Watford Observer

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:00:43 +0100
On This Day: Crowds gather after escaped snake spotted outside Oxhey home
The red, black, and yellow striped reptile was seen outside a house on Grover Road.

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:32:15 +0100
Police up patrols after house 'egged over more than a month'
Herts Police are upping patrols in an area after reports of a Rickmansworth house being egged over more than a month.

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:50:22 +0100
Watford retailer fined over out of date food after 'visible mould found'
Trading standards has fined a Watford retailer operating a Nisa branded store for selling food “up to 18 days out of date”.

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:30:00 +0100
Village still 'really divided' over 170 boulders as consultation extended
Residents remain divided on controversial boulders placed on The Green, Croxley Green, as a consultation deadline has been extended.

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:24:00 +0100
Wonderful wallflowers and handy compost mix on offer from You Garden
If you're after big, bold colour and effortless garden impact, you're going to love Wallflower 'Sugar Rush' Mix from You Garden.

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:33:00 +0100
'Mouse filmed on floor' of Watford High Street restaurant
A video shared on TikTok has shown a mouse on the floor of the TGI Fridays in Watford High Street.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:30:00 +0100
The notorious Watford slums now occupied by a car park
Looking back at one of the last photos of the notorious Ballards Buildings slum housing in Watford that is now occupied by Church car park.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:48:00 +0100
Review of new Italian restaurant with 1/5 hygiene score
The Watford Observer visited Dolcetto in Bushey's High Road following a 1/5 food hygiene score from inspectors.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0100
When Michael Parkinson was pictured pulling a pint in Watford
A look back to when broadcasting legend Sir Michael Parkinson opened Watford Town Cricket Club's new pavilion in 1983.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:50:00 +0100
'30 minutes free not enough' - MP calls for further U-turn on parking charges
South West Hertfordshire MP Gagan Mohindra has weighed in on the Kings Langley parking charge row, urging Dacorum Borough Council to go further in reversing the changes.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:27:00 +0100
'Vibrant' Watford bar showered with praise following MP visit
Johnny’s Bar in Watford, opened by Tim Reynolds and John Verlander, has been praised by MP Matt Turmaine as a "vibrant music emporium."

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:39:00 +0100
Hemel man wanted by police over 'threats to kill'
Herts Police are searching for a Hemel Hempstead man wanted over alleged threats to kill and assault.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:49:31 +0100
Appeal launched as Watford boy, 13, not seen in days
Herts Police have launched an appeal for information on a Watford 13-year-old who has not been seen in days.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:20:00 +0100
On this day in Watford: Plans unveiled for 1,100 new homes
On this day in 2018, plans were unveiled for 1,100 homes near Watford Junction, including a 28-storey tower, part of the regeneration masterplan.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:21:55 +0100
Found: 'Increasing concern' after man with Watford links went missing this morning
Herts Police have launched an appeal amid growing concern for a missing Hemel Hempstead man with links to the Watford area.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:56:00 +0100
Roadworks set as £36 million Watford project nears completion
Roadworks have been announced as the £36million Meriden regeneration project nears completion.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:52:00 +0100
Watford Colosseum sneak peek ahead of grand reopening
The Watford Observer was granted access for a sneak peek of the revamped Watford Colosseum ahead of its grand reopening (August 29).

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0100
Former nurse celebrates 102nd birthday at almshouses
Former nurse Kay Simmons celebrated her 102nd birthday at Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses in Watford.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:54:00 +0100
Waste facility expansion 'will cut noise and smell for neighbours'
Newly submitted plans to expand Waterdale Waste Transfer Station aim to reduce the noise and odour impact on neighbours.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:11:00 +0100
Watford mum opens up on antenatal depression that left her 'a shell of myself'
A young Watford mum and nursery teacher says antenatal depression plunged her into depression during pregnancy.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:53:26 +0100
Planning inspector decides plan to demolish Watford home and build four
The Planning Inspectorate has decided on plans to knock down a North Watford home and build four in its place.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:10:00 +0100
All the Watford bus route changes coming this weekend
Sunday will bring a series of changes to Hertfordshire buses’ timetables including for the 635, 321,602, and 328.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:35:35 +0100
Council accused of ‘giving up on women’s safety’ with streetlight changes
An Abbots Langley campaigner has accused Hertfordshire County Council of “giving up on women’s safety” over streetlight changes.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:30:00 +0100
Inside the abandoned church set to become a mosque and community centre
Graffiti litters the walls of an abandoned former Watford church after 40 tonnes of waste was removed ahead of redevelopment as a mosque.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:30:00 +0100
Herts Police wanted list: six new people this month
These six people have been added to the Herts Police wanted list this month, with their faces shared by the force.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0100
Health and wellbeing store in Watford High Street celebrates its fifth anniversary
Heather and Rose Health has been more than just a place to buy products over the years.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:10:03 +0100
Coastal charms and Christmas magic feature in this week’s cruise offers
Ambassador Cruise Line has some great offers this week and there’s something for everyone.

