Summer 2015 - Hertfordshire County Council

Scarlett Johansson among the stars
making movie magic in Hertfordshire
Page 7
Smart economic growth
Developing our County of Opportunity
Pages 12-13
Career in caring
Could you be a care worker?
Page 15
Summer 2015
www.hertsdirect.org
your news from Hertfordshire County Council
Bringing Hollywood
to Hertfordshire
contents
15
17
Email: hertsdirect@hertfordshire.gov.uk
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Front cover image of Scarlett Johansson
in Avengers: Age of Ultron: the Hollywood
blockbuster is one of many major film
productions to use locations in Hertfordshire.
Photograph: Jay Maidment. ©Marvel 2015
18
environmental tip
Planning on visiting one of
the county’s household waste
recycling centres?
Here’s a few top tips to remember
when visiting your local centre:
•Before you set out, think if what
you are recycling can be placed
in your kerbside collection
•Pre-sort your items before you
arrive. It’ll save you time once
you get there
•Check your local centre’s
opening times/days online
before you go
•Try not to turn up just as the
centre is opening or closing to
avoid the queue
•If you are tipping household
waste using your own van,
pickup truck, commercial-type
vehicle or vehicle and trailer
combination, remember that
you need a permit. These are
free, and you can apply at www.
hertsdirect.org/wasteaware
04
Leader’s column & Latest
news from around Hertfordshire
07
Bringing Hollywood
to Hertfordshire
09
Summer work on your highways
11
A revolution in
children’s social care
12
Helping Hertfordshire’s
economy grow
15
Could you have
a career in care?
17
Bringing the library home
18
County Show
& Competition
20
Who’s responsible for what
in Hertfordshire
21
Staying clear of scams
22
What’s on
& A-Z of council services
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3
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Changes to subsidised
bus services
Leader’s column
I was pleased to see that more
than two-thirds of Hertfordshire’s
voters cast their vote in the recent
General Election, well above the
national average. David Cameron’s
Conservatives were returned to
government with an overall majority
and with their manifesto commitment
to continue to reduce the national
deficit through reductions in public
spending.
Inevitably, local government services
will have to contribute to the on-going
squeeze, which means that the county
council will have to reduce its spending
even further over the next few years.
We are now at the halfway point of our
four year term and I am proud of what we
have achieved so far, despite the financial
restraints. We have created thousands
of additional school places and our
youngsters continue to achieve excellent
results; we are improving the way we
deliver social care to a growing number of
children and adults; and we have invested
in the county’s infrastructure (which you
can read about on pages 12 and 13).
Changes to the way Hertfordshire County
Council subsidises some bus services will
come into effect in September, saving local
taxpayers nearly £1.5m a year.
Most of our savings have come through
greater efficiency but some tough choices
have had to be made to balance the
books. Recently, we have had to reduce
the council taxpayer’s subsidy for noncommercial bus services – but we have
managed not to shut a single library,
children’s centre or household waste
recycling centre.
There is still time to take part in a real-life walking game
which has gripped the imagination of Hertfordshire residents.
Over the next few years, we will continue
to listen to local people in making these
difficult judgements, and will strive to find
the right balance between the interests of
service users and local taxpayers.
Beat the Street rewards residents with points when they take a walk
and is a fun way to keep fit. But hurry – the competition closes on
20 July. Wazima, 11, from Watford, who helped launch the scheme,
said: “It’s easy to do and will help everyone get more exercise. You
can walk, cycle and might win prizes too!”
Robert Gordon CBE
Leader, Hertfordshire County Council
Read my blog at www.hertsdirect.org
Step out this summer
If you’d rather something a little more relaxed, try one of
Hertfordshire’s health walks. Or if you prefer two wheels instead
of two feet, Hertfordshire’s action-packed Summer of Cycling is in
full swing. The Tour of Hertfordshire series ends in Welwyn Garden
City on 26 July.
To find out more about any of these activities, visit
www.hertsdirect.org/healthinherts
Follow in
Anton’s
footsteps
Rocketing
into the future
A space-themed project is helping primary
schoolchildren reach for the stars when it comes
to their future careers.
Getting a job may seem light years away for pupils in
Years 5 and 6, but they have been inspired to think
ahead through fun, educational workshops on the
theme ‘rocketing into the future’ run by Hertfordshire
County Council’s Youth Connexions.
By preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities
and experiences ahead, they’ll be ready for lift off later
on. For more details email rocketintothefuture@
hertfordshire.gov.uk or phone 01438 843610.
4
Summer 2015
Firefighters help young
people with LiFE’s
challenges
Hertfordshire County Council’s fire and rescue service
ran its 100th LiFE (Local Intervention Fire Education)
course in May.
During the week-long programme, run at Welwyn Garden City
fire station, young people were mentored by firefighters and
learned to perform a range of fire and rescue duties.
Since the first course in 2006 our firefighters have worked with
1,500 young people with discipline issues to challenge negative
behaviour and build their confidence and self-awareness.
Anton Cattini is one
of more than 100 young
people who have been
given a helping hand with
their future careers by the
Prince’s Trust programme
run by Hertfordshire
County Council’s fire and
rescue service.
It helps 16 to 25 year olds gain the skills and experience needed
to thrive and prosper in employment. After completing the course,
Anton successfully applied for a job with the council and is now
passing on his experiences to other young people as a team
leader on the Prince’s Trust course at Cheshunt fire station.
