As part of a national week of action around knife crime, officers from the Stevenage Safer Neighbourhood Team have been visiting primary schools in the town, to help educate children about the dangers of carrying a knife.
Between Monday, May 15 and Friday, May 19, officers visited Longmeadow, Broom Barns, Bedwell and Featherstone Wood primary schools to speak to children in Year 6 who are making the transfer to senior school in September.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Matt Mcginnigle said: “We take knife crime very seriously in Stevenage and know that we have to find effective ways to get the message across to young people about the dangers and consequences of choosing to carry a knife.
“It is important to try and educate children before they become involved. The schools have been very supportive, and we hope this will be a great way to get young people to really think about knife crime and the consequences.”
If you have any information about knife-related crime, you can report it to Herts police by going online , speaking to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat or calling the non-emergency number 101.
Alternatively, you can stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppersuk.org.
Lisa Bullock will be among thousands of cyclists taking part in Ford RideLondon-Essex on Sunday (May 28). Her motivation to do it comes from meeting 15-year-old Luke Webber, who goes to Barclay Academy in Stevenage with her son, and was diagnosed with a brain tumour which left him with various chronic conditions. The 60-mile challenge will see her set off from Victoria Embankment in Central London and pedal as far as Ongar in Essex before returning to London to finish at Tower Bridge in Southwark.
Lisa, 38, said: “Cycling was never my thing, but it is now. I used to do a lot of spin classes and then I did a virtual event at my gym for London to Brighton. I never thought I’d be able to manage that distance, but I had a go and I did it. Then I thought ‘what if I could do it for real?’
I found some groups to go out with to get my confidence on the road and it spiralled from there. The more confidence I got, the more I believed I could do it.
“I’ve been out three to four times a week ever since, and do about 100 miles a week. It’s not been without its hiccups though. I’ve fallen over a few times and sprained my wrist early on, which hurt for about seven weeks, but I soon learnt.”
Lisa will be joined on the challenge by her husband, Steve, who is going along to keep her company and to provide moral support. She is raising money for Brain Tumour Research, a charity she became aware of after meeting Luke, who is also from Stevenage.
Luke was diagnosed with a low-grade craniopharyngioma in the summer of 2020, after suffering with headaches and double vision for
around 12 months.
He has undergone two surgeries and proton beam therapy, and is now being monitored with regular scans, but suffers from a number of life-changing chronic conditions, including diabetes insipidus, adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism.
Lisa, who works as a dispensing optician in the Old Town, said: “We first met Luke when we went for an open day at Barclay Academy with our son, Dylan, who is now 13 and in the same year as Luke’s brother. Our son, Alex, is 11 and will be going there in September.
“We weren’t sure about the school at first, but Luke was helping on the curriculum enrichment stall and was so excited and enthusiastic that he changed our view.
“When we found out about his problems – he told us about a trip to Iceland he was due to go on but might not be able to because of his health, and showed us the scar on his head – he was so positive and inspiring that it stuck with me.
“As soon as I decided to do this challenge, I knew I was going to do it for him. I’m nervous because I’ve never done an event like it. Being amongst thousands of cyclists is a bit different to being in a spin class with 12 people, but I am also excited.”
Lisa has already raised more than £1,100 for the charity in Luke’s name.
She said: “It’s humbling when people are that supportive and generous. I set a target of £1,000
and thought that was ambitious, so it’s amazing to have raised more, and I’m still pushing. My biggest worry was letting Luke down, so I’m really pleased, and his dad said if Luke’s well enough, he might come to the finish line, which would be great.”
She added: “I think it’s particularly poignant because Luke’s a similar age to my boys, but I found out that my cousin used to coach the football team Luke played for. He knew Luke before he got sick, when he was active with football.
“Knowing how the disease can ravage not just a patient’s own life, but that of their family’s and others around them, and seeing the effect it’s had on Luke, and everything he has to deal with now, broke my heart and made me want to do something to help.
“Brain tumours are also something we have to be mindful of at work when it comes to vision problems. Through the course of my career, I’ve come across what we call ‘red flags’. I remember we referred someone for a suspected brain tumour not long after I qualified, and that’s what it turned out to be.
