FROM THE EDITORS' DESK Welcome to the February edition of ... News … · Presentation of Christ in...

Knebworth Parish News February 2020 -

FROM THE EDITORS' DESK Welcome to the February edition of Knebworth Parish News. I hope those of you who tried dry January or Veganuary are feeling the benefits of your efforts and are now ready to put your energies into something new and, dare I say it, more exciting.

You'll need some energy for the traffic, transport and parking issues that are very relevant to Knebworth - again, pages 9, 10 and 14-16. Yes, really! I think the authorities assume that we'll eventually give up and capitulate to whatever they want to subject us to but, historically, consultations that involve Knebworth often have more responses and better outcomes than any other area. So, I think you know what to do!

It really can make a difference. One excellent example of this is the Station Pub. Sold for development of yet more dwellings. I'm sure most of you will have noticed that there's a lot going on there at the moment. See the current situation on page 8. On the other hand, Henry Lytton Cobbold has an interesting observation on some current local developments, see page 12.

We also have information on rural funding, rural policing and going wild in Herts and Middlesex. So, plenty of information to find an opportunity to do something different and maybe even that chance to do something exciting. Over to you.

If you would like extra copies of the Parish News, or have a new neighbour who might like to know what's going on, there are copies for sale in the foyer of St Martin's Church whenever the Community Library is open.

My thanks to Graham Fothergill for proof reading this edition.

Herts Year of Culture 2020 has started!

Anyone can get involved in HYOC2020 We want as many people and organisations as possible to get behind this campaign to help Hertfordshire residents find new cultural opportunities.

You could be a Parish or Town Council, leisure provider, lunch club leader, arts venue, dance group leader, music teacher, (U3A) group, Rotary Club, group of mums, or just a group of friends.

You could be someone who runs a group that has no link to arts, culture or heritage, but would like to encourage your group to try new activities throughout the year. Or you may be someone who provides creative and cultural opportunities who can promote what you offer under the HYOC2020 umbrella to encourage new people to join your activity.

If you would like to get involved, please contact the Project Co-ordinator, Liz Gore on 020 8207 7801 or by email at [email protected] or visit the website at https://www.visitherts.co.uk/whats-on/hertfordshire-year-of-culture-2020/

Small line-ads. (Offers, Wanted, Services) can be placed in this magazine.

Email [email protected] or put in the Parish News box at the back of St. Martin’s Church. First month free, £2/month thereafter.

One-off box ads. (space and appropriateness permitting) may be placed by negotiation.


ST MARY’S AND ST MARTIN’S KNEBWORTH Church of England

Vision: A Church at the heart of the community with a heart for Jesus, the community and each other.

Website: www.knebworthparishchurch.co.uk Email: [email protected]

WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR FEBRUARY SERVICES

St. Mary’s 2020 St. Martin’s

Book of Common Prayer Common Worship 8am - Holy Communion 2 February

Presentation of Christ in the temple

10am - Holy Communion

4pm - Evensong 9 February 3rd Sunday before Lent

8am - Holy Communion 10am - Informal Communion

8am - Holy Communion 16 February 2nd Sunday before Lent


4pm - Evensong 23 February Sunday before lent

8am - Holy Communion 10am - Morning Prayer

26 February Ash Wednesday

Imposition of Ashes Service at 8pm

8am - Holy Communion 1 March First Sunday before Lent


St. Martin’s Services:

Thursdays at 10am Holy Communion (Last Thursday of each month is – Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion)

Messy Church – Friday 7th February at 3.30pm Mustard Seeds Group – TBC. Prayer Meetings - TBC Junior Church Sunday’s in St Martin’s at 10am (Except for All Age Services)

READINGS

St. Mary’s 2020 St. Martin’s Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40

2 February Presentation of Christ in the temple

Malachi 3:1-5 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40

Psalm 4 Amos 2:4-16 Mark 1:29-39

9 February 3rd Sunday before Lent

Isaiah 58:1-9a 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 Matthew 5:13-20

