Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

News

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.

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.

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.

Important message from Affinity Water

We’re noticing extremely high demand for water in your area, due to the warm weather and many of us being at home to enjoy it. We’re doing all we can meet the demand and our production teams are working around the clock to treat and pump additional water into the network.

However, in some areas, water is being used faster than our teams can put it in, which is resulting in low pressure issues.

We are contacting customers directly through text, email and targeted social media posts to request that they use water for the essentials only, such as drinking, washing and cooking and avoid non-essential use such as watering the garden or filling inflatable pools.

Every drop counts. Taking shorter showers, skipping the car wash and turning off sprinklers and hoses can make a big difference collectively. But don’t forget to keep following government advice on regular hand washing.