Good morning and welcome to Broxtown!

It’s Wednesday, November 20th – halfway to Friday, can you believe it! With the shopping season is in full swing, criminals and police are out and about in plain clothing. With the sudden weather changes, the county council is urging extra caution both at home and on the road. And as for news? We’ve got plenty lined up for you today!

Before we dive in, a warm welcome to our new subscribers—great to have you with us! 🎉 Got any ideas or feedback? Let us know; we’re here to make Broxtown your go-to local read!

Let’s get started! 💌

News at Glance

Spot the Shoplifter? Police Go Undercover to Tackle Holiday Season Theft in Cheshunt

As the holiday shopping season ramps up, shoplifters might think they can blend into the crowds – but they’re not the only ones working undercover! Special Constabulary officers recently conducted a plain clothes operation at Cheshunt’s Brookfield Centre, aiming to catch shoplifters in the act and discourage anti-social behavior.

The operation, led by the Broxbourne Neighbourhood Policing Team, was designed to reassure both retailers and shoppers that the police are listening to their concerns and acting on any tips provided. Inspector Gerry Harrison expressed gratitude for the efforts of the special constabulary, saying, “While no arrests were made, the presence of our officers reassured staff and visitors that we’re here to support them.”

With officers mingling undetected among shoppers, the operation served as a subtle reminder to potential offenders: you never know who might be watching!

Remember you can report information about crime by: Filling out our online reporting form. Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 OR Calling our non-emergency telephone number 101 (in an emergency, always dial 999).

Beware of 'Cuckooing': The New Crime Trend Police Want You to Know About"

There’s a new criminal term the police want you to be aware of: cuckooing. No, it’s not about birds—it’s a serious crime affecting vulnerable people in Hertfordshire.

Cuckooing occurs when criminals take over someone’s home, using it as a base for drug dealing and other exploitative activities. Victims often feel trapped, facing threats, violence, and intimidation. This crime is closely linked to other serious offenses, including sexual exploitation, money laundering, and even human trafficking.

To combat this growing issue, Hertfordshire Police are working with local organizations to raise awareness and help residents spot the warning signs. By staying vigilant, you can help prevent these dangerous operations from taking hold in your community.

Remember you can report information about crime by: Filling out our online reporting form. Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 OR Calling our non-emergency telephone number 101 (in an emergency, always dial 999).

Drive Safe, Stay Alert: Hertfordshire Highway’s Winter Warning for Motorists

With sudden shifts in weather, Hertfordshire Highway is urging motorists to stay extra vigilant on the roads. As temperatures drop and conditions become more unpredictable, drivers are reminded to adjust their speed and driving habits to suit the weather.

Icy patches, wet roads, and reduced visibility can all turn a routine drive into a risky situation. Hertfordshire Highway advises drivers to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, check tire pressures, and ensure windshield wipers and lights are in good working condition. Simple precautions like these can make all the difference in avoiding accidents and keeping everyone safe on the road.

Remember, it’s better to arrive a few minutes late than to take risks in poor conditions. Let’s all drive smart and stay safe this season!

Warm Support for Cold Months: Age UK Hosts Drop-In Events Across Hertfordshire

Age UK Hertfordshire, in collaboration with the Hospital Community Navigation Service and Hertfordshire County Council, is launching over 100 drop-in events across the county this winter. These events aim to support older community members who may be most affected by recent changes to Winter Fuel Payments, providing essential information on available resources and support.

One upcoming event will be held at Waltham Cross Library on Wednesday, November 27, from 10 am to 12 pm. This is a valuable opportunity for older residents to learn about the help available to keep warm and manage winter expenses.

For more details on other event locations and dates, please contact Age UK Hertfordshire or check their website.

Stay Cozy and Connected: Visit Hertfordshire’s Warm Spaces This Winter!

As the chill sets in, Hertfordshire Warm Spaces invite you to step out of the cold and into a welcoming spot where you can socialise, enjoy activities, and relax. Plus, if transportation is a concern, free rides are available to help you get there!

We all need a little extra warmth and support from time to time. Our Warm Spaces directory and resources provide information on safe, accessible places to keep everyone in our community warm and well this winter. If you know of anyone who will benefit from this, we encourage you do the right thing.

For more details, click the button or call 0300 123 4044.

Stay warm, stay safe, and join us in a Warm Space near you!

POLITICS

Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking Demands Health Services Before Housing in Goffs Oak – A Fiery Debate with the Secretary of State

Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking took a strong stand in Parliament, challenging the Secretary of State on the urgent health service issues facing Goffs Oak. Cocking argued that “the right health services must be in place before new housing is built,” stressing the importance of accessible healthcare for existing and new residents alike.

