Following the success of the Winning Windows competition last year, shop windows will be coming to life in the run up to Christmas with the theme of Christmas Carols.

Traders throughout the town are being encouraged to take part and brighten up the town by decorating their shop windows. Last year's winner was The Beauty Room, in St Andrew Street.

The popular competition has always had a good number of participants and Hertford Town Council is hoping that entry numbers will beat previous records. The competition is running during the lead up to Hertford’s Christmas Gala, which takes place on Friday 25th November. Window displays will be judged by The Mayor and Deputy Mayor, with the winner announced at the Christmas Gala. Co-op Funeral Care is kindly sponsoring the competition, and the winner will be presented with a hamper and trophy.

A list of all participating businesses will be made available in the Town & Tourist Information Centre and on the Town Council's website from 21st November so that shoppers can follow the Winning Windows trail around the town.

Entry forms can be collected from the Hertford Town & Tourist Information Centre at 10 Market Place by calling 01992 584322.

A 36 year old Hertford woman has been charged with possessing drugs following a police raid at her home in Page Road.

Maggie Barbrook has been charged with possessing a Class B drug, namely amphetamine at her home on 27th October this year.

She is further charged with possessing a Class B drug, namely cannabis on the same date.

She is also charged with cultivating cannabis at her home address between 1st and 27th October.

She has been bailed to appear before North East Magistrates Court on 7th November.

Officers from Hertford Safer Neighbourhood Team carried out a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at the address yesterday, (Thursday).

The digital switchover in Hertford is set to take place in April 2012.

The switchover will take place in two stages on 4 April and 18 April. This will give people the chance to check their equipment. 

Whilst many people in Hertford are already able to get digital TV, those using the Bengeo transmitter have only had access to the old analogue signal. This will change in April, when digital services will begin transmitting from Bengeo, with the analogue signal being switched off on 18th April 2012. However, as with the existing service, the transmitter will not feature the full range of digital channels available.

For more information about the switchover, visit
http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/when_do_i_switch/london

For more information about the Bengeo transmitter, visit 
www.ukfree.tv/shutdowndetail.php?tx=TL320137

A video posted on YouTube shows the inside of the old Hertford Brewery during the haitus in building work by Sainsburys.

The video was apparently shot in September and shows views across the town from the top of the building, as well as equipment inside.

Hertford Sea Scouts show off their pumpkin carving skills in a new video on YouTube.

The video shows scouts hollowing out the pumpkins, fashioning faces and scoutmasters lighting candles inside the pumpins.

Shake Shop Mootylicious in Honey Lane has closed down.

The shake bar opened in June last year but the premises are now being advertsed for let.

The freehold of Hertford Library has gone on the market, prior to the relocation of the library to Dolphin Yard.

Agents Lambert, Smith & Hampton are advertising the building in the Estates Gazette and Hertfordshire Mercury.

The Grade II listed building offers a floorspace of 6,600 sq.ft with potential for a variety of uses, subject to planning permission.

Offers are invited by Thursday 17th November.

Traders in St.Andrew Street are holding a Victorian adventure trail competition, with £100 worth of vouchers for the lucky winner.

An item from the Victorian era is on display in 29 windows in the street and all you have to do is identify them.

Entry forms are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Market place and completed forms should be handed in to any St.Andrew Street shop before Sunday 30th October.

The winner is the person with the most correct entries, who will win a £100 voucher to spend in any of the participating stores.

Haunted Hertford Halloween Walks are taking place on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st October.

There are two walks on Monday 31st at 5pm and 7:30pm, whist on the previous day Sunday 30th there is one at 7:30pm.

Ticket cost £4 for and adult and £2 for children with family tickets available for £10. All tickets must be prebooked from the Tourist Information Centre on 01992 584322.

The 5pm walk on Monday also offers a single adult and child ticket for £4.

Hertford Dramatic & Operatic Society's production of The Producers opens tonight at Hertford Theatre.

The show, written by Mel Brooks and winner of 12 Tony awards, runs until Saturday, with nightly performances at 7:30pm. There is also a matinee on Saturday at 2:30pm.

Tickets cost £10-£15 and can be booked from the Hertford Theatre box office on 01992 531500.