Community INCORPORATING
Recycling News
AUTUMN 2012
The St Albans Food & Drink Festival, now in its 5th year, showcases the fantastic range of food, drink and produce available in the district. The festival starts on Wednesday 26 September with the famous CAMRA Beer Festival and ends with the al fresco Festival Finale on St Peter’s Street on Sunday 7 October. Throughout the 12 days, many of the pubs, restaurants and hotels in the district are offering meal
deals or holding events. Visit www. stalbansfoodanddrink.com or e-mail foodanddrinkfestival@stalbans.gov.uk to join the mailing list. This summer, you can vote for your favourite restaurant, bar, pub, café, producer or food shop for the St Albans Food and Drink Awards 2012. Visit the website before 30 September to cast your vote. The winners will be announced at an Award Ceremony at St Michael’s Manor on 4 October.
Community News is published by St Albans City & District Council www.stalbans.gov.uk
St Albans at the movies The Council is backing an Act of Parliament to make location filming in Hertfordshire easier. Our historical setting and close proximity to London and film studios such as Leavesden and Elstree Studios makes St Albans district a popular shoot location. In recent years, scenes for films such as ‘Johnny English’, starring Rowan Atkinson, and ‘Incendiary’, featuring Ewan McGregor and Michelle Williams, were filmed locally. If successful, the County Council will be able to close roads temporarily for filming and to give permission for filming equipment on our roads for short periods of time. Key considerations are traffic pressures and the needs of local residents.
2 Autumn 2012
Batchwood Update Following last summer’s devastating fire, the Council has applied for planning permission for new golf and bowls pavilions at Batchwood. We expect to submit a planning application for the new tennis centre this autumn. If all goes according to plan, we will start construction works in March for completion in early 2014.
Better broadband access campaign Hertfordshire County Council has launched a campaign to improve broadband access and speed across the county. You can check your current internet connection speed and register your initial interest to receive superfast broadband at www.superfastforherts.org.
St Albans City & District Council Community News
s t h g i L s Christma Switch On
St Albans – Sunday 18 November Street entertainment, fun and games, St Peter’s St, from 5.30pm
Harpenden – Sunday 25 November Harpenden Christmas Carnival from 12 noon, farmers’ market, stalls, late shopping, Santa’s grotto, fairground Wheathampstead – Thursday 29 November Family fun with a fairground, Santa and carol singing. Lights on at 6pm London Colney – Friday 30 November Chester Gibbons Green (by the clock) – from 5.30pm Southdown – Friday 30 November Live music, kids fairground, late shopping, church Christmas fair – from 6pm Batford – Sunday 9 December 5.30pm, Batford Green
Bluehouse Hill parking restrictions Newly enforced parking restrictions on Bluehouse Hill in St Albans are in place to deter people parking on the verges there. The Council is concerned that an accident could take place as cars manoeuvre on and off the verges in
the face of fast moving traffic. The damage caused by people parking on the district’s verges, and the expense to the tax payer in putting it right, is also of concern. For St Albans car parks, see www.stalbans.gov.uk/parking.
£59K for grass-roots projects Projects, including a job club for young people in London Colney, will receive £59K through the Council’s Community Grants Fund. The Fund provides support for grass roots projects that benefit the local community. This year the Council was particularly keen to receive applications for projects that help to address youth unemployment,
encourage interaction between generations and improve the IT skills of disadvantaged groups. The fund is administered for the Council by the Centre for Voluntary Service. The next round of funding will open in December. For more information see www.stalbans.gov. uk/communitygrants or call 01727 819518.
Tenant & Leaseholder Open Day 13th October, 11.30am to 3pm – Council offices, Civic Centre, St Albans Meet the teams from all council housing service providers and contractors, seek advice, find out about benefit changes, tell us about issues, find out what’s new. Refreshments available and prize draw for all attending. Also see: Citizens’s Advice Bureau, Mediation Service, Credit Union, Home Swapper, housing associations, the Tenants Forum. Bring the children – we have face painting, magician, fire engine and lots more. www.stalbans.gov.uk
Changes to Council Tax Benefits – have your say Council Tax Benefit is being replaced by a local Council Tax Support scheme after changes made under the Welfare Reform Act. From April, the Council will be given 90% of the amount currently spent on Council Tax Benefit. To manage within a lower budget, we are developing a support scheme which prioritises protection for the most vulnerable groups. These groups include low income pensioners, people on Disability Living Allowance or a carer’s allowance and people on a low income with young children. The scheme will provide incentives so that those taking up work will be better off. Some other groups are likely to receive lower benefits than they do currently. To have your say on the proposals, please visit www.stalbans. gov.uk/consultations or pick up a questionnaire at our reception desk. The closing date is 30 September.