Romans 8.18–25 Matthew 6.25–34

16 February 2nd Sunday before Lent

Genesis 1:1—2.3 Romans 8:18–25 Matthew 6:25–34

Psalm 84 Kings 2.1–12 Matthew 17.9–23

23rd February Sunday before Lent

Exodus 24:12–18 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 17:1–9

Romans 5.12–19 Matthew 4.1–11

1st March First Sunday of Lent

Genesis 2.15–24; 3.1–7 Romans 5.12–19 Matthew 4.1–11

Rector: Revd Jim Pye


TRINITY CHURCH Methodist/United Reformed. Park Lane, Knebworth, SG3 6PD

Minister: Position Vacant Tel: 01438 210321

Website: www.trinitychurchknebworth.org.uk

Services for February

Sunday 2nd February Sunday 9th February Sunday 16th February Sunday 23rd February

10.30 Morning Team worship led by Kathy Cole 17.30 Evening worship led by Peter Rogers 10.30 Morning worship including Holy Communion led by Jackie Hall 17.30 Evening worship led by Rev Graham Claydon-Knights 10.30 Informal morning worship led by Jennifer Rogers 17.30 Evening worship led by Rev Malcolm Peacock 10.30 Morning worship led by Cath Edmonds 17.30 Evening worship led by Rev Chandy Perera

Some people think of February as a depressing month - "February fill-dyke" as the old poem says. One bright spark in February is St Valentine’s Day - but who was he? Some sources state he is the patron saint of lovers, epileptics and bee keepers, an interesting mix! A Roman priest who was martyred in the 3rd century, he was also a physician. According to legend, he signed a letter "from your Valentine" to his jailer’s daughter whom he had befriended and healed from blindness. Another common legend states that he defied the emperor’s orders and secretly married couples to spare the husband from war. I have two favourite saints I call on when in need. St Anthony is the patron saint of lost things – useful when you mislay your keys or documents. St Jude is the patron saint of lost causes, effective in myriad situations. Once I have handed over the issue I can relax and think calmly, reducing my anxiety. I am sure this helps me focus on the solution. Perhaps this is an offshoot of mindfulness? For those who like modern music, Florence and The Machine have a reflective song about St Jude. Its meaning has several levels including the storm of some months ago. You can hear it on https://youtube/CSS7YY_mg4Q Not sure about saints? You can always pray direct to our heavenly Father or to our Lord Jesus Christ. They are available 24/7, always ready to listen. God bless

Rosie Berry, An Elder Trinity Church


FROM THE REGISTERS OF ST. MARY'S AND ST. MARTIN'S

Funeral at St Martin's and Harwood Park

20th January Betty Bland

The family of the late Olive Case would like to thank you for all your kindness, support and the many messages of sympathy received after Olive’s death on 21st November. Also thank you for your kind donations received for Letchworth Garden House Hospice and Great Ormond Street Hospital in memory of Olive. Olive lived in Knebworth for around 75 years after her marriage to a Knebworth lad in 1944, moving to one of the prefabs before they moved in 1952 to Meadway where Olive lived until her death last November. Olive's daughters have fond memories of growing up in the village and so would very much like to thank everyone for the kindness shown to the family at this very sad time.

ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH

72 London Road, Knebworth, SG3 6HB Parish Priest: Canon Daniel Cronin:

01438 813303 email: [email protected] www.knebworthcatholicchurch.org

Services in February

Lent: 26th February, Ash Wednesday 9.30 am & 8pm Mass with the Distribution of Ashes Fridays in Lent 8 pm Stations of the Cross

Regular Mass Times: Saturday 5.15-5.45pm Sacrament of Reconciliation 6 pm First Mass of Sunday Sunday 8 am Mass 10 am Mass (with Choir and hymns)

Weekday Services: Monday 7.15pm Mass, followed by Holy Rosary, Tues, Weds 9.30 am Mass Thurs 9.30 am Celebration of the Word and Holy Communion Fri 9.30 am Mass followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Sat 10 am Mass

Holy Days of Obligation 9.30 am and 8 pm Mass


ST MARY'S GUILD OF SERVICE

February

Cleaning: Jackie Camfield and Jean Dorrell

Flowers: Jackie Camfield and Jean Dorrell Ash Wednesday: 26th February

THE

KNEBWORTH FAMILY OF CHURCHES FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Coffee Morning

Saturday, 15th February, 10.00 am – 12 noon at the Parish Centre Come along for a drink and some cake and a chat, and to do some shopping at the Traidcraft stall.

