Latest news with #DacorumBoroughCouncil
BBC News
29-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Hemel Hempstead chalk stream rerouted at Gadebridge Park
A rare chalk stream has been rerouted to improve wildlife habitats and reduce the risk of localised flooding. The River Gade, at Gadebridge Park in Hemel Hempstead, has been returned to its natural course after it was moved to supply water to the former Bury Mill. The river restoration project in the Hertfordshire town was completed by the Environment Agency (EA) who worked with Dacorum Borough Council and Affinity Bromham, Liberal Democrat portfolio holder for neighbourhood operations at Dacorum, said: "The return of the River Gade to its natural course not only restores an important ecosystem but also enhances the park experience for our residents and visitors." The council was previously told the Gade was one of the "very few" chalk streams that exist around the artificial channel that had been cut caused the river to become disconnected, which the EA said led to water quality issues and limited new footbridges, a gauging station, and an ultrasonic structure that allows fish and mammals to move freely were installed as part of the project. Former Undertones singer Feargal Sharkey has been involved in a long-running campaign to preserve chalk "We've destroyed our chalk streams," says SharkeyListen: Sharkey's 'river ramble' with Clare BaldingThe Chiltern Society said chalk streams played host to water vole, endangered in the UK, and brown was created along the banks to provide habitat for different species including trout, water vole and Wilson, area director at the EA, said: "Getting to this stage marks the huge collective effort of a large number of people."I'd like to thank everyone involved for their perseverance and commitment to bringing such a complex and ambitious project to completion." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Metro
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Metro
I'm one of the UK's longest-serving workers - here's what has kept me going
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video When Peter Flitney was 15-years-old, he rolled up his sleeves for the first time. He had just taken up an apprenticeship as a mechanic at the small, unassuming garages of G. Grace & Son in Tring, Hertfordshire. 'I walked up the road with my mother and asked for a job. The boss, Mr Grace, said: 'The boy can start Monday.' and that was it,' he told Metro. 'The first job I ever did was cleaning down the back half of a tractor.' At the time, Peter didn't overthink it too much. It was his first job. He'd work here for a bit, and then see what happens. Little did he know, the apprenticeship ended up leading him to a long career of 75 years, making him one of the longest-serving workers at a single business in the UK. Established in 1750, G. Grace & Son is one of the UK's oldest family businesses. It's a shop that does it all – it sells hardware, painting and decorating supplies, household products, gardening tools and specialises in classic car maintenance. Now, after decades of hard graft in a career that's seen three generations of ownership come and go before him, Peter finally hung up his overalls earlier this month at the age of 90. 'There was all sorts [to work on] back then. Tractors, combines. I'd sharpen tools and mower blades. All sorts. We were helping the farmers at the time,' he said. When Peter began his career, it was 1950. As the nation was still recovering from the economic impacts of WWII, he quickly learned to mend and maintain agricultural machinery. His job was to keep tractors running – a tricky feat as parts were scarce and rationing was still very much in place for much of the country. It wouldn't be until 1958 that the UK saw the completion of its first motorway and at the time, car ownership was still a luxury for most households – which made the few vehicles around all the more in need of regular fixing. Leaving only for two years of mandatory national service, Peter later returned to the tools for his career. He went from an odd-job apprentice to master mechanic – later specialising in some of the world's most iconic classic sports cars, including the Jaguar E-Type. Their work on a beloved Riley 2.5 would help the then-owner and racing driver Harold Grace win many of his 400 of racing trophies. 'I remember finishing work late and Harold Grace would pop his head out and say 'Peter have you got time to wash my car down?'' Peter laughed. By 2000, Peter had already been awarded Dacorum Borough Council's Employee of the Year for reaching his 50th work year at the company, all while taking just three days sick since his first shift. His prevalence led him to being featured in newspaper articles as the years ticked on. It wasn't until a cancer diagnosis in recent years that Peter pumped the brakes; reducing his hours to a few days a week. ' I started doing less work for a while, just small jobs like sharpening knives and putting handles on forks, but eventually decided 'that's enough now',' he said. Peter's since received the all clear and credits his wife of 67 years, Sheila, for being his rock over the years. 'You couldn't get a better one,' Peter said. 'She's always been there. She's always been supportive.' The couple married in 1958 and in 1960 their son, Paul, was born. Following his dad in his footsteps, he soon also took a keen interest in machinery and cars, peering over his dad's shoulder as he worked away in the garage. The exposure to the trade from an early age led to Paul getting his own job at the garage in 1976, starting off with part time work during the school holidays. Today, the father and son duo have worked side by side for a staggering 50 years. 'It's incredible, really,' Paul told Metro. 