Watford Observer

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:54:00 +0100
£150,000 worth of toys stolen from lorry in Hemel Hempstead
Thieves stole £150k worth of Pop Mart toys in Hemel Hempstead just weeks before their official release.

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:32:43 +0100
Save on your coach holiday this May and June with Just Go Holidays
From well-planned itineraries to the stunning destinations themselves, coach holidays are not only a comfortable way to travel… you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride to your destination!

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 05:30:00 +0100
Meet the 'local lad' looking to take a community pub 'back to basics'
The Watford Observer speaks to the new landlord of the Dick Whittington pub in South Oxhey.

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:39:02 +0100
Lyme Disease warning as Brits urged to avoid tick bites and be aware of symptoms
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and the charity, Lyme Disease UK, is urging the public to look out for these dangerous arachnids which may carry the disease

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:37:37 +0100
Sky axe legendary children's channel today after 16 years - did you watch it?
Sky has axed the popular children's channel Pop Max from today (April 22) after 16 years - see what channel Tiny Pop will move to.

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:35:46 +0100
Brits issued warning as parking payment machines ‘set up to trap people’
Thousands of Brits have been sent parking tickets as payment machines are ‘set up to trap people’.

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:32:12 +0100
750 schools roll out free breakfast clubs from today saving parents £450 a year
From today (April 22), 750 schools will roll out free breakfast clubs, which has been hailed a 'game-changing moment' for families, the Prime Minister said.

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:28:03 +0100
Cause of Pope Francis' death announced by the Vatican
Pope Francis died this morning (April 21) and the Vatican has announced his cause of death was a cerebral stroke.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 21:07:00 +0100
Fundraising campaign to put the 'wiggle' back into Hertfordshire's rivers
A wildlife charity is fundraising to help restore Hertfordshire's globally rare chalk rivers.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:18:00 +0100
Vintage celebration announced for this summer's Battle Proms in Hatfield Park
Hatfield Park Battle Proms will commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at this summer's concert on Saturday,  July 19, 2025.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:05:49 +0100
One year on from the Thai restaurant opening in The Dome Bar
It has been a year since Real Thai Kitchen came to The Dome Bar in Watford, and in that time, the restaurant has built a loyal customer base.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:22:04 +0100
Consultation launched over proposed parking restrictions in Chorleywood
A formal public consultation has been launched after parking restrictions have been proposed in Chorleywood.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:12:34 +0100
New classroom to be built at a Watford junior school
A planning application has been approved for a new classroom in a junior school in Watford.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 11:52:16 +0100
Watford motorist fined after pleading guilty to being over the limit
A motorist from Watford has been fined and given a driving ban after pleading guilty to being over the limit while driving.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:01:00 +0100
Secret gardens in Hertfordshire open to the public this spring
Secret gardens in Hertfordshire will be open to the public this spring and summer as part of the National Garden Scheme.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 10:06:43 +0100
Plans submitted for Leavesden Road Baptist Church to become a community facility
Plans have been submitted to convert the Leavesden Road Baptist Church into a community facility.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0100
The beautiful historic market town only an hour from Watford
Looking for a weekend getaway from Watford? Discover the Oxfordshire market town of Abingdon for some perfect walks and pub visits.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0100
What do Watford shoppers most want to open in town?
The Watford Observer asked readers what business it would most like to see open in the town, with John Lewis being a clear favourite.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100
On This Day: Plans to turn Pryzm nightclub into flats were submitted
On this day in 2022, plans to replace Hertfordshire's biggest nightclub, Pryzm, with 147 flats were officially submitted.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:26:00 +0100
The best circular walks for you to try around Watford area
Looking for a walk in Watford? Here are four circular walks to try out in Watford as rated by AllTrails.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:04:39 +0100
BBC scientist confirms tarantulas inhabit parts of UK during spider season
The UK is home to a member of the tarantula family - the purseweb spider and here's where you'll find it.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:45:56 +0100
Pope Francis has died aged 88, The Vatican has confirmed
The Vatican has shared a tribute following the death of Pope Francis aged 88.

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0100
Watford MP welcomes government showing necessary nerves of steel
I hope you enjoy the Easter break and grab some downtime with friends and family.

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0100
Latest planning applications submitted in Dacorum
Here are the latest planning applications submitted to Dacorum Borough Council, featuring proposals for home extensions, tree works, new dwellings, and changes to local facilities.

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100
The Hollywood stars coming to Leavesden Studios for the new Harry Potter series
HBO has confirmed the first casting for the new Harry Potter series, with a host of Hollywood stars who will be heading to Leavesden Studios.

