Good morning and Welcome to Spring!

As we step into April 2025, the Borough has been buzzing with life. Last weekend brought us two special moments: families celebrating Mother’s Day and crowds gazing up at the partial solar eclipse under clear skies. With warmer sunshine finally here and promising forecasts ahead, we can’t help but wonder—could this be a taste of the summer to come?

In today’s update:

• Council Tax Portal remains offline but normal service to resume today

• Every household bill rising in April

• Hertfordshire councils enter the pre-election "purdah" period

• Our MP keeps pushing for a Cheshunt Banking Hub

• Hertfordshire’s Free School Meals Policy Changes Take Effect

• Exciting Easter events coming your way

Spring has sprung, and there’s plenty happening across Broxbourne!

Want the full details? Read on...Find the April fool story 😁 

New here? Welcome! 🎊 Hit reply—I’m just an email away if you’ve got questions. And if you’re feeling like supporting the work I do, you can buy me a virtual coffee to keep this newsletter brewing. ☕💛

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Broxbourne Council Tax Portal Still Offline

Broxbourne Borough Council's online payment and benefits portal remains unavailable this Tuesday morning following scheduled maintenance that began at 5pm Monday. The council confirms services are expected to resume later today, 1st April.

The outage affects access to council tax, business rates and benefits services. Residents requiring urgent assistance can use alternative payment methods or contact customer services.

No late payment penalties will apply for transactions affected by the outage. Technical teams continue working to restore normal service.

April Bill Hikes Are Here – Let Broxtown Help You Stay Ahead

From today, households across Broxbourne Borough and the entire country will see rising bills across nearly every essential service—energy, water, broadband, mobile, car tax, council tax, and more. The new financial year brings a sharp increase, with energy alone jumping 6.4% annually, adding pressure on already stretched budgets.

💡 While some deals can help you save—like fixed-rate energy tariffs or no-exit broadband options—it’s becoming harder to track and manage multiple providers, fluctuating rates, and hidden costs.

That’s where Broxtown can help.

👉 We’re showing residents how to bundle bills, access smarter deals, and pay one simple bill to keep things clear and manageable.

📲 Want to reduce your monthly costs?
🔗 Click below to read the full Sky News article and get the facts — then contact Broxtown for free, local guidance on cutting your bills this April and beyond.

Waltham Cross Regeneration Progress Noticed by Residents

The Waltham Cross regeneration project is moving forward, with locals spotting visible changes around the site. The transformation continues as older elements make way for new improvements.

Current works include the removal of old streetlights, which will be temporarily replaced before new permanent lighting is installed in coming months. These upgrades form part of the broader revitalisation of the area.

Residents can follow the latest developments through the dedicated project page:
www.broxbourne.gov.uk/WXRegeneration

The council encourages community members to stay informed as the regeneration progresses through its various phases. Regular updates will document the area's transformation in the months ahead.

Broxbourne MP Renews Call for Banking Hub in Cheshunt

lewiscockingmp

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Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking is continuing his campaign to bring a banking hub to Cheshunt, aiming to improve access to essential financial services for residents and small businesses. In a video shared on social media, he highlighted the challenges faced by the community following the closure of high street banks and called for action to restore local banking support.

“A hub would make a real difference—giving people access to cash, support with banking services, and helping local businesses thrive,” he said.

The MP’s push reflects growing concerns about financial exclusion in areas where traditional banks have disappeared, and comes as part of wider efforts to strengthen Cheshunt’s town centre.

From the County Council

Pre-Election "Purdah" Period Now Underway for County Elections

Councils across Hertfordshire are in the pre-election "purdah" period ahead of upcoming county elections. This standard practice ensures fair elections by restricting certain council activities until polling day.

During this time, local authorities will:

• Focus communications on essential services only

• Avoid launching new policies or consultations

• Share only neutral election information

All routine council services continue unaffected. You can find election details through official channels. You are reminded to participate in the democratic process on election day.

The measures apply equally to all Hertfordshire councils involved in the county elections including Broxbourne Borough. This impartial approach helps maintain public trust in the electoral process.

Your Vote Matters – Don’t Miss Your Chance!