Christian Aid Frugal Lunch Sunday, 1st March, 12.30 pm at Trinity Church

All are welcome to join us at the start of this year’s fund-raising for Christian Aid Lent Study Groups

These are due to commence in the week beginning 2nd March 2020. The subject for this year is:

“Opening the scriptures: setting our hearts on fire”

What biblical texts set your heart on fire? This Lent course has been prepared by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI). The groups are made up of people from the different churches in Knebworth and applications are welcomed from anyone with or without a regular church connection. There will be seven sessions: one for each week of Lent, and two additional sessions for Holy Week and Easter week for private study. A copy of the Application Form can be found on page 6.

Taizé Service Sunday, 15th March at 5.30 pm at Trinity Church, led by Christine Goodwin The Taizé Service is an opportunity for reflection and prayer with chants, readings and silence.

If you would like any more information, you can contact me on [email protected] or on 01438 813517

John Whittle Secretary: The Knebworth Family of Churches


Knebworth Family of Churches Lent Groups

Commencing week beginning 2nd March 2020

What biblical text sets your heart on fire?

This Lent course has been prepared by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI).

Groups are made up of people from the different churches; applications are welcomed from anyone with or without a regular church connection. There are seven sessions: one for each week of Lent, and two additional sessions for Holy Week and Easter week for private study.

There are five sessions of approx 11/2 hours. The themes are: Lent 1: The Fire and the Name Lent 2: And all the earth shall cry Glory Lent 3: Face to Face Lent 4: Heart to heart: sorrow and joy Lent 5: Bound together in love and sacrifice Holy Week: How then would the scriptures be fulfilled? (for private or group study) Easter week: Eyes opened, eyes enlightened (for private study) Forms to be returned no later than Sunday 16th February 2020 to the boxes in one of the churches (St Martin’s, St Mary’s, St Thomas More or Trinity) or via email to Rev John Whittle at the address below For any enquiries/late applications: please contact Rev John Whittle: [email protected] or 01438 813517 Please tick when you can meet. Please also tick if you can host and/or lead. DAY MORNING HOST LEAD AFTERNOON HOST LEAD EVENING HOST LEAD MON TUE WED THU FRI

Name:...............................................................Church:...………………………………..

Address................................................................................................Post Code ………………..

Tel:…...................................................Email:...............................................................


Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

is a local charity protecting wild places in Hertfordshire and Middlesex

The Trust has over 22,000 members who help to care for some amazing wild places and protect our local wildlife for future generations. With volunteers, we manage a network of nature reserves covering nearly 2,000 acres, from beautiful wetlands and woodlands to rare patches of heath and orchard. We take practical action every day to help wildlife flourish.

Based in and around Welwyn and Hatfield, Mid Herts Local Group organise walks and talks across the county and further afield too. If you are interested in wildlife and want to learn more about what's happening in your local area, go to: https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/events/mid-herts-local-group

"New faces are always welcome. We hope to see you soon!" Dave Laming, Chairman, Mid Herts Local Group

After a very successful Christmas lunch, we had a roast dinner and cake to celebrate the New Year. Thanks again to the team of volunteers, without whom the lunches would not happen.

Kathy Cole

Knebworth WI At our first meeting of the new year we had a very interesting talk by Joy Hall about her visit to Myanmar. She told us of the long and traumatic history of this country, formerly called Burma, from its earliest inhabitants, the Pyu in 849, right up to the present day. Joy illustrated her talk with some amazing photographs including the landscape scattered with gilded pagodas.

The meeting was very well attended and we were delighted to welcome some new ladies making our membership 73 – the highest it has ever been.

Our next WI meeting will be on Wednesday, 19th February at 7.30pm in Knebworth Village Hall. Dan Collins will be giving a talk on the latest research and theory on getting a good night’s sleep. Visitors and new members always welcome.