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0100
Watford's police chief pleased with progress but challenges continue
There is a framed certificate sitting on a window sill in Andy Wiseman’s office he was presented with after visiting Watford police station as a young boy.

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0100
Nostalgic photo of St Albans Road without a car in sight
A nostalgic photo of St Albans Road, in Watford, taken when the road was empty except for a lone cyclist.

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 09:01:00 +0100
I went to Tulleys Tulip Fields and it was incredible
The Dutch-inspired sweet-smelling tulips of Tulleys have been a popular attraction since opening in St Albans for the first time this year

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0100
Does Watford's 'oldest Indian restaurant' still curry favour? Our verdict
The Shapla on St Albans Road is heading towards five decades of satisfying diners thanks to an owner who has been there more than 30 years.

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0100
The latest planned road closures in the Watford area
A round-up of planned road closures in Watford and South Oxhey published in the Public Notice Portal.

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100
Confident cat Billu looking for his new palace
The National Animal Welfare Trust in Watford is seeking a new home for a one-year-old male cat named Billu.

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100
On This Day: End of an area as beloved primary school turned to rubble in Watford
According to Mrs Budge, the old buildings were "so dilapidated, they were beyond repair".

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 18:00:00 +0100
A joke is a joke but where have old style ones gone?
You can tell you’re getting to an age when the most educational vehicle you jump aboard is the wireless. With tiredness, coupled with morphing into an introvert, days of adventure are few are far between as you prefer to vegetate on the sofa and wa...

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100
Latest planning applications submitted in Three Rivers
Here are the latest planning applications submitted to Three Rivers District Council, featuring proposals for home extensions, loft conversions, and new signage.

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 15:53:55 +0100
'Major' rail works to cause South Oxhey road closure
The "essential utility works" are to be carried out at the railway bridge on Little Oxhey Lane.

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 15:20:50 +0100
Kings Langley Green Belt traveller site expansion unanimously approved
More caravans will be coming to Green Belt land in Kings Langley after a unanimous vote in favour of plans last Thursday (April 17).

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0100
Latest planning applications submitted in Hertsmere
Here are the latest planning applications submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council, featuring proposals for home extensions, farm accommodation, and porch additions.

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 12:30:53 +0100
Rickmansworth fly-tipping damages farm crops
Herts Police has launched an appeal following a fly-tipping incident in Loudwater Lane, Rickmansworth.

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 10:57:17 +0100
Traffic stopped during Herts M25 police incident
According to National Highways East, motorists have been halted in both directions between J20 Hemel Hempstead and J18 Chorleywood/Rickmansworth on the M25.

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 10:48:55 +0100
Offices behind former Bushey police station to become flats
Hertsmere Borough Council has received a new planning application for Grosvenor House, Police Station Lane, Bushey.

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0100
Latest planning applications submitted in Watford
Here are the latest planning applications submitted to Watford Borough Council, featuring a range of home improvements and adaptations across the area.

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0100
'It's got a bit of everything': Watfordians' favourite places to eat
During a sunny lunchtime by the town pond, we asked Watford shoppers about the town's best restaurants, cafés , and takeaways.

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0100
Watford's 'highest-rated' restaurant praised for 'stunning' food
Watford's Il Pellegrino is the highest rated restaurant on Tripadvisor for the town and has been described by guests as "absolutely stunning".

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0100
Pub offering 'something for everybody' thriving under new owners
The Chipperfield Boot's owners reflect on their decision to buy the pub and their plans for the future as the first anniversary of the business approaches.

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100
On This Day: Decision to allow 'monstrous' block of flats in Watford criticised
At the time, councillor Mark Watkin described the inspector’s ruling as "shocking".

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100
You may have never noticed some of these things in your street
It may be in front of you, above your head or by your feet, but you will find something worth taking a picture of if you have a good look around in the street where you live.

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 06:08:54 +0100
Keir Starmer orders change to pub opening hours ahead of VE Day celebrations
Pubs will be able to stay open until 1am on May 8 to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, as ordered by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:18:59 +0100
Lanes reopen after M1 crash - recap
Follow our live updates after a crash between Junctions 8 and 9 on the M1 this morning.

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 17:35:00 +0100
Interfaith association 'shocked and heartbroken' by attack on Muslim graves
The Watford Interfaith Association has said it is "shocked and heartbroken" by the desecration of Muslim graves at Carpenders Park Cemetery.

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:34:11 +0100
Four people taken to hospital after M1 crash
Four people have taken to hospital after a crash on the M1 in Redbourn this morning.

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