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Your say online, April

All your comments and views online on the news in April.

Have your say on local news, local issues or the national issues.

Have a moan or say thanks. Click below to have a say and scroll down to see the views of others:

CLICK HERE to tell us your news and views on the news

YOUR COMMENTS:

Posted on site Tuesday, May 29

Re: Recycling boxes

From: Karen Davies

Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead Herts

Views: The Great Recycling Extravaganza – Part 7 Our household is now in receipt of yet another recycling receptacle. A rather fetching black super market style shopping basket, to which all glass jars and bottles are to be placed. Its capacity is questionable. As a family we make sure all recycled items are cleaned before they go in their respective bins, the jars are put thru the dishwasher (sad I know), cans and bottles washed out.

This goes some way in stopping the infestation of flies and other insects along with consideration of the recycling team.

Unfortunately, on the day of recycling collection one of our bins which were meant for non glass had a bottle in it and the "environmental recycling technicians" refused to empty the bin. Hence we now have a full to overflowing bin with a weeks worth of cans and plastic all because of one glass bottle. How easy would it have been to remove the bottle? It all goes in the same vehicle anyway? The bin now lurks around for a full seven days.

Not to mention all the other recycling that this week will bring. I have to ask the question, is this blatant officialdom commercially viable when it comes to the collection next week, the recycle teams with have two weeks worth to collect all because of one glass bottle? What was once a friendly service provided by our council, has now turned into a battle of wills and a National debacle making headline news both in the press, TV and Radio. Is it just me?

Re: Public telephones in Marlowes

From: Tony Castle

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Please please don't tell me that the new pay-phone stations in the Marlowes are going to replace our phone-boxes. The two things a user of a public phone needs is (a) privacy and (b)shelter. Do they really expect me to make important and personal calls standing in the open, exposed to the rain? Whoever designed them has obviously never had to use a public phone in his or her life. Who authorised these monstrosities? What's the "plan"?

Re: New A&E at Watford delayedTo see report, CLICK HERE

From: John Newberry

Hemel Hempstead

Views: New A&E at Watford delayed. Mr Graham Ramsay, Medical Director, said: "At Watford General Hospital maintenance totalling many millions is needed, partly because the promise of a new health campus has led to essential work being put on hold. We don't think it's worth spending 60million – we need a new hospital." May I suggest we already have one, here at Hemel Hempstead!

Posted on site Monday, April 28

Re: Red Kite SightingsSee our Red Kite sightings section, with photos

From: Roxanne Ghajar

The Old Town, Hemel Hempstead

Views: I saw a red kite this morning around 9.50am when i was walking up to work near the industrial estate. It flew right over ahead and it took me a moment to realise that this wasnt your ordinary every day bird! it looked quite large with its wings spread and was gliding over above towards adey field.

You might also enjoy our gallery of garden birds spotted around Dacorum by readers - and send us YOUR garden bird photos. Just CLICK HERE

Posted on site Sunday, April 27

Re: Resurfacing of Tring High Street

From: Mike Sherratt

Tring

Views: The resurfacing of Tring streets has been great for wheelchair users. However, it is still very dangerous for the Grove Park area residents to cross the London road to get to the town centre. In fact there is only a single zebra crossing rather inconveniently located at the bottom of Mortimer Hill across Brook Street.

A pedestrian friendly crossing across London Road from the excellent footpath across Pound Meadow would transform disabled (and able bodied) peoples' lives, giving access to Tescos and the town centre. Cars routinely do 40 mph on this narrowed road, and it is difficult to pause at the central island which is about 1 metre wide.

One slip, and wham! the County seems to work on how many people have been killed or injured before it moves to do something. A nice picture and piece done by the Gazette a couple of years ago on this issue resulted in a big nothing. Does anyone else feel its about time traffic measure were introduced? I drive by car there, and it seems a reasonable proposition.

Posted on site Friday, April 25

Re: New cameras

From: R L

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Has anyone noticed the new 'cameras' sprouting up in Hemel, specifically the ones along Queensway, and the dual carriageway? Funnily enough there is nothing on the safety camera partnership website, or the council, or herts police? Have they still not decided how waste our money further?

Maybe these new installations could have paid for the numerous potholes to be filled, or roads to be resurfaced?

CLICK HERE to see our Pothole Hotspot section

Posted on site Thursday, April 24

Re Wheelie bins.

