Watford Observer
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0100Save up to £500pp on luxury 11-day cruise through southern France
Riviera Travel’s Deal of the Week: World-class wines and legendary cuisine, verdant landscapes draped in vineyards and honey-coloured medieval towns with intriguing, cobbled lanes – this summer, discover one of southern France’s most tantalisin...
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:30:00 +0100Why Watford could see more helicopters than ever flying overhead this weekend
A host of helicopters are likely to fly over Watford this weekend due to a record crowd expected for the final day of The British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:33:15 +0100Yellow heat alert issued - is Watford heading for another heatwave?
Watford could be heading for another heatwave as a new yellow alert from the UKHSA has been shared ahead of expected temperatures past 30C.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:57:00 +0100School broken into FOUR times as equipment destroyed by 'devastating vandalism'
Pupils’ equipment and Chromebooks were destroyed as Maple Cross JMI school was broken into multiple times, suffering “devastating vandalism”.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:54:28 +0100Petition demands speed cameras for area where 'crashes are on the rise'
Calls for speed cameras in Oxhey Hall, Watford, have been backed by dozens of Hertfordshire residents.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:25:00 +0100£2.5m project for 16th century barn featured on Countryfile begins
Work on a £2.5 million project at Woodoaks Farm, Maple Cross, which featured on the BBC’s Countryfile has finally begun.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:11:52 +0100Woman seen on roof of flats sparks emergency services response
Herts Police, firefighters, and ambulance crews were called out as a woman was seen on the roof of a Watford block of flats.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:55:00 +0100Ex-Watford player Marlon King wins bitter court battle over dad's £600k will
Ex-Watford FC striker Marlon King has won in a court battle with his siblings over their father's £650,000 will.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:38:29 +0100Former NatWest bank opposite Watford Junction to be demolished for flats
Demolition of a former Watford NatWest bank for redevelopment has been approved, with a six-storey replacement on the way.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:12:08 +0100Road shut near town centre amid 'concern for welfare' emergency response - recap
Police, firefighters, and the ambulance service are all responding to a concern for welfare report near Watford town centre, with drones seen.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0100Five 'hot' bargains to buy right now from High Street TV
From fans to sleeping bags, ice cream makers and pretty much everything in between, High Street TV has some great offers to check out this summer.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:30:00 +0100'David and Goliath' public inquiry over 256-home plan begins today
The public inquiry which will decide whether 256 homes can be built on open green fields by Carpenders Park begins today as neighbours are not giving up.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:27:00 +0100Latest summer fun pictures from Watford Observer Camera Club members
Our amazing photographers have been out capturing summer fun – you can enjoy a selection by scrolling down on this page.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:07:32 +0100Family fun and food highlight community spirit at Kings Langley Carnival
The Kings Langley Carnival took place on June 27, transforming Kings Langley Common into a lively attraction for all ages between 12pm and 5pm.
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:33:04 +0100Plans for large home on edge of Sarratt could add new wing
Here are the latest planning applications validated by Three Rivers District Council in the past week.
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:26:06 +0100Former family home could be transformed into supported children’s residence
Here are the latest planning applications submitted to Dacorum Borough Council this week.
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:16:18 +0100Plans submitted for three-storey hospital block in Watford
Here are the latest planning applications submitted to Watford Borough Council this week.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:22:08 +0100Halifax brand to vanish after 173 years as Lloyds confirms major banking overhaul
Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed the Halifax brand will be phased out. Here's what it means for your account, sort code, bank cards, branches and app.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:27:56 +0100From difficult beginnings to teacher and a life rebuilt through determination
A man who experienced housing instability during his teenage years has spoken about the positive impact a youth charity had on his journey to independence.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:00:00 +0100Neighbours' shock at house 'arson' in 'peaceful street where nothing ever happens'
Emergency services descended on a “peaceful” street over suspected arson which left neighbours in Croxley Green in shock.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:30:29 +0100Detectives' bid to trace car as they investigate Hertfordshire murder
Detectives investigating the murder of a man who was found seriously injured in a Hertfordshire car park are hunting for a car.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:15:00 +0100Police hunting man after pick-up truck hit group outside Hertfordshire pub
Herts Police are hunting a wanted man after a pick-up truck hit a group of people outside a Hatfield pub.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:10:00 +0100Mum's 'terror' as toddler covered in broken glass after going down slide
A toddler miraculously avoided injury going down a slide left covered in broken glass through "mindless vandalism" in South Oxhey.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:51:00 +0100Watford store to close as business shutting 15 'underperforming' branches
The closure of the Watford Magnet showroom has been confirmed amid major restructuring at the company.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:15:00 +0100Arson arrest after 'devastating' house fire blanketed street in smoke
A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and criminal damage after a "devastating" house fire in Croxley Green.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:21:00 +0100Man admits causing serious injury while driving dangerously on cocaine
A Watford man has admitted causing “serious injury” through dangerous driving and drug driving in Oxfordshire.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:15:00 +0100HMO plan for children's care home approved by council
Approval for turning a Watford residential care home into an HMO has been granted.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:41:10 +0100Hunton Park Hotel hosts glitzy Hertfordshire Care Awards ceremony
A glittering awards ceremony has honoured the dedication and impact of care professionals in Hertfordshire.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:10:00 +0100Man hospitalised after 'devastating' fire at Hertfordshire village home
Emergency services were called around 6am this morning to the blaze on Winton Drive.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:55:37 +0100'Blaze' in residential street as fire service seen at scene - recap
We are getting reports of a fire on Winton Drive in Croxley Green this morning. Emergency services have been seen at the scene.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0100Brewers answers those crucial ‘what paint colour’ questions
Looking to plan some decorating this summer? Make sure you're confident with colour!