“I’ve also come across it recently with a lady I’ve been doing some of my training with. She lost her husband to a glioblastoma last year and has been really supportive and encouraging of what I’m doing.”
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Luke is an amazing young man, and anyone who has met him will understand just how infectious his positive attitude can be. It’s of little surprise to find him at the heart of Lisa’s challenge, but we’re very grateful to them both for all their support and wish Lisa and Steve the best of luck on Sunday.”
“When we found out about his problems – he told us about a trip to Iceland he was due to go on but might not be able to because of his health, and showed us the scar on his head – he was so positive and inspiring that it stuck with me.
Aconsultation on proposed changes to Stevenage High Street by Hertfordshire County Council has just closed.
The county council says it wants to make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and more convenient by widening pavements, reducing road speeds of traffic approaching the High Street by installing speed humps, and reorganising the on-street parking layout. Free parking options on the High Street would remain, the local authority said.
The council says it also wants to create a safer, more pleasant place for everyone to enjoy and spend time by creating seating areas and more greenery, installing accessible crossing points for people walking and on mobility scooters, encouraging visitors and staff to walk and cycle to local schools, shops and other local amenities, and improving walking connections to and from off-street car parks, such as Primett Road.
The consultation suggests improvements could include widening the pavement outside the Mulberry Tree to create a more open and pleasant space, introducing a new accessible crossing point across the High Street for people walking and wheeling, and improving walking connections between High Street and Primett Road via Bell Lane.
It also suggests creating a plaza-style area near TJ’s Café and Simmons Bakers, with wider pavements, plants and trees and potential for more seating, installing a new raised zebra crossing, rearranging some on-street parking
spaces as parallel bays, and improving walking connections along Drapers Way by widening the pavement, improving street lighting and introducing wayfinding signage.
A further suggestion is replacing the existing mini-roundabout at the junction with Letchmore Road with a priority junction to improve safety for people driving, walking and cycling, as well as installing new zebra crossings in this area, to slow traffic approaching the High Street and to make it easier for people to cross the road.
Stevenage resident Gobi Ranganathan said:
“As a wheelchair user, getting around the High Street can be difficult, with few crossing points and a lack of dropped kerbs. The disabled parking spots outside the bakery can be difficult to use as a wheelchair user as they are on an incline with one small, steep dropped kerb to access the pavement from the parking space. Improvements to make it easier to walk, wheel
and cycle and navigate between both sides of the street will be well received.”
Herts County Council has already secured investment through the Government’s Active Travel Fund to develop its initial proposals. Subject to additional funding, there are potential future improvements to the local road layout that could reduce through-traffic on the High Street. These could include: Reducing traffic which drives along but does not stop in the High Street, by introducing a bus gate at the northern end of the High Street. Reconfiguring the gyratory to encourage through traffic to use the A602 as the primary north-south route and creating a continuous, lower-speed environment along the High Street continuing up to North Road.
Creating a more welcoming environment in the High Street, by encouraging more usage of available off-street parking locations in the area
by creating direct, signposted routes avoiding the High Street.
A spokesperson for the county council said: “We are proposing some improvements to the High Street – not just to ensure businesses continue to thrive, but so that all residents can access them and to make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier.
“The Old Town High Street improvements form part of a longer-term vision to make it easier for everyone to get to, from and around Stevenage. This includes projects to improve walking and cycling facilities on North Road, from the Old Town towards Lister Hospital.
“We are also preparing safety works to change the North Road T-junction in Graveley using funding from local developers, which will include traffic signals, street lights and pedestrian crossing provision.”
“The Old Town High Street improvements form part of a longer-term vision to make it easier for everyone to get to, from and around Stevenage.
Police investigating a sexual assault in Stevenage town centre have released an image they think might help with continuing enquiries.
The incident occurred between 3pm and 3.30pm on Saturday, May 13 in Market Place.
It is reported that a man approached a group of girls, before shouting at them and then inappropriately touching one of the girls, before the group managed to run away.
Police Constable Bridie Compton, who is investigating, said: “This is a worrying incident which has understandably shaken and upset the girl involved.
