Sustainable, On-Demand Public Transport for Watford, in a Click ‘It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst Cut Car Use

ABOUT ATFORD

Autumn 2020

Sustainable, on-demand public transport for Watford, in a click ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst cut car use. It’s a terrific resource, which of times.’ I’ve been using myself. There’s more info on page 10 about this service. It’s been a tough year and there’s still a lot to do to beat COVID-19 – we owe it to those Our Environmental Health team has been who have lost loved ones to continue to working hard with local businesses to help do everything we can to stop the spread them reopen safely, and we’ve developed a of the virus. Amidst the profound sadness, COVID-19 safety ‘Confidence Mark’ for the there is still much hope, and I am extremely town, which many licensed taxis are using to proud of Watford and the way we have show they have implemented the necessary Peter Taylor pulled together. safety changes. You can read more about Elected Mayor of this on page 24. We are also launching a new Watford From our NHS staff and care workers, to support programme for small businesses shop and postal workers and those who and start-ups, with not-for-profit social www.watford.gov.uk/ empty our bins, so many have gone above enterprise, Wenta, which is designed to help electedmayor and beyond. My thanks to them all. existing businesses to recover and support new businesses to thrive. Our Watford Helps volunteering initiative is a testament to our town – 1,600 offered It’s been a tough time for retailers across their services, with over 8,300 receiving the UK, with Watford being no exception. support. Our COVID-19 appeal has raised Despite our best efforts, John Lewis over £157,000 of vital funding, helping decided not to reopen their Watford store, over 50 charities and voluntary groups to with both Debenhams and intu going into continue their fantastic work across administration. Our town centre remains our borough. vibrant and busy and I am confident intu will be sold soon to another property Watford Together has helped connect our management company. I’m pleased to community through arts and culture, with confirm that a Next multi-brand beauty and hundreds participating in the ‘One Town, home store will fill the Debenhams space One Book’ scheme. My regular Sunday soon. I would urge you all to support our evening quiz with Luther Blissett has also town centre, safely, whenever you can. proved popular. Finally, like many of you, I am also sad to Just before lockdown we launched the see our football club relegated this year. Beryl bike-share scheme – as part of my If only there were points for community manifesto to deliver more sustainable contribution – their support for Watford transport. It has proved hugely popular General Hospital over the past months has with residents, who’ve taken 50,000 been truly top of the Premier League! journeys to date, and we have recently started a pilot project with electric bikes.

The ArrivaClick on-demand minibus scheme is also now in operation, to help

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2 About Watford Autumn 2020 ABOUT ATFORD Features

Watford Together – our town. our future 4 Bringing the town together in a time of adversity 6 Community spirit in abundance in Watford 8 Sustainable, on-demand public transport for Watford, in a click 10 On your bike! 12 Exciting new sport, play and leisure facilities at Oxhey and Garston Parks 14 Live, work and enjoy Watford! 16 The future of your council 18 Council and One YMCA collaborate on new rough-sleeper facility 19 News in brief 21–23 Helping our business community get back on its feet 24 Your new waste and recycling collection service 26 How to self-isolate 28 Sustainability survey 29 Your councillors 31

WE’RE HERE TO HELP IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS www.watford.gov.uk

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01923 226400 Watford Borough Council, Town Hall, Watford, WD17 3EX Customer Service Centre open Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 5.15pm and Friday 8.45am to 4.45pm watfordcouncil

www.watford.gov.uk 3 Watford Together OUR TOWN. OUR FUTURE

Welcome to our new Council Plan.

We pride ourselves on thinking bigger for Watford, so we can achieve the best for our town, our residents and our communities. In what have been some of the most challenging times we have ever faced, it is now more important than ever that our big ideas can set the right direction for Watford and accomplish great things for the future. Here is an outline of our new Council Plan, which sets out what we want to achieve over the next four years, to enable our town to flourish and emerge even stronger than before.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor

Our corporate themes

A council that • Focus our budget to deliver on Our commitments 1 serves our residents our commitments and secure • Promote Watford as an We are a different kind of council – investment to work for Watford. enterprising town where pioneering and always searching • Welcome innovation, businesses can invest, grow for better answers; a bold council technology and new ways and succeed. that gets things done, focuses on of working, to continuously • Create thriving and affordable opportunity and challenges old- improve. neighbourhoods and the right fashioned thinking. We work as environment for businesses ‘one team’ and everything we do is A thriving, diverse to flourish. to make our town successful and and creative town 2 • Ensure the right mix of facilities, improve the lives of our residents. We want Watford to be an services and transport links as outstanding place for everyone: part of new developments to Our commitments residents, business owners and create successful, well-designed • Make sure our council is a caring visitors alike. Our plans have new communities. and collaborative organisation created a thriving and attractive • Make sure we have quality that puts what matters to people town, but we know we cannot homes to meet the needs of at the heart of everything we do. stand still. We must always look residents, including housing that • Deliver high-quality, sustainable to the future and be ambitious is affordable through ownership, services. for Watford, to guarantee our private rental and social continued success and prosperity. • Empower leaders at all levels housing. This has never been more in our council to inspire important as we look to thrive • Build on our new, greener ways our organisation and our post COVID-19. to travel in and around Watford communities. and promote the transition to a low-carbon economy.

