Watford Observer

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:14:08 +0100
Watford-based JD Wetherspoon sees profits dip
Watford-based pub giant JD Wetherspoon has reported a dip in profits as boss Tim Martin urged the government to “refrain” from more tax hikes.

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 07:22:27 +0100
Trackside fire causing Watford Junction disruption
A fire by the tracks in Hertfordshire is causing disruption to Watford Junction trains this morning (October 8).

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Save up to £800pp on Riviera’s 15-day Rhine and Danube cruise offer
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Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:30:00 +0100
More than 500 fines given to Watford parents over term-time holidays
New data has revealed the number of fines handed out to Watford parents for taking their children out of school for term time holidays.

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:30:00 +0100
Temporary car park 'will now stay permanently' – despite currently being blocked off
The temporary car park at the Meriden Shops is staying despite currently being blocked off.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:35:00 +0100
Video and pictures show demolition of Watford 'eyesore' well underway
Demolition of one of Watford’s biggest eyesores - the former TJX offices - is well underway as almost 250 homes are on their way.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:51:22 +0100
River death after Herts Police chase investigated as man who died named
The death of a 20-year-old man thought to have drowned after falling into a Hertfordshire river following a police chase is being investigated by a watchdog.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:35:00 +0100
Watford salon says goodbye as it announces closure after almost 50 years
Watford barber Clipso has said goodbye to the town as it closes down after almost 50 years.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:00:00 +0100
Pub's refurbishment plans shut down by council over 'visual clutter'
Watford O'Neill's planned refurbishment blocked as “visual clutter”.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:45:00 +0100
Date for Watford Cassiobury Park fireworks 2026 announced
The return date for Watford's Cassiobury Park fireworks has been announced.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:19:07 +0100
First photos of Hertfordshire 'murder' scene show huge police presence
Photos show police and forensics officers at the scene of an alleged murder on Armour Rise in Hitchin.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:11:19 +0100
'Long delays' after 'lorries crash on M25' - recap
There are long delays on the M25, with two lanes shut, after "a couple of lorries" were involved in a crash.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:43:13 +0100
Night shoots with 'bangs' and 'gunfire' planned at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden
Residents near Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden have been warned about "flame effects" and "gun fire" during late-night filming this month.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 11:02:00 +0100
Prominent town centre bar responds to closure rumours
A prominent Watford town centre bar has debunked rumours that it is about to close.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 11:30:00 +0100
Watford nursery named among UK's 10 best nurseries
Watford nursery Boys & Girls Nursery Croxley Green has been named among the ten best nationwide based on parents’ reviews.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 11:19:06 +0100
Hertfordshire murder arrest following death of woman in 70s
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman died in Armour Rise, Hitchin.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:40:39 +0100
'Charming village pub' named best in Hertfordshire
A "charming village pub" near Watford has been named the best in Hertfordshire.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 10:05:00 +0100
Watford vape shop owner denies 7 charges over alleged 'dodgy products'
The owner of Watford vape shop Mobile & Vape has denied seven charges related to allegedly selling dodgy products.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:03:32 +0100
Objectors 'really up against it' as 'David and Goliath' 280-home plan inquiry begins
A "David and Goliath" appeal has begun to decide whether 280 homes can be built despite a previous refusal.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0100
See the spectacular autumn gardens at English Heritage sites and save 25%
As the weather starts to cool, gardens are transitioning into a vibrant colour palette of yellow, orange and brown. It’s a season of wrapping up but with a sense of exploring and if you want to wonder amongst some of the joyous gardens, English Her...

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 05:30:00 +0100
Herts Police share new list of five 'most wanted' people
Herts Police have released a new list of five "most wanted people".

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:33:29 +0100
Endometriosis diagnosis waits average nine years and four months, report finds
Endometriosis sufferers face a nine-year diagnosis wait as Yet.I.Rise calls for better NHS support, workplace awareness and local action in Watford.

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 09:56:44 +0100
Two-storey extension and loft conversion planned for Chorleywood home
Three Rivers District Council planning applications include a proposed two-storey rear extension, loft conversion, dormers and roof alterations in Chorleywood.

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 09:46:49 +0100
Watford home earmarked for 6m single-storey rear extension
A Watford Borough Council planning application proposes a 6m single-storey rear extension at 50 Butterwick, Hertfordshire, up to 3m high.

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 09:38:42 +0100
NEW retirement community with 43 apartments opens in Rickmansworth
McCarthy & Stone opens Beesons House in Rickmansworth, a 43-apartment retirement community for over-55s, at a ceremony led by Cllr Keith Martin.