“We are interested in speaking to this person, who we think might be able to assist with our enquiries into the incident.
“At Hertfordshire Constabulary, we have zero tolerance against this kind of crime and we will be doing all we can to track down the individual involved.
“If you have any information, no matter how big or small you think it is, please email me via bridie.compton@herts.police.uk .” Information can also be reported online at herts.police.uk/
report , by speaking to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or by calling the nonemergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/39731/23.
Alternatively, members of the public can stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppersuk.org.
“We are interested in speaking to this person, who we think might be able to assist with our enquiries into the incident.”
Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with a reported incident involving a 14-year-old boy being pulled from a taxi in Stevenage and assaulted.
At around 7.30pm on Friday, May 19, the victim was travelling in a taxi with friends when they arrived at The Pavillion car park at King George V Playing Fields.
A group of males allegedly approached the taxi and kicked and punched it before chasing it as it tried to drive away. It is reported that they then pulled the victim from the vehicle and assaulted him.
The victim was left with reddening and grazes on his face.
Detective Constable Kirsty Rusbridge, from the Stevenage Local Crime Unit, said: “We have arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy, both from Stevenage, in connection with the incident.
“Our investigation is ongoing and we are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information about what happened to get in touch.
“We’d also like to hear from anyone who was driving in the area and may have caught the incident on dash cam. If you were travelling in the area and have one fitted, please check it and let us know if it captured anything that might be useful to our investigation.
“Please get in touch by emailing me at kirsty. rusbridge@herts.police.uk.”
You can report information online , speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat or call the nonemergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/40288/23.
Alternatively, you can stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.
After its successful inaugural event last year, the Rainbow Run in aid of the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity is back for a second year, and there is still time to register to participate.
Wearing bright rainbow colours, people are encouraged to run, walk or skip a 10k, 5k or 2.5k route around Ridlins End Stadium and Playing Fields in Stevenage on Sunday, June 25, to raise funds to help support hospitals including Lister
in Stevenage and the New QEII in Welwyn Garden City.
Last year, inspirational Stevenage PE teacher Lauren Cooper completed the 5k route just seven months after having her left leg amputated below the knee, having been crushed by a falling wall during Storm Eunice. Having had physiotherapy at Lister to learn to walk again using her new prosthetic leg, Lauren wanted to complete the Rainbow Run to thank the NHS staff who have helped her.
Lauren said: “I wanted to raise funds to thank the whole physiotherapy team. What they do is amazing. They have listened to me, laughed with me, fought my corner and given me the confidence to keep pushing on. “They haven’t just helped me with the practical elements of learning to walk again, they have helped me mentally and genuinely care about how I am.”
You can dedicate your run to someone –perhaps a doctor or nurse who looked after you, or in memory of a loved one. You will receive a bib to write your dedication on, so you can pin it to your t-shirt.
For
information,
Anew safer neighbourhood inspector has joined the policing team in Stevenage.
Inspector Nicholas Redfearn has recently taken over the role, following Inspector Pat McPeake’s move to the Operational and Event Planning Department at Herts police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City.
Nick has been a police officer for 19 years, including 10 with South Yorkshire police, before transferring to Hertfordshire and being posted to Stevenage in 2014.
Nick has since worked all around Hertfordshire as a uniformed officer and has experience in both safer neighbourhood teams and as a response officer.
On promotion to sergeant, he moved to Hemel Hempstead and Hatfield to manage the response teams there, before being promoted to an inspector and eventually returning to Stevenage to work in custody.
As safer neighbourhood inspector, Nick is now responsible for overseeing the work of the three safer neighbourhood teams that cover Stevenage.
He said: “The safer neighbourhood team is crucial to policing. It presents opportunities for my team to make a real difference to people’s
lives and also gives me an input into directing how policing is delivered to the local community.
“The teams at Stevenage are fantastic and we are lucky to have such dedicated officers and staff who are really willing to make a difference. I believe preventing crime is key, dealing with issues before they escalate and addressing problems and dealing with them swiftly.