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:30:00 +0100Three weeks of closures on busy Hertfordshire A-road starting tomorrow
Weeks of closures for the A414 from the Hertfordshire M1 start tomorrow amid upgrades to visibility.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:56:41 +0100Plan that could shape town's future opens for public comment
A Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) for Rickmansworth is being updated by Three Rivers District Council.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:51:03 +0100Popular beer and cider festival returns for 20th year in Bushey
A beer and cider festival organised by the Bushey & Oxhey Ladies Circle and Round Table, will take place from July 2 to July 5 at The Three Crowns in Bushey.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:25:49 +0100What's on event celebrates ageing with 'Age doesn't define our potential'
The Age Without Limits event, organised by Guideposts Trust, was held as part of the national Age Without Limits campaign.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:43:00 +0100Police object to off licence's 24/7 alcohol bid over 'street drinking' fears
Watford off licence Delta Mart's plans to sell alcohol 24/7 are heading to a crunch meeting tomorrow after police objected over street drinkers nearby.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:05:00 +0100Illegal crayfish traps seized as 'systematic' offenders target River Colne
Illegal crayfish traps have been seized along Watford's River Colne as "systematic" offenders are believed to be trapping the strictly controlled species.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:04:10 +0100Construction company prosecuted for illegally demolishing protected home
Illegal demolition of a protected home in Moor Park has seen a construction company prosecuted.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:13:16 +0100'Attempted murder' arrest after double stabbing in busy Hertfordshire town centre
Herts Police made an arrest on suspicion of attempted murder over a double stabbing in a busy Hertfordshire town centre.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:47:37 +0100Man and teen arrested after Hertfordshire stabbing left victim in hospital
A man and teenager have been arrested in connection with a stabbing in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, which left the victim in hospital.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:15:00 +0100Beloved pub shuts as operator leaves but will reopen under new landlady next month
"Much loved” pub The Stag in Chorleywood has closed as the operator and team confirmed they are leaving.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:14:00 +0100Home care provider named among UK's best for seventh year running
Kings Langley-based home care provider 1st Homecare was named among the best in the UK for the seventh year running.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:42:00 +0100Hertfordshire mum's incredible transformation as 2 big changes see her shed 10 stone
Eirini Tsepouni, 31, reached 21st 12lbs after she was furloughed from her waitressing job during the Covid-19 pandemic and would sit at home "eating and watching movies".
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:42:00 +0100Film shoot set to close Hertfordshire village shopping parade and car park
A shopping parade and car park are set to close while a film is shot in Chorleywood.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:00:00 +0100ARSON probe over fire that damaged multiple cars after 'window smashed in first'
Herts Police are treating a car fire which spread to multiple vehicles in Croxley Green as arson after a bike rider reportedly smashed the window first.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0100'Car fire' sees emergency services swarm residential road overnight
Emergency services swarmed a residential road in Croxley Green in the early hours of the morning to tackle a reported car fire.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0100UK firm keeping its cool with air conditioners and fans amid high demand
With records smashed and scorching temperatures the talk across the UK, you may be thinking how you’re going to get through the remainder of the summer.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:30:00 +0100Permit parking zone enforcement begins today for these roads
Enforcement of a controlled parking zone keeping non-residents off spots by Bushey High Street begins today.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:11:28 +0100Young athletes honoured at annual Three Rivers and Watford awards
The Three Rivers & Watford School Sports Partnership Awards Evening took place on June 15, at Watersmeet Theatre.
Sun, 28 Jun 2026 17:15:00 +0100Hertfordshire M1 to close for repairs to 'infrastructure defect'
The Hertfordshire M1 is set to close for repairs to a structural issue on the motorway near Watford starting later today.