4 About Watford Autumn 2020 A healthy and Our commitments • Work even more closely with 3 happy town • Celebrate our diversity, heritage the voluntary and community Our communities are the strength and culture, to make Watford sector to build a resilient and the heart of Watford. We know a place for people to succeed, community where people they have great civic pride and from childhood to old age. support each other. enjoy getting involved in the life of • Enable our cultural and creative • Work with partners to end rough the town. We have seen them care sectors to flourish. sleeping and help people enjoy for each other like never before better lives. • Ensure we have quality events, and we want this great spirit to recreational opportunities and be the launchpad for something outdoor spaces for people to get very special for Watford in the together, feel part of the town years to come. Our diverse town and boost their health inspires us every day and we want and wellbeing. its communities to really feel a part of our joint future.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES UNDERPIN HOW WE DELIVER ON OUR THEMES AND COMMITMENTS

Excellence Work with partners to deliver excellent outcomes for our customers and communities. Promotion Promote Watford widely to maximise our town’s potential. Impact Use our resources wisely to maximise financial, social and environmental impact. Enterprise Challenge ourselves to be ambitious and entrepreneurial. Leadership Bring people who care about the town together, to get things done. Caring Respond thoughtfully, to show our readiness to help others.

www.watford.gov.uk 5 Bringing the town together in a time of adversity

The lockdown hasn’t stifled the cultural and creative activities of Watford’s residents, who’ve been quizzing, reading and taking photos as part of our Watford Together initiative, delivered with our arts, culture and leisure partners.

Big Bold Community Quiz Photography competition – Watford in extraordinary Hundreds of you tuned in for our times Sunday evening quiz, hosted by One Town, Elected Mayor, Peter Taylor, and Over 80 entries were submitted Watford FC football legend, Luther for our photography competition, One Book Blissett. With music from Electric which aimed to capture the Umbrella, and a host of celebrity pandemic period through the guests, including actor Mark eyes of residents. The winner of Bonnar (who starred in ITV’s The the children’s category was Millie Quiz) and Liverpool, Watford and Lovelock-Halladey, and of the One Town, One Book England soccer star, John Barnes, adult’s, Raluca Nemteanu. Well quiz participants raised over £3k done to the eight runners-up: We teamed up with Sunday Times for our Watford Helps COVID-19 Dilan Modha (10), Harry Quinn (9), bestselling author, and former appeal, which has supported over Mahi Ruparelia (8), Moreen Mero, Watford resident, Katharine 50 of the town’s charities to date. Lisa O’Brien, Pratiksha Modha, McMahon to unite the town Tricia Staunton and Zoe Tunstall. through our love of reading. The photography will be used in Residents were invited to read a special exhibition at Watford Katharine’s latest book, The Hour Museum and other venues around of Separation (which is partially the town. set in Watford), and join in with a series of virtual book club sessions and a writing workshop, all hosted Millie Lovelock-Halladey by the author.

As well as being featured on BBC Radio 4’s arts programme, Front Row, the initiative pushed The Hour of Separation to the top of Watford Waterstones’ bestsellers list! Plans are underway to run it again next year, focusing on a children’s novel. Tell us what you think of Watford Together at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ watfordtogether Raluca Nemteanu

6 About Watford Autumn 2020 We’re updating the electoral register for Watford. You can help us to do this safely and efficiently by following the steps on the form we’ve recently sent you in the post.

To avoid the need for council staff to visit you, if your letter requires a response and you have not already done so, please don’t delay.

www.watford.gov.uk 7 Community spirit in abundance in Watford

Watford people have always pulled together in tough times and our vibrant communities have responded to the Coronavirus pandemic with great spirit, through volunteering, supporting local charities with donations and with terrific acts of kindness and heroism.

Over 1,600 people responded rough sleepers; a lifeline to victims Generous donations to the to Watford Borough Council’s of domestic abuse; financial appeal have been made by local call for volunteers at the start advice to people who’ve lost their company, Camelot, who run the of the pandemic; they’ve been jobs; and care for households National Lottery, and Watford- delivering groceries to people suffering bereavement. based estate agent, Imagine. The self-isolating and shielding; picking scheme has also had support from up prescriptions; making friendly local, well-known figures, including Elected Mayor of Watford, calls to people living alone; dog Peter Taylor, said the BBC’s Chris Stark; Kelly Smith walking for people who could not “I am extremely proud of MBE, England’s greatest ever get out; or helping out at a local how our town rose to the female footballer and all-time top food bank. Neighbours have been many challenges of the goalscorer; 80s popstar, Limahl; connecting and looking out for each Coronavirus emergency ex-Watford FC stars, Luther other more than usual and informal and bowled over by the Blissett, Richard Johnson, Nigel support groups in local areas were generosity of people in Gibbs and Tommy Smith; actor organised to help people in need. Watford. I am proud to be Mark Bonnar; and Saracens and Mayor of such a generous England rugby favourite, Maro Over £157,000 was raised in and community- Itoje. You can find out more at: response to the COVID-19 charities orientated town.” www.watfordcovidappeal.org appeal, launched by Elected Mayor, Peter Taylor, and Watford and Three Rivers Trust, with extensive support from Watford FC legend Luther Blissett and his partner Lauren. The appeal was set up to raise funds for local charities on the front line of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak who were providing support to residents across the town.

