Labour's 5 point plan for jobs
This is a really worrying time for families, struggling with higher food prices and gas bills and worried about their jobs and their children’s futures. That’s why Labour has set out a clear five-point plan for jobs, to help struggling families and support small businesses.
Art at the Junction
Jackie Connal with Janet Tyndale at the unveiling
Jackie writes: 'Many of our readers will have (since 18th November) walked or will be walking along the bridge at Watford Junction Station that takes you to the ‘Abbey Flyer’ from Watford to St. Albans and back again. You will have been amazed at the works of art on one side of the bridge and will be wondering who created them.
The first picture you encounter, when leaving Watford, is the one attached which was created by young people from Woodside Church of the Nazarene youth club. It was lovely to meet the young people responsible for this work who were full of energy and will, I hope, complete another work in the not too distant future. It was also lovely to meet Janet Tyndale, without whom, none of this would have happened.Janet explained that the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership developed this project to engage local residents of Watford to create artworks to enhance the station environment for people using the Abbey Line.
The remaining posters are by Dale and Callum from the YMCA. They are superb and everyone should see them. Please click on www.projectatob.wordpress.com to read more.
The only problem is that you must allow yourself time or you might miss your train!'
The first picture you encounter, when leaving Watford, is the one attached which was created by young people from Woodside Church of the Nazarene youth club. It was lovely to meet the young people responsible for this work who were full of energy and will, I hope, complete another work in the not too distant future. It was also lovely to meet Janet Tyndale, without whom, none of this would have happened.Janet explained that the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership developed this project to engage local residents of Watford to create artworks to enhance the station environment for people using the Abbey Line.
The remaining posters are by Dale and Callum from the YMCA. They are superb and everyone should see them. Please click on www.projectatob.wordpress.com to read more.
The only problem is that you must allow yourself time or you might miss your train!'
Parking proposals spark angry protest
Asif and Anne review results
West Watford CPZ consultation extended to 27th August
Jackie Connal
Residents now have until 27 August to return their parking surveys thanksto action from your local Labour team. Lib Dem-run Watford council finally bowed to Labour pressure to conduct a review of the Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) in West Watford first introduced by Labour in 1996.
However, the council, seemingly unaware that people may be away, then proposed an unrealistic short timescale for responses. Councillor Nigel Bell’s protests led to them doing a U-turn and extending the deadline by a fortnight.
All properties within the current CPZ (including those roads in the current Match Day Parking Scheme), roads in the Kelmscott Crescent/Kelmscott Close area and roads off Kings Georges Avenue have been included within the survey distribution. In all, over 9,000 surveys have been dropping through letter boxes.
Make sure you give your views on some or all of the following:
· The timing of the controls
· Whether Sundays and bank holidays should be included
· The zone boundaries
· The number of permits per household
· Visitor permits
· Amount of ‘pay and display’
Councillor Jackie Connal (pictured) said; “Many residents have contacted me and my colleagues about the congestion in West Watford and were fed up waiting for the Lib-Dems to act to give residents a say on the chaos on our streets. After pressure from your Labour team we have the survey.” Residents who may not have received their survey form can contact their councillors for one.
However, the council, seemingly unaware that people may be away, then proposed an unrealistic short timescale for responses. Councillor Nigel Bell’s protests led to them doing a U-turn and extending the deadline by a fortnight.
All properties within the current CPZ (including those roads in the current Match Day Parking Scheme), roads in the Kelmscott Crescent/Kelmscott Close area and roads off Kings Georges Avenue have been included within the survey distribution. In all, over 9,000 surveys have been dropping through letter boxes.
Make sure you give your views on some or all of the following:
· The timing of the controls
· Whether Sundays and bank holidays should be included
· The zone boundaries
· The number of permits per household
· Visitor permits
· Amount of ‘pay and display’
Councillor Jackie Connal (pictured) said; “Many residents have contacted me and my colleagues about the congestion in West Watford and were fed up waiting for the Lib-Dems to act to give residents a say on the chaos on our streets. After pressure from your Labour team we have the survey.” Residents who may not have received their survey form can contact their councillors for one.
Cycle path sign no cycle path!
AVRIL HALEY - Labour's Candidate for the HCC Elections on 2nd May 2013
Avril Haley lives in Stanley Road in Central Watford with her family. She is a real local community champion and is Labour's candidate in the Central Oxhey Division in the Herts County Council elections on 2nd May 2013 Contact Avril on 07947183292
Vandalised trees replaced
Nasreen Shah & Jagtar Singh Dhindsa
Thanks to action by Cllrs Jagtar Singh Dhindsa and Nasreen Shah, street trees across Vicarage ward that have been snapped by vandals have now been replaced. If you spot anyone damaging trees please report this immediately to the police or the council.