'We've always got on. Some fathers and sons don't work out, do they? We're lucky, in that sense.' Gilbert Grace, the eigth generation owner of G. Grace & Son, praised Peter for his diligence over the years. 'Peter knows hard work. He really does know hard work,' he told Metro. 'He has common sense, you know? 'I'll never forget – we had a problem with a gearbox strewn across in bits and pieces. Peter immediately had a solution. He just…had the answer. 'His work here must be a record of some sort.' While Peter himself is embedded in the history of British mechanics thanks to his long service, the Grace family have also earned their place in the history books too. From starting off as local blacksmiths, the Graces forged their way through Britain's first industrial revolution. In the 1890s, they were sent to Paris by Lord Rothschild to study the Eiffel Tower – inspiration that later shaped their ironwork of what became the Rothschild Museum in Tring. By 1953, their evolution from forge to front-runners in the sports-car industry had them tuning a Riley 2.5 that finished just behind British racing legend Stirling Moss at Silverstone — with Harold Grace himself behind the wheel. 'You could stand a chance of fixing a car back then,' Paul said. 'It was a guessing game. But these days you need computers plugged into them just to find out what's wrong.' In 1994, the business was brought to its knees after two catastrophic fires destroyed many of their workshops. They eventually made the full recovery and picked up business again. Since then, they have adapted to the changes that would've seen most in their trade shut down, selling new products and expanding their stock to include household goods. Carol Woodstock, who runs and maintains the DIY & Hardware section, retires this year after 30 years of work at the business. For 20 of those years she's spent them working alongside her daughter, Jackie. 'Everything was make and mend,' Carol said, reflecting on the changes that have seen disposability become something of the norm. 'We had this Saturday lad come in. Lovely lad. I said to him, 'Just think — doing this kind of work, you'll be able to do your own one day.' 'He turned to me and said, 'When I'm rich and famous, I'm just going to pay someone to do it for me.' I thought… oh… alright,' she laughed. 'My first job was with my mum and her last job is with me — it's really special,' Jackie said. Between Peter, Paul, Carol and Jackie, the tireless family foursome has quietly amassed a staggering 175 years of hard work between them. Back in April, the group had a dinner marking Peter and Carol's retirement, all the while toasting their decades of success, as well as the new chapter as G. Grace & Son towards the future. The reins have now been handed to Gilbert's grandson, Jordan Grace – he is the 10th generation family member to take charge of the business. What's next for Peter? Well, he's still driving his little red Rover 200 around and finds ways to keep himself occupied. More Trending 'I keep busy when I can now. I do puzzles, go for walks and do some gardening. I used to go to allotment but I can't do it now,' he said. So what's Peter's secret for holding down a career for 75 years? Turns out it's loving what you do and who you work with. 'Coming to work was a pleasure because everybody got on with everybody and well, we're like one family really,' he said. 'I'm so proud. I'm proud of my son. I'm proud of all of us.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Chicken wine, pizza and indoor rollerskating: The rise of the adult sleepover MORE: 'I thought it was a hangover – but then my headache didn't stop' MORE: The grainy 70s photo that could help police solve a missing person case
The Independent
09-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
VE Day parade to go ahead after councillor suggested it would be ‘elitist'
A military parade will be held to mark VE Day at a council where a senior member suggested such an event would be 'elitist', Sir Ed Davey has announced. Liberal Democrat-led Dacorum Borough Council in Hertfordshire has overturned its decision not to hold an event to mark the end of the Second World War. Commemorations are being held across the country on May 8 to mark the end of the war, including a flypast in London and a service at Westminster Abbey with members of the royal family. While a Dacorum council meeting heard there would not be parade, in a statement released by the council on Wednesday, a spokesperson insisted no events have been cancelled and one will be held. The intention for the event to go ahead was first revealed by Sir Ed, national leader of the Lib Dems, during a local election campaign visit to Gloucester. 'There will be a VE parade, I'm delighted to say,' he said. 'The council wants that. It would be daft not to have one, absolutely daft. 'I'm really looking forward to VE celebrations, the 80th anniversary. 'I think apparently a council officer took a decision without talking to the politicians. 'The politicians are now really clear, the VE parade will go ahead.' Dacorum council cabinet member Caroline Smith-Wright had told a meeting on April 2 that there were no plans for a parade, suggesting such an event would be for the 'elite'. She said: 'We have decided at this point to enable communities to come together and have street parties, and I think… that's for the community, that's for everyone, that encompasses everybody, it doesn't just leave the elite and people to just, kind of, parade. 