent Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State has held six hearing sessions (including one joint session with East Herts Council).

Even though the draft plan contains sites for around 12,000 new homes, our

independently assessed need for housing is higher and the Inspector has asked the council to consider if additional sites could be identified.

A 'call for sites' took place earlier in the year and next steps will be announced on our website: www.welhat.gov.uk/localplannews

What about infrastructure?

People often ask us how local roads, schools and health services will cope if new homes are built. The ability to provide supporting infrastructure is one of the key factors we consider when allocating sites and we are continuing to work with bodies such as the highways and education authority, the NHS, and other service providers to make sure the infrastructure needed to support our communities in the future can be put in place.

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KEY HELPLINES

You can report many of the issues people most frequently contact us about on our website at

www.welhat.gov.uk You can also contact us by email via

contact-whc@welhat.gov.uk

If you wish to speak to us regarding subjects listed in this box, please call our main number

01707 357000 Council tax Benefits Business rates Cemetery services Litter Graffiti Household waste and recycling Street cleaning and grounds maintenance

Parking Abandoned cars Parks, green spaces and woodlands Trees Lost/found/ contained dogs Garages Planning

You can also contact some departments directly, using the details below: Allotment lettings and enquiries 01707 357329 Electoral services 01707 357300 Public health and protection (air and noise pollution, health & safety at work, food inspections and licensing) 01707 357242 Noise nuisance 0800 111 4484 (Out of hours on Fri & Sat) Street Wardens 01707 357420 Jim McDonald Centre 01707 270066

Welwyn Hatfield Housing Neighbourhood Team 01707 357796

Home Ownership Team 01707 357000

Maintenance and emergencies (24 hrs) 0800 111 4484

Homelessness and housing needs advice 01707 357613

Independent living services 01707 357696

Chair of Tenants Panel, Rose Read 01707 393088

Income Management Team 01707 357088

Hertfordshire County Council Highways – Potholes, roadworks and streetlights 0300 123 4047

Adult social care (including Meals on Wheels and Bus Passes) 0300 123 4042

Libraries 0300 123 4049

HWRCs (tips/dumps) 0300 123 4051

Schools 0300 123 4043

Other useful numbers

Fraud investigation (confidential line for reporting suspected benefit fraud) 01707 357606

Citizens Advice (Hatfield) 03444 111 444

Hackney carriages 01707 357982

Electricity Loss of Supply 0800 7838 838

Stanborough Park 01707 276276

Energy Efficiency Advice Centre 0800 512 012 (free advice on energy efficiency & grants)

Panshanger Golf 01707 276276 Hatfield Swim and Leisure Centres 01707 276276

Domestic Violence/Abuse Line 08 088 088 088

Floodline (Environment Agency) 0345 988 1188 Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999

Campus West Entertainment 0300 3039 620

Hertfordshire Police 101

Museum Service 01707 357850

NSPCC: Childline 0800 1111 HelpLine 0808 800 5000

(all areas for non-emergencies)

NHS non-emergency 111 (24-hour healthcare advice)

www.facebook.com/ welwynhatfield

General enquiries 0300 123 4040

@WelHatCouncil

Pest Control – Dial-a-Pest 03444 828 334

RSPCA 0300 1234 999 (24-hour service for reporting mistreated, injured or distressed animals) Samaritans 116 123 Shopmobility Hatfield Town Centre 01707 275751 Shopmobility Galleria 01707 278301 Shopmobility Howard Centre, WGC 01707 336688 Thames Water 0800 980 8800 (sewerage problems, blocked main drains) Water Emergencies (Affinity) 0345 357 2407 Leakspotters (Affinity) 0800 376 5325 Women’s Refuge and Advice 01707 373743

www.welhat.gov.uk | 01707 357000

Life

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WHAT’S ON Music, Dance and Drama WGC ORCHESTRA The programme for the evening will include Mozart, Kyrie in D Minor, K.341; Balakirev, Overture on Russian Themes; Borodin, Symphony No.3 and Faure's Requiem.