“Working with our local partners is also a big part of this prevention work and I am looking forward to continuing, and building on the good relationships we already have in place.
“We will continue to gather feedback from members of the public, as it helps us to understand the issues that matter most to them and allows us to focus our efforts accordingly. If you have any issues, please don’t hesitate to contact the team.
“You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit and tell us your thoughts.”
To receive police messages about a range of topics, including burglaries, scams, car crime and missing people in your local area, sign up to OWL or download the OWL ‘crime alerts’ app.
Ateenage girl has sustained an injury to her face following a physical altercation with a man in Stevenage on Monday, May 15, and police are appealing for witnesses and information.
The incident happened near Broadwater Crescent at around 1pm, Herts police said. The girl then ran off and sought help from members of the public. She sustained an injury to the face during the incident and is receiving treatment. The man is described as being a white male, 6ft tall, wearing a baseball cap, a tracksuit in all black with stripes on the legs, black trainers and a black bandana covering his face.
Detective Constable Daniel Judge, from the Stevenage Local Crime Unit, said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a teenage girl, who
has understandably been left very shaken. We are currently carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the circumstances around what happened and to trace the man involved.
“If you have any information which may assist us, please contact me as soon as possible via email to daniel.judge@herts.police.uk.”
You can report information by: Filling out Herts police’s online reporting form at herts.police.uk/report.
Speaking to an operator in the Force Communications Room via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact.
Calling the non-emergency telephone number 101 (in an emergency, always dial 999).
Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org. Please quote ISR 355 (Monday 15 May).
Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre is introducing a number of significant improvements to its gym facilities. Everyone Active, which manages the centre in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council, has announced it is investing over £500,000 to provide a better experience for members. The refurbishments will include brand new state-of-the-art fitness equipment alongside new lighting and flooring for the gym, and a new audio visual system for the spin
studio, which will also be re-equipped. To cater for increased demand for strength training amongst the local community, state-ofthe-art equipment will be introduced, including a hack squat machine and cable crossover. Alongside this, new cardiovascular equipment such as treadmills, watt bikes and a skill mill will allow members to enhance their workout experience, Everyone Active said. Works will start from Monday, July 24 and are set to be completed in early September.
The gym will remain open during this period.
Allan Prescott, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre remains an integral part of the community and we’re excited to build on this by improving its current gym offering.
“We’re sure our members will benefit greatly from this investment. Not only will it help to increase our prevalence as a hub for the local community, but also work to support our mission - for everyone to reach their target of 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week.”
Leader of Stevenage Borough Council,
Councillor Richard Henry, said: “Following our new partnership with Everyone Active, the refurbishment of the gym at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre is the first of many improvements to our leisure services.
“I am delighted that work to improve the facilities is about to begin, and it is a key part of our commitment to promoting healthy and active lifestyles within the local community.
“The upgraded facilities will be more accessible and will provide users with an improved gym experience, and hopefully encourage more people to enjoy what’s on offer at the centre.”
The sun was shining and it was one of the best yet as Stevenage Day has proved to be yet another major success. It was great to get a flavour of the entertainment taking place and to catch up with some of the amazing charities and groups which make our town so special.
Good to see Sharon Brown and the team at Stevenage Community Trust along with other groups including Royal British Legion Stevenage Branch, Go Vol Herts, Stevenage Lytton Players, Rise Gym, St Nich’s Litter Pickers, Home-Start Hertfordshire, Crossroads Caring For Life, Stevenage Labour Party, Teach in Herts,
JUST BE A CHILD, Stevenage Mecca, East & North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, North Hertfordshire & Stevenage Green Party, Junction 7 Creatives, Stevenage Borough Council, Stevenage FC Foundation, Garden House Hospice Care, Stevenage Police, Stevenage Liberal Democrats, Stevenage Conservatives, Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies and Rotary Stevenage Grange
Enjoy
An appeal has been launched to help raise funds to transform the outdoor space on the children’s Bluebell Ward at Lister Hospital in Stevenage. A spokesperson for the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, which launched the appeal, explained: “We are very fortunate to have an outdoor space for the children’s ward and, thanks to our kind supporters and volunteers, we have been able to maintain the garden over the years, but it now urgently requires an update and refresh.