Graffiti removed thanks to Mo
Graffiti in Westbury Road
Liverpool Road repaired thanks to Mo
Potholes in Liverpool Road
Labour team in St.James Road area
Vicarage Labour Team Sat 28th Jan.
Councillors Mo Mills and Jagtar Singh Dhindsa were out with their team meeting residents in St James/Liverpool Road area. Residents complained of potholes, poor street sweeping, graffiti, street lighting and blocked sewers. Your Labour Team have reported these and will be following up to ensure action is taken. See successes below.
Street sign re-erected
Matt and Cllr Jackie Connal
Actually they didn't do it themselves but Matt and Cllr Jackie Connel spotted this broken street sign on one of their ward inspections and got it replaced.
Increase in fly-tipping
Matt reports dumped mattress
Matt has reported this dumped mattress and asked that the Council remove it. Fly-tipping has increased massively since the Lib Dem Council introduced £25 charges for removal of large items, Matt says: "No one condones dumping but the Lib Dems didn't think this through. Collections were free under Labour."
Street lights fiasco - off at night but on in day!
Matt has reported one of many lights in Holywell that are now on for 24 hours a day!
Since the Tory County Council tried to save money by turning off the lights, the timers they installed at a cost of over £1million are failing. Labour wants to see the lights put back on at night so that people can feel safe in their beds and shift workers and others feel safe walking home.
Since the Tory County Council tried to save money by turning off the lights, the timers they installed at a cost of over £1million are failing. Labour wants to see the lights put back on at night so that people can feel safe in their beds and shift workers and others feel safe walking home.
Councillors on 'walkabout'
Nasreen Shah, Nigel Bell, Mo Mills and Jagtar Singh Dhindsa
Vicarage ward councillors were joined by County Councillor Nigel Bell on a walk around Vicarage ward on 30th June. Below are just a few of the problems they found which they''ll get sorted.
Royal Jubilee Mural
Job Done - thanks to Mo
A delighted shopkeeper thanks Mo for getting the rubbish cleared and bins provided. Mo says, "Now lets keep it that way!"
"Clear it up!" says Mo
Mo Mills wants a proper solution to this rubbish which is regularly being dumped in Harwoods Road. She's working with the shopkeeper and the Council to get it sorted.
Repairs sorted by Nasreen
The Community Housing Trust responded quickly to Nasreen's request that a new fascia board be fitted at Swanston House.
"Get it fixed" says Nasreen
Residents of Swanston House say their home looks neglected with a rotten fascia board over their front door. Nasreen has asked the Watford Community Housing Trust to get it fixed,
And now filled!
The Highways Department acted quickly when Jagtar got onto them.
Potholes reported
Jagtar feels that the County Council have had long enough to repair the potholes cause by winter frost. He wants these potholes in Mildred Avenue repaired immediately.
Councillors Tune In
Jackie and Matt with WHR's Mark Nicholas
Holywell Labour Councillors, Jackie Connal and Matt Turmaine visited Watford Hospital on Tuesday May 22nd to celebrate the opening of the new Studio 2 at the Watford Hospital Radio station.
BBC Radio 2 DJ, Johnnie Walker was on hand at the launch and interviewed by the station before greeting staff and guests.
The new studio will provide an opportunity to record more programmes, permit interviews to be conducted while Studio 1 is being used and offer a greater level of flexibility for the station's output.
You don't have to be in hospital to listen to Watford Hospital Radio, you can download the TuneIn app to listen wherever you are, visit the website at www.watfordhospitalradio.com and can follow the station on social networks; Twitter: @WHRWatford and FB: Watford Hospital Radio.
BBC Radio 2 DJ, Johnnie Walker was on hand at the launch and interviewed by the station before greeting staff and guests.
The new studio will provide an opportunity to record more programmes, permit interviews to be conducted while Studio 1 is being used and offer a greater level of flexibility for the station's output.
You don't have to be in hospital to listen to Watford Hospital Radio, you can download the TuneIn app to listen wherever you are, visit the website at www.watfordhospitalradio.com and can follow the station on social networks; Twitter: @WHRWatford and FB: Watford Hospital Radio.
16 miles for the New Hope Trust
Holywell Labour Councillor Matt Turmaine and his wife Jeanette did a gruelling 16 mile charity fundraising walk for Watford's New Hope Trust on Saturday 16th June. Pictured here before the start of their walk, the funds raised will go to help the work of the trust in supporting local homeless people.
