News Round Up 2026

Harpenden population 32,500+

Harpenden’s 3 GP Surgeries registered patients = 43,274.

What’s going on??

A chance visit to the NHS Choices web site on May 6 revealed the following registered patient numbers:

Village Surgery = 15,983

The Elms = 14,749

Davenport House = 12,542

SO if the numbers are accurate where do all these people live? (Redbourn and Wheathampsted have their own surgeries.

OR are the numbers duplicated OR are they simply out of date?

WELL, on average GP Surgeries are funded at £136 per patient so the numbers generate high income.

THE average number of patient visits per year is 7 giving a cost per visit of £19.42.

YES it’s obvious that very young patients and elderly patients have more than the average number of visits.

These figures do not cover the prescription costs.

AND YES we know averages disguise the actual numbers BUT something is amiss?

WITH more and more homes bing built in Harpenden how will GP Surgeries cope with this influx?

More to come on this story.

New Garden Town planned close to Harpenden

A massive project described in detail in ‘A Spatial Vision’

Hemel Garden Communities (HGC) is an ambitious development programme that will transform Hemel Hempstead and create attractive and sustainable new neighbourhoods and communities to the north and east of Hemel Hempstead, through the delivery of more than 11,000 new homes ( That will be 30,000 + people) and 10,000 new jobs by 2050. Many of these jobs will be in Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter, a new business park with a range of facilities including flexible office and industrial spaces, and a variety of amenities to serve the local community.

The whole project will be part of a Dacorum Borough Council scheme on land within their boundary. providing a variety of benefits to Hemel Hempstead.

These include new high-quality homes, of which 40 per cent will be affordable. New neighbourhoods will be set around vibrant local centres, green spaces and play areas, all easily accessed on foot. Sustainable travel such as walking, cycling and public transport will be given priority as we target a greener, healthier environment, which includes open spaces as well as new country and district parks.

A priority for Hemel Garden Communities is to accelerate a shift to public and active transport and increase the share of journeys taken by cycling and walking, and providing high quality infrastructure to support the creation of new homes and jobs.

HGC partners – Dacorum Borough Council, St Albans City and District Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership - are working with The Crown Estate and other landowners to deliver the HGC programme.

Phillipa Zieba (right) has been appointed to the role

of Programme Director. Phillipa brings with her a

wealth of experience, from her previous role as

Head of Planning at Hammerson, with a strong

track record of delivering masterplans and a range

of high profile mixed-use projects. Cllr Chris White,

Chair of the HGC Delivery Board (also Council

leader of SADC)

said: “I am delighted that we have recruited someone of Phillipa’s calibre to the role of programme director and welcome her to the team.

ONE KEY CHALLENGE (of which there are many)

Although Hemel’s neighbourhoods will be used as model for growing and regenerating the town, certain aspects of them will need to be significantly modified to meet twenty-first century challenges. The challenges to be met are tackling car dependency, responding to large portions of the housing stock aging at the same time, and diversifying local centres. Development of new neighbourhoods will also need to ensure that places and communities are integrated with each other and with established neighbourhoods.

Read ‘A Spatial Vision’ and you will be amazed at the detailed progamme already devised. The Spatial Vision is a high-level document that provides a series of aspirations for the future of HGC.

Hemel Garden Communities Spatial Vision (PDF 11MB).

THE BIG QUESTIONS

How will this affect Harpenden?

How will this affect SADC’s Local Plan?

Follow Harpendia for answers

Feb 9. Hertfordshire Constabulary welcomes new cohort of police officers

Hertfordshire Constabulary proudly welcomed 28 new police officers to Team Herts last week during a graduation ceremony held at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday (5 February).

The new officers bring with them a wide range of professional experience, including a former law lecturer, a mental health support worker, a restaurant manager and retail workers.

Family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate the completion of the officers’ initial training programmes and to witness them take the next step into their policing careers.

Chief Constable Andy Prophet thanked the new officers for the commitment they had each given to helping people, catching criminals and solving crime. He said: “Becoming a police officer isn’t easy but you’ve earned your place. Policing is about making a difference: protecting people, solving crime and stepping up when it counts.

“Now it’s your turn. Get out on to the streets and do so with energy, ambition and a drive to keep Hertfordshire safe. The job of policing will push you but remember you’ll never face it alone. Your team, your families and the people of Hertfordshire are right behind you.”

The officers now move on to the next stage of their careers, where they will put their training into practice while continuing to receive on‑the‑job support and development.

Interested in joining? The constabulary is now welcoming applications for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), starting September 2026.