“With your support, we can create a bright, fun, engaging and magical outdoor space suitable for all children, including those with sensory and complex needs.”
Funds raised from this appeal will help the charity:
• Install new colourful fencing and flooring to brighten up the space
• Purchase composite sheds to store outdoor toys which are easier to maintain
• Refresh the mural on the side of the building and install more artwork in the area
• Install a shelter so the space can be enjoyed in varying weather conditions
• Remove some of the existing rockery to create additional space for children to play
• Purchase new child-friendly seating and furniture so families can sit down together and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine
• Buy new planters and pots and create beds for fragrant flowers and evergreen shrubs so the garden looks and smells beautiful all year round
• Provide new outdoor toys so our children can enjoy the magic of play in the garden
To donate to the appeal, visit enhhcharity.org.uk/ donate/magic-of-play-garden.
“With your support, we can create a bright, fun, engaging and magical outdoor space suitable for all children, including those with sensory and complex needs.”
Ellen Schroder, chair of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, which runs Stevenage’s Lister Hospital, will step down from the role later this year, to take up the position of chair at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust.
Ellen joined the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust as chair in April 2016, and was elected for a second term in 2020 – which was due to end in April 2024. Before joining the trust, Ellen held a number of non-executive roles, including at Camden Clinical Commissioning Group, and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Her professional career covered 25 years in the City of London, working in corporate finance for investment banks Dresdner Kleinwort Benson and Wood Gundy Inc.
Ellen said: “It has been a privilege to chair the trust and I will be sorry to say goodbye. I have always been hugely impressed by the care, commitment and dedication of the staff across the trust, and the way in which the trust pulled together during Covid will stay with me for many years. “I wish the trust every success in the future and I will be following their progress closely.”
Adam Sewell-Jones, the trust’s chief executive, said: “Ellen has chaired our board through some of the most challenging times the NHS has seen and we are grateful for her leadership. “She has always championed the interests of our communities and will be much missed by all across the trust. I wish her well in her new role at Great Ormond Street.”
A recruitment process for a new chair for the trust will begin shortly.
now open!
To mark the opening there was a range of free fun activities for the whole family, including mini tennis tasters, adult tennis tasters and the chance to test your game against the coaching team.
Free taster sessions are available in four age groups:
- four to seven year olds
- eight to 10 year olds
- 11 to 17 year olds
- adults
Stevenage Borough Council’s (SBC) leader, Councillor Richard Henry was there marking the official opening of the courts. The event was also attended by Leo Tutt, participation development partner at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), deputy mayor Councillor Myla Arceno and Councillor Simon Speller.
The £110,920.13 funding to renovate the courts was part of a nationwide investment by the
national government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts and open up the sport to many more people. This investment nationally will bring thousands of existing park tennis courts, in poor or unplayable condition, back to life.
“Park tennis courts are vital for getting children
and adults active, delivering significant physical and mental wellbeing benefits,” said a spokesperson for the council. “SBC and the National Tennis Association have worked with the LTA to ensure a range of activities are in place for the local community. These include a weekly organised free park tennis session for all ages, playing levels and experience, with the equipment provided.
“We are looking forward to seeing keen tennis players of all abilities join us for the open day.”
Cllr Henry said: “We know how important park tennis courts are in helping children and adults to get more active, so it’s fantastic news that Shephalbury Park tennis courts have benefited from the LTA’s national investment programme. “The courts will improve access to sports for residents, and the facility will offer not only physical but mental wellbeing benefits for anyone who can come along and book.
“We are looking forward to seeing keen tennis players of all abilities join us for the open day.”
Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA, added: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts in Stevenage back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment, the sport will be opened up to more players for years to come.”
For more information about the event, visit
To book a park court near you, visit
Stevenage Magazine is delighted to team up with Douglas Drive Day Centre to help promote the amazing work they do.
Douglas Drive Day Centre was founded to encourage elderly people to maintain their wellbeing. Attending a group where they encourage social interaction through activities to include both physical, verbal and mental stimulation.