Over 50 local charities have benefited from appeal funds, which have been used to provide emergency food and medical supplies to isolated people; accommodation and support for If you or someone you know needs help go to: www.communityhelps.org

8 About Watford Autumn 2020 Local charities in the town have • Electric Umbrella • Random Café been working wonders on the • GoKula Café • SEWA Day front line of the Coronavirus • Guideposts Trust • SPACE crisis, despite an unprecedented • Headway Hertfordshire • Small Acts of Kindness fall in their income. Our Watford • Herts Inclusive Theatre • Sri Guru Singh Sabha Watford Helps COVID-19 Charities • Herts Mind Network • The Bowley Charity Appeal has helped the following • Herts Musical Memories • The Living Room organisations and more: • Homestart Watford and (Watford Centre) • 3R and Watford School Three Rivers • Watford COVID Support Group Partnership • Hope Charity • Watford Elim Church • Citizens Advice Watford • New Hope • Watford Foodbank • Colnbrook School • One Vision Project • Watford Mencap • Community Learning • One YMCA • Watford Women’s Centre Partnership • Peace Hospice Care • Watford Workshop • The Dan Tien • Playskill • Wellspring Church • Disability Watford • Pump House Theatre

£ 1,600 8,300 £157,000 50+ Watford Helps Acts of COVID-19 Charities Number of volunteers kindness Appeal money raised charities helped

Dina, Volunteer at SEWA Day said: Siobhan from Watford and Three Rivers “It is really disheartening to see so many people Trust said: “We have supported residents of struggle in this pandemic, but it is also overwhelming Watford, Bushey and Three Rivers throughout to see the kind-hearted community of Watford come the pandemic by providing supplies, collecting together and unite to provide essential provisions prescriptions and offering a personal shopping and signposting for professional assistance. service to the elderly, vulnerable and those who have been required to shield. At the peak, we were With every small act of kindness SEWA Day providing support to c.130 households each week. volunteers continue to provide Selfless Efforts We have also taken on ad hoc requests, such as for the Welfare of All (SEWA). We have served the delivering parcels, welfare door-stop checks and community by providing food parcels, hot meals even collecting a cat to temporarily rehome it, and personal hygiene products, also provided whilst the owner was unable to care for it. transportation to NHS staff to get to work during the lockdown period. It has been an emotional roller The response from the volunteers has been coaster on ground level, as you see the suffering and nothing short of incredible. It has been absolutely hear the real-life stories of how our community is amazing to witness people within our community, suffering through these unprecedented times. If each all from different walks of life, come together and person in our community can do one act of kindness, work together to support those in need.” it can change someone’s life.”

www.watford.gov.uk 9 Sustainable, on-demand public transport for Watford, in a click

ArrivaClick gears up to offer safe, reliable and sustainable transport in Watford.

An exciting, new, on-demand bus service has been launched this summer, providing an How it works alternative and greener way to get around town. Download the app from Google Play and the Approved on I July, the ArrivaClick service is to App Store – just type in ArrivaClick – Watford. be phased in gradually, and will be scaled up as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Type in your destination and you will be sent a pick-up point. Just click and go!

The demand-responsive minibus service, Charges range from £1.00 – £2.50 per mile, with subsidised by Watford Borough Council, offers discounts available via weekly passes and value-for-money transport in a price range that sits credit bundles. between an average bus and taxi fare and can be booked and paid for via a free smartphone app, Operates available at: www.watford.gov.uk/arrivaclick 6am – 10pm, Monday to Thursday 6am – 11pm, Friday and Saturday 8am – 9pm, Sunday

10 About Watford Autumn 2020 From A to B, in safety It’s really important that, digitally, The introduction of the ArrivaClick and comfort public transport plays a key role service is just one step towards as lockdown measures are eased. the council’s ambitious goal Unlike traditional public transport, Customers can be reassured to become net zero carbon by the new service does not follow that we’re cleaning the vehicles 2030, after declaring a Climate fixed routes. Customers can book thoroughly, using disinfectant, Emergency last year. Additional from the comfort of their own and ensuring social distancing sustainable transport initiatives home and the service, which measures are followed at include the Beryl Bike Share responds to demand, picks up all times.” Scheme, travelWatford app and passengers from a ‘virtual stop’ EV charging points for electric close to their starting point. Each Where to? vehicles across the borough. bus has comfortable seating, For more information, please tables, free Wi-Fi, USB chargers The new minibuses will operate visit: www.watford.gov.uk/ and air conditioning, ensuring across the borough and sustainablewatford a comfortable and convenient additionally to Warner Brother journey. Studios and Croxley Park, with prices ranging from £1 to £2.50 “I am looking per mile. Further discounts are The service is currently operating forward to with a fleet of three minibuses, available via weekly passes and at a reduced capacity of a credit bundles. welcoming the first maximum of four people at any buses to Watford and one time. Passengers will be Elected Mayor of Watford, joining people in our Peter Taylor, commented: “It is asked to comply with the latest town in using them government guidance, such as important that we offer new ways wearing face coverings, and to travel around the town so that to get around.” drivers will also be following we can cut congestion and make Peter Taylor, Elected government guidelines. our air cleaner.” Mayor of Watford Customers are already telling us how much they love the service, with all ratings either 4.5 or 5 star to date.

“We look forward to welcoming you on board.” Adam Toone, Business Development Director, Arriva

Adam Toone, Business Development Director of Arriva, spoke positively about the future of the new partnership and overcoming the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic: “We are thrilled to see that, in partnership with Watford Borough Council, we are able to launch the ArrivaClick service.

www.watford.gov.uk 11 On your bike!

Reducing emissions and raising money: Watford’s Beryl Bikes break 50,000 rides and raise funds for charity.