This is your chance to earn a fully funded degree, gain outstanding on‑the‑job training, earn a competitive salary from day one, and make a lasting difference to communities across Hertfordshire. To apply or find out more information, please visit: Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship Hertfordshire - BCH

Want to find out what being a police officer is like before applying? Attend an insight session.

Those inspired by the graduates’ achievements can learn more about joining Hertfordshire Constabulary by attending an upcoming online insight session. Hear directly from serving officers about the realities of the role and the pathways into policing.

Upcoming dates:

�� Meeting Link: Join the meeting now

�� 11 March 2026
🕒 7pm to 8pm
📍 Meeting Link: Join the meeting now

Group photos from the day for one-time use, credit Hertfordshire Constabulary.

GP Surgery Phone call Scam

READ BELOW TO ENSURE YOU DON”T BECOME A VICTIM

Dear Victim

I am writing to let you know of an active phone call scam where when you answer the phone it has a recorded voice that appears to be from the NHS or your local surgery. The message informs you that your details at the surgery are out of date and that unless you update them you will be removed from their list. The message then encourages you to go to a link or press a number button that takes you to where you will be requested to give your details. THIS IS A SCAM.

If you receive such a call, put the phone down, and to set your mind at rest, call your surgery to check your details. Please be wary.

Across Hertfordshire in 2025, Hertfordshire Constabulary received 5,278 reports of fraud with a total loss of £34 million. Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage, which is often financial, over another person. Cybercrime is any criminal act dealing with computers and networks.

To report an incident of cybercrime or fraud and for further information visit the Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) website here UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud.

March. Update on Harpenden district neighbourhood priorities’

Progress is underway to address the latest St Albans district neighbourhood priorities, which were agreed last month, in response to issues raised by local residents.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) work alongside district partners to focus on solving long and short-term neighbourhood issues, such as anti-social behaviour, theft, speeding and drug-related crime

They set local policing priorities every four months, providing a specific focus on the issues that residents have raised via surveys, alongside an analysis of data.

Harpenden and rural

You said: Tackle anti-social behaviour around local parks, including drinking alcohol, smoking drugs and abusive behaviour.

We did:

•Proactive patrols around the parks and work with partner agencies including Harpenden Town Council.

•We have identified a group of young people causing anti-social behaviour in parks and in the town. The Community Safety Unit will be making contact with parents.

•We will continue to monitor, engage and deal with any incidents.

You said: Tackle speeding in Harpenden and Sandridge.

We did:

•Speed enforcement checks have been conducted on Luton Road, Redbourn Road, Marford Hill, St Albans Road and Lower Luton Road.

•A man was given a traffic offence report for doing 44mph in a 30mph in Marford Road in Wheathampstead on Monday (23 February). The driver may be sent on a drivers’ improvement course, fined, given points on his licence or could be summonsed directly to court.

•We will continue to go out at different times and days to catch anyone speeding. The presence of officers reminds drivers to slow down.

END

March 3.

PLAGUE of POTHOLES

in Harpenden

shows no sign of diminishing

says Cllr Matt Cowley

"The Liberal Democrats at Hertfordshire

County Council made some big promises

in last May’s local elections. Chief among

them was a commitment to fixing our roads.

I think anyone using Hertfordshire’s roads can see that hasn’t materialised. In the first seven months of their time in office, they fixed around half the number of potholes per month on average that the Conservatives fixed in the preceding four years.

And it could get even worse. Because next year, the Lib Dems are spending around £12m less on Highways compared with the previous Conservative budget. That’s the money that should be going towards fixing our roads and pavements, gritting our roads and unblocking our drains. And in many areas, inflation hasn’t been factored in, so services will still need to be cut further. Just as much of a problem is what they are spending it on.

Huge amounts of money are going to 20 mph schemes, but those schemes will be delivered without the traffic calming measures needed to enforce the speeds.

£700k is being spent on an experimental new method of road maintenance; but the money has been committed before the trial to test whether or not the method works has been finished.

It is all a real mess. Not helped by the Labour Government’s decision to reduce the Council’s budgets by a huge amount; but that has been exacerbated by the Lib Dems making all the wrong choices."

Above road photos taken March 2. 2026

END

May 11. Annual Town Meeting at Park Hall

After the official opening by Cllr Beth Fisher a series of Awards of Merit 2026 were made in recognition of outstanding work in the community.

Alison Bourke – in recognition of her work on the Station Road railway tunnel mural.

Brigid Brennan – in recognition of her longstanding work for the Harpenden Child Contact Centre.

Sue Hobley – in recognition of her longstanding work for and as Chair of the Macmillan Harpenden Branch Fundraising Committee.