2011 Census results 2011 census results from the Office for National Statistics have been released. The local population has grown to 140,600 – an overall growth since 2001 of 8.8%. Welwyn and Hatfield has the biggest increase in Hertfordshire with a rise of 13.2%. The Council will use these figures, and the results of subsequent census information releases, to plan resources and ensure council services are effectively targeted. 3
Council overview and scrutiny
New visitor website The Council has launched a new website for visitors to St Albans and the surrounding towns and villages. Highlights include a video
produced in conjunction with Visit England, information about what to see and do, where to stay and lots more. See www.enjoystalbans.com.
Doing more online We have invested in our website so that you can do more of your council business online.
Overview and scrutiny committees provide important checks and balances in local democracy. Councillors can decide to examine particular issues in depth. They review policies, make suggestions for change and improvement and examine decisions. Meetings are open to the public and can also be viewed via webcam. To find out more or to suggest topics for scrutiny, visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/counciland-democracy/overviewand-scrutiny, email scrutiny@ stalbans.gov.uk, or telephone 01727 819529.
Check your waste collection day www.stalbans.gov.uk/bincollection New facilities. Direction to county council services via www.stalbans.gov.uk homepage To access full range of services. Applying for benefits www.stalbans.gov.uk/benefits New paperless online system
New map based information website www.stalbans.gov.uk/maps Information tailored to your address. Search for planning applications, councillors, waste and recycling information, etc. Paying your council tax www.stalbans.gov.uk/counciltax Better navigation, quicker to use. Pay or challenge parking fines www.stalbans.gov.uk/parking Easier to use navigation. Tell us if we miss your waste or recycling collection www.stalbans.gov.uk/missedbin A new online system for reporting. 4 Autumn 2012
Business licensing www.stalbans.gov.uk/ businesslicences Improvements to navigation. Council consultations www.stalbans.gov.uk/consultations View, participate and review.
Market Dates St Albans Market every Wednesday and Saturday St Albans Farmers’ Market 2nd Sunday of the month Harpenden Farmers’ Market 4th Sunday of the month
St Albans City & District Council Community News
Register to vote Make sure you are on the electoral register so you can vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections on Thursday 15 November 2012. You are not automatically entitled to vote because you pay council tax or have voted before. It is necessary to register. The deadline to register to vote in
Try our website first Our customer service centre covers everything from taking Council payments to answering planning enquires. Many of the things people come to talk to us about can also be done online at www.stalbans. gov.uk from the comfort of your own home.
Winter burglary precautions St Albans is one of the safest districts in the county. As the evenings draw in there are some basic precautions we can all take to keep burglars at bay. A third of all burglars break into houses through unlocked doors and windows. Lock them securely even if you are only going out for a short time. Make your home look occupied. Use timers or leave lights
Local services at the Civic Centre The following organisations are working together at the St Albans Civic Centre. They offer a range of information and advice services. Monday, Wednesday – 10am to 2pm Tuesday, Thursday – Appointments only The Youth Connexions team is also available weekday afternoons Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 10am to 1pm
Monday to Thursday – 8.45am to 5pm Friday – 8.45am to 4.30pm
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 9am to 1pm
Wednesday – 10am to 1pm Opening times for all organisations may vary during school holidays. www.stalbans.gov.uk/community-and-living/civiccentre www.stalbans.gov.uk
the Police and Crime Commissioner elections is 31 October 2012. Make sure that nothing stops you having your say on who represents you. More information at www.stalbans.gov.uk/elections, email elections@stalbans.gov.uk, telephone 01727 819294.
on, and install outside lighting to deter thieves. Keep keys out of sight and lock away gardening tools so they can’t be used to break in. Visible burglar alarms may make burglars think twice. Roses, a thorny hedge and spiky plants can stop would-be intruders climbing walls or fences. For more information contact the Community Safety Team on 01727 819305.