A net zero carbon Watford by As a result, the scheme is now 2030. It’s not as far away as it piloting a small number of electric sounds. But Watford’s elected bikes to help people with longer Mayor, Peter Taylor, is excited by journeys and further bike-share the prospect of a cleaner, greener bays are being installed at Meriden future, as new, more sustainable, Community Centre, Watford Cycle transport initiatives are being Hub (Chaffinch Lane), Cassio introduced across the borough Common and Knutsford playing to help us reach this fields on Radlett Road. ambitious target. “The Beryl bikes have been One of the most successful brilliant, the app works initiatives is the new bike-share great and the bikes give a scheme, Beryl Bikes. Since its smooth ride. I have used it launch in March, 50,000 journeys 9 times so far!” have now been taken on Beryl Andrew, Watford resident A staggering 5,676 rides and Bikes. The scheme is open to 18,925 kilometres were recorded anyone 16 and over, via the Beryl Ride for Watford during the ride-to-donate Bikes app, and operates 200 initiative, with 468 rides taken on bikes from 42 bays located Not only has the popular bike- a single day. around the town. share scheme played an important role in improving our air quality, Watford goalkeeper and keen “I am determined to do it’s also been the launchpad for cyclist, Ben Foster, has praised the all I can to make Watford a fund-raising campaign, Ride participants of Ride For Watford, a cleaner, greener, less for Watford. In partnership with after it raised £2,806 for the congested town.” local software innovator, PLM Central Ltd, every trip on a Beryl appeal: “I’d like to offer a massive Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor Bike during the campaign saw thanks and congratulations to of Watford 50p donated to the Watford Helps those who got behind this unique COVID-19 Charities Appeal. Funds and worthwhile campaign to help Not only have Beryl Bikes proved were also raised via text and vulnerable people in Watford. a major success in reducing additional donations from Beryl. Your efforts will go a long way in carbon emissions, they’ve also making a real difference to local played an important role during charities that are working to get the COVID-19 pandemic, helping vital money to where it is people to get out and about needed most.” during lockdown.

12 About Watford Autumn 2020 Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, added his thanks: “This has been an incredible fund- raising initiative from Beryl and PLM Central for the Watford Helps COVID-19 Appeal, which now stands at £157,000. It is an amazing example of our local business community stepping up to support our town during this time of adversity.”

For more information about Beryl Bikes or to discover more about sustainable transport in Watford, go to: www.watford.gov.uk/ “I’d like to offer a massive thanks and sustainablewatford congratulations to those who got behind this unique and worthwhile campaign to help vulnerable people in Watford.” Ben Foster

www.watford.gov.uk 13 Exciting new sport, play and leisure facilities at Oxhey and Garston Parks The new facilities have both opened − here’s a snapshot of what you can enjoy!

It’s been a busy year for our Parks so people of all ages and abilities Team, as they’ve been working can work on their wheel skills. hard to improve our outdoor community areas as part of the A jump box section means council’s ongoing commitment the younger bike and scooter to continue improving parks and enthusiasts can try out their green spaces for everyone to enjoy. jumps and aerial tricks too. Plus, a separate learners’ skate park, Test your skills at our new next to the café, gives absolute skate parks beginners the perfect spot to start honing their skills, before they Test your skills at the new skate progress to other parts of the park. park in Oxhey Activity Park, where The skate facilities at Garston you’ll find a good mix of street Park will be on a smaller scale and obstacles, as well as a wide mini include the following equipment: ramp, if you’re after some real flatbank, funbox, spine ramp, air time. The park includes a bike quarter pipe and skateable bench. pump track and smooth skate run,

14 About Watford Autumn 2020 Keeping it green cold food and drinks, to eat in or • New entrances and improved take away. walkways for improved Both schemes also include fresh connectivity have been planting of a wide variety of More exciting facilities to enjoy installed at Garston Park. shrubs and meadow species. More • Keen and amateur cyclists trees have also been planted to can get on their bikes and try You can find out more add to the borough’s growing tree the new bike skills trail and about all the open spaces canopy (which at 18.2%, is higher footpaths winding through around Watford at: than the national average of 16%) both parks. www.watford.gov.uk/parks and a new wildflower meadow has been created at Garston Park. As well as making the parks even more beautiful, these initiatives support ecology and biodiversity, improve the soil and support the environment.

Go wild and get fit in the great outdoors

There’s plenty for the little ones in our adventurous new children’s play areas! Explore the play trails, swing on the jungle swing like a modern-day Tarzan, or zoom down the slides. It’s important that everyone can join in the fun, and most of the equipment is suitable for children with disabilities. Keen to brush up on your table- tennis skills? Outdoor tables are available around the play areas, free of charge, just remember to bring along your bat and ball. Seating and picnicking areas can be found throughout both parks, so you can keep an eye on the kids and enjoy your lunch. “I am delighted that we have completed the works at both Oxhey Activity Park and Garston Park. This is part of our New riverside café at ongoing manifesto commitment to keep improving parks Oxhey Activity Park and green spaces in Watford for children and adults alike The new riverside café at Oxhey, to enjoy. The investment will ensure there will be plenty The Tasty Bean Café, means of opportunities to get active, have fun and enjoy being that everyone, from bikers to outdoors. We work hard to make sure we have fantastic sportspeople, walkers to busy parks and green spaces and that work will continue.” parents, can relax and enjoy a Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford drink and snack. The café serves a delicious selection of hot and

www.watford.gov.uk 15 MAJOR PROJECTS Live, work and enjoy Watford!

Watford Borough Council is committed to an ambitious redevelopment programme, to secure economic prosperity for decades to come.

