THURSDAY 26th MARCH 2009Rat Run Video on YouTube
A video of traffic and pedestrians negotiating the Bengeo ratrun has been posted on YouTube.
The film has been posted by molewood01 and was shot during April and May of last year. It shows traffic mounting kerbs (including a police car), queueing at crossroads and pedestrains.
THURSDAY 26th MARCH 2009Bollywoods Raided by Border Agency
Bollywoods in Fore Street was raided by The Border Agency on the 12th March after reports that illegal immigrants were living and working at the Indian restaurant.
The building was sealed off at 6pm as officers searched the premises and questioned workers.
Four men from India and Bangladesh were found to have outstayed their visas, whilst a fifth was found to be in the country illegally. None of the men had a right to work in The UK. All five were released on bail pending removal from the country.
Bollywoods were issued with an on-the-spot fine and could face a further fine of £50,000.
Gail Adams, UK Border Agency regional director, said: "We are working hard to pull the plug on the illegal jobs which lure illegal immigrants to come to the UK in the first place".
"Illegal working is unfair on honest employers who recruit staff with the right to work in the UK and who pay them a proper salary".
"Employers who don't play by the rules will get struck off our register, lose the right to recruit staff from outside Europe, face on the spot fines and could potentially end up in jail."
TUESDAY 24th MARCH 2009Young Soloists Competition
Budding young musicians in Hertfordshire who think they have what it takes to be the next Duffy or Nigel Kennedy will have the opportunity to step into the limelight at this year’s Hertford Music Festival in May.
Ware-based music retailer Playsomething has announced it will sponsor the music festival’s Young Soloists’ Competition with cash prizes, a prestigious trophy and the opportunity to play in front of an audience of more than 2000 at this year’s Hertford Castle Fun Day in early June.
The Festival is once again inviting young musicians and vocalists aged from under 11 to 18 who live, work or go to school in the East Herts area to take their first steps on the staircase of talent at an all-day contest organised by Hertford Music Centre in the Music Block of the Simon Balle School on Saturday, May 9.
As previously, there are two age categories available for pianists, strings, brass, woodwind, vocals and electric or acoustic guitar. A panel of local and professional musicians will be on hand to assess the entrants.
FRIDAY 20th MARCH 2009Kitten Sale
A two day pop up shop sale is taking place in Parliament Square today and tomorrow.
The former premises of Kitten are opening from 9am to 6pm selling new, vintage and pre-worn designer clothes, shoes, handbags, belts and jewellery.
There will be a vast range of designer labels including Abercrombie & Fitch, Juicy Couture, Chanel, Prada, Matthew Williamson, True Religion, G&G, Sergio Rossi, Jimmy Choo, Max Mara, Christian LaCroix, Versace, Burberry, Christian Louboutin, Celine, Birkenstock and many more.
Also for sale is a brand new Chloe Paddington light blue handbag completre with bustbag and labels which would cost £800 new but is on sale for £400.
All designer labels are genuine, often with proof of authenticity.
WEDNESDAY 11th MARCH 2009Council Discuss Starbucks
The District Council's Development Control Committee will this evening discuss Starbucks' application for retention of use at their Bircherley Green outlet.
Planning Officers are recommending refused of the proposed retention of mixed A1/A3 use at Units 6 and 8.
The coffee shop currently has an outstanding appeal against an earlier decision to refuse use of the unit next to Serendipity as part of the cafe.
TUESDAY 10th MARCH 2009Friday Night Fight
A 36 year-old man has been arrested following a fight outside the Shahenshah in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The incident took place outside the Indian restaurant on Fore Street when two men were involved in an altercation which left one with minor injures and a restaurant window damaged. The man did not require hospital treatment.
Detective Sergeant Noel Buckley, investigating, said: "We have some information about this incident, but are asking for witnesses to call police as soon as possible if they believe they saw it take place."
"Although this incident occurred at 3am, I’m hoping that someone may recall seeing something."
Anyone with any information on this crime should ring DS Buckley via the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222.
FRIDAY 6th MARCH 2009Garden Centre To Re-open
The Riverside Garden Centre will re-open tomorrow following flooding that closed the business four weeks ago.
The garden centre in Lower Hatfield Road was badly affected by the downpours of 9th February and there were concerns that the business would not survive.
Owner Russel Jeffery praised insurance broker Continuum and Norwich Union for their prompt action in helping him rescue the business.