A West Watford Fiesta
Cllr Jackie Connal at the Portugese fiesta held at Laurance Haines School on Saturday, 7th July with some Portugese residents in traditional costume.
Jackie said, "It was a fantastic event with singing,dancing and fundraising by the Portugese Association."
Cllr Nigel Bell,who also attended the event later in the evening said, "it was fantastic to see hundreds of Portugese residents from Watford and beyond with their vibrant music along with other local residents from West Watford who were able to join in with the celebrations from local streets.
"The food and games and family atmosphere showed the rich culture that we have here in West Watford that attracted people from as far afield as Camden and Central London.
"We are lucky to have such a hard working and respected community who have settled here."
Jackie said, "It was a fantastic event with singing,dancing and fundraising by the Portugese Association."
Cllr Nigel Bell,who also attended the event later in the evening said, "it was fantastic to see hundreds of Portugese residents from Watford and beyond with their vibrant music along with other local residents from West Watford who were able to join in with the celebrations from local streets.
"The food and games and family atmosphere showed the rich culture that we have here in West Watford that attracted people from as far afield as Camden and Central London.
"We are lucky to have such a hard working and respected community who have settled here."
Kodokan Kendo Club opens
Kazuyo Matsuda and Paul Budden
Cllr Jackie Connal at the opening of this new club in Rembrandt House on Saturday 18th August. Jackie said, "I would like to thank everyone for making me so
welcome. It is an amazing sport for both
sexes and all ages and I would encourage readers to go onto their web site www.kodokankendo.org to find out more."
Jackie celebrates playground 35 years
With Paul Banks (Play Services Manager) and Amber Pearce (Team Leader)
Cllr Jackie Connal visited the Harwoods Adventure Playground in September to congratulate them on their first 35 years of serving West Watford kids. The playground gives a free fun and challenging environment for all children and young people to play and socialise together. They are open all year round except for bank holidays offering both indoor and outdoor activities. If people want to know more then go to www.watford.gov.uk/play
Museum Christmas cheer
Jackie dons firefighter's helmet
Holywell councillor Jackie Connal joined Watford firefighters at Watford Museum on Sat. 8th December for a Christmas celebration. Jackie said, "It was a very special time with children’s craft
workshops and wonderful crafts and gifts made by local artisans."
Sewage floods onto Stripling Way
Raw sewage still on Stripling Way
Cllr Nigel Bell is demanding punitive action against the private maintenance company that has caused raw sewage to flood out of Faraday Court and onto Stripling Way on four occasions in the past month. He has also asked the Council to clear up the raw sewage and toilet paper still lying on Stripling Way where children walk to school. Pictured here with local resident Frank Cooper and Matt Turmaine, Nigel said: "The Environment Agency must take action against this company to ensure this health hazard is not repeated."
STOP PRESS: Watford Council have responded to Nigel Bell by cleaning up the sewage on Stripling Way
STOP PRESS: Watford Council have responded to Nigel Bell by cleaning up the sewage on Stripling Way
Holywell Councillors support Celebration! 2012
Jackie Connal signing Amnesty Petition
Labour Councillors Jackie Connal and Matt Turmaine supported Watford's fantastic inter-faith celebration on Monday 7th May at the Colesseum - Watford Celebration! 2012. Pictured here, Jackie signs the Amnesty International petition whilst Matt and his wife visit the New Hope trust staff. New Hope Trust supports local homeless people find their way back into mainstream life, Also pictured is the Royal Jubilee Mural designed by Watford young people between the ages of 11 and 16 to celebrate The Queens Diamond Jubilee. Celebration! has a full programme of performances on the stage, where all kinds of musical groups and dancers perform. In the auditorium there is an array of stalls for community groups and charities, faith groups and hobbies.
If you missed out in 2012 look out for the 2013 Celebration www.watfordcelebration.com
If you missed out in 2012 look out for the 2013 Celebration www.watfordcelebration.com
Action by the A-team
Another Leggatts road re-surfaced - Thanks to the A-team - Anne and Asif
Dog mess in Berry Avenue
The Lib Dems have taken away dog-poo bins and say it should go in ordinary bins - how unhygenic!
Anne 'Tunes In'
Anne with WHR's Mark Nicholas
Leggatts Labour councillor Anne Joynes visited Watford Hospital on Tuesday May 22nd to celebrate the opening of the new Studio 2 at the Watford Hospital Radio station.
BBC Radio 2 DJ, Johnnie Walker was on hand at the launch and interviewed by the station before greeting staff and guests.
