Good morning and Happy FriYaay!

It’s Friday, January 10th, 2025—The Second Weekend of the New Year. And yes, payday still feels like it’s light-years away (don’t worry, we’re all in this together). But let’s not dwell on that! Instead, we’ve got a packed edition to keep you in the loop. From local hospitals sending out warnings that give us flashbacks to pandemic days, to what’s brewing at Hertfordshire Police, Hertfordshire County Council and our own Borough Council, plus events you won’t want to miss, we’ve got you covered.

A big hello to our new subscribers—welcome to the Broxtown family! Got feedback, ideas, or just want to share your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you. Let’s make Broxtown your go-to for all things local.

From the County Council

CRISIS IN LOCAL HOSPITALS: PRESSURE REACHES PANDEMIC-LEVEL HIGHS

Local hospitals across Herts and Essex are grappling with a shocking surge in hospitalisations, reminiscent of the peak pandemic days. The influx of severely unwell patients has pushed medical facilities to the brink, prompting county officials to issue urgent public warnings: do not visit hospitals unless it’s a life-threatening emergency.

This is not a drill. The strain on healthcare services is severe, and ignoring these warnings could jeopardize critical care for those in dire need.

Here’s What You Need to Know:

• For urgent health concerns, contact NHS 111 online or call 111 for guidance.

• For minor illnesses or injuries, visit your local pharmacy for advice and support.

• Only call 999 for life- or limb-threatening emergencies.

The public’s cooperation is crucial to alleviate pressure on the overwhelmed hospitals. Let’s do our part to protect our healthcare system and ensure resources are available for those who need them most.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams Focus on Tackling Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Broxbourne

Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) in Broxbourne have announced new priorities to address pressing community concerns. Over the coming months, efforts will target issues such as anti-social behaviour, theft, speeding, and drug-related crime, informed by data analysis and public feedback.

Local Focus Areas:

• Cheshunt West: Crack down on anti-social behaviour caused by off-road bikes and respond to organised car meets with dispersal orders.

• Cheshunt East: Address acquisitive crime in Waltham Cross and enforce parking and vehicle compliance on Fieldings Road.

• Hoddesdon: Focus on anti-social behaviour in the town centre and tackle organised car meets.

These measures aim to enhance safety and well-being across the community.

In December, 2,513 additional police hours were deployed across Hertfordshire under Operation Hotspot, funded by £1 million from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office. The initiative targets crime hotspots with increased patrols and visibility, achieving:

• 36 arrests

• 84 stop searches

• 7 knives seized

The public is encouraged to report concerns to support ongoing efforts. While focusing on local issues, officers remain committed to daily operations, serious crime investigations, and emerging priorities.

Hertfordshire Residents Urged to Act Now on £1.1 Billion Budget Plan

Hertfordshire County Council has unveiled its draft budget for the upcoming year, detailing plans to allocate over £1.1 billion to fund vital services. This is your chance to shape the future of your community by reviewing the proposals and completing the council’s short budget survey.

The survey invites you to voice your opinions on:

• Service Priorities: Which services should take precedence in the county’s spending plan.

• Funding Strategies: The best ways to raise funds to maintain and improve these services.

• Service Usage: Feedback on services you have used and how they’ve impacted you.

This is a rare opportunity to make your voice heard on decisions that directly affect your community. Don’t wait to question or support the proposals—your feedback could prevent essential services from being reduced or eliminated altogether.

Remember, if you don’t participate, you can’t complain about the changes later. Click here now to complete the survey and ensure your voice is part of shaping Hertfordshire’s future.

BROXBOURNE COUNCIL UPDATE

Correction: Environmental Sustainability Panel Update

We would like to issue a clarification regarding our recent report on the Environmental Sustainability Panel. Contrary to earlier suggestions that the panel had gone missing, we have since been informed that the panel is fully functional and remains deeply committed to advancing the council’s environmental and sustainability objectives.