From: Debbie Palmer

woodhall farm

Views: i have recently moved to woodhall farm from grovehill I find that sometimes they leave my dustbins at the wrong house they are just thown about the street. I do lots of recyling there dont always take it all some of the stuff which is left not taken is normally left out in the street I pay my taxes & pay for this service they seem to take whats suits them each week They need to take bins each week when its hot this is going to cause problems

Re: D Day for tip closureClick here to see report

From: Bill

Tring

Views: Yesterday, amoungst the other junk mail, was a 24pp edition of 'Hertfordshire Horizons' - 'news from Hertfordshire County Council' . 470,000 copies are produced at 8p each, say 38,000 an issue - it doesn't say whether there are other costs, and I'm not sure how many issues appear each year. The content comprises adverts for HCC services, interleaved with lightweight journalism. Does anyone actually read it? I think it's just an un-necessary puff for the HCC. As such, I think it's a total waste of our money, which would be far better off used to support really useful and sensible operations like Tring's household waste centre.

From Ronald Lanning

Tring

THE ARTICLE IN THIS WEEKS PAPER ASKED ,WHICH IS BEST TRING OR BERKHAMSTED CENTRE.I DON'T THINK THEY ARE IN COMPETITON ,THEY ARE BOTH EXCELLENT,MY FOCUS IS ON TRING AS I LIVE THERE,AND FIND THE IDEA LUDICROUS,TO CONSIDER CLOSING THE CENTRE

THE MOOD IS ONE OF HORROR IN TRING,AND I AM SURE BERKHAMSTED IS WORRIED ABOUT THE INFLUX TO THEM,LET ALONE THE CARBON FOOT PRINT,WILL SENCE PREVAIL??

Re: Hemel Hempstead Post office closure and moveSee earlier protests and links to background

From: Mel

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Well what can i say!! the organisers didnt think of the people who live in hemel hempstead before deciding to put the post office in one of the most ridiculous place.

The fact its in WHSMITHS is fine but up stairs come on your kidding , i used to use the post office at least 4 times a week to send parcels when it was at its origanol place but now as its upstairs and i use it once a week , id rather pay for bus fair to long chaulden and use that post office as me and my daughter both have fears of lifts , and with my 2 year old walking up stairs and me carrying and buggy and parcels or elderly is a health and safety issue. The post office is the talk of the town at the moment , 99.9% are moaning for the fact that its upstairs , its obvious more poeple will visit post office then look at book on the ground floor. alot of elderly i know are taking public transport else where just for there own safety because of the stairs . ABSOLUSTY RIDICULOUS , PUT IT DOWN STAIRS !!

Posted on site Wednesday, April 23 (St George's Day)

Re: D Day for tip closureClick here to see report

From: Olive Conway

Tring

Views: Please keep the Tring Tip open as it is a widely used facility and Tring residents do not want to do an 11 mile trip to recycle their rubbish at Berkhamsted. The Tip has been seen by our MP,David Gauke and he commented on the scope for expansion and the wide use. Tring recycles more than Berkhamsted and the tip is kept very tidy and the staff are very helpful especially to disabled people. We do not want anymore energy wasted by travelling further away when we have a Tip just down the road. Over 3000 signatures have been obtained -many of which have been presented to County Hall. Lets hope many people travel to Hertford to support Tring on May 16th.

Re: Crackdown on pubs showing football illegallyClick here to see report

From: Norman Miller

Tring

Views: Good to see anouther busy body official living up to his name on pub satelite fines , as long as he enjoys his weekend polishing his wheelie bin and plotting his next enjoyment busting scheme , perhaps a levy on children in playgrounds could be introduced maybe a fine if they use facilities for longer than ten minutes, wow if i worked there an idea like thats got to worth a bonus

Re: Old Kodak building

From: Graham Rayner

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Has anyone noticed that the former Kodak Tower appears to be getting shorter, will this not affect the TV aerial if/when it is put back, because there is shopping centre in the way for viewers in the town centre.

Re: PotholesCLICK HERE to see our Pothole Hotspot section

From: D Johnson

Hemel

Views: Potholes. Have lost count of times I have reported pothole at entrance to Hospital in Hillfield Rd. It is a previous patch job that has sunk over 6 inches, and causes our ambulances to jolt their passengers, some of whom are critical.

Posted on site Tuesday, April 22

Re: Watford Maternity Unit slammedClick here to see report

From: Sue

Hemel

Views: Yet again your paper revels in bashing the maternity unit at Watford. making headlines scaremongering. It has failed your notive but not mine that when this tragic story occurred the Hemel Birth Centre was open so perhaps if resources had been concentrated at Watford and not for an elitist service for the Hemel minority this incident might not have happened??

But what do you care Mr editor at least the couple of women from Hemel had the delivery they wanted in a gold standard service. It seems to me that we fail to mention how many women have delivered (me included) at Watford since 2002 or the reason why Hemel closed because the unit was unsafe!!!!