'This is about normal people celebrating in their communities, sharing food, sitting at a table celebrating, and I think that's a fine way to celebrate VE Day.' She added that the authority had 'done quite a bit of celebrating last year' to mark the council's 50th birthday. The move received significant backlash, with opposition councillors calling for a rethink. Conservative councillor Graeme Elliot said: 'I'm very dismayed about the lack of celebrations – my father fought in that war, I had an uncle that died in the Battle of France, that was the golden generation. 'You think that 50 years of a celebration of a council is far more important than the men and women that gave their lives so that we could stand here.' David Taylor, Labour MP for Hemel Hempstead, shared a statement on X joining the calls for a rethink. He said: 'I am disappointed by the Liberal Democrat-led council's decision to reject the proposal for a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. I believe a parade is what our armed forces deserve.' Dacorum Borough Council said in a statement: 'The Council has not cancelled its VE Day commemoration event or rejected calls for military parades as reported. VE Day belongs to all of us. We are absolutely committed to honouring the sacrifice of our armed forces and ensuring their memory lives on. 'The Council has a long and proud history of supporting commemorative events and our armed forces community.' They said the council will be holding a joint commemorative event with the Royal British Legion as planned, with a parade at the War Memorial. In addition, the council has purchased two 'Tommy Statues' and will be holding a celebratory Armed Forces Day event in June, a commemorative service for VJ Day in August and the annual Remembrance Parade on November 9 and Remembrance Day service on November 11.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
VE Day parade to go ahead after councillor suggested it would be ‘elitist'
A military parade will be held to mark VE Day at a council where a senior member suggested such an event would be 'elitist', Sir Ed Davey has announced. Liberal Democrat-led Dacorum Borough Council in Hertfordshire has overturned its decision not to hold an event to mark the end of the Second World War. Commemorations are being held across the country on May 8 to mark the end of the war, including a flypast in London and a service at Westminster Abbey with members of the royal family. However, Dacorum council initially said it had no plans for a parade. Sir Ed, national leader of the party, announced a formal ceremony will go ahead, as he made a local election campaign visit to Gloucester. 'There will be a VE parade, I'm delighted to say,' he said. 'The council wants that. It would be daft not to have one, absolutely daft. 'I'm really looking forward to VE celebrations, the 80th anniversary. 'I think apparently a council officer took a decision without talking to the politicians. 'The politicians are now really clear, the VE parade will go ahead.' Dacorum council cabinet member Caroline Smith-Wright had told a meeting on April 2 that there were no plans for a parade, suggesting such an event would be for the 'elite'. She said: 'We have decided at this point to enable communities to come together and have street parties, and I think… that's for the community, that's for everyone, that encompasses everybody, it doesn't just leave the elite and people to just, kind of, parade. 'This is about normal people celebrating in their communities, sharing food, sitting at a table celebrating, and I think that's a fine way to celebrate VE Day.' She added that the authority had done 'done quite a bit of celebrating last year' to mark the council's 50th birthday. The move received significant backlash, with opposition councillors calling for a rethink. Conservative councillor Graeme Elliot said: 'I'm very dismayed about the lack of celebrations – my father fought in that war, I had an uncle that died in the Battle of France, that was the golden generation. 'You think that 50 years of a celebration of a council is far more important than the men and women that gave their lives so that we could stand here.' My statement on why I disagree with the Lib Dem decision to reject a VE Day Parade in my area 🇬🇧 — David Taylor MP (@DavidTaylor85) April 8, 2025 David Taylor, Labour MP for Hemel Hempstead, shared a statement on X joining the calls for a rethink. He said: 'I am disappointed by the Liberal Democrat-led council's decision to reject the proposal for a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. I believe a parade is what our armed forces deserve.' Dacorum Borough Council and council leader Sally Symington have been approached for comment.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Controversial new parking charges come into force TODAY
Controversial parking charges in Kings Langley have officially come into effect - despite almost 4,000 objections. From today (March 31) new charges will apply across all car parks and street parking managed by Dacorum Borough Council. The new rules will keep 25 free bays at the ends of the high street but reduce the allowance from one hour to 30 minutes. Residents and businesses were opposed to the changes. (Image: Kings Langley Village News) Meanwhile, 28 previously free spaces in the middle of the road would cost 80p for 30 minutes and £1.50 for an hour. The Nap and Langley Hill car parks nearby will remain free but with a new four-hour limit between 8am and 6pm. Changes to high street parking had been met with fierce opposition as 3,840 people signed a petition opposing them. Across the borough, motorists will need to register parking sessions at car parks – even if free – with either the payment machine or the PaybyPhone app, which can also be used to extend sessions. Short stay car park sessions now have a minimum stay of 2 hours, while long stay car park sessions have a maximum stay of 10 hours. The charges will apply from 8am to 6pm and do not impact blue badge holders.
