Watford tribute to victims of Paris terror attacks

FIVE YEARS AGO

Interfaith pilgrimage pays respects to victims of Paris terror attacks

A minute's silence to remember the victims of the Paris attacks was held as part of an interfaith 'pilgrimage' through Watford.

Hundreds of people of all faiths gathered at the bandstand this afternoon to pay their respects.

Watford mayor, Dorothy Thornhill, led the memorial.

She said: "Today is about unity - uniting people of all faiths and show that our Muslim community is safe here and there is no backlash.

"Let us take a moment to remember and reflect."

Traders hoping to 'get back on track' after Station Road closure

Traders are hoping to “get back on track” with bridge repair works set to come to an end.

The closure of Station Road has led to increased traffic in Rickmansworth and was keeping people away from the town, according to traders.

But the road is set to reopen on Monday morning after first closing on Monday, October 19.

TFL admit they need to do more work on the bridge before it can be replaced in April, but the transport provider has postponed the work until mid-January.

Owner of Love To Boutique Abbey Booth in Station Road, Rickmansworth, said: “Relief is the over-riding emotion because we can now get back on track and hopefully have a really good Christmas.

“It is very good news that the road is reopening, and one of the good things that has come out of this is that it has made businesses talk to each other and we have made contacts with TFL, so next time we have someone we can talk to and plan better, by for example getting more or better signs.”

Pictures of what the South Oxhey Initiative could look like

Developers and politicians are happy with the proposed redevelopment plans in South Oxhey.

Countryside Properties and Home Group have been in discussions with the council about the plans over the last few months.

Developers are highlighting the strength of proposed redevelopment in Station Approach, which could see cafes, restaurants and a pub introduced there.

Councillor Andrew Scarth, representative for Oxhey Hall and Hayling, said: “The South Oxhey shopping precinct is a 1940s early 50s build and is looking tired.

“The regeneration is going to bring life back to the community and provide the facilities the people requested when the first survey went out.

“I think it is a wonderful development and I think it will highlight the importance of South Oxhey as a place where people want to live.”

TEN YEARS AGO

New secondary school sites revealed

Parents and politicians who have campaigned for a new school in South West Hertfordshire can now vote for where the new facility should go.

Hertfordshire County Council announced a projected deficit of more than 250 secondary places by 2026, prompting parents to start a lengthy campaign for a new school.

Both HCC and Three Rivers District Council are now working together to provide the new facility.

A document called Local Development Framework – Site Allocations, available from the TRDC office and website, has been published.

It contains five potential sites for a new school which must be voted for by the public before January 14 next year.

The sites are:

Site S(a) - Mill End/Maple Cross – 19 hectares of land east of the A405 and north of the A412.

Site S (b) - Mill End/Maple Cross – 20 hectares of land in Froghall Farm and adjoining.

Site S(c) - Croxley Green – 17 hectares of land to the north of Little Green Lane.

Site S (d) - Croxley Green – 12 hectares of land off Baldwins Lane.

Site S (e) - Croxley Green – land to the west and north of Little Green JMI.

Anger over 'disgraceful' decision to close Watford rubbish depot

Politicians have vowed to continue their fight to save a popular waste depot in Watford after branding the decision to close it as “disgraceful”.

Members of Hertfordshire County Council's waste management cabinet panel voted on Tuesday to shut Wiggenhall Road Household Waste and Recycling Centre.

Their decision is now expected to be ratified by the council's cabinet later this month, which means the depot could close next February.

And county councillors voted for the closure despite minutes earlier agreeing for a full review of Hertfordshire's household waste and recycling centres.

Saracens gave 'no thought' to Watford season ticket holders

Saracens have been accused of “giving no thought” to Watford fans who are also season-ticket holders with the rugby club.

The Men in Black announced last week they are hoping to leave Vicarage Road and move to Barnet Copthall Stadium, 12 miles away, in time for the 2011/12 season.

Some Watford fans have already said they will not be renewing their season tickets with Saracens unless assurances are made over possible fixture clashes between the two sides who currently occupy Vicarage Road.

Sarries chief executive Edward Griffiths has this week confirmed dates for the rugby club’s fixtures will not be set based on whether Watford are playing on the same day, which is certain to disappoint season-ticket holders of both clubs.