Lets stop bashing the staff who care for nearly 6000 women per year and stop grinding political axes to save a servie for a minority.

Re: Queue for allotmentsCLICK HERE to see report

From: Vanessa Manikin

Grove Hill, Hemel Hempstead Herts

Views: What welcome news to hear that the council is looking into providing more allotments for the people of Hemel Hempstead. I have recently put my name on the list, but when I heard that the list was so long I contacted my local councilor, Mr Douris, to see if we could have the Grove Hill allotments re-instated. He is now 'on the case' so I am hopeful that the area beyond the football fields can once more become a secure growing area for the locals. Lets hope it is in the not too distant future.

Re: Fears over care for MS sufferers

From: Paul Puskas

Hitchin Hertfordshire.

Views: I'm writing to draw your attention to plight of Multiple Sclerosis sufferers of Herfordfordshire whose care provision is currently under threat.

Danesbury Home, School Lane, Welwyn was originally set up for the care of MS suffers, mostly in advanced stages of the disease, both for permanent and what is called "Rolling Respite care". In 2004 there was a public consultation in which the East & North Herts Primary Care Trust committed to providing care for MS patients. It was agreed that no more permanent residential places would become available, but that 17 Rolling Respite places would always be available.

Currently the East & North PCT are ignoring their responsibilities agreed in 2004 to the dismay of residents and their families alike. Generally respite is offered to MS patients after initial assessment by Social Services and then a period of Rolling Respite care offered.

As MS is an incurable condition and its progress can rarely be halted, assessment continues and Rolling Respite provision should follow accordingly. At present, just 6 beds are being made available for Rolling Respite patients, 11 short of the agreed amount, and the duration of respite periods has been slashed, in most cases by half.

In March, all Rolling Respite patients were reassessed by Social Services, the reason for which has not been fully explained, only that the amount of care being offered seemed to be under threat. Work is being carried out at Danesbury, new televisions in every room, hoists, beds and so on. But these rooms (for the most part empty) are not being offered to the people for whom the building was intended.

In fact it is not at all clear what the East & North Herts PCT intentions are. "Friends of Danesbury", a charity based in Welwyn, who create awareness, volunteer their time and who donated 860,000 to fund the specialist unit are also none the wiser, and have had no consultation from the PCT as to what their plans are.

Danesbury Care home is a lifeline to sufferers of a terrible disease. Caring for an MS sufferer is a full time job in itself. Many of the Rolling Respite users and their carers are of advanced years and the time offered at Danesbury for respite must not be undervalued, or, indeed, undermined. East & North Herts PCT committed, publicly, to a duty of care to MS sufferers, it should not be allowed to change the terms of a public consultation and their current 'back door' tactics must not go unnoticed. Please lend your support in anyway you can. Yours Sincerely, Paul Puskas

Re: Red Kites over Hemel CLICK HERE to see our section on Red Kite sightings

From: Barbara

Bovingdon

Views: I live in Bovingdon Hight street, Four the last three days i have been seeing Red Kites over the Hight Street. What a sight, they are so elegant to watch. This is not the first time i have seen these magnificent birds. Last year, one was feeding in my back garden.

Posted on site Monday, April 21

Re: Old Kodak tower site

From: A

Hemel Hempstead

Views: It was already bad enough living under the shadow of one tower crane at the site of the old Kodak Tower but now I return home to find another one almost in my back garden! At least the first seems to be secured to the tower but this one stands like a bean pole. It may not be so high but it would land nicely on my roof if it ever came down. The site office tell me they've done all their risk assessments but could not give me a 100% guarantee that it won't topple - now that's going to help me sleep easier...NOT. Is there anyone out there that knows anything about these things? A Google search seems to throw up instances of cranes falling over but then again they are the only circumstances that would make the news I guess. Am I the only one worried?

Re: Hemel Post Office closure and movehref=Re: PotholesCLICK HERE to see our special web vote section on this issue

From: Lauren

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Does it really matter that the post office has been moved?? As a worker at Whsmith, i often get customers shouting at me because the post office has been moved into Smiths??

Please can you stop blaming the staff!! its not our fault, we didnt ask for it to be upstairs, actually our store manager contacted the necessary people to ask for it to be downstairs!!

Its just such a shame when i come into work, i often get tuts and murmurs under peoples breath, and even some people expressing their dissapointment in an angry way to me!

The fact that the post office is upstairs, there is a lift that people can use!! I know some people cant make it upstairs, but the smith staff are more than happy to help anyone! Please stop blaming us! Thanks

Posted on site Sunday, April 20

Re: Family's fuel bills sky highRe: Red Kites over Hemel CLICK HERE to see report

From: Ms Jayne Sears

Hemel Hempstead

Views: BOILER BLUES FOR FAMILY IN THE COLD. These days every one moans about the cold. I am only middle aged and when I was growing up we only had an electric fire in the living room, and we coped just fine.