PLANNING GUIDANCE Pre-planning application informal information & advice Drop in service at the Civic Centre Mon 1-4pm, Wed 9am-12.30pm Telephone service Tel 01727 819344 Wed 1-4.45pm, Thurs 9am-12.30pm Technical support – completing an application Daily 2-4pm Tel 01727 819347 Search our map-based website for current and past planning applications for all properties in the district: gis.stalbans.gov.uk/ wmlcustomerservice 5
GREEN ISSUES District in Bloom 2012 The winners of this year’s District in Bloom competition were announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Aylett Nurseries on 10 September. Sustainability was the overall theme. Photographs of the winning entries can be found at www.stalbans. gov.uk/districtinbloom2012. The winners are: Best Sustainable Garden: Winner: June Whetherley Highly Commended: Isobel Leek Best Front Garden: Winner: Mrs Woods Highly Commended: Beryl Hopkins
Best Community Project: Best Public House Frontage: Winner: Plough & Harrow Winner: Wheathampstead Parish Council Highly Commended: Blacksmith Arms Highly Commended: Bernard Street Community Project Best School Project: Joint Winners: Watling View School & Manland Primary School Highly Commended: Aboyne Lodge School, Oakwood Primary School, The Grove Junior & Infants School Best Allotment: Winner: Robert Tofts Highly Commended: Brian & Brenda Gilson Best Parish in Bloom: Winner: Redbourn Parish Council Highly Commended: Wheathampstead Parish Council
Willow works
Over ninety children from St Peter’s School in St Albans got creative during the summer learning the art of willow weaving. The children, supported by volunteers from Sopwell Resident’s Association and the council, used willow harvested by workshop leader, Hazel Godfrey, from north Hertfordshire.
Redbourn tests new recycling arrangements
Verulam Park cycle routes We are testing a number of recycling improvements in Redbourn from October. For the trial in Redbourn, we will be taking all sorts of new plastics including yoghurt and margarine containers. Redbourn residents are also being asked to put their cardboard in with their paper recycling rather than in with their green waste. Redbourn residents will be getting leaflets through their doors shortly. These new arrangements apply only to Redbourn for the time being while we test new equipment and 6 Autumn 2012
tweak our plans. Over the coming months, we hope to roll out new recycling arrangements across the district. We will let you know when the new scheme is coming to your collection round. This initiative is part of the Council’s new scheme to get the district’s recycling rate up above 60% from the current 50% mark. There will be more news about this in the winter edition of Community News. Further information on 01727 819391, wastemanagementservices@ stalbans.gov.uk.
The first of two cycle routes planned in Verulamium Park nears completion. Care has been taken to make sure the paths are of a high quality, are in keeping with the park setting, are safe and respect both the needs of cyclists and pedestrians including those with disabilities. The Council constructed the cycle paths in Verulamium Park following representations from residents over many years, including a 1,000 signature petition from the St Albans Cycling Club last summer.
St Albans City & District Council Community News
Flowers in Clarence Park We have introduced an annual seeding programme of flowers across the district, including at Clarence Park (pictured).
Borrow a recycling bin for your event There are special recycling bins available for loan to people running events in the district. Contact 01727 819428, louise.palmer@stalbans.gov.uk for information.
Taking pride in our district In recent research St Albans came out near the top of the happiness index. It’s little wonder then that 90 percent of residents say they are satisfied with the district as a place to live. But even in a district like St Albans, there are problems with anti-social behaviour like fly-tipping,
litter, graffiti and dog mess. Fortunately we have thousands of community spirited residents who take pride in our beautiful surroundings and who do their bit to keep the district looking great. The Cleaner District Helpline is here to help. If you spot a problem, give us a call on 0845 125 8000 and let us know. Thank you for helping.
Household Waste Recycling Centres Open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. • Dark Lane, Harpenden 10am – 6pm • Ronsons Way, St Albans 8am – 4pm (winter), 8am – 6pm (summer) www.wasteaware.org.uk • Waterdale, A405, Bricket Wood 8am – 6pm
Keeping St Albans City & District Clean and Green If you spot a problem with...