The panel has recently chosen to conduct its deliberations privately to enhance focus and efficiency. As a result, information about its ongoing activities may not currently be available online. However, the panel continues to work actively on initiatives aimed at ensuring the council remains green and dedicated to its sustainability goals.

We sincerely apologise for any confusion or inconvenience caused by the earlier report and appreciate the opportunity to provide accurate information. The Environmental Sustainability Panel remains a vital part of the council’s commitment to a greener future.

Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking Demands Government Action on Persistent Flooding

Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking has voiced the frustration of residents who face widespread flooding every time heavy rain or storms occur. From Stanstead Abbotts to Waltham Cross, roads are consistently submerged, causing major disruptions to daily life.

In a recent parliamentary session, Mr. Cocking confronted the Government, demanding answers on what is being done to tackle this ongoing issue. He urged the Minister to outline the measures being implemented to reduce the impact of flooding and called for greater accountability from the Environment Agency, which is responsible for managing flood defences.

Flooding is not just an inconvenience, it’s a safety risk that disrupts lives, damages properties, and impacts our local economy, said some concerned residents. Residents deserve answers, and they deserve action. Residents and businesses are calling for the need for immediate investment in better drainage systems, stronger flood defences, and a thorough review of how the Environment Agency is addressing flood-prone areas in the borough.

Watch a clip of the parliamentary session and hear how your MP is standing up for Broxbourne.

lewiscockingmp

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Community Update

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! 📬

Food Finds

Experience the Ultimate Indian Dining at Saffron

Saffron, an award-winning Indian restaurant in Hertfordshire, has earned its reputation as a must-visit culinary destination. Located in the vibrant heart of Hoddesdon, Saffron specialises in a masterful blend of traditional and modern Indian cuisine, catering to all palates, from mild and aromatic dishes to bold and spicy creations.

With over 25 years of industry expertise, the team behind Saffron pays meticulous attention to detail, delivering a bespoke dining experience in a chic, contemporary setting. Accommodating up to 80 guests, the restaurant is ideal for individuals, families, and groups alike. For those seeking exceptional flavours and outstanding service, Saffron is the place to be. Call on 01992 461 171 to book a table.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waltham Cross Town Centre Business Forum 2025

🗓️ Date: Tuesday 11th February 2025
🕒 Time: 12:00 - 13:30
📍 Location: Waltham Cross Community Skills Hub, Waltham Cross.

Kick off 2025 by joining the first Waltham Cross Town Centre Business Forum of the year! 🎉 Connect with fellow business owners, share ideas, and stay updated on all the latest developments and opportunities in Waltham Cross.

Don’t miss this chance to network and collaborate with the local business community.

🎟️ Register your place now by clicking here!

Broxbourne Theatre Company Presents: MOTHER GOOSE

🗓️ Dates: January 2025
🎟️ Tickets:

• Wednesday: £17.50 (All tickets) | Family: £60

• Thursday–Sunday: £19.50 | Concessions & Groups 10+: £17.50 | Family: £64

Get ready for a fun-filled, laugh-out-loud pantomime with comedy, music, and a colorful cast. Don’t miss this egg-cellent show—book your tickets early!

Doors and bar open 1.5 hours before the performance.

📍 Book now and join the fun!

The Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band

🎤 Celebrate the Iconic Music of Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell 🎶

🗓️ Date: 24th January 2025
📍 Venue: Main Auditorium, The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE
🎟️ Tickets: £23.50 (Reserved seating)

Experience a stunning tribute to two of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. This talented five-piece band faithfully recreates iconic tracks like "Like a Rolling Stone," "Big Yellow Taxi," "All Along the Watchtower," and more.

Created by Isabelle Nutton and Bob Thomson, this show pays homage to the artistry, poetry, and genius of Dylan and Mitchell, transporting you through their histories, fantasies, and timeless music.

🍹 Doors and bar open 1.5 hours before the show.

