MONDAY 22nd DECEMBER 2008Mill Plan Refused
Plans for a five-storey residential block at Ware Park Mill have been unanimously rejected by councillors.
The proposed development included a two storey link and parking on the green belt riverside site east of Bengeo.
Reasons for refusal included the green belt nature of the site, detrimental size and appearance, poor access and the impact on neighbouring properties.
Rejection of the plans follows a campaign by local residents who were strongly opposed to the plans.
TUESDAY 16th DECEMBER 2008Engineering Firm Shuts
Seventy-six jobs are to go at CommaTech on the Foxholes Business Park after administrators KPMG were unable to find a buyer for the business.
The engineering company was formed just three years ago, carrying out precision machining for the aerospace, navigation and telecomunications industries.
A spokesman for the administrators said ""Despite a good deal of interest, we have been unable to conclude a sale of the business of CommaTECH. As a result, we are now in the process of winding the business down. Unfortunately the impact of the recession and high fuel prices on the aerospace industry have meant that the business's key customer was unable to guarantee the level of demand that interested parties required to make the business viable".
SATURDAY 13th DECEMBER 2008Free Parking Today
All council run off-street car parks are free today in a bid to encourage Christmas shoppers into the town.
Mike Carver, Executive member for planning policy and transport, said in a statement: "Christmas is an expensive time of year so we're pleased to make the car parks free for a day. We want to help everyone's stretched seasonal budget go a little further and at the same time support traders in East Herts. We know how important that is, especially while the country's going through a tough financial time."
THURSDAY 11th DECEMBER 2008A Wanted Man
Police are looking for Lewis Harvey, a 19 year-old man from Cherry Tree Green, after a burglary in Ware on 23rd September.
Members of the public who may have information regarding his whereabouts should contact police on 01438 75 7070/7040/7041 during office hours, or the Hertfordshire Constabulary non-emergency number on 0845 33 00 222 out of hours. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name and you could be entitled to a cash reward.
Hertfordshire Constabulary advises members of the public that if they see any of these people not to approach them but to call police immediately.
WEDNESDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2008Simmons Opens in Ware Road
Simmons have opened a shop in Ware Road, in premises formerly occupied by rival bakers Pearces, who went into administration earlier in the year.
The Hatfield based bakery has a chain of 30 shops selling their own bread, plus sandwiches, cakes, pastries and pies.
The premises were briefly occupied by a similar sandwich shop named Mardells, but this closed within a few weeks of opening.
Simmons also have a branch on the town's Sele Farm Estate.
WEDNESDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2008Hartham Closed For Work
Hartham Pool has closed for maintenance work prior the a new contractor taking on the operation.
The work to replace pool linings and install a new boom will see the pool shut until the new year, although the fitness centre remains open. The cost is estimated at £92,000
Operation of the pool and fitness centre will be taken over by Sport and Leisure Management Ltd on 1st January.
MONDAY 1st DECEMBER 2008Abuse Man Arrested
A 20 year-old man has been arrested following an incident in St.Andrew Street on Thursday in which a number of people were verbally abused by a cyclist.
Police are also keen to speak to speak to a black man who was subjected to racial abuse by the cyclist.
MONDAY 1st DECEMBER 2008Homes And Hotel For Police Site
Plans for an 80 room hotel, 135 homes and an 80 bed nursing home have been revealed for the site of the former police station in Ware Road.
The proposed development also includes a PCT medical centre and underground parking for 274 cars.
Herts Police vacated the site after relocating to a new police station on the town centre in April.
