Parish Roads – your views
/in News /by ClerkThe subject of appropriate vehicle speeds through Cottered and Throcking is a topic frequently raised in parish council meetings. There has been discussion about a 20mph limit, safe crossing places, vehicle activated signs and speed data collection, as well as roadside speed monitoring conducted by East Herts Rural Police and Community DriveSafe. With new policy from Hertfordshire County Council on its speed management strategy and Buntingford consulting on a whole town 20mph speed limit, it would be good to know what the residents of the parish think about it. Are you in favour of 20mph within parish limits, or in a more localised area such as a single street? Are you happy with speed limits as they are? Do you struggle to cross the road, would you like a designated crossing place? Please email with your views on these questions and anything else you would like to share on the subject.
The MP for North East Herts, Chris Hinchliff has launched a survey for residents to list locations of potholes which require priority action, complete it here: chrishinchliff.co.uk/potholes-survey
Speed Management in Hertfordshire
/in News /by ClerkOn behalf of the HCC Hertfordshire Speed Management team:
Hertfordshire County Council is updating the Speed Management Strategy which provides a consistent approach to setting speed limits in Hertfordshire.
HCC wants to hear your views on current speed limits in the county, as well as the processes to follow for setting new speed limits. Please take part in this survey that should take around 5-10 minutes to complete. The survey is open until 11.59pm on Monday 16 February 2026.
The Speed Management Strategy provides the benchmark against which Hertfordshire County Council decides on how new speed limits are set, as well as deciding on whether physical road calming measures are required and which would be appropriate. HCC receive several hundred requests each year from residents and stakeholders to reduce speed limits. Each request is assessed against the Speed Management Strategy to determine whether a reduction is appropriate. Therefore, it’s important to hear from partners and stakeholders about their views on current speed limits in the county, as well as understanding and developing the processes the County Council should follow for setting new speed limits.
New Crowd Funder appeal to pay for Ward Freman pool tile repairs
/in News /by ClerkWard Freman Community Pool Group CIO has been offered the freehold of the swimming pool by Hertfordshire County Council. This is still subject to negotiation but represents a significant step forward and would mean the pool would be wholly owned by the charity. This will bring with it greater up-front costs associated with the freehold transfer and means that it is more important than ever to continue fund raising. The pool group is working hard in the background preparing grant applications for when the freehold is transferred.
The group has been advised that legal costs to secure the transfer of freehold could be as much as £6000 + VAT. As a charity the group is looking to get best value for the money raised by supporters and is asking if there is a Commercial Conveyancing Solicitor who may be able to offer their time pro bono, the group would love to hear from you (disbursements would be paid).
New Crowd Funder appeal to pay for pool tile repairs
East Herts District Council has already pledged the pool group a large sum of money which should pay for a new filtration system. However, an additional £30,000 is needed to repair the pool tiles and replace the expansion joints.
Sport England has agreed to support a Crowdfunder project to repair the tiles by donating a match funded amount of £15,000. The pool group then need to raise a further £15,000 in order to guarantee the generous donation from Sport England.
So far, over £4700 has been raised, but there is still a long way to go to reach the target amount by the deadline.
You can donate by visiting the crowdfunding page at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/repair-pool-tiles-and-replace-expansion-joints
If you are a UK taxpayer, you can tick the gift aid box which will increase your donation by 25%! Any contribution large or small will be greatly appreciated.
Message from Director of Public Health regarding flu vaccination
/in News /by Clerk“Message from Director of Public Health regarding flu vaccination
Flu is now circulating in the community with the number of people infected higher than we usually see at this time of the year. The main virus circulating is a strain associated with more severe illness and higher death rates than other types of flu, particularly in the elderly. Experts nationally are predicting that we are likely to see a worse flu season than we’ve experienced for many years. We’re asking you to please share this message with the people you support and work with.
The flu vaccination remains the best protection against influenza. It takes about two weeks following the flu vaccination to build up immunity against the virus, so it’s important that people book as soon as you can.
Flu is highly infectious and can lead to serious illness. Remember to get your flu vaccine this year to protect yourself and others around you.
Those who are most at risk of serious illness can get it for free – here’s how you can book your free flu vaccine today:
- Speak to your GP practice
- Online, search ‘NHS pharmacy vaccine’
- NHS app
- Call 119 (translator available)
Even if you can’t get a free vaccine, you can still pay for one from a participating local pharmacy.
Let’s keep each other safe this winter visit, www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/your-health-and-care/vaccinations/flu-vaccines/ for more information.
Vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID is also important for those eligible.”