Debbie Knight – in recognition of her work as Chairman of The Harpenden Art Club and a co-ordinator for Herts Visual Arts, responsible for Open Studios in Harpenden.

Mark Deacon – in recognition of his longstanding service to the community of Harpenden through his work for the Harpenden Lions, as a local Primary School Governor and as an Assistant Church Warden.

New circular walking and cycling route around Harpenden encourages sustainable and enjoyable travel.

As part of its key objectives to promote environmentally friendly living, health and wellbeing and the Town's green spaces, Harpenden Town Council has launched the ‘The Harpenden Green Loop’; a convenient and attractive walking and cycling route around the Town.

The Harpenden Green Loop connects various existing paths, open spaces and trails to make a complete 15km (9.3mile) route which can either be walked or cycled in its entirety or in sections. You can access it at a number of points and discover new areas of Harpenden, whether you are already familiar with its beautiful green spaces or you are visiting and want to explore the area.

Signage is easy to follow, and a map is available to either download online (www.harpenden.gov.uk/loop) or you can visit the Town Hall for a printed version.

The “Loop” is a great way to travel around Harpenden, get out and about and take in the natural beauty of its green spaces including Harpenden Common, the unique habitats of Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve, sites of local historical interest such as the Nickey Line, and smaller parks and play areas. The Town Council is also promoting a Half Loop option for those wanting to visit the High Street for refreshments, public toilets and shopping.

The Town Council’s aim is to appeal to a wide variety of users, from cyclists and ramblers to dogwalkers and families on a day out. Introduction of The Harpenden Green Loop follows a public engagement survey conducted last summer to find out what people wanted from a Green Loop and how they might use it and the valuable feedback received was taken into account when planning the route and designing the map.

Town Mayor, Cllr Kirsti Wenn, said ‘The Harpenden Green Loop is a fantastic way to see the best of Harpenden, we hope it will appeal to residents and visitors alike. I thoroughly enjoy a long walk and exploring areas of Harpenden. Being outdoors in all weathers is good for the soul, and a great way to reconnect with what is important. I can’t wait to walk the full Loop and add it in to my charity walking Mayorathon starting this month. It’s also a brilliant option for people wanting to travel sustainably from home, school or work. I encourage anyone who would like to explore, to try The Harpenden Green Loop and enjoy the many benefits of walking or cycling outdoors. I may even see you on it one day.’

All the details, including a map and numbered directions can be found at www.harpenden.gov.uk/loop.

Harpenden neighbours strike gold at world marmalade awards after silver success last year

Two Harpenden neighbours have gone one better this year after winning gold at the prestigious Dalemain World Marmalade Awards just 12 months after both picked up silver awards in the same international competition.

Adrian and Katharine, who live just doors apart on a quiet Harpenden cul-de-sac, have turned a friendly neighbourhood rivalry into global success after earning top honours at what is widely regarded as the world’s biggest and most prestigious marmalade competition.

Held annually at Dalemain Mansion in Cumbria’s Lake District, the awards were founded in 2005 and have grown from a small local competition into a globally recognised event that attracts entries from across the world, including Japan, Australia, Brazil, Taiwan and beyond. This year’s competition received an incredible 3,400 entries from around the globe, making Adrian and Katharine’s gold awards even more impressive.

The awards are about far more than marmalade. Every homemade competition entry helps raise money for Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland, with organisers saying the event was created to celebrate community, encourage cooking and support small artisan producers. The annual festival also sees thousands of marmalade jars displayed throughout the historic mansion, alongside tastings, talks, demonstrations and award presentations.

Last year, Adrian and Katharine celebrated winning silver awards and joked that their “quietly competitive” rivalry would continue.

Armed with refined recipes, plenty of determination and another batch of carefully prepared citrus creations, both returned to this year’s competition hoping to improve on their previous success and ended up scoring 20 out of 20 taking home gold awards.

“We were absolutely delighted,” said Katharine. “Winning silver last year was such a lovely surprise, but to come back and win gold against thousands of entries from around the world feels great.”

Adrian added: “There was definitely a bit of friendly pressure after last year. Once you’ve won silver, you want to see if you can go one better but we never expected this.”

Their award-winning marmalade once again began with ingredients sourced from Carpenter’s Nursery, where they picked up the fruit that helped launch their now award-winning hobby.

What started as a fun pastime has now made Adrian and Katharine internationally recognised marmalade makers and earned their street an even stronger claim to the unofficial title of “Marmalade Mews.”

After silver last year and gold this year, neighbours are already asking the obvious question: what happens next?

Whatever it is, breakfast in Harpenden has never looked better.