Here are just some of the latest Improving this key route will key manifesto commitments was to ongoing developments that are make it a more pleasant place to improve this area and I am pleased making Watford an even more live, work and shop. Pavement we have delivered. We must make attractive town to live, work, visit clutter, old paving and redundant sure that all of our town can benefit and invest in. street furniture will be removed, from investment, and schemes and soft landscaping, new and like these are really important in Key thoroughfare reused planters, and trees will making Watford a better place.” St Albans Road create a greener environment rejuvenation project and improve air quality. The new The project will also introduce nearly complete trees and planters will also prevent new small ‘squares’ of high-quality

pavement parking. public realm and community (WORK ONGOING UNTIL LATE space on Hatfield Road, Victoria AUTUMN 2020) Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Road and Bruce Grove. New cycle Taylor, said: “St Albans Road is a stands will also be installed and Working with local businesses, the key route into and out of our town signposting has been installed council has nearly completed its centre. It is used by thousands to the cycling ‘quite way’ along enhancement plan for St Albans of people every day and is an Bradshaw Road and Road, to help fulfil the long-term important place for businesses, Sandringham Road. ambition to create a sustainable leisure and socialising. One of my and vibrant local high street.

16 About Watford Autumn 2020 One of the most noticeable The scheme aims to improve additions will be the large, accessibility, wayfinding, lighting, freestanding letters spelling out connectivity, pedestrian and cycle ‘WATFORD’, a concourse focal circulation, street and road layout point to encourage photos and and air quality. Improvements will social media posts, raising the take place until March 2025 to profile of the town. create a safer, greener and more attractive thoroughfare. Find out Station forecourt In order to facilitate the more at: clarendon-road.co.uk improvements kickstart improvements, bike parking has plans to transform been moved from the forecourt Watford Junction Station to a secure, 300-capacity facility, just off the car park entry road, Work is nearly completed on with free cycle-repair tools and a one of the first of a series of compressed-air device. improvement projects to bring Watford Junction into the 21st The project is part of a larger century. The initial project aims to improvement programme enhance the forecourt outside the to Watford Junction station station and create an improved concourse, expected to start in ‘gateway’ to the town centre. spring 2021. Find out more at: www.watford.gov.uk/ The refurbishment will create majorprojects a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment, with more open, Major transformation of multifunctional space, with new Clarendon Road continues paving and lighting, planting, seating and signposting. There will The £9.82m Clarendon Road also be the beginning of a heritage transformation programme (2019– trail through the town centre and 2025) emphasises its importance a new Beryl bike-share bay for the as a gateway and primary link front of the station. between Watford Junction and the town centre, as well as being a key business area.

www.watford.gov.uk 17 COMMUNITY The future of your council

You may have heard recently All ten Hertfordshire about government plans to review District Council the organisation of local councils Leaders joined forces across the UK. This relates directly to issue a statement to us in Watford, as a district within on 17 July opposing a two-tier system. Hertfordshire a single unitary County Council is planning to council proposal for Hertfordshire. put forward a proposal to create one single unitary council for the District councils have whole of Hertfordshire. been a lifeline to residents and communities during The government has indicated the COVID-19 pandemic, that a Devolution and Recovery providing welfare to those White Paper will be brought in need, paying over forward this autumn, bringing £149m in local business a much clearer understanding grants, housing the of what this means for Watford. homeless and providing Hertfordshire’s ten district important services, from councils, including Watford waste collection, to the Borough Council, do not accept management of green that one unitary council best Whatever happens, we remain spaces and housing. In serves our residents. focused on our ambitions for addition, the Hertfordshire District Watford and the high-quality and Borough Councils have Donna Nolan, Managing Director services you value. We remain worked hard to save over £95m of Watford Borough Council, committed to delivering our new during the last decade to protect said: “I am working very closely Council Plan 2020–2024. It sets vital services for residents. with our Elected Mayor and out what we want to achieve for our colleagues in the nine Watford, and how − in the post- The leaders believe one unitary other district councils across COVID era, and beyond. council for Hertfordshire would Hertfordshire to fully understand be too large, remote and lack the implications of the review For now, it is business as usual, the local knowledge required and to demonstrate why they whilst we do our best to make to support and represent our think one unitary council will not sure any future plans serve the communities effectively. We meet the needs of Hertfordshire’s best interests of our community. will now work together with diverse population of 1.2 million As ever, we are committed to other key partners, and take residents.” being open with you all, and as account of residents’ views, to the situation evolves, we will keep develop alternative options for you up to date with developments consideration. over the coming months.

18 About Watford Autumn 2020 COMMUNITY Council and One YMCA collaborate on new rough-sleeper facility

A new customised facility and service within the One YMCA hostel in Charter Place has become home to some of Watford’s rough-sleeping community.

in our community to live life to the full and to achieve their full potential – that’s what this new facility is all about. We are really pleased to be working in partnership with Watford Borough Council on this pilot scheme.”

Separate provision is also currently in hand for rough sleepers with extremely complex care needs and for homeless people who don’t qualify for welfare benefits or housing. As well as providing Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter accommodation, the 22-room Taylor, said: “We want to do all facility also provides mental-health we can to make sure that no one and substance-abuse support to in our town has to sleep rough. vulnerable, single people, with Because of the complexity of the the goal of setting them on the issues around homelessness we pathway to recovery and more know that accommodation on independent living. its own is not enough – people need support with a range of Since the outbreak of Coronavirus, complicated issues, to help them some of the town’s rough sleepers to turn their lives around.” had been living temporarily at the Travelodge in Watford town centre Guy Foxell, CEO of One YMCA, so they could self-isolate and said: “One of the key objectives of get access to medical care. This One YMCA, alongside everything arrangement finished at the end of else we do as a charity, is to June and people then transferred combat homelessness and over to the new facility. support all those that we help

www.watford.gov.uk 19 EU CITIZENS LIVING IN THE UK PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS BY APPLYING TO THE EU SETTLEMENT SCHEME

The EU Settlement Scheme protects the rights you currently have in the UK including access to healthcare, benefits and pensions.