Linda Robertson, President 01438 228747

www.knebworthwi.org.uk [email protected]


KNEBWORTH PARISH COUNCIL 01438 813795

www.knebworthparishcouncil.gov.uk email: [email protected]

Knebworth Parish Council Saves the Station Pub As you have probably noticed, the Station Pub is currently undergoing a full refurbishment inside and out. The pub is now owned by Knebworth Parish Council which bought it with the help of a long-term loan from Central Government. It will be run by a local couple, Lloyd and Becky Willis, who both have many years’ experience in the hospitality industry. They are very much looking forward to bringing a quality pub offer to the village that we can all be proud of. The Station Hotel is a prominent local landmark. It was built in 1883 to service the new railway, making it one of the oldest buildings in 'new' Knebworth.

It was sold to a developer three years ago who planned to convert the first floor to flats and build on the large pub garden, and it has been closed ever since. A planning inquiry decided early last year that while the pub had to remain as a pub, it was okay to build on the garden.

In June 2019 the Parish Council asked local residents whether they should try and buy the pub. They found that there was overwhelming support for saving this valuable social asset. Since then a small group has worked behind the scenes to develop a business plan, secure a loan, negotiate the purchase, select suitable tenants and plan the refurbishment.

It's taken longer than we expected to get to here, but the Parish Council would like to thank everyone involved for enabling this next chapter in The Station’s journey. A big thank you to the SOSPUB group for their enthusiasm, to Knebworth Estate for their help in securing the coach house, and to the working group who have brought this to fruition. We encourage everyone in the village to support this new and exciting local business.

Continued .....


.....Continued Park Lane

Park Lane, from Deards End Lane to the A1M motorway bridge, will be closed for four weeks from the beginning of February for gas works. North Central Growth and Transport Plan (GTP) Consultation and South Central Growth Transport Plan (GTP)

The North Central GTP has been developed alongside the South Central GTP and includes the A1(M) corridor and the B197. Both include Knebworth in the areas being reviewed. The North Central GTP covers the northern end of the A1(M), including the towns of Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Baldock and Royston, and key transport links between these towns and the surrounding areas. The South Central GTP covers the towns of Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Potters Bar, Borehamwood, Radlett and St Albans, and key transport links between these towns and the surrounding areas. The two GTPs are therefore aligned and packages of interventions will work together. Important transport links in this area include the M1, M25, A1(M), A414 and A405 roads, the East Coast Main Line, the Midland Main Line, the National Cycle Route 6, 12 and 61 and a range of local and longer distance bus and coach services. This area faces significant levels of proposed new housing and employment development. This will create additional travel pressure on different parts of the transport network including extra cars on roads, extra parking required and people needing to access jobs, schools, shops and key services on foot, by bike and by public transport. To help ensure the transport network continues to work safely and efficiently, the GTPs identify packages of interventions. These interventions could address current and future traffic congestion issues; provide more opportunities and choice for people to walk, cycle or travel by bus and train; and help to reduce the negative impacts that transport can have on communities including noise and poor air quality. Interventions can be small or large, and could be introduced in the near future or the longer term depending on whether or not there is local support for them; how complex they are to develop and construct; when they are needed, and if enough funding is available. The documents can be found on the Hertfordshire County Council website under consultations. Public consultations on the draft North Central Growth and South Central Transport Plans close on 30th March 2020. Herts County Council Rail Strategy Consultation

The Rail Strategy is a supporting document for the Local Transport Plan. It sets out the County Council’s aspirations for developing the rail network in Hertfordshire at both the strategic and local level. This document is a revision of the strategy originally adopted in 2016. HCC is consulting on its Rail Strategy until 30th March 2020. For further information on any of the above consultations, please see the Knebworth Parish Council website. All meetings are open to the public. See the website for details.

Rosemary Conybeare (Parish Councillor)


FEBRUARY UPDATE

Important and related issues

https://knebworthneighbourhoodplan.org.uk/

If you use the buses or trains, if you use the B197 or use the High Street, if you drive or park a car in Knebworth, or if others park in your street this is relevant to you. Traffic, Transport and Parking was one of the working groups developed during the survey and consultation stages of the Knebworth Neighbourhood Plan. Feelings run high and there are plenty of opinions to be heard on these matters within Knebworth. With this in mind, we would like to bring the following items to your attention:

Hertfordshire County Council has developed the North Central Growth and Transport Plan (NCGTP) which covers the northern end of the A1(M), including the towns of Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Baldock and Royston, and key transport links between these towns and to surrounding areas. The NCGTP considers the key problems and opportunities which currently exist, or may in the future, on the transport network and identifies what types of interventions are needed to improve the transport network. There is also a draft South Central Growth and Transport Plan which covers the southern end of the A1(M) and includes the towns of Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City. Public consultations on both the draft North Central Growth and Transport Plan and draft South Central Growth and Transport Plan started on 6th January, 2020 and close 30th March 2020.