He said: “I hope that I can encourage and inspire future team
members to give 100 per cent as I am proof that the programme
can be life-changing.”
The majority of bus routes are commercially operated
so only a small proportion of total journeys will be
affected by the changes, which were agreed following
public consultation. Visit www.hertsdirect.org/bus
to get the latest on affected journeys.
Derrick Ashley, Cabinet Member for Environment,
Planning and Transport, said: “We had to balance
the needs of the bus user alongside other taxpayers’
and the fact is that the most non-commercial services
affected by these changes are underused.
“However, commercial operators may still decide to
run these routes without a subsidy. We are committed
to working with them, community transport groups
and the voluntary sector to mitigate the impact on bus
users, including considering and developing alternative
transport options.”
Tackling fraud together
Fraud which is costing Hertfordshire taxpayers
£12m a year is being tackled with the launch of a
new service.
Hertfordshire County Council is working with its district
and borough partners to investigate, detect and
prevent fraud across council services, from business
rates to Blue Badges.
For further information, visit
www.hertsdirect.org/reportfraud
If you have a concern about fraud you can email
fraud.team@hertscc.gcsx.gov.uk or contact the
fraud hotline on 0300 123 4033 in confidence.
Hold your meeting
or event at a
Hertfordshire library
Libraries across the county have a variety of
competitively priced rooms available for hire.
Prices range from £7.50 for a not-for-profit organisation
to hire a small room for an hour to £135 for a
commercial operator to hire a large room for a day.
For full details of venues and charges, visit
www.hertsdirect.org/roomhire
www.hertsdirect.org
5
Attracting Hollywood
to Hertfordshire
Scarlett Johansson is among a
galaxy of Hollywood stars making
movie magic in Hertfordshire.
for Maleficent and Into the Woods – and
Hatfield House – featured in Paddington
and Batman Begins.
Tring School for Performing Arts was the
setting for the American actress’s Russian
Ballet School scene in the Marvel comic
blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Approximately £8.6m was spent by film
and media companies in Hertfordshire last
year as a direct result of location filming,
with a single feature film bringing up to
£42,000-a-day into the local economy.
And a footpath running along a farm near
Rickmansworth was used to shoot another
of the film’s scenes with Robert Downey
Junior and Samuel L Jackson – creating
a unique piece of Hollywood history in
Hertfordshire.
It was the first time movie makers took
advantage of a new law, sponsored by
Hertfordshire County Council, making it
easier for them to use public roads and
footpaths for filming purposes.
The county is already an attractive
proposition for filmmakers with top
studios like Elstree in Borehamwood and
Warner Bros in Leavesden, and a range of
stunning rural and historic locations such
as the Ashridge Estate – the backdrop
Deputy Leader of Hertfordshire County Council
Chris Hayward and Creative England’s Hayley
Armstrong at the launch of the Film Charter
in Hertfordshire
Scarlett Johansson in her role as
Black Widow in Avengers: Age of Ultron
To attract even more interest and
investment, Hertfordshire County Council,
the county’s district and borough councils,
the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)
and Creative England signed up to a film
charter earlier this year.
This will help local authorities work with
film and TV production companies, offering
advice on locations, local film crews and
any permits required to film.
Aurelia Thomas, location manager on
Avengers, said: “We really appreciated
Hertfordshire County Council’s and
Creative England’s work to help us
coordinate our filming in the county.”
David Williams, Cabinet Member for
Enterprise, said: “The charter is a
celebration of Hertfordshire’s rich heritage
and continued status as a popular
destination for some of the biggest film
productions. It sends a clear signal that
we’ll work together to do all we can
to attract even more big film and TV
productions into the county.
“Last year we promoted our Filming on the
Highways Act through Parliament, giving
the county council new powers to close
roads for filming purposes, which has
added to Hertfordshire’s reputation as a
convenient and appealing location to film.”
Made in Hertfordshire
Did you know these movies used
locations in the county?
Star Wars (1977);
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Elstree Studios
First Knight (1995)
St Albans Cathedral
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Stevenage Bio Park
The Harry Potter films (2001 – 2011)
Warner Bros Studios, Leavesden
The World’s End (2013)
Welwyn Garden City and Letchworth Garden City
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Hemel Hempstead Hospital
Lights, Camera, Action!
Even if you’re unlikely to be cast in a
Hollywood movie maybe your property
could land a starring role.
Filmmakers are always looking for
locations, whether it’s a flat or a
suburban semi, a modern office or
manor house. If you’d like to see
your property on the big screen
you can register for free on Creative
England’s database at www.
creativeengland.co.uk/productionservices/filming-locations
Local crew – from lighting
professionals to make-up artists –
can also register so productions
filming in the area can get in
touch with you. Visit at www.
creativeengland.co.uk/productionservices/crew-and-facilities
www.hertsdirect.org
7
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Hertfordshire’s highways:
making headway
while the sun shines
Whether they’re repairing roads,
fixing footpaths or lopping long grass,
highways staff will be working up a
sweat this summer.
Did you know that Hertfordshire County
Council and its partner Ringway, together
with a number of specialist contractors,
will have around 70 maintenance teams
working on more than 1,000 highways
schemes across the county?
These include resurfacing more than
900 roads and dozens of footpaths;
cleaning around 160 bus shelters and
clearing 112,000 gullies, drains, pipes
and manholes. This is in addition to
routine maintenance, such as filling
potholes and cutting the grass around the
highways, which will continue as usual.