Disposing of unwanted electricals In the past year, nearly 173 million electrical items were sold in the UK. If you are wondering what to do with your unwanted electrical equipment, some charities www.stalbans.gov.uk
welcome donations (see: www.charityretail.org.uk and www.frn.org.uk). Otherwise you can recycle them at any of the district’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (see above).
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Abandoned vehicles Illegal or litter Dog fouling or stray dogs Dumped rubbish Illegal Overgrown hedgerows Spills from refuse collection Accumulation of leaves Pest control Damaged street furniture Street cleaning required Drugs paraphernalia Trees (overgrown/obstructing highway) Empty/derelict property Air pollution (bonfires/fumes)
...please contact
✆ The Cleaner District Hotline: 0845 125 8000
✉ a.cleanerdistrict@stalbans.gov.uk
Together, for a Cleaner Dis 7
Know your local district councillor The Cabinet – Cabinet’s role is to make decisions about how the Council is run. Its members each have an area of responsibility or portfolio. Cllr Julian Daly – Executive Leader; Chair of Cabinet; Resources Cllr Mike Wakely – Deputy Executive Leader; Sports, Leisure and Heritage Cllr Daniel Chichester-Miles – Environment Cllr Teresa Heritage – Planning and Conservation Cllr Brian Ellis – Housing Cllr Beric Read – Community Engagement and Localism
Conservative Labour Green Independent
For contact details for all Councillors see www.stalbans.gov.uk/council-and-democracy ASHLEY
Momotaz Rahim
BATCHWOOD
Anthony Rowlands
Iqbal Zia
CUNNINGHAM
Robert Donald
Geoff Harrison
Robert Prowse
Julian Daly
Malachy Pakenham
Rosemary Farmer
Dean Russell
Michael Weaver
Simon Calder
Dreda Gordon
Aislinn Lee
David Yates
Maxine Crawley
Eileen Harris
Joyce Lusby
Chris White
Mike Wakely
Julie Bell
Bert Pawle
Geoffrey Turner
MARSHALSWICK NORTH
Jacob Quagliozzi
Geoff Churchard
Janet Churchard
Roger Gray
Tony Swendell
Alec Campbell
Janet Smith
Dursun Altun
Jamie Day
Brian Ellis
David Heritage
Teresa Heritage
MARSHALSWICK SOUTH
Tom Clegg
Heidi Allen
Salih Gaygusuz
Rod Perks
Brian Gibbard
Gordon Myland
ST STEPHEN
Michael Green
Simon Grover
VERULAM
David Poor
Chris Brazier
HARPENDEN SOUTH
ST PETERS
SOPWELL
Beric Read
Sheila Burton
Liberal Democrat
COLNEY HEATH
HARPENDEN NORTH
REDBOURN
SANDRIDGE
Frances Leonard
Roma Mills
LONDON COLNEY
PARK STREET
Steve Bowes-Phipps
CLARENCE
HARPENDEN EAST
HARPENDEN WEST
Daniel Chichester-Miles
Martin Leach
The Mayor of St Albans: Eileen Harris The Mayor represents St Albans District at ceremonial and social events, meets important visitors and chairs Council meetings. The role is non-political.
Sue Featherstone
WHEATHAMPSTEAD
Fred Wartenberg
Nat Young
Annie Brewster
Gill Clark
Nigel Huddleston
Now on Twitter @StAlbansCouncil
We hope you enjoy reading Community News. If you can spare a moment, please email communications@stalbans.gov.uk or call 01727 819572 and let us know your views and what else you want us to include. St Albans City & District Council Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3JE Website: www.stalbans.gov.uk Email: contactus@stalbans.gov.uk 8 Autumn 2012
Customer Service Centre opening hours: Mon-Thurs 8.45am-5pm, Fri 8.45am-4.30pm
Harpenden Town Council Information Point Town Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden
Housing Repairs: 01727 819256 Refuse & Recycling: 01727 819285 Council Tax: 01727 819204 Benefits: 01727 819476 Cleaner District Hotline: 0845 125 8000 Textphone: 01727 819570 All other enquiries: 01727 866100
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Telephone: 01582 768278 Alternative formats: If you want to receive this newsletter in an alternative format, such as Braille, or in another language, please call 01727 819572. See www.disabledgo.com for information about access to local facilities. St Albans City & District Council Community News
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