Today

Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Today's practical local briefing for Hertfordshire: official updates, planning and records, travel signals, weather, events and useful source checks for St Albans, Harpenden, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Hitchin, Bishop Stortford.

OpenPolice concerned for welfare of missing man as public urged to 'call 999'Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a missing man last seen leaving his home in Letchworth Garden City.OpenHertfordshire town named UK's 'top spot for a holiday' as posts soar 90 per centA riverside market town with “scenic” walks has been ranked as one of the top summer spots to visit in the UK.OpenMayor re-elected for second term as Council confirms 2026/27 CabinetBorough of Broxbourne Council news has a council update for Hertfordshire: "Mayor re-elected for second term as Council confirms 2026/27 Cabinet". Check the source link for the full record, timing and any resident action needed.OpenWelwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Oak Hill Crematorium donate £17,000 to Hearts for HertsWelwyn Hatfield Borough Council news has a planning update for Hertfordshire: "Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Oak Hill Crematorium donate £17,000 to Hearts for Herts". Check the source link for the full record, timing and any resident action needed.OpenConcerns growing for missing Ann, 43, last seen two months agoPolice have issued an appeal for help to find a woman who has been missing from Verulam Road in St Albans for two months.OpenMore than 800 visitors turn out as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey marks transformation of Royston Leisure CentreMore than 800 visitors turn out as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey marks transformation of Royston Leisure Centre joseph.mitchell Date 23 June 2026 Date 23 June 2026 L-R: Cllr Amy Allen (Executive Member for Environment at North Herts Council), Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Cllr Keith Hoskins, Sarah Kingsley (Director - Environment at North Herts Council) Royston Leisure Centre welcomed more than 800 visitors on Saturday (June 20) as the town celebrated the completion of a major refurbishment with a free community open day. TV personality and Team GB sprint relay star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was on hand to mark the occasion, cutting the ribbon on the centre's new gym extension alongside Cllr Keith Hoskins, Chair of North Herts Council. The event marked the completion of a major decarbonisation and refurbishment programme at the centre, delivered in partnership with North Herts Council, which has included a £1.8 million gym extension that has more than doubled the gym's size. The pool changing village has also been completely refurbished, with new lockers, mirrors and vanity units creating a fresher, more modern space for members, while reception has been upgraded too, including improvements to the food and drink offering. Crowds turned out throughout the day to try out the transformed facilities, with free activities on offer including family and lane swimming, inflatables, fitness classes, wheelchair basketball and pickleball. Local families enjoyed free swimming at the open day Harry also took time to meet visitors across three packed meet and greet sessions, signing autographs and posing for selfies with fans of all ages. The event also drew a host of community organisations, with stalls from Parkinson’s UK, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the police among those setting up on site throughout the day. Harry, who previously visited Royston in September 2024 shortly after Everyone Active took over the leisure contract, said: "It's amazing to see what's been achieved here. When I visited back in 2024 the work hadn't yet begun, so to come back and see the finished gym is great, it's a completely different place. The community deserve it and I hope it inspires people to get active and make the most of what's right on their doorstep." Daniel Peddar, General Manager at Royston Leisure Centre, said: "To see so many people come through the doors on Saturday was really special. This has been a long time in the making and it was wonderful to celebrate it properly with the community. “The new gym has transformed what we're able to offer, and days like Saturday are exactly why we do what we do. We hope everyone who came along left feeling inspired to come back." The new gym extension Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment at North Herts Council, said: “It was great to see so many people coming along to enjoy the open day and see the improvements that have been made at Royston Leisure Centre. This has been a significant investment and it’s fantastic to see the new facilities already being enjoyed by local residents. “As well as creating a better experience for people using the centre, the work we’ve carried out will help make the building more energy efficient and support our wider commitment to reducing carbon emissions across North Herts. It was a brilliant day and really nice to see the community coming together to celebrate.” Royston Leisure Centre is operated by Everyone Active on behalf of North Herts Council. For more information on membership and activities, visit www.everyoneactive.com or call 01763 255190. Get the latest news by email You can subscribe to get news and service updates by email . It's free, you can choose which topics you’re interested in and you can unsubscribe at any time. Share this page Share on Facebook Share on X