Find out more and apply at: gov.uk/eusettlementscheme

20 About Watford Autumn 2020 Irish citizens or those with valid indeﬁ nite leave don’t need to apply. NEWS IN BRIEF

Frogmore House residential development, was will be replaced with a landscaped passed by Watford Borough slope, which will increase the refurbishment Council with a requirement for the capacity of the river, to reduce developer to restore the flood risk. complete listed building.

The Grade II* listed, 300-year-old The whole of Frogmore House, building (one of only four in except the single-storey rear Watford), located on Lower High extension, added at a later Street, has undergone a full date, has been retained and refurbishment and restoration, at the historical and architectural a cost of £2 million, to bring it back value of the building preserved. into active use as office space. Frogmore House also sits on the banks of the River Colne The project, which was part of a and, as part of the plan, the planning application that included current concrete embankment is supermarket Lidl and an adjacent undergoing a huge reprofiling and

Leavesden Road Baptist Church becomes a nationally listed building

George Baines, who was a Fellow design, which is typical of his work of the Royal Institute of British in the early 20th century. Architects, and was recognised for his work on non-conformist The local and national list of churches and chapels in the late buildings includes a wide range 19th and early 20th century. 16 of of properties and structures, from the architect’s churches are on the Watford Girls’ Grammar School national list. and the town’s Central Library, to Edwardian horse troughs and Leavesden Road Baptist Church Due to its size and distinctive World War II pillboxes. The list and Institute, built in two phases detailing, the church makes a also features buildings in the town (1895–6 and 1908–9) has been significant contribution to the local that were designed by architects officially recognised by Historic area. The building demonstrates of international importance, England as a nationally listed many features typical of this such as Ernö Goldfinger, Alison building under the List of architect, such as decorated air and Peter Smithson and Ethel Buildings of Special Architectural bricks, turrets and glass details. Clara McNamara – one of the or Historic Interest. first women architects to be The architecture and details recognised as such in England in The Church was designed by demonstrate the fusion of Arts the 1920s. To find out more, please the London-based architect, and Crafts and art nouveau visit: historicengland.org.uk

www.watford.gov.uk 21 COMMUNITY NEWS IN BRIEF Forget Me Not becomes first dementiafriendly restaurant in the town

To make the town more accessible Dining out is an important social find out more about Watford’s to people living with dementia and activity for many people. For those Dementia-Friendly Community at: their carers, the council and West living with dementia, however, dementiafriendlywatford.com. Herts College introduced the town’s going out to eat can be stressful To find out more about becoming first intergenerational dementia- and overwhelming. Understanding a Dementia Friend, visit: friendly restaurant in March 2020, what it is like to live with dementia dementiafriends.org.uk before the Coronavirus pandemic will help the students alleviate struck. The plan is to restart the many issues, such as helping to On the 1 October, we are monthly event (except during school narrow possible options in ordering. holding a sensory workshop holidays) when it is deemed safe for Restaurant professionals and at the Pump House aimed at both the diners and students. waiting staff are likely to encounter people with dementia and a customers with dementia in the walk and talk event for carers. To ensure diners have a relaxed course of their work. In fact, 70% of More information on this and and pleasant experience, catering people with dementia live within the the other support currently students at West Herts College’s community, rather than in an adult available for people with Forget Me Not Restaurant became care facility. dementia and their carers can Dementia Friends, to help provide be found at: dementia-friendly customer service The restaurant is one of www.dementiafriendly and understand the challenges Hertfordshire County Council’s watford.com facing people with dementia. satellite healthy hubs and you can Healthy Hub has launched in Watford!

Hertfordshire County Council – will Health Worker, Katie, on: be a dedicated local venue where 01923 278136 or via email people can access support and on: watfordhealthyhub@ signposting. hertsmindnetwork.org

As a result of Coronavirus, the Support for domestic abuse A new wellbeing hub, which aims Healthy Hub has been launched victims is available via the to connect people in the town with remotely to offer support Domestic Abuse Caseworker, physical and mental-health and and assistance throughout Martha, on: 07999 772123 or wellbeing services, has launched. the pandemic. Mental-health via email on: healthyhub@ The Healthy Hub – funded through support is available via Mental- watfordwomenscentre.org.uk

22 About Watford Autumn 2020 A new crematorium for West Herts

West Herts Crematorium (WHC) who are grieving, but has limited which opened in Garston, capacity and no further expansion Watford, in 1959 by the West Herts space. West Herts Crematorium Crematorium Joint Committee Joint Committee, which runs the serves the residents of the five crematorium, is proposing to build constituent councils (Watford a sister crematorium in Hemel Borough Council, Dacorum Hempstead, which will enhance Borough Council, Hertsmere the services provided to a wider Borough Council, St Albans City catchment area. and District Council and Three Rivers District Council). The proposed crematorium at Bunkers Park will provide a It is one of the busiest tranquil, quiet and accessible crematoriums in the UK space. You can find out more at: performing over 3,000 cremations westhertscrem.org/a-new- annually. It currently provides crematorium-for-west-herts an excellent service to those