The Hertfordshire County Council elections are on 1st May – but you can’t vote if you’re not registered!

✅ It only takes 5 minutes to register online (just need your National Insurance number).
⏰ Deadline: 11th April – don’t wait!

📢 Already registered? Check your polling station or postal vote details.

🔗 Register now: https://orlo.uk/5Fduk
ℹ️ Election info: https://orlo.uk/pgze7

Hertfordshire’s Free School Meals Policy Changes Take Effect

As of today, 1st April, Hertfordshire County Council has officially ended Transitional Protection for Free School Meals (FSM), following the national reforms set by the Department for Education. The change, which came into force yesterday (31st March), marks a major shift in how low-income families access meal support for their children.

Previously, children who qualified for FSM due to low household income continued receiving meals even if their family’s financial situation improved slightly, ensuring stability throughout their current education phase—whether primary or secondary school. However, starting today, new applicants will no longer benefit from this safeguard. Instead, eligibility will now be assessed monthly, meaning only families meeting the income threshold at the time of application will qualify.

While the change is expected to provide quicker support for those facing sudden financial hardship and streamline administration, concerns remain for families with unstable incomes, such as those in part-time or zero-hour work. These households could lose access if their earnings fluctuate above the threshold, even if they still struggle financially.

Families who secured FSM before yesterday’s deadline will continue receiving support until their child completes their current education phase. The council has emphasised the need for clear communication to ensure no child loses access to essential school meals during the transition.

The reforms aim to target resources more effectively, but their real-world impact on vulnerable families will now be closely watched.

MEME of The Day

UPCOMING EVENTS

Easter Trail & Community Heroes Day at Cedars Park

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at Cedars Park, Cheshunt as we celebrate Easter with a special visit from our local Police and PSCO team!

📅 Saturday, 5th April

🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Cedars Park, Cheshunt

🚓 Meet our Community Heroes

🚴 FREE Bike Marking – keep your bikes safe with help from local officers

🌼 Family Fun – stalls, creative activities, and a magical Easter Trail adventure for everyone to enjoy!

It’s the perfect chance to connect with your community, learn about safety, and enjoy a wonderful Easter celebration in the park.

🎉 Don’t miss it—we can’t wait to see you there!

Easter Adventure with Fifty Thrifty!

📆 Throughout the Easter Holidays
📍 Across Hertfordshire
💷 No cost or low cost

Looking for Easter fun that won’t break the bank? Hertfordshire County Council invites families to explore Fifty Thrifty—a treasure map of 50 free or low-cost adventures across the county! 🌟❤️

From hidden gems to fun-filled activities, there’s something magical for every family to enjoy this half term. Use the interactive Fifty Thrifty map to plan exciting days out and make unforgettable memories.

🎯 Start your Easter adventure here: https://orlo.uk/gTHnl

Let the exploring begin!

VE Day Celebration at Halsey Masonic Hall

Step back in time and join the community in celebrating VE Day with a full day of 1940s-style festivities!

📅 Monday 5th May
🕛 From noon until late
📍 Halsey Masonic Hall, Turners Hill, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross EN8 8NJ

🎶 Enjoy:
✨ Live 1940s-style entertainment
🍔 Delicious street food
🎉 A full day of nostalgic fun for all ages

🎟️ £5.00 per person
🎫 Tickets available at: www.halseyhallherts.co.uk/events
📱 Or scan the QR code on the poster.

Don your vintage gear and celebrate 80 years since Victory in Europe in true community spirit!

Easter Egg Art Competition at Waltham Cross Library!

📆 31 March – 23 April
👧🧒 Ages 2–9
💷 Entry: 50p

Waltham Cross Library is calling all young artists to take part in its Easter Egg Art Competition! Grab your colouring pens, paints or pencils and design your very own Easter egg for a chance to win a prize.

🖍️ Two age categories:
– Ages 2–5
– Ages 6–9

🎨 How to enter:
– Collect your Easter egg template from the library
– Decorate it with your artistic flair
– Return it with a completed entry form by Wednesday 23 April

🏆 Winners will be announced by Saturday 26 April

Let your creativity shine and have some egg-cellent fun!

