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1 week ago | 
thecomet.net | DeboRah Price |Deborah Price
In general, 20mph zones are designed to create environments where people feel safer – where the air quality is improved and where people are more likely to walk or cycle. According to the council, officers have identified more than 500 areas “likely to be suitable for 20mph speed limits” across the county. In Stevenage there are already plans to implement a 20mph zone in the Bedwell area.
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2 weeks ago | 
thecomet.net | DeboRah Price |Deborah Price
Letchworth North Cllr Tina Bhartwas (Image: Supplied) The Liberal Democrats gained an extra member on Hertfordshire County Council following the shock defection of a Labour councillor. Cllr Tina Bhartwas had been re-elected as the Labour county councillor for Letchworth North, in North Herts, earlier this month (May 1). Since then, she had even been elected as deputy leader of the council’s Labour group.
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2 weeks ago | 
thecomet.net | DeboRah Price |Deborah Price
Those who refuse may be asked to attend a “suitable smoke-free venue” for their treatment or care instead. Meanwhile, Trust staff have been told that they should not be seen smoking while in uniform or representing the Trust – even if they are not on Trust premises. The provisions are included in the Trust’s new smoke-free policy, which has now banned smoking in the grounds of four hospitals – including the Lister Hospital, in Stevenage and the New QEII in Welwyn Garden City.
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2 months ago | 
thecomet.net | DeboRah Price |Deborah Price
A polling station sign (Picture: Yui Mok/PA) Despite uncertainty around the future structure of district, borough and county councils, Hertfordshire residents will be heading to the polls on Thursday, May 1. Across the country, many councils opted to delay the next election to await the outcome of government mandated local authority reorganisation.
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2 months ago | 
thecomet.net | DeboRah Price |Deborah Price
Polling station (Image: Archant) Despite uncertainty around the future structure of district, borough and county councils, Hertfordshire residents will be heading to the polls on Thursday, May 1. Across the country, many councils opted to delay the next election to await the outcome of government mandated local authority reorganisation. Hertfordshire currently operates a two-tier local government structure – with a single county council and 10 district or borough councils.
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2 months ago | 
watfordobserver.co.uk | DeboRah Price |Deborah Price
The number of fines handed to parents has more than doubled (Image: Pexels) The number of fines issued to Hertfordshire parents who have taken their children out of school to go on holiday has more than doubled since a change in national guidance. Previously parents could expect to receive a fine if their children were absent from school for 15 half-day sessions or more in a 12-month period.
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2 months ago | 
watfordobserver.co.uk | DeboRah Price |Deborah Price
Council to pay parent £700 after complaint about EHCP process (Image: Will Durrant) Hertfordshire County Council is set to pay a parent £700 following a complaint to the Ombudsman about the issuing of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). A parent claimed that the council had taken too long to assess her son’s needs and issue the EHCP, had ‘named’ an unsuitable school for her son to attend, and had "communicated with her poorly".
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Mar 6, 2025 | 
thecomet.net | DeboRah Price |Deborah Price
Plans have been drawn-up for additional ‘specialist resource provisions’ at primary schools in Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City. Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) are designed to meet the needs of children with speech, language or communication needs, including autism – offering specialist support within a mainstream setting. Nine SRPs already operate from five in primary and four secondary schools across the county – with two more planned to open in September.
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Mar 4, 2025 | 
watfordobserver.co.uk | DeboRah Price |Deborah Price
Hertfordshire County Council allowances have been (Image: Hertfordshire County Council) Allowances paid to county councillors next year (2025/26) are to be set in line with any pay rise awarded to council staff, it has been agreed. All 78 county councillors are currently allocated a ‘basic allowance’, of £12,051 a year (2024/25). Those with other responsibilities can claim higher amounts – currently up to £60,255 for the leader of the council and £36,153 for executive members.
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Feb 28, 2025 | 
whtimes.co.uk | DeboRah Price |Deborah Price
Children from Sherrardswood School outside Hertfordshire County Hall. (Image: Frances Knox) Hertfordshire County Council is to "investigate sources of funding" for a crossing outside a school in Welwyn – after parents and teachers raised concerns about the 70mph speed limit. Parents and teachers from the Sherrardswood School – which sits off the A1000 dual carriageway – say the current speed limit poses “an unacceptable risk” to their children.