Additional burial space agreed for North Watford Cemetery

Nearly 400 new burial spaces These include: will be created at North Watford • A columbarium for the interment Cemetery, which would extend the of up to 200 ashes remains. lifespan of the cemetery from the • Ornamental memorial trees with current projection of a maximum of engraved leaves. nine years, before space runs out, • Improvements to the main to nearer 13 – and possibly more. entrance of the cemetery, including a new, ornamental As well as the additional burial garden. plots, 100 of which will be for those of the Muslim faith, the • Resurfacing and lining the proposals include some new car park. features for North Watford • Creation of three pet columbaria Cemetery, as well as some for local people who would like upgrades to the current facilities. a more permanent memorial for their pet.

www.watford.gov.uk 23 Helping our business community get back on its feet

It’s been a tough time for Watford businesses – we’ve lost some of our town centre retailers during the pandemic, but Watford continues to be a key shopping hub, with new outlets and businesses choosing to base themselves in our town. The council is doing what it can to support the restart of the local economy, but residents also have a key part to play…

Stay safe and shop local restaurants and pubs on offer in people, we are continuing to our high street, they will disappear.” invest in improvements and new Shops, pubs, restaurants and other facilities so that Watford continues businesses have all been offered The Confidence Mark has to be a great base for business. tailored support from the council’s also been applied to taxis and Environmental Health team to minicabs. Drivers who have In the past month, three new, blue- make sure they are doing what successfully undertaken ‘travel chip businesses have joined the is needed to keep their staff and with confidence’ training, which council-owned Croxley Business customers safe. People should look gives them practical help on how Park, showing that confidence out for the Watford ‘Confidence to prevent the spread of infection, remains high in our town. Plans Mark’, which shows a business has can then display the mark in their for a new flagship commercial taken steps to follow guidance and vehicle and offer customers centre at the entrance to Watford are prioritising people’s safety. end-to-end journey safety. Business Park are progressing well, with construction due to Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Support for Watford start later this year. A new website, Taylor, said: “Our businesses have businesses www.watfordbusiness.com, has done an amazing job to make sure all the latest information on grant they can open safely and so I would With Clarendon Road and funding and new schemes that encourage people to support them three thriving business parks businesses can apply for. – it’s never been more important – (Watford, Wenta and Croxley) who if we don’t enjoy the shops, collectively employ over 3,800

24 About Watford Autumn 2020 “This is really good news for our town centre. It is a sign of business confidence in our shopping centre that Next is investing in this new store, which will bring new jobs to Watford. I have had several people contact me who are interested in opening in the shopping centre and this shows that, despite the difficulties of the last few months, they recognise that there are thousands of people who come to our town centre every day to shop, enjoy a meal and meet friends.” Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford

Reasons to be cheerful and bars, creating a more The programme provides Watford continental feel to the residents and businesses with • A new Next multibrand beauty town centre. access to free, inclusive and and home store opens on the • Puttshack is bringing its unique impartial business advice, skills site of Debenhams soon. super-tech mini golf to the town training, drop-in co-working space • Three new companies have centre early next year. and digital support services. It has joined our Watford business been designed for the recovery community: medical supplies The Small Business and growth of Watford’s business company, Clinisupplies; alarm- Recovery and Growth community and for residents tech company, CSL Dualcom; Programme interested in becoming self- and plant-based snack food employed during and post the manufacturer, Vibrant Foods Ltd. Watford Borough Council and not- COVID-19 pandemic. • Watford has been voted best for-profit social enterprise, Wenta, town close to London for are launching a new support For more information on how you working from home. programme for small businesses can get involved in the programme, and start-ups. • More outdoor seating licences go to: www.watfordbusiness.com have been issued to restaurants

www.watford.gov.uk 25 Your new waste and recycling collection service

Brown food bin (food waste) Collected every week Some flats may not have this service All cooked and Plate scrapings uncooked food

Blue-lidded bin (recycling) Newspapers, Glass bottles Cans, tins, Collected every week magazines and and jars aerosols and cardboard aluminium foil Empty and rinse all containers. Squash plastic bottles. Remove film lids from plastic pots, tubs and trays.

Chargeable Green bin (garden waste) Collected every two weeks Grass Leaves

Black bin (non-recyclable waste) Collected every two weeks Non-recyclable Food soiled Collection frequency in flats waste cardboard may be different. Only waste placed in this bin (with the lid closed) will be collected. Bags on top of the bin or next to the bin will not be collected.

26 About Watford Autumn 2020 Your new waste and recycling collection service

No thanks* • Plastic bags, including bread bags • Packaging Fruit and vegetable Tea bags and Meat and peelings coffee grounds fish bones • Oil or liquids

No thanks* • Crisp packets • Plastic bags and cling film • Hard plastics (e.g. toys) Cans, tins, Food and Plastic bottles, aerosols and drink cartons pots, tubs and trays • Polystyrene aluminium foil (e.g. Tetra Paks) • Wipes Empty and rinse all containers. Squash plastic bottles. Remove film lids from plastic pots, tubs and trays. • Batteries

No thanks* • Plastic bags • Garden toys, tools, or clothing Hedge clippings Twigs Plants, flowers • Plant pots and weeds • Soil

No thanks* • Anything recyclable • Electrical items • Hazardous waste Plastic bags, crisp Polystyrene Nappies • DIY waste packets and film • Batteries Only waste placed in this bin (with the lid closed) will be collected. Bags on top of the bin or next to the bin will not be collected. • Duvets/bedding

* Not limited to

www.watford.gov.uk 27 How to self-isolate

We now know that the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and avoid another period of lockdown is to follow the guidance on hand washing, social distancing and self-isolation. Here are some useful tips on how to self-isolate, to protect yourself and others.

