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Good Morning! Happy Tuesday!

I hope you had a great Bank Holiday weekend! That’s two in a row—and one more to go before summer fully arrives. This one had a special meaning, as communities across the country marked 80 years since Victory in Europe Day. In Cheshunt, residents gathered at Halsey Hall for a local VE Day celebration, while millions more joined the celebrations in London as the King and Queen watched the match past, from living rooms and village halls. And the week isn’t over—more VE Day-themed events are still to come, so be sure to take part and soak up the atmosphere.

In local politics, change is underway. Hertfordshire County Council has welcomed 40 new councillors, and with no single party in overall control of the 78-member council, a new chapter of cooperation and local leadership could be taking shape.

Before we dive into this week’s updates, a quick thank you. Broxtown has passed 1,000 weekly readers—and that’s all thanks to you. Your belief in independent, local storytelling is what keeps us going strong.

Now, here’s what’s making headlines across Broxbourne and beyond…

• Hertfordshire Elects 78 Councillors to start the hard work

• Cheshunt Residents Brave the Weather to Honour VE Day

• Election Over, New Councillors Set to Shape Broxbourne's Future

• Broxbourne Council Urges Drivers: Keep Pavements Clear

• Much more..

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From the County Council

🗳️ Hertfordshire Elects 78 Councillors in Dramatic Power Shift

No party holds majority as cross-party talks begin

Hertfordshire County Council has welcomed its new cohort of 78 councillors following the local elections held on 1 May 2025. The outcome marks a notable shift in the county’s political landscape, with no single party securing overall control, prompting immediate cross-party negotiations to determine future leadership and executive roles.

The final seat distribution is as follows:

• 🟨 Liberal Democrats: 31

• 🔵 Conservatives: 22

• 🟧 Reform UK: 14

• 🔴 Labour: 5

• 🟢 Green Party: 5

• ⚪ Independent: 1

This year’s results usher in 40 newly elected councillors, while 38 sitting members retained their seats. The Liberal Democrats now hold the largest share but fall short of the 40-seat threshold required for a majority.

The most significant story from the results is the rise of Reform UK, now the third-largest group on the council — a development reflecting national trends that show voters increasingly leaning toward alternative parties. Meanwhile, the Conservatives, traditionally dominant in Hertfordshire, have seen a marked reduction in support.

With a fragmented council composition, the coming weeks will likely see coalition talks and power-sharing discussions that could reshape how the council operates. All eyes are now on how parties will collaborate to form a functional leadership capable of responding to local needs.

🔗 Find out who was elected in your division: orlo.uk/nsO5s

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LOCAL NEWS

Cheshunt Residents Brave the Chilly Day to Honour VE Day in Style

Cheshunt marked the start of VE Day commemorations on Bank Holiday Monday with a spirited celebration at Halsey Hall, proving that not even the rain could dampen the pride or the party.

As the skies turned grey and the rain tried to steal the spotlight, residents gathered with determination, wrapped in red, white and blue, waving Union Jack flags and dressed for the occasion. Music filled the air, food vendors served up local favourites, and the bar buzzed with conversation and cheer. An on-stage performance added energy to the event, while families danced and celebrated in high spirits.

Though some attendees expressed disappointment at the chilly turn in weather, the mood remained warm and resilient. After all, this was more than a gathering—it was a heartfelt tribute to the bravery of a generation, honouring 80 years since Victory in Europe was declared in 1945.

The Cheshunt celebration set the tone for what’s expected to be a memorable week across Broxbourne Borough, with more events lined up for Thursday 8 May, the official anniversary of VE Day.

The spirit of remembrance and community is alive and well in Broxbourne—come rain or shine.

Election Over, New Councillors Set to Shape Broxbourne's Future

The 2025 County Council election may be behind us, but the impact is only just beginning. Broxbourne now has two Reform UK councillors at county level—marking a crack in the Conservative blue wall, which retained four of the six local seats.

These two Reform members are among the 40 new councillors welcomed to Hertfordshire County Council, signalling change not just in Broxbourne, but across the county.

With new faces now seated, the focus shifts to delivering on promises and engaging residents. The real work begins—on local issues, public services, and upcoming government reforms.