Our contractor Ringway deals with around
5.7m square metres of grass – equivalent
to approximately 800 full-sized football
pitches.
Alongside this work are hundreds of
schemes funded by members of the
council through their highways locality
budgets. Each of the 77 councillors
has approximately £90,000 a year to
allocate for highways maintenance in their
divisions. So if you have any good ideas
about work which will make a difference to
your local area, get in touch with your local
county councillor.
More information on the scheme is
available online at
www.hertsdirect.org/localitybudgets
Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for
Highways, said: “With less traffic during
summer and hopefully better weather, it’s
a particularly good time for us to progress
with maintenance and improvement
schemes. We want Hertfordshire to be
supported by an efficient and reliable
transport network, and this work is crucial
to keep motorists, cyclists and pedestrians
on the move throughout the county.”
For further information, visit
www.hertsdirect.org/roadworks
or to report a highways fault visit
www.hertsdirect.org/faultreporting
A new light for
A-roads in Hertfordshire
More than 12,600 streetlights
across the county will have been
changed to LED by the end of
July, saving energy and costs for
Hertfordshire’s taxpayers.
We have been upgrading A-road
streetlights across the county since
November with this modern technology.
Take a look when you are next out in the
evening – the traditional sodium lamps
look quite old fashioned and glow with an
orange light, while LEDs’ clean white light
is noticeably different.
LEDs have many advantages over
conventional street lamps:
• they can use up to 80 per cent less
energy compared to sodium lights,
helping reduce our carbon footprint
• they reduce light pollution by funnelling
the light down onto the road and paths
rather than leaking upwards to the sky
• they are more cost-effective to run
and have a longer life-span. The
upfront capital costs of £6.5m will be
retrieved over the next few years, with
ongoing savings of £660,000 each
year thereafter
For more information visit
www.hertsdirect.org/streetlights
www.hertsdirect.org
9
Keeping vulnerable
children safe
Plans to revolutionise children’s
social care for the most vulnerable
families in Hertfordshire are
progressing well.
We have looked at how we can make
it easier for our social workers to do
what they do best – look after those
who need help.
For the first time, a range of professionals
– social workers, domestic abuse
specialists, drug and alcohol experts
and mental health professionals – will
work together under one roof across an
entire service to tackle the root causes
of harm in families.
Richard Roberts, Cabinet Member for
Children’s Services, said: “This is a really
exciting scheme, with Hertfordshire leading
the way in this field. The aim is to work
with all members of the family to solve
issues that put children at risk, so children
can stay at home wherever possible, rather
than enter care.
A video called A Problem Solved
demonstrates how these teams will work
through the eyes of a child playing with
his toys. It can be viewed along with more
information on our plans at
www.hertsfamilysafeguarding.co.uk
“The changes will ensure our child
protection services are run in the most
efficient and effective way, but most
importantly help us ensure that all children
in Hertfordshire have the opportunity to live
in a safe home where they can thrive.”
Alison Andrews, who has worked in child
protection at Hertfordshire County Council
for five years, said: “People come into
social work to help people but there’s a
lot in it for you too – being able to help
people make changes makes you feel
good. I think everyone wants the best for
themselves and their children, and I want
to help them get there.”
Hertfordshire County Council, and its
partners in health, the police and probation
services, are using part of a £4.86m
government grant to fund the recruitment
of up to 80 new staff, who will join our new
family safeguarding teams.
Free vitamins for mums-to-be
and young children
Pregnant Beccy Mallett, from
Letchworth, and her son Dexter, are
among many people taking advantage
of free vitamins available from children’s
centres in Hertfordshire.
that me, Dex and bump
are getting what we need. It’s
great that I can pick them up
from my children’s centre – it’s
on my doorstep.”
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mums
and children aged six months to four
years are eligible for the vitamins, which
the NHS recommends for providing
essential nutrients. The partnership
scheme is funded by Hertfordshire
County Council.
Teresa Heritage, Cabinet Member for
Public Health, said: “A healthy start is
one of the most important things we can
give children. I encourage anyone who is
entitled to visit their children’s centre to
pick up their vitamins.”
Beccy said: “I’ve tried to be healthy
during this pregnancy and make sure
Dex is eating well too. Getting these
vitamins has given me peace of mind
For more information, including
where to find your local children’s
centre, visit www.hertsdirect.org/
childrenscentres
Beccy Mallett and her son, Dexter
www.hertsdirect.org
11
Helping Hertfordshire
to thrive and prosper
A602 improvements
on the west side of Stevenage by easing
traffic congestion, softening sharp bends
and improving visibility for all road users.
Location: Stevenage to/from Ware
Overview: Improving the road layout at
various locations between Stevenage and
Ware, including widening and realigning
junctions, enlarging roundabouts and installing
new traffic signals.
With beautiful countryside, a successful economy
and top-performing schools – as well as a rising birth
rate – more and more people are deciding to make
Hertfordshire their home.
Key to this is sustainable and smart economic growth supported
by the right level of infrastructure, an efficient and reliable
transport network, and one of the fastest internet services in
the country.
As the population grows so does the challenge for Hertfordshire
County Council to ensure that everyone – whether you’re young
or old, new to the county or a lifelong resident – is given the
opportunity to live in a thriving and prosperous community.
