Children’s Playground Flooding
Aspenden Parish Council note that the recent works to address the flooding have certainly improved the situation on the wider Village Green but are aware that the Children’s Playground area is still being impacted by flooding in periods of heavy rain.
The issue is being investigated and the Parish Council is awaiting a report that will hopefully provide some guidance as to how the issue can be solved.
Government launch consultation on Hertfordshire’s Local Government Reorganisation proposals
The Government has launched their statutory consultation on Hertfordshire’s proposals for the future of local government in our county.
They are seeking views on the options for two, three or four new unitary councils submitted in a single proposal by all Hertfordshire Councils on 28 November. You can find the proposal on the Hertfordshire LGR microsite.
In addition to consulting with all Hertfordshire Councils, the Government will engage directly with a range of stakeholders they have identified as statutory consultees. The list of these stakeholders and details of the consultation are published here: Proposals for local government reorganisation in Hertfordshire – GOV.UK
We are proud to have worked collaboratively as local authorities across the county, and with the Police and Crime Commissioner, to consider the evidence and options for the future. This is continuing as we encourage residents, colleagues, and local partners to have their say. We are promoting the consultation through our communications channels and paper copies of the consultation and proposals will be available in all Hertfordshire libraries and councils’ headquarters.
Please take the time to give the Government your views, promote the consultation through your own networks and encourage people to take part. The consultation will run for seven weeks until 26 March. The Government will consider the evidence before making a final decision in the summer.
Engagement with you and our residents has enabled Hertfordshire’s diverse communities to help shape the proposals and guide our decisions throughout this process to date. We will continue to draw on your knowledge and expertise as we prioritise delivery of our good and outstanding services while continuing to develop our transition planning to ensure the new councils are safe, legal and have a good start from day one in April 2028.
St Mary’s Church Aspenden Forthcoming Events
The Christmas Tree Festival will be held once again over the weekend of the 13th and 14th December.
The event will be open on Saturday 13th December 10.00am to 4.00pm and Sunday 14th December 11.00am to 4.00pm.
Aspenden Candlelit Carol Service will be held on 18th December at 7.30pm.
A Crib Service will be held on 24th December at 4.00pm.
A Christmas Day All Age Holy Communion service will start at 9.30am.
Aspenden Road – Update on Works
From 5 January 2026, temporary traffic signals will be in operation to manage vehicle flow safely. These lights will remain in situ for the duration of the works and that standard working hours will apply on weekdays, with limited weekend working. Suitable widths will be maintained to ensure HGV movements are unobstructed.
The Temporary Traffic Lights will remain in place until the 3 March when works will move to a week of night closures which will commence from 8pm-5am. For any HGVs requiring access during these times will be managed by onsite gateman. All being well works should be completed on the 10 March 2025. Throughout the works, every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience and ensure the safety of both residents and road users.
Dandara will be responsible for doing a letter drop to all affected residents/businesses two weeks prior to works commencing. Additionally, they will be responsible for placing advance warning boards on site two weeks in advance of the works commencing.
Ward Freman Pool Crowdfunder Campaign
The really good news is that Ward Freman Community Pool Group CIO has been offered the freehold of the swimming pool by Hertfordshire County Council. This is still subject to negotiation but represents a significant step forward and would mean the pool would be wholly owned by the charity. This will bring with it greater up-front costs associated with the freehold transfer and means that it is more important than ever that fund raising continues. The pool group are also working hard in the background preparing grant applications for when the freehold is transferred.
The group have been advised that legal costs to secure the transfer of freehold could be as much as £6000 + VAT. As a charity the group are looking to get best value for the money raised by our supporters and are asking if there is a Commercial Conveyancing Solicitor who may be able to offer their time pro bono, the group would love to hear from you (disbursements would be paid).
New Crowd Funder appeal to pay for pool tile repairs
East Herts District Council have already pledged the pool group a large sum of money which should pay for a new filtration system. However, an additional £30,000 is needed to repair the pool tiles and replace the expansion joints.
Sport England have agreed to support a Crowdfunder project to repair the tiles by donating a match funded amount of £15,000. The pool group then need to raise a further £15,000 in order to guarantee the generous donation from Sport England.
So far, over £4700 has been raised, but there is still a long way to go to reach the target amount by the deadline in 37 days’ time.
You can donate by visiting the crowdfunding page at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/repair-pool-tiles-and-replace-expansion-joints
If you are a UK taxpayer, you can tick the gift aid box which will increase your donation by 25%! Any contribution large or small will be greatly appreciated.
Cllr Sue Nicholls
Buntingford Ward
East Herts District Council
Email:
Update on roadworks affecting Aspenden village
Aspenden Road/Dandara compound
30 – 31 October Bridge inspections and vegetation clearance on Aspenden Road between 9.30pm – 5.00am.
Road signs have recently gone up notifying residents of the works.
U20 Unnamed Road (road between Aspenden & Westmill)
24 – 25 November Drainage investigation works between Aspenden and Westmill between 9.30am – 3.30pm
9 – 11 December Surface Dressing preparation works between Aspenden and Westmill between 7.30am – 6.00pm
Given the width of the U20 road, it is very likely it will be closed to traffic on the above dates/times (tbc).
The works to Aspenden Road that Dandara will be carrying out are now likely to take place in the new year, January 2026 at the earliest.
New Commemorative Lilac Tree
Aspenden Parish Council’s thanks go to Councillor Chambers for sourcing and planting a new commemorative Lilac tree to replace the one that became a tasty snack for wildlife!
Just a quick polish of the plaque commemorating the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and everything is as good as new.