Coronavirus – information and advice
St Albans City & District Council have put a range of information and advice on their website –www.stalbans.gov.uk/coronavirus-information-and-advice
posts page
Volunteer to help make Village Weekend a success!
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July 2019
Village Weekend is run by a handful of wonderful volunteers and every year we desperately need more people to help!! Are you able to help lighten the load so that all three events can run smoothly?
Click on the button below to see a list of activities/jobs that need doing
Please note:
- You can put your name down for any jobs you wish to help with.
- Everyone who has access to it will see which slots you have put your name down for immediately.
- Once you have chosen a slot/s, please email Ellie at info@wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk with your contact info. In accordance with data protection, your contact info will only be used for the purpose of volunteering.
- If you are not comfortable writing your name on this form, please note your initials or just write ‘filled’.
Plants stolen from the Crinkle Crankle Community Garden
Plants have been stolen from the Crinkle Crankle Community Garden, which is located between St Helens Church and King Edward Place.
Four clumps of agapanthus were crudely taken, leaving that area of the garden to look patchy. The team responsible for maintenance will do what they can to improve the area now and thereafter replace the bulbs in the Autumn; however, it will take time for these flowers to return to their former glory.
The Parish Council and all those involved in the garden are incredibly disappointed and hope that this remains an isolated incident.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please report it to the Police by calling 101 or online.
Reopening the ATP – New rules
Following the reopening of the ATP on 24 July, it has been noticed that many young people using it have been taking both food and bikes onto the pitch, which is clearly stated in the rules as not being allowed.
In addition, social distancing doesn’t appear to be taking place. Whilst the Parish Council understands this is difficult, it is extremely important to ensure the safety of all.
Parents – please ensure your budding footballers are aware of the rules before using the pitch. The pitch will be locked again if the rules are not followed.
Broken equipment at Marford Playing Fields
Due to suspected vandalism, the seesaw at Marford Playing Fields play area has been removed for repair. Our team intend to get the seesaw back to its home as soon as possible.
Don’t be a tosser – use a bin or take rubbish home!
Check out our new campaign to reduce the amount of litter being dropped. Let’s do what we can to keep our village beautiful.
Travellers moving on from Harpenden
Harpenden Town Council released the following statement today, 17 July 2020:
Update 10am 17 July 2020 – Unauthorised Encampment on Harpenden Common
We have visited the site again this morning and carried out an assessment of the situation. As a result we have taken the decision to instruct Enforcement Bailiffs to attend the site and issue a ‘notice to leave’ under Common Law by tomorrow morning. Enforcement bailiffs will attend the site tomorrow morning and carry out a physical eviction if they have not abided by the notice to leave.
Unfortunately there are limited powers available to us to deal with these type of unauthorised encampments and so we have to carefully decide our actions to ensure the quickest outcome. In this case we feel the use of Common Law is appropriate given the environmental importance of the part of the Common that they are on and the potential for a negative impact on the rights of the local community.
We are also aware that a fly-tip has appeared adjacent to the encampment and we will be following this up.
We are aware of this issue as they are expected to move overnight/tomorrow morning.
Please remember to call 999 in an emergency.
Have you got some happy news? Do you know of a local hero?
– Do you have someone you’d like to nominate as a ‘local
hero’?
– Has someone helped you in an a way that exceeded
expectations?
– Has something wonderful/happy/positive happened recently?
Please share your stories with us by emailing info@wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk.
Keep an eye out to see if your story has been featured it in the next edition of The Pump!
Village Weekend – a little different this year!
Had things been different, by now (3pm on Saturday) our volunteers would have been at working since 7am (having done even more work yesterday also), the lovely talent show contestants would be performing, people would be setting up picnic spots and everyone would be looking forward to the evening’s entertainment.
However, we hope that wherever you are and whatever you do this weekend, you have lots of fun.
Enjoy the time safely and responsibly with those around you and do whatever you can to keep smiling.
Celebrate Alban Weekend: 19-20 June 2020
As with many events in 2020, the Alban Street Festival will be celebrated virtually!
Visit www.enjoystalbans.com/AlbanWeekend to find out more about this two day event which takes place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June.
In the absence of the annual St Albans Half Marathon, this virtual weekend festival also includes the 13.1 Challenge where participants can raise money for their chosen charity by creating their own challenges, such as running 13.1 kms, doing 131 press ups or committing to 13.1 minutes of meditation a day.
The St Albans Deputy Mayor, District Councillor and Wheathampstead resident Sandra Wood took part in this challenge recently by doing 13.1 circuits of our High Street.
In recognition of her effort, Sandra welcomes any donations towards the St Albans and Hertsmere Womens’ Refuge, which is the Mayor’s chosen charity for 2020-2021.
Great work Sandra!
St Albans Cathedral are also celebrating this weekend, with the St Albans Pilgrimage ‘reimagined’ on Sunday 21 June. You can also learn about the significance of roses in Alban’s story and take part in the St Albans Rainbow Trail by displaying a paper rose.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – Monday 15 June
Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which was created to raise awareness of the abuse towards the elderly and vulnerable.
Herts Police want to encourage people to report if they suspect their elderly friend, neighbour or family member is being targeted by fraudsters or other criminals. People may be more isolated and vulnerable at this time because of the current social distancing measures.
Since lockdown, Herts Police has been made aware of a number of scams and frauds targeting vulnerable people. These include fraudulent ‘track and trace’ calls or cold callers claiming to be helping during the coronavirus pandemic.
Unfortunately offenders are not just rogue traders or fraudsters pretending to be people they are not. Sadly financial, physical or other abuses are also committed against older people by family members, friends, carers or care workers, who you would expect to have the best interests of the person at heart.
It’s important for people to be aware of scams or abusive behaviour and be vigilant with regards to older relatives and neighbours, especially those self-isolating.
If you see something, say something. Don’t stand for elder abuse.
Please watch this video, it could help you and others to spot the signs of elder abuse.
Further information is available via the Herts Police website www.herts.police.uk/Information-and-services/Advice/Adults-at-risk/Safeguarding-adults-at-risk
You can report a safeguarding concern at fcrenquiries@herts.pnn.police.uk
Mass gatherings not permitted
In light of recent discussions on social media, please note the following:
Whilst the Parish Council understands the village’s concerns, under current Government rules mass gatherings are not permitted. The Parish Council therefore does not authorise the use of Marford Playing Fields, The Meads or any other Parish Council owned land on Sunday 7 June for a protest gathering.