In this feature we highlight some of the key work we have been
doing with our partners to improve transport links, keep the
county connected and create jobs so that we continue to be the
County of Opportunity.
Benefits: Providing a more reliable east-west
route between the A10 in Ware and the A1(M)
Our role: We will promote the scheme,
oversee the design and construction of
the improvements, and share funding
with Hertfordshire’s LEP.
More information at
www.hertsdirect.org/A602
A120 bypass
Location: Little Hadham
Overview: A new road will bypass the current A120’s
route through Little Hadham, where motorists often
wait in long traffic queues as a result of a signalcontrolled junction in the centre of the village.
Croxley Rail Link
Benefits: Improve traffic flow on an important eastwest link in Hertfordshire’s primary road network
running from the A10 at Puckeridge eastwards to
join the M11 near Stansted Airport; reduce the traffic
congestion in the centre of Little Hadham; lower the
risk of river flooding in the area.
Location: Watford, connecting with London
Overview: The extension to London Underground’s Metropolitan
line will provide up to six trains an hour, linking Watford Junction
and Watford High Street with London.
Our role: We are promoting the scheme and leading
local funders, which includes the Hertfordshire LEP
and the Environment Agency, and will oversee the
design and construction of the bypass.
Benefits: A new London Underground rail link to central London;
better rail access for more households; an improved east-west
public transport connection for Watford and Croxley Green; and
an important public transport link for patients and employees of
the existing hospital.
More information at
www.hertsdirect.org/A120bypass
It will create more than 9,000 new jobs and provide an £8bn
boost to the economy by 2031.
Stevenage
Our role: We have driven the scheme from its inception,
contributed £30.5m and are coordinating the other local funding
partners including the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership
(LEP), which is the second largest contributor with £87.85m,
and Watford Borough Council, which has given £9.6m.
The rail link will be
constructed by
London Underground.
Bishops Stortford
Countywide schemes
Ware
Connected Counties superfast
broadband programme
Location: Countywide
Overview: Making fibre broadband
available to at least 98 per cent of
homes and businesses in the county.
An artist’s impression
of the new underground
station at Cassiobridge
and, below, the revised
tube map
St Albans
Benefits: By April 2016, an estimated
52,500 homes and businesses in
Growth Deal
Location: Countywide
Watford
The Ordnance Survey
mapping included within this
publication is based on the Ordnance
Survey material with the permission of the
Ordnance Survey on behalf the controller for
Her Majesty’s Stationery Office© Crown copyright.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright
and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Hertfordshire County Council 10019606 2015
12 Summer 2015
The A602
Overview: Government funding of
£221.5m secured by the Hertfordshire
LEP to help create thousands of new
homes and jobs, support business
growth and improve workforce skills
between 2015 and 2021.
Benefits: Up to 15,000 new jobs could
be created and 20,000 new homes built,
Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire will
have fibre broadband coverage with
speeds of up to 80Mbps.
Our role: Hertfordshire County Council
and the Hertfordshire LEP are matching
approximately £5.6m of Government
money. Information about the latest
upgrades can be found at
www.connectedcounties.org
with the potential to unlock £430m in
public and private investment.
Our role: Working with the LEP and
our district partners to ensure that
Growth Deal priorities are met, including:
identifying flagship areas for housing
and jobs; regenerating town centres;
reducing road congestion and improving
transport connections; supporting small
and medium sized enterprises; investing
in skills; and providing support for key
sector growth areas in the county.
www.hertsdirect.org
13
Consider a career in care
Are you looking for a rewarding career which offers a
wide range of opportunities?
Perhaps you could become a care worker like Audrey, Lynne,
Samir and Jessica? We feature their stories here as examples
of the many great jobs in Hertfordshire’s growing care sector.
Hertfordshire County Council has teamed up with
Hertfordshire Care Providers’ Association to celebrate the
excellent social care given to thousands of people across the
county by people like Audrey, Lynne, Samir and Jessica.
And we are looking for more people like them - we need to
recruit 2,000 care workers every year and the opportunities to
build a flourishing career are boundless.
Colette Wyatt-Lowe, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and
Health, said: “We are facing a massive challenge to recruit
enough care workers, but we are meeting it head on. Whether
you’re a job seeker, school or college leaver, a new graduate,
a parent looking for flexible work to fit round your family, or just
retired, there’s something for you.”
To find out more, visit www.hertsgoodcare.com
Lynne Simons, 55, from Hoddesdon, is deputy
manager of B&M Care’s St Andrew’s Care Home in
Welwyn Garden City.
“I didn’t go into care work until I’d turned 40 but I’m so glad I
did because I love it. I am passionate about supporting others
to do their jobs as well as they can.”
Jessica Bentley, 31, from Sawbridgeworth, works
as a leadership trainer for Hertfordshire Care
Providers’ Association.
“As the mum of a toddler, I have a great balance
between work and family life. Care work offers
flexibility as well as opportunity.”
Samir Nabil, 40, works at B&M Care’s St Andrew’s
Care Home in Welwyn Garden City.
“Working in a restaurant is okay but it’s not like working
here. I just enjoy it so much more. It’s great to do
something you enjoy while bringing so much pleasure to
other people.”
Audrey Chikomba, 33, from Stevenage, is team leader
for Meadow Care Services in Welwyn Garden City.
