Herts police are to crack down on antisocial drinking in the town centre after complaints from the public.

Groups of drinkers who congregate on Mill Bridge, The Folly and in the Castle Grounds will be the focus of the police initiative. 

The town centre is covered by a Designated Public Place Order that allows police to stop people drinking and confiscate alcohol.

A planning application for 9 flats at Beeson's Yard has been submitted to the district council.

The three storey block would replaced an existing single-storey office and outhouses on the site opposite the Lord Haig public houes at the junction of Railway Street and South Street.

The public has three weeks to submit comments on the appllication.

A river bus operating between Hertford and Ware has been launched by local company Lee & Stort Boats.

The boat operates at weekends and departs from Bircherley Green at 12 noon and 4pm. Tickest cost £6 one way or £10 return for an adult, or £3 and £5 for children. The journey takes about 90 minutes and the boats feature an on board bar.

Update: Dental Health Care has now re-opened under new management.

Ware Road practice Dental Health Care has closed down, with all staff losing their jobs. Patients have been received telephone calls and emails advising them of the closure.

Dentist Alex Gordon has moved to a practice in Bishop's Stortford, whilst Dan Smith has a practice in Mill Hill.

The surgery was previously owned by popular dentists Phil Ranner and Leon Gervertz.

Five people from Hertford have been charged with drug offences following police raids on properties in the town last week.

Thomas Fahy of Hamels Drive is charged with 14 offences related to the supply of heroin and remains in custody following a court appearance in Cambridge. Lacey Keif of nearby Divot Place similarly faces 5 charges and was also remanded in custody.

Jeremy Diggins of Colebrook Court is accused of 2 offences, whilst Nizar Ltaief of The Knoll faces 4 charges and Katrina Jones of Hamsworth Court a single charge. All three were bailed.

The raids took place last Wednesday as part of Operation Scorpion and follows a long-running investigation into the supply of drugs and other crimes in East Herts. Around eighty officers from teams across the county were involved in executing the early morning warrants at 17 addresses in Ware, Hertford and North London. A sizable quantity of drugs has been seized along with other items of property.

A new estate agent is opening in Hertford Town Centre on Tuesday 7th May.

Thomas Childs are based in Railway Street opposite Lloyds Bank. As well as property sales the business also handles house dressing, design and layout, buying, removal services and storage.

www.thomas-childs.com

Sainsbury's are asking local residents to donate empty beer bottles for a new public work of art on Hartham Common.

The bottles will be used for glass and metal spiral celeberating the work of Alfred Russell at the gateway to Hartham Common adjacent to Sainsbury's new store.

The cost of the artwork in being met by Sainsbury's as part of the Section 106 agreement attached to planning permission for the store.

See also Evolution For Hartham Gateway

The footbridge across the weir at Hertford Basin is currently closed for repairs.

Workmen are currently maintaining the bridge surface, whilst inspections of the structure have also been taking place.

A new childrens' bookshop and café has opened in Old Cross.

'Leaf' is the culmination of over eighteen months of planning by local residents Rebecca and Ben Pirt.

Rebecca says of the venture: "I've always wanted to open a café and bookshop and am extremely excited to finally be launching. I always loved reading as a child and really want to be able to pass that on to other children. Leaf is my vision of a place where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves, whatever their age".

Leaf provides a destination for families and young people with both indoor and outdoor space to sit and enjoy coffee, tea, cakes and light lunches. All food is freshly prepared and cakes are made by talented local bakers. The menu aims to appeal to all and will have specific items for those with allergies.

Regular events a free story drop-in on a Monday morning for under 5s, weekly art and craft activities themed around a book, monthly book clubs for different age groups, plus special author events and activities for families.

www.leafcafe.co.uk

A 50 year-old man was taken to hospital on Sunday after an attack on the Sele Farm Estate.

Police were called to Thieves Lane around 5pm following reports of a stabbing.

The victim was taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage, where his condition is described as "serious but stable".

Update: A 37-year-old man from Sawbridgeworth was arrested at the scene and remains in custody. A 27-year-old woamn also arrested has been released on bail.