The aim is to reduce isolation, helping prevent loneliness and depression. Not forgetting that in the time clients spend with them their carers enjoy a break from their caring duties and time to do what they wish to do.
A wide variety of activities are planned and delivered by the in-house daily Activities Coordinator, assisted by caring volunteers. From time to time they hire in activities such as singers or chair based exercise etc.
As a Dementia friendly organisation, they also welcome to the session’s clients with early to moderate stage dementia.
As part of the day care session comes a twocourse nutritious home cooked meal. This is cooked on site by chef. Eating in a social environment is beneficial to all clients especially for those clients who may have lost confidence in eating in company.
An additional service they offer is a carry out meal to take home with them, they call this ‘Tea in a Bag’ this contains a sandwich, crisps and a cake or sugar free jelly for diabetics. A small additional charge is made for this. All sessions run from 10.00am – 2.00pm The charge for this is £20, this also includes the lunch.
Monday and Wednesday – General day care sessions for elderly clients (dementia clients included)
Tuesday – Predominantly stroke survivors however they also welcome those with Parkinson’s, and similar neurological conditions. They accept referrals from care professionals, family, friends and even self-referrals.
Please feel free to give them a call for further information and you can then arrange a brief assessment at a time convenient to you. Should you have someone in mind to refer to our service they look forward to hearing from you.
On Wednesday 15 February 2023, former SBC employee Sean GIULIANO (38) from Baldock, Hertfordshire, appeared before St Albans Magistrates Court and entered a guilty plea to one charge under the Fraud Act 2006.
On Wednesday 24 May 2023 at St Albans Crown Court, GIULIANO was sentenced to a 14-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, he was also ordered to complete 250 hours unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days and pay £1,000.00 in compensation to Stevenage Borough Council.
GIULLIANO was formerly employed by Stevenage Borough Council as a roofer. The investigation by the Hertfordshire Shared AntiFraud Service identified that GIULIANO was selling building materials belonging to the
council including lead flashing, for personal gain between 2017 and 2021.
The court heard that GIULIANO had abused his position and took advantage of the trust placed in him to safeguard the financial interests of the council. His actions caused a loss to Stevenage Borough Council of £26,000. The council will be seeking full recovery of the public money that GIULIANO stole alongside the compensation he will pay via the court.
Councillor Joan Lloyd, Executive Member for Resources and Transformation said:
“This is not acceptable, and this case highlights that we take any cases of fraudulent behaviour very seriously. I am pleased that through our work with our Shared Anti-Fraud Service, we are able to identify and prosecute fraud.
“Our council delivers over 120 services to 87,500 Stevenage residents. We can’t allow anyone including staff to take advantage and illegally profit from council materials and services. We hope that this case will act as a deterrent to not take risks or jeopardise their future with a possible criminal record.”
The Shared Anti-Fraud Service works in partnership with Local Authorities to investigate and prosecute allegations of fraud. You can report suspected fraud against Stevenage Borough Council in the strictest confidence. For more information, and to report your concerns, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ reportfraud or email fraud.team@hertfordshire. gov.uk or call 0300 123 4033.
“This is not acceptable, and this case highlights that we take any cases of fraudulent behaviour very seriously.
Planning permission has been granted to build a Morrisons supermarket in Stevenage, which will create up to 285 jobs.
The supermarket giant will build a store on Wedgwood Way, on the current site of tyre wholesaler Bond International, after Stevenage Borough Council’s Planning and Development Committee gave the plans the green light on Thursday (May 25).
More than 190 people had written to the authority in support of the scheme, according to the council. The development includes a purposebuilt store with a full range of fresh food, including a Market Street with specialist butchers, bakers and fishmongers.
The multi-million-pound plans also include a café, garden centre, a six-pump petrol filling station - with electric vehicle charging, 234 parking spaces and a separate commercial unit to provide additional employment.
A spokesman for Morrisons said: “At the moment, the north-east of Stevenage is poorly served for major supermarkets, meaning many residents have to drive up to four miles to stores elsewhere in the town.
“By providing a new supermarket on this site, Morrisons will improve shopping choice and help reduce the distance local people travel by car, as well as more than doubling the number of people employed at the site.”