Hertfordshire County Council is also currently consulting on its proposed Local Transport Plan via its Rail Strategy Consultation, which can be found here: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/consultations/transport-and-highways/rail-strategy-consultation.aspx# It sets out the County Council’s aspirations for developing the rail network in Hertfordshire at both the strategic and local level. This document is a revision of the strategy originally adopted in 2016.

Also, NHDC is currently looking at parking management and how this can be implemented. There is a consultation out from NHDC on their Parking Strategy, which should be read in conjunction with the previously approved parking strategy, which can be found at: https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/home/parking/parking-strategy in pdf format. This is a reasonably interesting and important document as there is reference to ‘improvements’ in Knebworth and the B197.

The detail of how NHDC proposes to implement the policy framework set out in the Parking Strategy will be contained in a separate document, the ‘NHDC Parking Operational Guidelines’, which will set out the necessary guidance and assessment criteria to be followed.

These Guidelines are currently under preparation and will be presented to the NHDC Area Committees and Cabinet in Spring 2020. If you have any queries regarding the NHDC Parking Strategy, its Strategic Action Plan or its associated documents please email [email protected]

In addition to these issues, there have been changes to the bus services through Knebworth and these can be found at: https://bustimes.org/localities/knebworth and https://www.centrebus.info/service-changes/ Please note specifically that the 388 is affected at the current time. We hope you find this helpful and that you are able to comment if you wish to.

Knebworth Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee


KNEBWORTH AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY presents

KATS QUIZ NIGHT

Saturday, 22nd February 2020 St Martin’s Church Parish Centre

St Martin’s Road, Knebworth

Tables of up to 8 people, but if less we will help you find a team

7.00pm for 7.30pm start - Cost - £10 per head Fish and Chip supper included Please bring your own drinks (with meat and vegetarian alternatives available) Raffle with Exciting Prizes!

Tickets from Nita Gowans 01438 717609 or email [email protected]

KNEBWORTH BOWLS CLUB Hon. Sec. Mrs Gill Welham 01438 351639

www.knebworthbowlsclub.org.uk

Happy New Year to all Knebworth residents and readers of the Parish News. After the first month of 2020, it may be that some of those New Year resolutions have fallen by the wayside, so how about starting February by making another. One idea could be to try something new and get a bit of exercise at the same time. Yes, you know where I’m going with this – why not make a resolution that this is the year you will start playing bowls! It’s not too long ago – although it may seem so – but I should record that our Christmas Tea in mid-December was enjoyed by a clubhouse full of members and friends. Thank you, Gail Reed and her helpers and all those who came along. We also extend our grateful thanks to McCarthy & Stone who sponsored the event. Along with other funds raised, their generous donation will enable us to carry out some refurbishment of the clubhouse. Returning to my earlier theme, if you are looking forward to the warm summer months and the idea of playing bowls appeals to you, you can find out more this month. We are holding a coffee morning in the clubhouse at the Watton Road Recreation Ground on Saturday, 22nd February. It starts at 10.30am and will include a 'bring & buy' sale. You don’t have to 'bring' and you don’t even need to 'buy' (although we will of course be delighted if you do!) but it will be an opportunity to meet some of our members. Make a note in your diary! David Percival


KNEBWORTH HOUSE AND COUNTRY PARK

Is somebody trying to tell me something, naming a retirement suite after me?! Martha and I were shocked to discover that McCarthy & Stone, builders of Lowe House in the High Street, have given Lytton family names to most of their retirement apartments, including 'The Henry', a two-bed, and 'The Martha', a one-bed. Of course McCarthy & Stone may have a different Henry and Martha in mind - however, they are also advertising 'The Robert' and 'The Edith' (my great-great-grandparents), 'The Constance' and 'The Edwin' (my great-great-aunt, and uncle Edwin Lutyens), 'The Edward' and 'The Alexander' (my two great-uncles, known as Antony and John), 'The Tate', 'The Todd' and 'The Kipling' (Knebworth House’s 19th Century housekeeper, valet and gardener)… and, if that wasn’t association enough, 'The Lytton'. At least with McCarthy & Stone’s 2015 retirement development 'Constance Place' we were asked first if we approved, by North Herts District Council.

