Work to restore a quiet corner of Hertford to its wetland habitat has given a new home to a diverse range of water loving plants and insects.

The District Council has worked with the Environment Agency, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and Countryside Management Service to restore the Meadow situated in a corner of Hartham Common.

The council has set up a new walking route around the field that provides some great views of the ponds and the river. It leads up through a woodland copse to St Leonard's Church in Bengeo.

The Environment Agency has funded the project to create a series of ponds across the site that naturally fill from water sitting close to the surface. The habitat will be especially beneficial to damsels and dragonflies.

The agency has also paid for fencing and gates so that cattle can be introduced onto the site. This will help to improve biodiversity by reducing nitrogen levels in the soil and by keeping the grass to a level that will naturally encourage wild flowers.

Linda Haysey, Executive member for health, housing and community support, said: "It is amazing to see how quickly the water features have already attracted pond loving plants and insects.

"There is a map and information board on site which shows the route of the grass path and explains a bit more about the wildlife that you might spot. So why not don your wellies and explore."

A planning application has been submitted for 58 new homes in Sacombe Road, Bengeo.

The Bovis Homes proposal features properties ranging from one bedroomed flats to 5 bedroomed houses on the site formerly occupied by Bengeo Nursery. Four bedroomed homes would make up 22 of the properties.

Despite previous development the land is regarded as green belt.

The site is opposite Fairview Homes development of 97 new homes named Serenity.

Four men have been arrested after police and Trading Standards Officers carried out a joint operation to investigate charity bag drops and collections.

Police in Hertford tracked a van which had been collecting charity bags in the area and four men were subsequently arrested on suspicion of theft and going equipped to steal.

They were aged 16, 17, 46 and 43 and were all from London. They have been bailed whilst the investigation continues.

The arrests were made after a local resident highlighted her concerns to Trading Standards.

Sergeant Ian Butler, said: "We would urge people to keep an eye out for suspicious charity bags being delivered to residential addresses. In these austere times it is important that all donations reach their intended charity. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of the charity we would urge you to contact Trading Standards."

Hertford Town Council has awarded grants worth over £4,000 to six Hertford-based organisations.

Each year the Council sets aside a sum of money for Community Grants, awarded for a range of purposes, including public events, projects by local voluntary organisations and endeavours by individuals which show a clear benefit to local residents.

At a meeting on Monday, Councillors agreed that the following sums be awarded:

• Hertford Civic Society - £1200 towards the cost of a bronze resin of Alfred Russell Wallace to commemorate the centenary of his death.
• Sele Farm Carpet Bowls Club was awarded £200 towards its running costs.
• Mr D Howells, a pupil of Richard Hale School was awarded a £200 contribution towards a school expedition to Tanzania.
• Hertford Football Club was awarded £1200 towards the cost of the refurbishment of the changing facilities and a replacement boiler.
• River Beane Restoration Association was awarded £100 towards its running costs.
• Rotary Club of Hertford was awarded £1200 towards the organisation of Hertford Carnival.

Chairman of the Finance, Policy and Administration Committee, Cllr Miss Chantal Geall, said: "Hertford Town Council is pleased to be able to support a diverse range of organisations and activities, all of which make a positive difference to life in our town. We welcome grant applications for community grants from individuals and organisations resident in Hertford ."

Pine Oak Furniture in Ware Road are holding a closing down sale due to relocation.

The shop, opposite the Madford Retail Park, is offering up to 70% off stock.

Police are appealing for information about a thief who left a Hertford petrol station without paying.

The incident occurred at the BP Rush Green filling station around 6:45pm on New Year's Eve when a man driving a dark coloured vehicle filled up with £50 of fuel and then drove away.

Anyone who recognises the man or who has information shoumd call Hertford police on 101 quoting the crime reference A/13/160.

A woman has been arrested after crashing her car in to a restaurant in St.Andrew Street.

The accident happened in the early hours of Friday, during which a motorcyclist was also struck but escaped without injury.

A 31 year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drink-driving.

A group of suspected illegal immagrants have been arrested in Hertford after witnesses saw six men climb out the back of a lorry on Wednesday morning.

The vehicle stopped in a lay-by on the A10 south of the Rush Green interchange and the men were seen to leave the vehicle and head in to nearby woods.

Police responded by conducting a search of the area, resulting in the six Vietnamese being arrested on suspicion of being in the country illegally.

Chinese restaurant Paddyfields in St.Andrew Street has closed following the owner's retirement.

The closure comes at the same time as another long-established business in the street announced closure, with Vogue hairdressers shutting up shop at the end of January.

Short-lived dress hire shop Dress Sense has also closed down, as has the street's dedicated website.

The police have issued an appeal for help in finding a missing 14 year old girl from Hertford.

Emily Irvine was last seen this afternoon (2nd January) at Ware train station.

Emily is described as being white, 5ft 5ins tall and of a slim build. She is wearing grey jogging bottoms, a grey tracksuit top and white trainers.

Officers are asking Emily to make contact with them via the Herts Police non-emergency number 101. Anyone who believes they have seen Emily or knows where she is should also call 101.

Update: Emily has now been found and is safe with her family.