Broxbourne is watching. And Broxtown will be here to follow every step.

Broxbourne Council Urges Drivers: Keep Pavements Clear

Broxbourne Borough Council is calling on residents to avoid obstructing pavements and driveways with parked vehicles, highlighting the impact this has on wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs, and pedestrians with limited mobility.

At present, the council is adopting a soft approach, issuing polite notices to raise awareness. However, with growing public frustration and concerns voiced on social media, it’s becoming clear that polite messaging alone may not be enough.

While no formal penalties are in place yet, it's expected that a public consultation on enforcement and potential finesmay not be far off.

🚗 For more information on local parking rules and how to park considerately, visit the council website. Let’s work together to keep Broxbourne accessible and safe for everyone.

Broxbourne Council Reminds Dog Owners to Clean Up After Their Pets

Broxbourne Borough Council has issued a renewed appeal to dog owners, urging them to pick up after their pets while out on walks. The reminder comes in the form of polite notices placed around public spaces, highlighting the importance of maintaining clean and safe environments for all residents.

The council stresses that bagged dog waste can be disposed of in any public litter bin. Failing to clean up after your dog not only creates a public nuisance—it could also lead to a fixed penalty fine.

Residents are encouraged to act responsibly and help keep Broxbourne’s parks, paths, and pavements clean and welcoming for everyone

📚 Get Ready for SATs: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your Child + A Chance to Win!

With SATs season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start preparing your child — not just academically, but emotionally too. As we count down to the tests in May, Broxtown is here to support local families with helpful tips, daily learning prompts, and a fun giveaway featuring signed Limited Edition book prizes from beloved local author M.G. Vaciago.

Whether this is your first time navigating SATs as a parent or you’ve done it before, the experience can feel a little overwhelming. But with a little structure, encouragement, and creativity, you can help your child approach the tests with confidence — and maybe even enjoy the process along the way.

🎉 Daily SATs Challenge & Giveaway!

To add a little fun to the revision period, Broxtown is running a SATs “Quick Quest” Giveaway from now until SATs week!

Here’s how it works:

🧩 Every day, we’ll post one SATs-style question on Instagram (@Broxtown_newsletter) and in the Broxtown newsletter.
📩 Parents can submit answers by commenting, replying, or messaging us directly.
🎁 Every correct entry is added to a weekly prize draw to win a children’s book by local author M.G. Vaciago – perfect for encouraging a lifelong love of reading! Winners will be picked randomly from the entries. Watch out on social channels to check if you have been picked.

We’re proud to partner with M.G. Vaciago, a Broxbourne-based writer whose books are filled with wonder, imagination, and inspiration — just what young minds need right now.

GIF of The Day

UPCOMING EVENTS

Happening Tonight: Mayor of Broxbourne’s Farewell Dinner

Join the Mayor of Broxbourne this evening, Tuesday 6 May at 7pm, for her Finale Farewell Dinner — a special celebration marking the end of her mayoral year.

Enjoy a three-course Italian dinner, plus music bingo, a quiz, and a charity raffle — all for £39.95.

📍 Nonna’s Kitchen, Hoddesdon
🎟️ Book your table now: www.NonnasKitchenUK.com

Don’t miss this chance to say thank you and celebrate with the Mayor in style!

🇬🇧 VE Day 80 – Commemorations Across Broxbourne

📅 Date: Wednesday 8 May 2025
🕘 Time: Activities throughout the day | 🔥 Beacon Lighting: 9:30 PM
📍 Various locations across Broxbourne Borough

Join Broxbourne in marking 80 years since Victory in Europe Day with a day of meaningful commemorations and community spirit. Events include:

• 🎖️ Flag raising ceremonies

• 🕯️ Remembrance services

• 🎨 Wartime-themed crafts

• 🎶 Live music performances

• 🚗 Vintage vehicle displays

• 🔥 Beacon lighting finale at 9:30 PM

Come together with your neighbours to honour the past and celebrate peace.

👉 Learn more at: www.broxbourne.gov.uk/veday80

Tuesday Weather 🌥️ 

Tuesday

14°C 🌡️ 4°C | 🌥️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze| ☀️ Sunrise 05:53 Sunset 20:32

PICTURE OF THE DAY

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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