Stay in your home or You must self-isolate accommodation, do in one place for the 14 not go to work, school days full 14 days. or other public areas.

Separate yourself Do not have from others in visitors in your home or your home or accommodation. accommodation.

Use separate facilities Have food, if sharing. These medication and should be cleaned other supplies before use by others. delivered to you.

Try to keep away from your pets. If unavoidable, wash your hands before and after contact.

28 About Watford Autumn 2020 What you think about sustainability

Thanks to everyone who completed our recent sustainability survey – here is a snapshot of some of the key findings, which are being used to inform our strategy that sets out how we will achieve our 2030 net zero carbon goal for Watford.

94% of respondents want of 90% to reduce their 88% of respondents are carbon people support very concerned the council’s 2030 about climate footprint net zero carbon change target

Learning from COVID-19 period

55% of people would like to work The council is doing a lot to improve from home more in the future the sustainability of the town

40% of people are likely to drive less in the future

63% of people would walk/cycle 49% 37% 14% more if there were dedicated routes agree undecided disagree

Beryl bike-share scheme is seen as most beneficial to the environment, followed by home insulation schemes 94% of respondents are worried about Beryl bike-share scheme air pollution

Travel Watford app W

Electric vehicle car

EV charging bays

ArriveClick on-demand’ Home energy efficiency 65% of people would like to 10%0% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% improve the energy efficiency of their homes

www.watford.gov.uk 29 COMMUNITY

Free information, advice and support to help you stay mentally healthy and well.

Healthy Hub

www.healthyhubs.org/watford

01923 278136

HealthyHub_A5_FINAL.indd 1 28/07/2020 11:44 How your council lines up

In Watford we have an Elected Mayor, Peter Taylor, who was elected for a four-year term on 3 May 2018. You can contact the Mayor if you wish to raise an issue with him directly.

Watford Borough is divided into 12 wards. Each ward has three councillors whom you Peter Taylor elect to represent you for a four-year term. Councillors can be contacted on the phone Liberal Democrats numbers shown, or by email, and are there for you to discuss any issues or concerns 01923 278371 you have about your neighbourhood or the town. [email protected]

Callowland Central Holywell

Sohail Bashir Ian Stotesbury Dawn Allen- Stephen Aga Dychton Rabi Martins Nigel Bell Favour Matt (Lab) (LD) Williamson Bolton (LD) (LD) (LD) (Lab) Ezeifedi Turmaine (Lab) Free information, advice and support to 07769 355750 07999 938202 (LD) 07504 824042 07936 404305 01923 228713 01923 256774 (Lab) 07411 153095 sohail.bashir@ ian. 07891 914319 stephen. aga.dychton@ rabi.martins nigel.bell@ 07535 284216 matt. watford.gov.uk stotesbury@ dawn.allen- bolton@ watford.gov.uk @watford. watford.gov.uk favour. turmaine@ watford.gov.uk williamson@ watford.gov.uk gov.uk ezeifedi@ watford.gov.uk help you stay mentally healthy and well. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk Leggatts Meriden Nascot

Bilqees Richard Smith Asif Khan Amanda Jennifer Kareen Jane Johnson Mark Hofman Mark Watkin Mauthoor (Lab) (Lab) Grimston (LD) Pattinson (LD) Hastrick (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) (Lab) 07976 350871 07931 529164 07702 815172 07515 468580 07785 528380 07815 419910 01923 239893 01923 255715 07958 566037 richard.smith@ asif.khan@ amanda. jennifer. kareen.hastrick jane.johnson@ mark.hofman@ mark.watkin bilqees. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk grimston@ pattinson@ @watford. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk @watford. mauthoor@ watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk watford.gov.uk

Oxhey Park Stanborough

Healthy Hub Maggie Parker Iain Sharpe Imran Hamid Peter Kloss Peter Jeffree Jessica Stiff Keith Crout Derek Scudder Tim Williams (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) 07885 (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) 07958 518838 01923 440426 07451 989427 760658 07854 842669 07920 095281 07972 912711 01923 492546 01923 663436 maggie. iain.sharpe@ imran.hamid@ peter.kloss@ peter.jeffree@ jessica.stiff@ keith.crout@ derek.scudder tim.williams parker@ watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk @watford. @watford. watford.gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk Tudor Vicarage Woodside www.healthyhubs.org/watford

Stephen Bill Stanton Darren Jagtar Singh Mo Mills Nasreen Shah Richard Glen Saffery Karen Collett Johnson (LD) Walford (LD) Dhindsa (Lab) (Lab) (Lab) Wenham (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) 07545 045044 01923 336450 07803 610441 07956 212238 01923 253783 07891 138833 07939 218788 01923 661616 07929 024712 bill.stanton@ darren. jagtar.dhindsa mo.mills@ nasreen.shah@ richard. glen.saffery@ karen.collett stephen.johnson watford.gov.uk walford@ @watford. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk wenham@ watford.gov.uk @watford. Contact us: @watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk [email protected]

01923 278136 (Lab) = Labour (LD) = Liberal Democrats www.watford.gov.uk 31

HealthyHub_A5_FINAL.indd 1 28/07/2020 11:44 THANK YOU NHS STAFF AND ALL KEY WORKERS

Photos by Susan Alexander