As with Constance Place, in most instances I am happy for my ancestors’ names to be used in connection with Knebworth buildings – and in the case of the Lowe House apartments it is nice to see other members of Knebworth House household remembered – but it is odd not to be asked, and it is especially odd to have my own name used when I spent most of the first decade of this century trying to stop Lowe’s Yard being developed in this way. I worked hard, with the support of Peter Lowe, to put forward an alternative plan for the High Street, opening it up with a Village Green (images remain online at www.knebworthoptionsreport.org, the last page of 'Appendices 1 & 2'). So I hope you don’t think I had anything to do with 'The Henry'. In the same way I hope you don’t think my family had anything to do with 'Lytton Heights', a development which has been signposted across the village for some time. In that instance the developer, Cala Homes, said they didn’t know there was a Lytton family living here, they’d named it after the pub!

Henry Lytton Cobbold

@HenryCobboldKH


KNEBWORTH COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Some of you may remember seeing a Community Directory in the Parish News a couple of years ago; it is time we published an updated version. The Directory will only contain local charities or community organisations; we will not be including businesses. If you represent a local organisation which you would like to be included, please email the following information to [email protected] by Saturday 29th February 2020.

- Name of organisation - Purpose of organisation (if it isn’t obvious from the name) - Contact name - Phone number - E-mail address - Website

If you do not have access to email, there is a wooden box in St. Martin’s Church labelled Knebworth Parish News – please leave a written copy in there, and we will collect it.

There are several programmes available including:

Projects that will contribute to the transformation of high streets and town centres in England helping them become thriving places, strengthening local communities and encouraging local economies to prosper. It is part of a wider initiative to revive heritage high streets in England, alongside Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zones.

Individual heritage buildings in, or transferring to, community ownership. They will support charities and social enterprises to develop projects with the potential to bring new life to high streets by creating alternative uses for redundant or underused historic buildings in town centres.

A range of grants are available at: http://ahfund.org.uk/england

Also, the government offers grants to support the wider use of electric and hybrid vehicles via the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). This includes:

The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS). The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). The On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).

For more information visit the website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles


News from your Local Councillors

Happy February! I have been asked by Knebworth Parish Council to explain the draft NHDC parking policy so I have done my best below. The Parish want to stress how much they want to work with NHDC Councillors and the Council to get the best for us all, especially with new housing developments on the horizon.

Other things people have recently asked me are: When is the next NHDC Councillor election? It's in May. What is the make-up of the Council? 49 members - 22 Conservative, 16 Labour, 11 Liberal Democrats,

led by Cllr Martin Stears-Handscome, Labour. What’s happening with the Local Plan (how much new house building and where it will be permitted).

No progress yet, still with the Government Inspector, we may hear more soon.

Do contact Lisa or me regarding grants !! NHDC Parking

NHDC have published their draft operational policy on parking, they are consulting with Parish Councils. Please have a look at the draft on the NHDC website: https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/home/parking/parking-strategy The purpose of the draft is to look at how to apply the January 2019 decision on Parking Strategy 2019-2031 In March 2020 the decision whether to adopt these operational guidelines will be discussed by the NHDC Cabinet. Knebworth is the fifth most populous place in North Herts and, with future developments planned, will only grow bigger. My notes below are not comprehensive, the NHDC document is really big…... Contact me on [email protected] with your thoughts. I will make sure Lisa and Paul Ward at Knebworth Parish Council know what you think. Headlines: Policy 21: Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ). Review of existing schemes, are residents using them? Review by NHDC parking in consultation with Parish and County Council. Policy 23: Sale of permits to non-residents for CPZ where they are underused by residents.

Knebworth Parish Council's views include: Knebworth is a growing commuter village and has the fastest growing train station in the North

Hertfordshire district at 71% over the last decade. It is also the only mainline train station in the district without a controlled parking zone

surrounding the station. There is also only a small train car park and very limited public car parking. Most roads have unrestricted parking and the pressures due to residents and commuters are already severe, prior to any Local Plan growth.