Councillors at Thursday’s meeting discussed what the developer and local authorities could do to make it easier for cyclists, drivers and bus passengers to get to the supermarket.
Conditions attached to the planning permission include the developer telling the local authorities how they plan on improving a nearby bus stop, which will include raised height kerbs, a shelter and real-time bus information. A scheme for cycle parking will also need to be agreed.
Picture credit: Whittam Cox and Stevenage Borough Council.Apopular exhibition at Stevenage Museum has just closed. Linda Chambers is the artist behind Devine Deezynz, which she started in 2019, and her exhibition featured clothing, accessories, and jewellery as well as household items like vases and candleholders.
Councillor Loraine Rossati, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure and Information Technology, said: “I’m delighted that Linda Chambers’ inspiring art and design has been so popular.” Linda Chambers, who was born and raised in Zimbabwe, said:
“I adore Africa and I also adore African print.
“I adore Africa and I also adore African print. I love to make beautiful and colourful designs that brighten your person and your home”
I love to make beautiful and colourful designs that brighten your person and your home. I am inspired by my surroundings constantly and by other people. In turn I hope my work will inspire others!
“During my childhood in Zimbabwe, I always loved wrapping African print around me as is the common practice for women, still do from time to time at home. Every print has its own vibrancy and beauty that makes me happy to see it on almost anything I can. I have been banned from using African print on certain items in our home!
If I could I would wrap everything with African print!
“When designing an item I get fully engrossed and at times the design gets better as I go along as if there’s an invisible hand guiding me. It’s a truly amazing feeling! That’s why I called my business Devine Deezynz.”
Two foyer cases are available for other local artists, groups or schools to use to showcase their work. Just get in touch with the museum on 01438 218 881 Wednesday to Saturday, or by emailing museum@stevenage.gov.uk .
Stevenage Borough Council has announced that Covid the Cobra is returning to a permanent home in Stevenage.
The original stones that made up the snake will be memorialised as part of our town’s history and will be incorporated in a series wooden pillars at various points along Grace Way, to mark out the original route of Covid the Cobra.
A mosaic will also be installed at Fairlands Valley Park. Any suitable excess stones will be used to create ‘treasure chests’ of Covid the Cobra stones that will be shared with local schools.
The plans were revealed at the official opening of the Covid the Cobra murals on Thursday 18 May, the third anniversary of the snake’s inception. The murals are located about halfway along the original cobra route, between Grace Way and Trumper. Local professional artist Szylk Wane, known as Silvi, has created designs for both sides of the underpass that celebrate the story of the snake and some of the original stone designs. Junction 7 Creatives and the Parnell family have been credited with all of their work to help make this happen.
Anew bus service between Stevenage and the Brookfield Centre in Cheshunt, running through Hertford, Ware and Hoddesdon, has been launched by Hertfordshire County Council and Centrebus.
The 907 bus service is an hourly service, operating seven days a week between 7am and 8pm. The timetable has been designed alongside existing route 390 to provide a bus up to every 30 minutes on weekdays between Stevenage and Hertford - a commitment the Hertfordshire County Council made in its Bus Service Improvement Plan.
It will provide a new regular service between the towns, with connections to important destinations such as Lister Hospital. The new service will also serve Watton-at-Stone and the Pinehurst Estate in Hertford, as well as providing a faster link between Hoddesdon and Hertford.
The new bus is being launched with a free ticket offer, with 500 tickets for the 907 and 390 service to be given away between May 29 and August 20. Residents can apply for a free ticket at intalink.org.uk/connectherts.
Councillor Phil Bibby, the county council’s executive member for highways and transport, said: “The new 907 service will provide an important link across the county, connecting some of Hertfordshire’s key towns together with a fast and frequent public transport option. “I hope that the free ticket offer will help encourage people to choose this new public transport link and leave their cars at home. We are committed to making Hertfordshire a cleaner, greener, healthier county and public transport is at the heart of our plans.”
The 907 service is part of Hertfordshire County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, which has been funded with £29.7m from the Department for Transport.
Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable and affordable public transport system. That is why we have provided Hertfordshire County Council with almost £30 million to boost its bus services.