Easter Sunday Lunch at Hertfordshire Golf

The sweetest day of the year is nearly here!

Celebrate with family and friends at Hertfordshire Golf for a delightful Easter Sunday Lunch.

📅 Sunday, 20th April

🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

🍽️ Enjoy a delicious 3-course meal

🥚 FREE Easter Egg Hunt for all children!

A perfect day out with great food and festive fun for the whole family.

📞 Reserve your table today: 01992 466555

📧 Email: [email protected]

Don’t miss out—spaces are filling fast!

Big GIANT Easter Storytime Returns to Hoddesdon Library!

Easter fun is back at Hoddesdon Library with the much-loved Big GIANT Easter Storytime — and it's set to be eggstra special!

Join in for: ✨ Fun stories & rhymes

🎨 Easter-themed crafts

🥚 A magical Easter egg hunt!

🎟️ Tickets are £4 per child and spaces are limited, so early booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

📍 Book in person at Hoddesdon Library or online here: https://tinyurl.com/y3b8txxx

Let the Easter magic begin in Broxtown! 🐰📖

🎭 Goldilocks – Starring the Three Bears!

📅 Monday 14 April – Saturday 19 April
📍 The Spotlight, Hoddesdon
🐻🐻🐻 Fun for the whole family!

Treat your loved ones to an Easter pantomime packed with laughs, surprises, and classic fairy-tale fun as Goldilocks and the Three Bears take to the stage in this lively family show.

❤️ Perfect for children and grown-ups alike!

🎟️ Book your tickets here: 

Don’t miss out on this magical Easter theatre treat!

🐉 St. George’s Family Fun Day

📆 Saturday 26 April
🕛 12pm – 5pm
📍 Grundy Park, Cheshunt
🎟️ FREE Entry

Celebrate England’s legendary dragon-slayer at the St. George’s Family Fun Day—a jam-packed afternoon of entertainment for all ages! 🎉⭐

Enjoy:
⚔️ Re-enactments
🎭 Traditional Punch & Judy
🎪 Inflatables & climbing wall
🎤 Arena performances
🛍️ Stalls
💃 Morris dancers
🌟 Aladdin panto
...and much more!

Bring the whole family for an unforgettable day of fun, laughter, and community spirit. 🏰

Hoddesdon Spring Fayre & Heritage Day

 📆 Saturday 12th April
📍 Hoddesdon Town Centre
🎟️ FREE Entry

Celebrate the season at Hoddesdon’s Spring Fayre & Heritage Day—a fun-filled event for the whole family! 🌼🏛️

Enjoy a vibrant day packed with:
🎠 Children’s rides
🚌 A vintage bus experience
🎶 Live entertainment
🛍️ Market stalls
…and plenty more surprises!

Bring your friends and family for a fantastic day out in the heart of Hoddesdon!

🐰🥚 HAPpy Easter Camps – Book Now!

📆 Easter Holidays
👧🧒 Ages 5–16 (FSM eligible)
🎟️ FREE

Children aged 5 to 16 who receive free school meals can join HAPpy Camps this Easter for a mix of sports, games, and healthy meals!

🌟 Fun activities
🍽️ Nutritious food
🏀 Active play

📲 Book your place at www.sportinherts.org.uk
📧 Or email: [email protected] to find out more.

Tuesday Weather

Tuesday

13°C 🌡️ 4°C | ☀️ Sunny and moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:36 Sunset 19:33

Get a Birthday Shoutout When Your Refer Us

While sharing Broxtown with your friends is a huge favour to us, we want to make sure your efforts don’t go unnoticed. To show our appreciation, we have some special rewards lined up for those who go above and beyond in helping us grow! 🏆🌟

• Get 3 friends or family to sign up and we will give you a birthday shout out.

• Get 5 folks to join and we will give you and your best mate a birthday shout out

• Get 15 and we’ll pay for your dinner with a friend at a secret restaurant in the Borough.

• Get 100 and I’ll give you a free Broxtown branded hoodie (£65 value).

• And if you somehow get 1,000 I will buy you a Spa Weekend for you and your best friend anywhere in Hertfordshire.

Thanks for Reading—See You Tuesday!

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Have a fab Day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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