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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.

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.

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.

– 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!

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.

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.