“It’s a wonderful career and it just doesn’t stop. You can
go from care worker to team leader to co-ordinator to
manager. There are so many opportunities including
nursing and social work and it’s a growing sector.”
www.hertsdirect.org
15
Bringing the
library home
“I receive around 25 books a month
and have been really impressed by the
wide selection and new publications
on offer – it’s a fabulous service.”
This is how Minnie Russel, 83, who lives
with her husband Norman in Bushey,
describes the home library service which
she started using in November 2014 after
she had a stroke and could no longer
travel to her local library.
Minnie continued: “I’ve always been a keen
reader – it’s even more important to me
now as we’re indoors nearly all the time.”
Volunteers deliver books and recordings
to residents’ homes if they are unable to
reach their local library because they are
housebound, have a disability, or care for
someone at home.
“If I’m getting low on books I start to
worry as it’s such a lifeline to me. I would
miss it terribly if I couldn’t read anymore.
I really enjoy serious fiction and also
historical novels.”
Volunteer Marion Cooper, 73, from
Watford, is retired and regularly delivers
books to Minnie. She said: “You only
have to give up around two or three hours
a month so it’s a small commitment but
Minnie Russel and Marion Cooper
it makes a big
difference to people
like Minnie who
love reading but
can’t get out and
about anymore.
It’s a great chance
to give something
back to the
community – a
lot of the people
to whom I deliver
books won’t have
seen anyone else
all week so they’re
always happy to
see me.”
There are plans for the service to be
expanded and improved to include
e-readers and downloadable audio.
The home library service will replace
the current mobile library service from
1 November. Teresa Heritage, Cabinet
Member for Libraries, said: “It is a more
personalised and cost-effective approach
for people unable to visit their local library –
or even a mobile library. The Home
Library service is not available to those
with caring responsibilities, but can be
accessed by carers on behalf of those
with a disability, mobility difficulties
or caring responsibilities.”
We are also exploring ways of
strengthening community-to-library
transport with support from local
charities and voluntary organisations
to help people access the wider range
of resources in town libraries.
If you would like to volunteer to deliver
books or to receive the home library
service, visit
www.hertsdirect.org/homelibrary
Are Hertfordshire’s children
record breakers?
Children will be asked to discover
weird, wonderful and wacky records
from around the world during this
year’s Summer Reading Challenge.
‘Record breakers’ is the theme for
The Reading Agency’s free challenge,
which takes place every year during
the summer holidays in libraries
across the country.
After signing up, children read six library
books of their choice, collecting stickers
and other rewards along the way. Last
year, 18,946 Hertfordshire children took
part in the ‘Mythical Maze’ challenge.
Children completing the challenge, which
runs from 11 July to 5 September while
stocks last, will be invited to a special
awards ceremony where they will receive
a certificate and a medal. They will also
be entered into a prize draw with the
chance to win a golden ticket for an
exclusive author event and some other
great prizes.
For more information, visit
www.hertsdirect.org/libraries,
or drop in to your nearest library.
www.hertsdirect.org
17
Community chat
at the County Show
Hundreds of people were
encouraged to take part in their
local communities when they
paid a visit to Hertfordshire
County Council’s bustling
marquee at this year’s County
Show.
Staff, councillors and volunteers
talked to residents about how
they could get involved in a range
of issues including health, fostering
and adoption, recycling and
fire safety.
Ian Sparks, from Hatfield, who
has been a fire safety volunteer in
Hertsmere and Welwyn Hatfield for
the last two years, was one of those
on hand. He said: “It’s important
to make sure people feel safe and
supported in the community. You
only have to help one person for it to
all be worthwhile.”
Fun activities highlighted the work
of Hertfordshire County Council,
for example a mini conveyor belt
showing how we recycle waste.
Finley and Oscar Wakefield,
pictured, were among the 350
people who gave it a try.
There was the chance to find out
more about the role of councillors,
and the locality budgets they have
available for community projects
and highways schemes. More
information on these grants is
available at www.hertsdirect.org/
localitybudgets
Members of the public also gave
their thoughts on our services, for
example Lorna Ashcroft, from St
Albans, who said: “I find Children’s
Centres really useful, as it means I
can speak to health visitors without
needing to visit my GP.”
Teresa Heritage, Cabinet Member
for Public Health, Localism and
Libraries, said: “The County Show
is a great opportunity for us to
speak directly with residents about
the issues that matter to them. As
councillors, we want to work with
communities to tackle local issues
together.”
Teresa, along with Hertfordshire
County Council Chairman Frances
Button and Hertfordshire
Agricultural Society President
Diana Cornish, presented prizes to
children who had taken part in an
artwork competition challenging
them to show what makes
Hertfordshire such a great place
for being outdoors.
Visit www.hertsdirect.org/
volunteer to find out more about
volunteering near you.
Finley and Oscar
Wakefield try their
hand at recycling at
the County Show
Inset: Megan Govey,
from Northfields Infants
School in Letchworth
Garden City, was
delighted to win first
place in her age group
in our art competition
Win a family day out
at Willows Activity Farm
Willows Activity Farm in St Albans is an
award-winning family leisure attraction.
With farm animals to meet, funfair rides to
enjoy as well as shows and adventure play,
Willows offers family fun all summer long.
From 18 July to 1 September, Willows is putting
on a ‘Summer Spectacular’ of activities including
Willows’ A-maize-ing Maze, with free popcorn
for each visiting child; a Carrot Carnival where
little ones can harvest a free bag of carrots; and
Fergie the Little Grey Tractor’s show. For dates
of each event and the full programme at Willows,
visit www.willowsactivityfarm.com or
call 0870 129 9718. You can also follow
@Willows_Farm on Twitter for the latest news.