In our emergent Knebworth Neighbourhood Plan we have a specific objective to find a solution to the high street (London Road) traffic issues, and parking problems. This is backed up by specific proposed policies on traffic impact, on street parking, high street traffic issues and bus routes.

Continued .....


.....Continued Policy 24: Knebworth is scheduled for significant Local Plan new developments and the implementation of suitable parking solutions via planning policies, and their enforcement on developers will be critical to the success of both traffic management in Knebworth as well as the impact on the built environment. The Parish is also very mindful of the traffic problems which may be caused by the new housing in Stevenage and Woolmer Green and other local villages. The rest of the document in abridged form: Policy 1: Improve on- and off-street parking enforcement, beefing up parking wardens’ electronic devices. Beef up the parking website, making it easier to use. Beef up the parking team to investigate parking issues, revamp parking review process, assess condition of car parks more often, ensure the pay and display machines work, get pay by phone, virtual permits, other payment methods sorted. Policy 2: Review and improve off-street parking, encourage walking, cycling, buses and reduce carbon and poor air quality. Make new payment methods easy to use, make sure car parks are financially sustainable. Policy 3: To have resurfacing and other improvements to car parks in a new plan, reduce anti-social behaviour, make sure there is enough lighting in car parks. Policy 4: Beef up off-street parking management systems, better technology, better customer service, 24/7 provision of support, better data management and better money collection systems, better parking issue reporting and action. Policy 5: Off-street parking - new reviews on car park usage/demand over 24 hrs and over a working week, new tariffs, tariff rebates or discounts, charging long stay at a rate higher than using a bus or rail service to promote alternative travel methods, looking at parking charges that relate to vehicle emissions, consult with local organisations (e.g. the Parish Council) on the impact of tariffs. Policy 6: Look at charging for evenings, Bank Holidays and Sundays (mainly Hitchin, Letchworth etc). Policy 7: Advertising on ticket machines and tickets, events in car parks. Policy 8: On-street parking, new review of parking where buses, emergency vehicles and utility vehicles have complained about difficulties, traffic build ups and congestion (e.g. Knebworth High Street!). Policy 9: On-street parking charges for short stay trips. Not likely to affect Knebworth. Policy 10/11/22: Parking spaces for mobility scooters, new developments to have disabled parking, improve parking for cycles. Document skips to: Policy 16: Electric charging points/places in car parks to be identified and discount parking charges. Policy 17: Employee parking, discounted parking fees/season tickets. Policy 18: Commuter parking, Knebworth to get a new survey on parking, greater priority to be given to residents on their own street. Policy 19: On-street parking and problem areas. Investigate and take action where no parking provision exists or stops people parking a reasonable distance from their home, or clogs up access to shops or businesses. Policy 19 section 4: Action on: non-residents parking causing problems, verge parking, blocking pedestrians, holding up and endangering buses, cyclists and emergency vehicles. Looking at implementing CPZ. Policy 20: Introduction of small-scale parking changes, e.g. safety concerns, dropping kerbs. Policy 21: Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ). Review of existing schemes, are residents using them? Review by NHDC parking in consultation with Parish and County Councils.

Continued .....


.....Continued Policy 23: Sale of permits to non-residents for Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) where they are underused by residents. Policy 24: New developments, they might have their own CPZ or be incorporated in existing schemes, developers will foot most of the bill, electric charging points may be provided. So contact me and let me know your thoughts. I will feedback comments in later magazine issues and on Facebook @sddknebworth There’s no need to wait for a Councillor’s surgery to get in touch, please feel free to contact us with any issues as below.

Best wishes Lisa and Steve [email protected] 07508 832581 Facebook @sddknebworth [email protected] 01438 814802 or 07944994732 Or be in touch directly with your Hertfordshire County Councillor Richard Thake: [email protected], phone 07973 157605 Or your Member of Parliament Stephen McPartland: [email protected], Stephen McPartland MP, House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA

Healthy Hub North Herts! The healthy hub is a one stop shop where you can access health services, support and advice all in one place, making it easier to get help with a range of physical and mental health issues. Whether it’s stop smoking services, help to lose weight, mental health support, encouragement to get more active or even advice on how to cut down on your drinking - your Healthy Hub can help you!