Following the debate, MP Cocking voiced frustration over the response, stating, “It’s disappointing that the Labour minister chose to make party political comments instead of answering my question.” Despite the setback, he promised to continue pushing for better GP access across Broxbourne, particularly in Goffs Oak.

Catch the debate and stay informed on Cocking's efforts to improve local healthcare.

Advertisement

Calling All Writers: Join the Broxtown Team and Share Your Stories!

Love our community? Got a talent for storytelling? We’re looking for passionate local voices to join our Broxtown writing team and bring our borough’s stories to life!

Whether you're an experienced writer or just have a story to share, we want to hear from you! From local news and events to lifestyle and quirky tales that make Broxbourne unique, Broxtown is all about capturing the spirit of our community.

Know a hidden gem, local hero, or business that deserves the spotlight? Join us and help share what makes Broxtown special!

Interested? Drop us a message—let’s make Broxtown a place where every voice is heard! 📬

EVENTS

Broxbourne Council Landlords' Forum

📅 Date: Monday, 2 December
🕕 Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
📍 Location: Beaufort Suite, Bishops' College, Churchgate, Waltham Cross, EN8 9XG

Broxbourne Council invites all private landlords and letting agents to our upcoming Landlords' Forum. This event offers an excellent opportunity to stay informed, discuss key issues, and connect with other local landlords and agents.

Don’t miss this chance to engage with council representatives and learn about the latest developments and support available for landlords.

We look forward to seeing you there!

LOCAL JOBS

Join B3Living as a Home Ownership Advisor!

Are you flexible, adaptable, and skilled in communication, numbers, and IT? We have an exciting part-time role for someone who values high-quality customer service and enjoys helping others.

As a Home Ownership Advisor, you’ll provide personalized, professional support to our Home Owners via phone, email, and in person. You’ll assist with queries, prepare annual leasehold accounts, manage service charge recovery, and ensure all charges are accurate and fair.

If this sounds like you, click the link below for more details and to apply!

Broxbourne Council Jobs

Highways Engineer

• Location: Hybrid Working / Bishops' College, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross

• Salary: £39,403.52 p.a.

• Closing date: 03/12/2024 (13 days left)

Infrastructure and Regeneration Projects Manager

• Location: Hybrid Working / Bishops' College, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross

• Salary: £53,198.60 p.a.

• Closing date: 03/12/2024 (13 days left)

Swimming Instructors

• Location: The Laura Trott Leisure Centre in Cheshunt and The John Warner Sports Centre in Hoddesdon

• Salary: Salary: £19.40 per hour 

• Closing date: 30/03/2025 (130 days left)

Casual Staff - Cheshunt Park Golf Club

• Location: Cheshunt Park Golf Centre, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross

• Salary: £11.47 per hour

• Closing date: 20/11/2024

Housing Options Officer (FTC)

• Location: Hybrid Working / Bishops' College, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross

• Salary: 30 hours per week contract - Salary £22,776 pa

• Closing date: 24/11/2024 (4 days left)

Operations Officers/Lifeguards

• Location: The Laura Trott Leisure Centre in Cheshunt and The John Warner Sports Centre in Hoddesdon

• Salary: Salary up to £23,857.60 pa depending on hours worked

• Closing date: 05/04/2025 (136 days left)

Wednesday Weather

4°C 🌡️ -3°C | ☀️ Sunny and gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:28 Sunset 16:03

Word of the Day

MOOT

Today’s Word of the Day is MOOT - has a couple of meanings depending on context:

• As an adjective:

  • Primary Definition: Describes something as debatable or open to discussion, typically because it’s unresolved or no longer relevant. For example, a "moot point" is often a topic that may be interesting or worth discussing but has no practical significance in the current situation.

  • Usage Example: “Whether the meeting is needed now is a moot point since the decision has already been made.”

• As a verb:

  • Definition: To raise a topic or question for discussion.

  • Usage Example: “The proposal was mooted during the committee meeting.”

• In legal contexts:

  • Definition: Refers to a point or issue that has been rendered irrelevant by events or is hypothetical, often not needing further consideration.

  • Usage Example: “Since the law was repealed, the case has become moot.”In essence, egregious emphasises how glaringly bad or unacceptable something is.

Submit the Word of the Day by clicking here. 👈️ 

Meme of the Day

Broxtown referral program

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.

Thats all!

We'll see you again tomorrow bright and early!

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Have a wonderful rest of your day.

Cheers

Broxtown Newsletter Team