For a chance to win a family day pass (admits
four) during the Summer Spectacular, simply
answer the following question:
18 Summer 2015
What is the name of the tractor
visiting Willows this summer?
a. Fergie
b. Freddie
c. Frankie
The prize draw will be held on 24 July 2015.
To enter, email your answer to
horizons@hertfordshire.gov.uk or
on a postcard to Willows competition,
Room 322, County Hall, Pegs Lane,
Hertford SG13 8DE. Please include
a daytime telephone number.
You can also enter via Facebook. Leave your
answer on our competition-related post at www.
facebook.com/hertscountycouncil
Who’s responsible for
what in Hertfordshire?
“It was really important
to me to give
something back”
Ben Brookman, from Hoddesdon,
pictured, was just 18 years old when
he decided to give something back
to his community and applied to
become a retained firefighter.
This is just one of many ways that you
can get involved in your local community,
whether you have just a few hours to
spare each month or have more time on
your hands.
Three years later, Ben is on his way to
becoming a whole-time firefighter.
Richard Thake, Cabinet Member for
Community Safety, said: “The people
of Hertfordshire are justifiably proud
of where they live and many, like Ben,
are active members of their community
– whether that’s helping to run local
groups, being part of litter picks or
looking out for neighbours and friends.
There are hundreds of local groups
across the county and many rely on the
support of dedicated volunteers.”
“It was really important to me to be able
to work within my own community and
give something back,” he said. “It’s been
so rewarding being a retained firefighter.
I’ve loved it so much I would really
recommend it to others.”
Front from left: Chris Hayward (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Performance); Robert Gordon (Leader); Derrick Ashley (Environment,
Planning and Transport). Back from left: David Williams (Enterprise, Education and Skills); Teresa Heritage (Public Health, Localism and Libraries); Terry Douris
(Highways); Richard Roberts (Children’s Services); Colette Wyatt-Lowe (Adult Care and Health); Richard Thake (Community Safety and Waste Management).
We appreciate that, as residents of
Hertfordshire, you know what’s best for
you and your communities. It’s our job
at Hertfordshire County Council to work
jointly with you to tackle local issues.
We are not the only ones – from MEPs to
parish councillors, there are various elected
representatives who can help you take part
in your community. But with so many tiers of
government, it’s not always obvious who’s
responsible for what.
So we’ve prepared a short guide on the
responsibilities of the councils which run
services in your area, and the role of your
recently elected MPs.
Hertfordshire County Council covers the
whole of the county and provides services
including education, children’s and adult
social care, highways, fire and rescue,
libraries, waste management, public health
and trading standards.
It is led by the Cabinet, pictured above,
and has 77 members representing
the interests of residents in every part
of the county.
Visit www.hertsdirect.org/your-council
for contact details of your local county
councillor. They should be your first port of
call if you have any questions or concerns.
You can also get in touch with them if you
need help with funding schemes which
would benefit your community.
Each councillor has £10,000 a year to
allocate on worthwhile projects, as well as
20 Summer 2015
£90,000 for highway maintenance work
in their divisions. To find out more about
these, and whether your group is eligible to
apply, please visit www.hertsdirect.org/
localitybudgets
Robert Gordon, Leader of the Council,
said: “We know that those closest to the
issue – the residents of Hertfordshire –
often come up with the best solution. It is
our job to make it easy for their solutions
to be put into action.”
District and borough councils
The county is split into 10 district and
borough councils which provide other local
services including housing, local planning,
bin collection and leisure facilities.
Town and parish councils
There are more than 100 town and parish
councils across Hertfordshire responsible
for issues such as running sports grounds,
community halls and allotments.
Your MPs
For national issues including tax, the
National Health Service, benefits,
immigration and the law, the best port
of call is your local MP (see table).
To contact your MP, write to them at
House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
MEPs are your elected representatives in
the European Union. Hertfordshire falls
within the UK’s Eastern region, which has
seven MEPs. Visit www.europarl.org.uk
for more details.
Following the General
Election Hertfordshire’s
11 MPs are:
Charles Walker OBE
(Broxbourne)
Rt Hon Mike Penning
(Hemel Hempstead)
Mark Prisk
(Herford & Stortford)
If you live or work less than four minutes
from a retained fire station you could,
like Ben, become part of our important
team of fully qualified ‘on-call’ firefighters.
To find out more please visit
www.hertsdirect.org/rds
To find out more about volunteering
opportunities in your area, visit
www.hertsdirect.org/volunteer
“It all started with a little booklet
we received with a newspaper”
“It all started with a little booklet we received with a
newspaper,” said Dennis. “We bought a few things from there
and then we were inundated with mail, containing all these
promises of prizes.”
Oliver Dowden
(Hertsmere)
Rt Hon Peter Lilley
(Hitchin & Harpenden)
Dennis’ wife Shirley was immediately suspicious and threw
away the mailings, but the lure of winning thousands was
too much for Dennis to resist. “I used to hide the magazines
under my cushion,” Dennis confessed, “and when Shirley
went to bed I’d get them out and write the cheques.”