The new studio will provide an opportunity to record more programmes, permit interviews to be conducted while Studio 1 is being used and offer a greater level of flexibility for the station's output.
You don't have to be in hospital to listen to Watford Hospital Radio, you can download the TuneIn app to listen wherever you are, visit the website at www.watfordhospitalradio.com and can follow the station on social networks; Twitter: @WHRWatford and FB: Watford Hospital Radio.
BBC Radio 2 DJ, Johnnie Walker was on hand at the launch and interviewed by the station before greeting staff and guests.
The new studio will provide an opportunity to record more programmes, permit interviews to be conducted while Studio 1 is being used and offer a greater level of flexibility for the station's output.
You don't have to be in hospital to listen to Watford Hospital Radio, you can download the TuneIn app to listen wherever you are, visit the website at www.watfordhospitalradio.com and can follow the station on social networks; Twitter: @WHRWatford and FB: Watford Hospital Radio.
So did the Khan's in Chestnut Walk
I backed Anne
Len Holmes of Leggatts Wood Avenue backed Anne in the elections on May 2nd as a local champion that gets things done
Jubilee fun at Holytree House
Anne and Asif enjoy Jubilee fun
Anne writes: "There was plenty of Jubilee fun to be had at Hollytree House on Saturday, 2nd June when we visited- a barbecue, games and music made for a great day and it was sunny, too. The day at Hollytree House was organised by the Courtlands' Residents they even organised the sunshine; quite a feat for the weekend. We were all made to feel very welcome and many people showed the 'Jubilee spirit' with colourful hats and even a patriotic wig! There were games and a fantastic barbecue. The best part of the day for me was the wicked line-dancing which was performed by some of the residents of Hollytree House."
Sewer collapse?
Asif has reported this hole that is growing in Victoria Road. He fears the sewer below may have collapsed. He has asked the Highways Dept to look at it urgently.
Callowland action
Anne and her team
Anne Joynes will be demanding tough action after residents of Breakspeare Close complained to her about cars driving on their green and smashing down fences erected to protect the grass.
More potholes reported by Anne
Anne has reported potholes that require immediate attention
- Outside 31, Ashby Road
- Surface broken up at junction of Ashby Road and gammons Lane
- Outside 25, Woodside
- Outside 86, Beechwood Rise
If you have a pothole to report contact Anne 07713146810
- Outside 31, Ashby Road
- Surface broken up at junction of Ashby Road and gammons Lane
- Outside 25, Woodside
- Outside 86, Beechwood Rise
If you have a pothole to report contact Anne 07713146810
New No.10 bus route in Watford
Councillors and bus company staff celebrate the new route. For more information on the route click here
"It didn't take long to fill this skip in the Hornets!" said Labour Councillor Mo Mills
Community Clean up
Mo Mills and Jagtar with local residents
Mo Mills and her team were out across Vicarage Ward on 11th Feb clearing alley-ways and filling skips paid from their Council locality budget.
Support for West Herts Youth Football Club
Mo presents cheque to coach Andy Ward
Cllr Mo Mills was at West Herts Sports Ground to present a cheque for £516.00 for equipment for the West Herts Youth Football Club, from the Community Engagement Fund, for the Vicarage Ward. Mo said, "This is a great community team for local young people and I am delighted to support them".
Watford announced as one of Labour's 'target seats' for 2015 general election.
Labour main challenger in 2015
The Labour Party has published it's 106 target seats for the next general election. These include Watford as one of 13 seats in the east of England that Labour must win to form a majority government in 2015. Watford has been a three-way marginal seat in recent general elections but a swing of less than 5% could return the constituency to Labour. The seat was held by Labour between 1997 and 2010. It is a key marginal with Labour expected to be the main challenger to the Tory incumbent in 2015. Meanwhile, Watford Constituency Labour Party has started the process to select a parliamentary candidate for the next General Election. Applications from Labour Party members closed on the 19th January 2013. Selection will be on the basis of one member one vote. Details of voting arrangements will be posted to party members in the near future. Members unable to attend the hustings meeting may apply for a postal vote by 30th January.
Confusion over Meriden Community Centre 'deal'
Seamus meets local resident Stephen Moss and Head of Community Sports Neil Hart at the Centre
Seamus has expressed his concerns over the future of the centre following the public consultation meeting on 28th February. He said, "For the last year they have been saying that the deal with the Trust has been completed. But now we learn that there is no deal because the Council will not guarantee the funding. How can they expect the Trust to take over when its funding could be cut at any time? Cllr Jan Brown and the Liberal Democrats have let down the Meriden yet again!"