St John’s Church, Monks Rise, WGC, AL8 7NF. Saturday 16 March, 7.30pm Tickets £13.50, or £8 for students Contact: 01707 391224 tickets@wgcms.org.uk

BALLROOM, LATIN, SEQUENCE DANCING North Mymms Memorial Hall, Station Road, Welham Green, AL9 7PG Every Wednesday evening 8-10pm, £4 Contact: Russell 01707 264154

SOCIAL DANCES FOR ALL AGES Includes ballroom, Latin, sequence, rock and roll and jive. University of Hertfordshire, Club de Havilland April 13, June 8, October 19. Tickets £10 Enquiries: valwgc@hotmail.com

Arts and Crafts WGC TUESDAY ART GROUP The Friends Meeting Hall, Handside Lane, WGC Every Tuesday, 9.30am-12noon Contact: Carolyn 01707 373994

Leisure and Recreation HERTFORDSHIRE HEALTHWALKS Various locations across the borough.

Visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks for more information.

01707 357850 www.welhat.gov.uk/ museum

BREAD MAKING COURSES Learn to make delicious wholemeal, Mediterranean or seasonable breads, or immerse yourself in the world of historical cooking.

All courses include a delicious homemade lunch and an information pack including recipes. Gift vouchers are available.

Courses will be running throughout the year. Please check our website or contact Mill Green Museum for further information.

WOOD TURNING TASTER DAYS

CRESTA COUTURE 10 February - 7 July 2019 A partnership exhibition with the University of Hertfordshire celebrating the innovative and stylish fabrics created by local textile company Cresta Silks from the 1920s to the 1970s.

Original Cresta items from the museum's collection will be displayed, alongside contemporary pieces and designs created by fashion students at the University of Hertfordshire.

14 SPRING 2019 | ISSUE NO.62

40 YEARS OF MILL GREEN EXHIBITIONS 24 March – 19 May 2019 Celebrating 40 years since the restoration work on the mill began. Come and see photos and objects from our collection showcasing the magnificent mill.

Saturday 6 April and Saturday 22 June This hands-on workshop starts at 10am and will finish around 4:30pm. You will need to bring a packed lunch, but hot and cold drinks will be provided throughout the day. You will be shown how to use a lathe and provided with all the materials you need to produce some wonderful items under the supervision of our expert course tutor.

Some of the learning time will be spent indoors but the practical lathe work will be outside under a marquee even if wet, so please bring appropriate clothing. £75.00 for the day. Booking essential.

NATIONAL OPEN MILLS WEEKEND Sunday 12 May Let’s celebrate our milling tradition! Join us for a special afternoon filled with children’s activities, Morris dancers, bread making demonstrations, themed refreshments, tours of the mill, plus lots more! 2-5pm, free entry.

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FRIDAY NIGHT KICKS Gosling Sports Park. Every Friday, 8-10pm For all teens aged between 14-19 years old.

All abilities welcome and you don’t have to be with a team. £1 to play.

WELWYN HATFIELD DEAF CLUB Ludwick Family Centre, Hall Grove, WGC, AL7 4PH. Last Friday of the month, 7-9pm Club for deaf, hard of hearing and those learning British Sign Language Small fee for adults, free for children

More events can be found at www.welhat.gov.uk/events or www.thebestof.co.uk/local/ welwyn-and-hatfield

Egg-cellent hunt back in Hatfield Hatfield’s Easter Egg Hunt is making an egg-citing return to the town centre!

The hunt will last for two weeks – from Monday 8 April to Monday 22 April – during which time participating town centre shops will be concealing eggs in their aisles for children to discover!

Participants then have to write down the name of each egg, alongside the shop they found it in, on an activity card which can be picked up from the reception at White Lion House or participating shops from Monday 8 April.

Completed activity sheets then need to be dropped at White Lion House reception, or through the letter box outside of opening hours. There are eggciting prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place!

Published by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, Council Offices, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6AE.

EASTER HOLIDAY Open every day 2-5pm from Saturday 6 April – Monday 22 April.

Roman themed craft activities on the following dates: Monday 8 April • Monday 15 April Monday 22 April

MAY HALF TERM Open every day 2-5pm from Saturday 25 May – Sunday 2 June.