“Supporting Hertfordshire County Council in introducing the new 907 service is great for local residents, who will now benefit and be able to make the most of the fantastic work, business and leisure opportunities Stevenage, Hertford, Ware and Cheshunt have to offer.”
The timetable for the 907 has been coordinated with the existing 390 service to make it easier for passengers to make onward journeys. For details of the route and the service timetable, visit intalink.org.uk .
“I hope that the free ticket offer will help encourage people to choose this new public transport link and leave their cars at home.”
The Stevenage Magazine is delighted to team up with A R K Lasting Powers & Wills Ltd and Stevenage Community Trust to promote both organisations to our readers. Take a look at the work of John and Karen and see how you can assist the Community Trust.
A R K Lasting Powers & Wills Ltd is a small, familyrun business which was formed over six years ago. You will be able to find a lot of information about them on their website www.arkpowers.com Owned by John and Karen Greenall who are long term Stevenage residents – John was born here and Karen moved here when she was two; they are proud to have brought their family up in the town, and to be able to help local people to protect themselves and their families. They can assist with Wills, Will Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate related matters.
Karen holds a STEP qualification (The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and has over 12 years’ experience in the Will and Probate industry. They often get recommended by Financial Advisors and other professionals to help clients with their important documents.
A R K are members of The Society of Will Writers. This is important as they act as the governing body, and A R K have to follow their guidelines and ensure they hold relevant insurances.
A R K are very proud of their 5 Star ratings on both Google and Facebook. It always makes them happy to hear that people are pleased with the service they have received.
They offer appointments in various ways. A lot of them are via Zoom or Phone, however they are happy to visit clients in their own homes during the day, if they are local to Stevenage.
Both John and Karen are very aware of how lucky they are to be able to give back to the local community and they do this is various ways. At the moment they are supporting five local charities that are close to their hearts. One of these being The Stevenage Community Trust.
A R K have kindly offered to donate 10% of Will fees to The Stevenage Community Trust where anyone who contacts them mentions The Stevenage Magazine.
Planning a funeral can be emotional and overwhelming. We hope that this step-by-step guide to planning a funeral offers some support and direction during this difficult time.
Once you have registered your loved one’s death and received the death certificate you can start planning their funeral.
Firstly, find out if any funeral wishes are in place –perhaps within the will or a funeral plan. Your loved one may have discussed this with relatives or close friends. It’s also important to know how the funeral
will be paid for; whether provisions have been made.
Involving others helps with the tasks involved and decision making. It can also be comforting to others to know that plans are being made … they may want to be involved by helping you.
Involving a funeral director eases this incredibly difficult time. They take care of the deceased, make the necessary arrangements and manage the funeral proceedings. Importantly, their role is also to support and listen to you.
The most common types of funerals are burials and cremations. If you don’t know the person’s wishes, our article explains the factors involved with choosing which funeral type is best.
It’s important to know what your loved one’s funeral will cost and how it will be paid for. In 2022, the average UK funeral cost was £3,953, excluding transport, flowers and a memorial. The basic funeral costs should cover the fees of the funeral director, doctor and clergy/officiate as well as the cost of the coffin.
Your loved one may have left wishes for the service, either written (will/funeral plan) or through discussion with a friend or relative.
A key decision to make is whether the funeral service will be religious or not. The eulogy and any poems should also be planned; what to say and who should read them during the service.
Some funeral services are themed, according to the wishes or lifestyle of the deceased. From dress code to music, transport to flowers … there is the opportunity to say goodbye your way
Where and When
Once the funeral requirements are in place, it’s time to choose where and when the funeral will take place. You can then create the order of service and let people know the date and location involved, plus any dress code requirements. (Some people request bright colours or the deceased’s favourite colour, for example.)
After the funeral service, the wake is an opportunity for people to mourn the passing of the deceased and also to celebrate their life. From a hiring fully catered venue to self catering at home, a range of options are available. The wake can be a private event or an open invitation can be extended during the funeral service.
The Austin’s team is available to help with arranging funerals. We also offer a range of brochures for additional support.
•