Book now for an unforgettable night of music! 🎶

Broxbourne Enterprise Centres Host "Innovate 2025" Workshop for Visionary Leaders

Broxbourne Enterprise Centres are kicking off 2025 with Innovate 2025 – Vision-Driven Strategies for Transformative Growth, an interactive workshop designed to inspire and equip business leaders with the tools to set clear visions and strategies for the year ahead. The event will take place at Theobalds Enterprise Centre in Cheshunt.

Led by Innovation Director Julie Creffield, the session is tailored for Founders, Chief Executive Officers, Managing Directors, and Solopreneurs who seek to align their long-term goals with actionable strategies before delving into their daily operations.

The workshop offers an excellent opportunity for attendees from both the Hoddesdon and Theobalds Centres—or those considering joining the Broxbourne Enterprise Centres community—to network, learn, and map out their future in an engaging and collaborative environment.

• Date: 15 January

• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

• Venue: Theobalds Enterprise Centre, Innovation Place, Platinum Way, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, EN8 8YD

For leaders ready to embrace 2025 with purpose, this workshop is the perfect starting point.

Herts Go Green and Grow: Helping Businesses Transition to Net Zero

The Herts Go Green and Grow initiative, launched by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce in 2022, supports businesses in their journey to Net Zero. In collaboration with JPA Workspaces, KGK Genix, Estu Global, Net Zero International, and Insight MCL, this cross-industry forum provides a space to discuss sustainability challenges, opportunities, and solutions.

Join this open forum to share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on achieving greener goals.

• Date: 3 February 2025

• Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

• Venue: Zoom Meeting

Be part of the conversation and drive sustainable change.

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

The Ridgeway, Cuffley, Hertfordshire, EN6 £6,950,000

10Beds - 10Baths - 6 Receptions

Discover unparalleled luxury in this 10-bedroom detached residence, set on approximately 2.8 acres in Cuffley. Accessed via substantial electric gates and an 800ft driveway, this home offers both privacy and grandeur.

Key Features:

• Grand Entrance: A crittall glass porch leads to an impressive hall with a vaulted ceiling, a unique helical staircase, and a bespoke 6-meter crystal chandelier.

• Reception Rooms: Includes a cinema room with surround sound and starlight ceiling, a formal dining room with a fully fitted bar, and a spacious home office with garden access.

• Gourmet Kitchen: Equipped with state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances, including a teppanyaki plate and integrated coffee machine, complemented by stunning garden views.

• Master Suite: Features dual-aspect garden views, his and hers dressing rooms inspired by high-end boutiques, and a luxurious bathroom with a rainforest shower and 24-carat gold tiles.

• Additional Bedrooms: Four further en-suite bedrooms, some with private balconies, and unique features such as a secret playroom/study and a panic room for added security.

• Leisure Complex: An indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, gym, sauna, steam room, beauty treatment room, and kitchen.

• Self-Contained Annexe: Includes a fully fitted kitchen, lounge, and three en-suite bedrooms—ideal for guests or extended family.

• Additional Amenities: Triple garage with accommodation above, floodlit tennis court, and advanced home automation systems.

This property represents one of the finest modern country houses in Hertfordshire, offering an exceptional standard of living with meticulous attention to detail.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Statons - Brookmans Park

Weekend Weather 🥶 

Friday 10th

2°C 🌡️ -4°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and light winds | ☀️ Sunrise 08:04 Sunset 16:12

Saturday 11th

2°C 🌡️ -3°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and light winds | ☀️ Sunrise 08:04 Sunset 16:13

Sunday 12th

3°C 🌡️ 0°C | ☀️ Sunny and light winds | ☀️ Sunrise 08:03 Sunset 16:14

MEME of The Day

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🎉 Get 3 people to sign up: Receive a birthday shout-out in our newsletter.
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🎉 Get 15 people to sign up: Dinner for two at a secret restaurant in the Borough—on us.
🎉 Get 100 people to sign up: A free Broxtown branded hoodie (worth £65).
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Your support means the world to us, and every new subscriber brings us closer to building a stronger, more connected community. Share Broxtown link below with your network today and help us grow!

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
The Broxtown Team