The North Herts Healthy Hub will be a roaming pop up hub and will visit each of the four towns in North Herts - Baldock, Letchworth, Hitchin and Royston and many of the villages.

Timetables and locations will be listed onn the website from March 2020.

Until then contact us via email ([email protected]), phone (01462 474111), or our website (https://healthyhubnorthherts.co.uk/) and our dedicated team will be in touch to discuss your health and wellbeing needs.


Heritage crime Heritage Watch Rural Operational Support Team Security marking plant and machinery Wildlife crime Fly-tipping

The majority of Hertfordshire's beautiful countryside is quiet and tranquil and although crime occurs far less in rural areas, it does still exist. With the county’s wide expanses of countryside and agricultural areas, some people in society see this as an ideal environment to commit crimes in the hope they will not be detected.

Rural crime is an issue for large areas of the county but it tends to go unreported. It can impact on insurance premiums, food prices and damage local communities. Rural parts of Hertfordshire are policed by the Rural Operational Support Team (ROST), officers from local Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Rural Special Constables. The ROST is a team of police officers who are specialists in crimes concerning rural and agricultural issues, wildlife, the local environment and the county’s heritage. The ROST also deal with traveller liaison issues. They support local Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Intervention Officers and can investigate any crimes from badger baiting, hare coursing, the theft of red diesel and nighthawking, to stolen plant equipment, criminal damage and the theft of scrap metal or lead from historical buildings. If you would like to speak to a member of the ROST team or identify who your local rural safer neighbourhood officers are, please call the non-emergency number 101 and you will be put through to someone who can help you. In an emergency dial 999.

TOP TIPS to keep your home secure 1. Use a door bell camera, internal camera and/or monitored burglar alarm. 2. Ensure doors are double locked at all times. Keep windows closed and locked. 3. Install ‘dusk to dawn’ external lighting and use timer switches in your home to control internal lights, radios and a simulated TV. 4. Keep keys and valuables secure and out of sight. 5. Ensure boundary fences are secure with side gates locked. Keep tools and ladders in a locked shed. 6. Join Hertfordshire’s Neighbourhood Watch for alerts and advice: www.owl.co.uk 7. Visit www.owlprotect.uk for discounts on security products.

For more crime prevention advice visit www.herts.police.uk/protectyourhome and www.hertscitizensacademy.org Police Contact Advice: Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service.


Potholes and faulty street lights

For those of you who need to report faulty street lights or potholes, Hertfordshire County Council seemed to have updated their website and the process is now very easy. 1. Go to the Hertfordshire County Council homepage 2. Select the option for Potholes and faulty street lights 3. This leads to a page asking What type of fault are you reporting? Then choose from the following options: Road and cycle path faults (including potholes) Trees, hedges, weeds and grass Lighting and traffic lights Pavements and verges Blockage in road Flooding and drainage The rest of the process is simple and self explanatory, although the map can be a little tricky.

Have you got Something Missing in your life? Hertfordshire County Council is making an urgent appeal to residents to consider becoming foster carers this new year.

There are approximately 950 children and young people in care in Hertfordshire and many of these children need the love and support of a foster family. Many residents decide to become foster carers when their own children have grown older or left home. Foster carers in Hertfordshire have to be over 21 years old and have at least one spare room in their home. There are many different types of fostering and foster carers can choose what is right for them and their family. Councillor Teresa Heritage, Deputy Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "With a new year and decade upon us, many people may feel they wish to make a change to their life. Fostering would not only change their lives but also those of a child or young person. "It is our aim in Hertfordshire to ensure that everyone gets the best possible opportunities in life and we need our residents to help us transform the lives of children. We would love to hear from any individuals or families in Hertfordshire who could offer a safe and loving home to a foster child." Anyone who fosters with Hertfordshire County Council can expect a generous allowance, full training and unrivalled support, guiding new foster carers through the process, every step of the way. For more information visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/somethingmissing or call our recruitment team on 0800 917 0925.

FROM THE EDITORS' DESK Welcome to the February edition of ... News … · Presentation of Christ in...

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Transcript of FROM THE EDITORS' DESK Welcome to the February edition of ... News … · Presentation of Christ in...