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:08:21 +0100
Two hospitalised after multi-vehicle Hertfordshire M25 crash this afternoon
Two people have been taken to hospital after a crash on the M25 near Potters Bar in Hertfordshire.

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:22:35 +0100
'Avoid the area' warning as Watford M25 closed - recap
Motorists have been warned to avoid the area as the M25 is currently closed between junctions 18 for Watford and 19 for Chorleywood.

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:03:25 +0100
Stars of popular BBC TV show coming to Watford Colosseum
The stars of a popular BBC television series are coming to the Watford Colosseum as part of a new tour.

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:17:02 +0100
Beloved café hit with 'ugly' vandalism as police probe launched
Vandals have scrawled "ugly" graffiti across the storefront of a popular café.

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:21:32 +0100
Indian restaurant scoops national award at prestigious ceremony
A Rickmansworth restaurant has scooped a prestigious award at a national award ceremony.

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:36:00 +0100
New behind the scenes look at Nicole Kidman filming near Watford
Several new pictures have been shared showing Nicole Kidman filming at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden.

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:19:42 +0100
Child says 'part of my life has been utterly destroyed' as abuser jailed
A Hertfordshire child has spoken of the “darkest moments of my life” after his rapist was jailed.

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:25:37 +0100
Closure date for Harlequin Post Office confirmed
The closure date for a Watford town centre Post Office branch has been confirmed.

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Albany shares the Orange palettes to fall in love with this autumn
From earthy terracotta to soft peach and bold, high-energy hues, there is a shade to suit you and your home.

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:30:00 +0100
Watford's 'benefits bill' revealed by new research
New research from a campaign group has revealed the size of what it describes as Watford's "benefits bill".

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 10:20:04 +0100
£31,219 raised to rebuild National Animal Welfare Trust’s Watford rescue centre
National Animal Welfare Trust gala raises £31,219 to rebuild its Watford rescue centre, with Peter Egan hosting to support better facilities for homeless pets.

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +0100
The 'outstanding' primary school praised for its 'strong progress'
Yorke Mead Primary School is one of the Watford area's top-performing schools, with strong exam results and a glowing Ofsted report.

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:55:21 +0100
70-year-old man arrested in drugs bust
Police have arrested a 70-year-old man after a drugs raid in Radlett.

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:28:27 +0100
Much-loved adventure park makes 'difficult decision' to close
A much-loved adventure park has announced that it has made the "difficult decision" to close.

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:00:13 +0100
Two stabbed in Hertfordshire 'targeted attack'
Two people have been stabbed in a targeted attack in Stevenage, police say.

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:21:46 +0100
Herts school considered paedophile teacher 'low risk' despite warnings
A Hemel Hempstead school reportedly continued to employ a paedophile teacher despite being warned she was under investigation for sexual abuse at a previous school.

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:04:37 +0100
Hemel company director's trial begins after woman killed by falling bricks
The trial of a Hemel Hempstead company director accused of manslaughter has begun after a court heard that a mother was crushed to death on the school run when a pile of bricks dropped on her head as she walked past a construction site.

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 11:09:55 +0100
Popular restaurant to reopen under new management this weekend
A popular Chipperfield restaurant is set to reopen this weekend after changing hands.

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:12:30 +0100
Five-night closure of major Hertfordshire roundabout begins TONIGHT
Motorists have been warned to plan ahead as overnight closures begin at a busy Hertfordshire roundabout this evening, October 5.

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Just Go offers festive breaks with travel and accommodation from £229
There is a lot of talk about Christmas right now and if you want to experience a trip away why not let someone else do the planning this Christmas?

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 05:30:00 +0100
Closures due to M1 roadworks in Hertfordshire to last two weeks
National Highways has warned drivers about a series of overnight M1 closures in Hertfordshire for technology upgrades over the next fortnight

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:44:45 +0100
Watford Market to host Halloween night with live music and free face painting
Watford Market hosts Halloween Market Lates on October 30, with street food, live music, face painting, family fun and a pop-up bar from 6pm in the town centre.

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:29:22 +0100
Watford dementia workshops use local history to spark memories and conversation
Museum of Watford heritage workshops support people with dementia through reminiscence, art and local history, with free webinars until November 12.

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:26:25 +0100
3,500 people demand Hertfordshire 'County of Sanctuary' referendum
More than 3,500 residents have backed a petition calling for a Hertfordshire-wide referendum on any move by the county council to seek county of sanctuary status.

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 16:25:00 +0100
Knocking down bungalow for house more than twice the size approved
Plans to knock down a detached house and build a replacement two and a half times the size can go ahead.

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