Today

Wednesday, 17 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.

Open'Massive queue' as new Watford chicken shop opens with 100 free burgersThe launch of new chicken shop Hench Watford was met with a “massive” queue outside.OpenHoddesdon’s popular outdoor cinema returns to the High Street for 2026Borough of Broxbourne Council. We are Broxbourne: making a difference by delivering the best service to everyone, every day.OpenAnti-idling action launched for Clean Air Day 2026Borough of Broxbourne Council. We are Broxbourne: making a difference by delivering the best service to everyone, every day.OpenMayor re-elected for second term as Council confirms 2026/27 CabinetBorough of Broxbourne Council. We are Broxbourne: making a difference by delivering the best service to everyone, every day.OpenMission Direct charity aims to raise £30,000 in 30 daysA Hitchin-based charity is aiming to raise £30,000 in just 30 days.OpenMayor opens UK’s largest Entertainer toy store at The GalleriaWelwyn Garden City, Hatfield, regeneration, consultations, council services and events.OpenMP calls social media ban 'half-baked' after Sir Keir announces restrictionsThe Prime Minister's social media ban has been called "half-baked" by the MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted.Open'A cesspit poisoning our society' - Herts MPs back social media ban plansHertfordshire MPs have back the government's plans to ban under 16s from using social media, with one it as "a cesspit that is poisoning our society".OpenCouncil to explore safety measures for ‘dangerous’ junction with ‘daily near-misses’County councillors have “sympathised” with a petition to make a busy Letchworth junction safer and instructed officers to look at new measures to be funded in future.OpenCare home 'at heart of village' told to improve amid CQC safety concernsA care home in Kings Langley has been told it needs to improve after inspectors found it had not reported safeguarding concerns.OpenHundreds flock to car cafe's new event for 'families, friends and petrolheads'The event, organised by car-themed café Unit VII, drew enthusiasts for what organisers described as a festival-style, family-friendly gathering.Open15 Social Rent Homes Delivered for Local People in Central Bishop’s StortfordEast Herts Council has a council update for Hertfordshire: "15 Social Rent Homes Delivered for Local People in Central Bishop’s Stortford". Check the source link for the full record, timing and any resident action needed.OpenEast Herts Council partners with the Community Alliance to launch new community health hubEast Herts Council has a council update for Hertfordshire: "East Herts Council partners with the Community Alliance to launch new community health hub". Check the source link for the full record, timing and any resident action needed.OpenEast Herts Council Set to Issue Formal Notice in Local Plan PreparationsEast Herts Council has a planning update for Hertfordshire: "East Herts Council Set to Issue Formal Notice in Local Plan Preparations". Check the source link for the full record, timing and any resident action needed.OpenJob vacancies - opens new window External Link - opens in a new windowStevenage regeneration, services, council housing, community updates and events.