Rt Hon Sir Oliver Heald QC
(North East Hertfordshire)
David Gauke
(South West Hertfordshire)
Stephen McPartland
(Stevenage)
The Casserleys, pictured, were flooded with mail over the
next year. Dennis admits that the stress of the financial
commitment and the deceit was having a disastrous effect
on his health.
Anne Main
(St Albans)
Richard Harrington
(Watford)
Rt Hon Grant Shapps
(Welwyn Hatfield)
Hertfordshire also has a Police and
Crime Commissioner. David Lloyd
was elected to represent your views
on crime and policing. Visit www.
hertscommissioner.org for more details.
Dennis Casserley is warning others not to follow in his
footsteps and fall prey to scammers.
The retired insurance broker from Berkhamsted was lured into
buying overpriced items from a catalogue with the promise
that his purchases would lead to a big cheque prize.
Hertfordshire County Council’s trading standards team
stepped in when Dennis’ details appeared on a list of people
sending money to a scam company. He was convinced to
stop sending cheques and a device was installed on their
phone to block sales calls.
“Trading Standards saved us a lot of money and took the
pressure off,” said Shirley, who warned: “If an offer is too
good to be true, then generally it is.”
For advice on how to avoid scams, visit
www.hertsdirect.org/scams
www.hertsdirect.org
21
WHAT’S ON?
July 2015
4-19 July
Bushey Festival 2015
Two weeks of activities for all age
groups in and around Bushey.
To book call 07481 179599 or visit
www.busheyfestival.org.uk
10-11 July, 7pm
Don’t Stop the Music
The Playhouse, Harlow
A Jacqui Ison School of Dance and Theatre
Arts show featuring performances by British,
National and World Dance champions.
Tickets: £14 - £18
To book call 01279 431945
11 July, 7pm
St Clare Hospice Race Night
Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club
Fund raising for terminally ill and
end-of-life patients.
Tickets: £13
To book call 01279 504343 or email
gcantel@byinternet.com
12 July, 5pm
St Albans Choral Society –
The Martyrdom of St Alban
University of Hertfordshire
Featuring new work from composer Liz Lane,
specifically written for a special chorus of
children from the St Albans area.
Tickets: £12, £10 concessions, £1 children
To book call 01707 281127 or email
uharts@herts.ac.uk
18 July, 2pm – 3.30pm
Marty MacDonald’s Farm –
Pongo’s Party!
University of Hertfordshire
Come and help make Pongo’s Party a day to
remember, by joining in a show full of fun, songs
and laughter. Take part in the town’s biggest
ever game of pass-the-parcel.
Tickets: £10, £8 concessions
To book call 01707 281127 or email
uharts@herts.ac.uk
19 July, 7.30pm
The Neil Diamond Story
The Radlett Centre, Radlett
Singer and guitarist Bob Drury celebrates the life
and music of the legend that is Neil Diamond.
Tickets: £16.50, £15.50 concessions
To book call 01923 859291
19 July, 16 August, 20 September,
10am – 2pm
Farmers Market
Hatfield House, Hatfield
Free entry
Call 01707 287010, email
visitors@hatfield-house.co.uk, or visit
www.hatfield-house.co.uk
We do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate.
Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge.
Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel.
21 July – 24 November,
various times
15-16 August, 10am
100 Years of
Learning with
Ladybird British
Schools Museum,
Knebworth House, Knebworth
All day entertainment which may include birds of
prey, working dogs, children’s entertainment as
well as arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees.
Tickets: £8.55,
£30.60 family ticket (4 people)
For further details visit
www.knebworthhouse.com/event/
knebworth-country-show
Come and celebrate the
centenary of these muchloved and iconic books.
See website
for admission charges www.
britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk/visiting
For further information call 01462 420144 or
email admin@britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk
24 July – 6 September, 10am – 5pm
Arabel Rosillo de Blas
Museum of St Albans
A solo show by Arabel Rosillo de Blas, winner
of the Eastern Approaches open exhibition.
Tickets: Free
To book call 01707 281127 or
e-mail uharts@herts.ac.uk
August 2015
1 August, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Little Fox market in
Rickmansworth
St Mary’s Church, Church St, Rickmansworth
For further information please contact
whatson@chorleywoodresidents.co.uk
3-5 August & 7-8 August, various times
Minions
Broxbourne Civic Hall, Broxbourne
Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by
Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside
her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to
take over the world.
Tickets: £3
To book call 01992 441946 or email
boxoffice@broxbourne.gov.uk
6 August, 6pm
Garden Theatre –
Taming of the Shrew
Knebworth House, Knebworth
Sparks are guaranteed to fly in Shakespeare’s
rumbustious battle-of-the-sexes comedy, where
nobody is exactly who they appear to be!
Tickets: £13.50, £9.50 children,
£40 family ticket
For further information call 01438 810930 or
visit www.knebworthhouse.com/events
9 August, various times
Roller Disco
Watford Colosseum, Watford
Ticket prices vary
Call 0845 075 3993 or visit www.
watfordcolosseum.co.uk
15 August, 11am & 2.30pm
My Pet Monster and Me
The Old Town Hall Theatre, Hemel Hempstead
Sophie finds an egg. She takes it home, and out
pops a cuddly, clumsy, toothy, burpy, bouncing
baby monstor!
Tickets: £4.50, £3 Dacorum Card
To book call 01442 228 091 or email
othadmin@dacorum.gov.uk
22 Summer 2015
Knebworth Country Show
19 – 29 August, various times
Sister Act The Musical
Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
Sister Act is the feel-amazing musical comedy
featuring original music by 8-time Oscar winner
Alan Menken.