Roman themed craft activity on Monday 27 May

TODDLER MORNINGS

MAY HALF TERM

28 March Easter Fun 10-11.30m 25 April Yellow Ducks 10-11.30am Join us for a relaxed and fun-packed toddler workshop with stories, craft activities, and play time. Cost is £3 per toddler, which includes a drink and a biscuit, and a visit to the mill and museum for one adult. No booking required, just come along.

Arts and crafts workshops on the following dates:

EASTER HOLIDAY Arts and crafts workshops on the following dates:

Tuesday 28 May • Wednesday 29 May Thursday 30 May Arts and crafts workshop times are: 10.00am, 11.15am, 1.15pm and 2.30pm.

No booking required, just come along, but please come at the start of the session as you will need a full hour to make your creations.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for 4 years and over. Cost is £3.50 per child per workshop.

All arts and crafts workshop times during Easter and May half term are 2.00pm 4.00pm.

No booking required, just come along but please come at the start of the session as you will need a full hour to make your creations. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for 4 years and over.

Cost: £3.50 per child per workshop. Check our website for full details on our activities.

Tel: 01707 357000

Tuesday 9 April • Wednesday 10 April Thursday 11 April • Tuesday 16 April Wednesday 17 April • Thursday 18 April

www.welhat.gov.uk | 01707 357000

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WHAT’S ON Our next Panto!

12 - 31 December 2019 Blue performances 27 – 30 December

EVENT CINEMA

RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER All those who booked for our 2018 panto, Aladdin, can reserve their preferred tickets now without paying until midnight on 30 April 2019.*

If you want the best seats in the house for the joy and magic of traditional pantomime, please book early to avoid disappointment.

There will be select performances available for our schools from 11 December.

Visit www.cwentertainment.co.uk or call 0300 3039 620 for information and to buy tickets *reserved tickets not paid for by this date will automatically be released back on sale.

8 – 17 March British Science Week 2019 is a week dedicated to celebrating the best of science across the nation!

In collaboration with the British Science Association, Campus West is screening a programme of films from SciFi classics for the adults to science-themed animated movies for the kids. There will be special Create and Play craft sessions in Soft Play City, where children will get to work on their own artistic science projects.

Book a fun roller party!

RollerCity has added another award to its growing trophy cabinet - it was crowned winner of the Best Active Day Out from national website Day Out With The Kids. The venue has just launched Roll on Friday which is a great value new roller skating party night for a close group of up to 10 friends, for a hugely enjoyable end-of-the-week geared for older children and teenagers.

Either buy food from the RollerCity café, bring your own food - or make it even more of a night out and have a pizza delivered. Buy one of 10 tables for £80 per table, each with up to 10 skaters, including skate hire, and 5 spectators can enter free of charge.

ZEBRA DISCOUNT CARD You can get up to 50% off tickets, food and soft drinks with a FREE Zebra Card. Please go online, chat to one of our staff for more information or fill out a form the next time you visit.

Visit www.cwentertainment.co.uk/memberships now to make sure you don’t miss out. www.cwentertainment.co.uk

NORTHERN BALLET’S BITE SIZE BALLET: THE THREE LITTLE PIGS 23 & 24 March

75TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING THE GREAT ESCAPE WITH DAN SNOW 24 March

WILDE WEDNESDAY SEASON: AN IDEAL HUSBAND 27 March

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE: LA FORZA DEL DESTINO (ENCORE) 28 & 29 July

RSC LIVE: AS YOU LIKE IT 17 April

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE: FAUST 30 April

NT LIVE FROM THE OLD VIC: ALL MY SONS 14 May

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE: MIXED TRIPLE BILL (BALLET) 16 May

RSC LIVE: THE TAMING OF THE SHREW 5 June MEASURE FOR MEASURE 11 June

CODE TO COME FROM HARRY

We are delighted to announce that our 2019 pantomime will be Snow White, produced with the customary Campus West flair.

As usual, our fun and festive family panto will be joined by our crowd-pleasing ‘blue’ performances for those who enjoy more adult humour…watch this space!