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:11:24 +0100
5 extreme weekend holidays abroad you can fly to from UK airports right now
Here are five of the best extreme weekend getaways you can fly to from UK airports with Jet2Holidays.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:23:09 +0100
Watford Junction disruption expected throughout morning - recap
A points failure at Wembley Central is expected to cause delays for Watford Junction commuters throughout this morning.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:40:00 +0100
The Watford business expanding its services and helping the community
The Massage Company in the Harlequin is now offering a physiotherapy service in response to customer demand.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:35:00 +0100
Hemel paedo avoids jail over dozens of indecent images of children
A paedophile from Hemel Hempstead has been given a suspended sentence after admitting to making dozens of indecent images of children.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:05:00 +0100
Nine attempted car break-ins spark police appeals - all the roads targeted
Herts Police have appealed for information after nine reports of vehicles being targeted by thieves in Watford.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100
Club vows scorer's 'legacy and passion will live on in every match we play'
Tributes have been paid to a loyal and committed cricket club stalwart and dedicated Watford fan Ian 'Chief' Smith following his death at the age of 57.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:09:22 +0100
Watford Colosseum reopening this week - everything you need to know
Ahead of Watford Colosseum's grand reopening, we have rounded up everything you need to know about the return of the iconic venue.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:55:00 +0100
Hemel 452-home plan takes step forward after meeting
An outline application for 452 homes on land west of Hemel Hempstead has taken a significant step forward after a planning meeting late last week.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:21:00 +0100
More than £2.1m of Premium Bonds prizes left unclaimed in Hertfordshire
Thousands of unclaimed Premium Bonds prize winnings have been left unclaimed in Hertfordshire, totalling more than £2.1m.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0100
Council will REMOVE England and Union flags from lampposts
Hertfordshire County Council has clarified its position amid the ongoing Operation Raise the Colours movement in and around Watford.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:44:00 +0100
On This Day: Hannibal the heron returns to Watford pond
On this day in 2014, Watford’s beloved heron, Hannibal, returned to his pond after yearlong renovations, delighting residents and marking a local milestone.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:46:00 +0100
Man 'bit and attacked another man' in Hemel - police make GBH arrest
Police are appealing for witnesses after arresting a 49-year-old man following an "awful attack" in Hemel Hempstead.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:22:00 +0100
Restaurant's bid to stay open until 3am to be decided at meeting
Plans for Cheatmeals in Watford's Market Street to open until 3am will be decided at a special Licensing Sub Committee meeting next month.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:15:00 +0100
Filming set to shut two more roads with Post Office used as set
Two more road closures for filming have been confirmed, with Sarratt Community Post office to be transformed into a film set.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:30:00 +0100
Care home group walks 10 miles to raise money for children's cancer centre
Chorleywood Manor Care Home residents raised £3,800 for Great Ormond Street Hospital’s new children’s cancer centre by walking 10 miles across London bridges.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:28:57 +0100
Thousands expected to flood Cassiobury Park for Herts Pride
Herts Pride 2025 returns to Cassiobury Park on Saturday with the theme ‘connections’, headline act The Cheeky Girls, and a full day of celebrations.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:20:00 +0100
Watford Rotary members treated to talk by retired Coldstream Guards Brigadier
Iain McNeil met with rotary members and shared insights from his 24-year military career.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 08:59:31 +0100
'Avoid the queue' warning as two sets of works underway in major road
Watford motorists have been warned of long delays amid emergency Cadent Gas works in Hempstead Road.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 08:39:54 +0100
Watford man sentenced for stealing thousands in luxury products from Harrods
A Watford man has been sentenced over stealing £3,780 in Gucci, Hermes, and YSL products from Harrods.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:24:00 +0100
Inspired by travel? Bring the holiday feeling to your interiors
Inspiration for your home can strike at any moment, especially when we travel to new places and create wonderful memories. Why not invite that feeling into your interiors and create a space inspired by your favourite travel destination?

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:30:00 +0100
Fears of 'full-frontal assault on countryside' as local plan rumbles on
The Hertfordshire branch of the CPRE has expressed concerns over the new sites being considered for the latest draft of the Three Rivers local plan.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100
Win free tickets for Watford Colosseum's reopening season
Watford Town Centre BID is giving away free tickets to Watford Colosseum for its reopening season.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:29:00 +0100
Watford's town centre Wellbeing Day to return for second annual event
A variety of stalls and guests themed around emergency services, fitness, and mental health will be present.

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