Tickets: £16
To book call 01438 363200 or email
gordoncraig@stevenage-leisure.co.uk
23 August, 12pm – 5pm
Tewin Classic Car and Craft Show
Upper Green, Tewin
Free entry
For further info visit www.tewinvillage.co.uk
26 August, 7.30pm
Live Midweek
Music
Rhodes Arts Complex,
Bishop’s Stortford
Que Pasa explore
a range of musical
languages, from jazz,
through Cuban to
modern and homegrown
Free entry
For further information call 01279 710 200 or
visit www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk
5 September, 12pm
20 September, 7.45pm
Herts Craft Beer Festival
La Traviata – The Russian State
Ballet and Opera House
Watford Colosseum, Watford
Music, cider, wine, street food, competitions
and a free souvenir tasting glass.
Tickets: £7.50
Call 0845 075 3993 or visit www.
watfordcolosseum.co.uk
6 September, 4pm and 7.30pm
Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, set to an Italian libretto
by Francesco Maria Piave
Tickets: £32.50, £30.50 concessions
To book call 01438 363200 or email
gordoncraig@stevenage-leisure.co.uk
The Jewish Legends
22 September – 5 October, all day
The Radlett Centre, Radlett
A celebration of some of the greatest Jewish
performers in entertainment history.
Tickets: £18.50, £17.50 concessions
To book call 01923 859291
13 September, 2.30pm
Comedy Club 4 Kids
Broxbourne Civic Hall, Broxbourne
Just like a normal comedy club, but kids are
allowed in.
Ticket prices vary
To book call 01992 441946 or email
boxoffice@broxbourne.gov.uk
18-27 September,
various times
Peter Pan
Rhodes Arts Complex,
Bishop’s Stortford
A classic story ideal for
the whole family.
Tickets: £15-£17
For further information
call 01279 710
200 or visit www
rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk
St Albans and Harpenden Food
and Drink Festival
Showcases the fantastic range of food, drink
and produce available throughout St Albans
Free entry
For further details please call 01727 819311
or email Helen.Burridge@stalbans.gov.uk
25 September– 3 October,
Arsenic and Old Lace
Barn Theatre, Welwyn Garden City
The hilarious comedy made famous by the film
starring Cary Grant.
Tickets: tbc August
To book call 01707 324300
27 September, 10am
French Market
Hatfield House, Hatfield
Free entry
Call 01707 287010,
email visitors@hatfield-house.co.uk,
or visit www.hatfield-house.co.uk
30 August, 3pm
Children’s Theatre in the Park –
Robin Hood: The Musical
Hatfield House, Hatfield
Come and have a fun-filled picnic with
your family while you watch this hilarious
musical show.
Tickets: £12, £10 children
Call 01707 287010, email
visitors@hatfield-house.co.uk, or visit
www.hatfield-house.co.uk
September 2015
3 September,
various times
Ben and Holly’s
Little Kingdom
Broxbourne Civic Hall
Great theatre for young
children
Tickets: Adults
£15.50, Under 16s
£13.50, Family of
4 (2+2) £54,
Under 1s £5
Call 01992 441946 or
visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/leisure
Online services
and telephone
contact numbers
Remember, many of our services are available at the click
of a button on our website – go to www.hertsdirect.org
and use the search box to find out more.
If you have difficulty getting online, ask for help and advice at
your local library, or call the numbers listed here to find out more.
October 2015
20 October, 7pm
Hamlet
starring
Benedict
Cumberbatch
Broxbourne
Civic Hall
Broadcast live by National Theatre Live
Tickets: £14
Call 01992 441946 or visit
www.broxbourne.gov.uk/leisure
25 October, 11am – 4pm
Wedding Exhibition
Hatfield House
Free entry
Call 01707 287010, email
visitors@hatfield-house.co.uk, or visit
www.hatfield-house.co.uk
26-28 October, 7.30pm
Britain’s Got Bhangra
Watford Colosseum, Watford
Shake your shoulders, twist that light bulb;
this is the story of how Britain’s Got Bhangra!
Ticket prices vary
Call 0845 075 3993 or visit www.
watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Admission to schools • Archives • Archaeology
information and advice • Birth and death registrations
• Care and support for adults • Civil marriage and
partnership ceremonies • Countryside management
• Crime prevention • Education • Fire and Rescue
• Fostering and adoption • Footpaths • Gritting
• Highway (road) maintenance • Home care
• Libraries • Money advice • Naming ceremonies
• Public Health • Protection for adults and children
at risk • Recycling • Rights of Way
• Road safety • Streetlight maintenance
• Support for schools, pupils and parents
• Support for people with disabilities • Travel and
transport • Waste recycling • Youth services
General enquiries
0300 123 4040
Textphone users: all services
0300 123 4041
Health and community services
0300 123 4042
Children’s services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads
0300 123 4047
Education benefits
0300 123 4048
You can access our services 24 hours a day at:
Archives, local studies & libraries
0300 123 4049
www.hertsdirect.org
Passenger transport
0300 123 4050
WasteAware
0300 123 4051
Or from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 9am to 4pm on
Saturdays, on 0300 123 4040.
Trading standards 08454 040506
(via Citizens’ Advice Consumer Service)
www.hertsdirect.org
23
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