Re A41 slip road 'danger'

From: Simon Icke

Aston Clinton

Views: BOURNE END SOUTH BOUND SLIP ROAD off A41 Yet another serious accident! Yet another major accident today Sat 19 April 2008 approx 4.30 pm at this accident black spot. How many more before the authorities own up to the fact this slip road is so badly designed for the A41 by pass, a fast travelling dual carrage way? It is so short, down hill, with a very sharp right angled, left hand bend, without any warnings or speed ristrictions. The scene of many accidents including previous fatalities. How many more? Before action is taken to make this slip road safer?

Re: Red Kites over Hemel CLICK HERE to see our section on Red Kite sightings

From: Karen Dancer

warners end, Hemel hempsted

Views: After visiting Waddesdon Manor in Bucks recentley,and getting a glimpse of the Red Kite birds flying close by,you can imagine my excitement when i looked out of my loft window the other afternoon and spotted one flying overhead.I was so chuffed to think they are becoming more common over Hemel Hempstead.Infact,two days later my husband who is a GreenKeeper in Hemel spotted one overhead,unfortunatley it was being bothered by a crow,its a shame that we are not all happy to see them around!!!

From: Don

Views: I live in bovingdon and the other day I saw 7 red kites four were circling at about 500 feet and the others were really low, I have seen them here before but never in that amount. they were amazing to watch.

Posted on site Saturday, April 19

Re: Crisis meeting over M1 delaysCLICK HERE to see report

From: Anon

Views: You should try getting from Luton to Hemel anytime at the moment, its ridiculous!we have to crawl all the way c'mon highways agency get it sorted.

Re: Hemel Post Office closure and movehref=Re: PotholesCLICK HERE to see our special web vote section on this issue

From: Bob Jones

Old Town Hemel

Views: Another punishment to the people of Hemel from this government & it's bedfellows for not voting Labour. As for W H Smith doing the job,they'll do us no favours. The thing that worries me is what will happen when they decide that they don't want to do the job anymore because it's not worth the trouble

Posted on site Friday, April 18

Re: PotholesCLICK HERE to see our Pothole Hotspot section

From: Roy Lathwell

Hemel Hempstead

Views:: I work on Maxted Road and it's a disgrace. Countless large potholes and long stretches of the road sinking along the entire length due to shoddy quick-fixes by utility contracters but it's pointless reporting it. I did so and my complaint was quickly marked as having been dealt with when in fact only one pothole was filled despite there being at least half a dozen more within a few paces.

A colleague of mine did the same and received the same thorough response. Are the maintenance workers blind, stupid or too obstinate to do more than the minimum required on their job sheet? Cars are forced into the middle of the road to avoid the holes and any cyclist using the road is taking their life into their hands.

Some of the other roads feeding off of the industrial estate are no better and Northridge Way in Chaulden/Warners End is a death trap. My other half had to replace a tyre late last year due to a pothole in Three Cherrytrees Lane and the council has so far refused to compensate us. I'm not a driver myself but even I'm appalled at the condition of the roads in this town.

Re: Hemel Post Office closure and movehref=Re: PotholesCLICK HERE to see our special web vote section on this issue

From: Pauline Willcocks

Piccotts End

Views: Has anyone thought how pensioners in motorised chairs can access upstairs at Smiths to get to the Post Office? The lift is small and will probably only take 2 vehicles at the most. If there are several motorised chairs trying to access the lift on pension day then this will clog access to Smiths. A stupid idea all around.

From: Tina

Hemel hempstead

Views: I agree with all of what has been said. I use the post office twice a week , have difficulty with mobility but luckily my children are not so young because what has the new accomodation have that the old did not? Sweets and drinks where you have to queue! Not to mention all the other nice things the kids are screaming for sending parents into a frenzy of frustration. Not only forced to use somewhere inappropriate they are trying to make money from those collecting benefits. And not all estates have post offices hence the reason i use the main one.

Re: Berkhamsted Station car park

From: Rob Bambridge

Berkhamsted

Views: This week contractors have been installing Pay and Display ticket machines at Berkhamsted railway station. I've had a chat with the old chap who currently runs the ticket booth, to hear that the car park operators have made him redundant and will leave the car park unmanned once the P&D machines are acticvated. This is bad enough, but the FEE INCREASE is even worse. The car park charge, which has already increased 11% from 4.50 to 5.00 recently, will be increasing again to 5.70, a further 14% increase, or 26% on the original amount. Additionally Sundays and Bank Holidays, which are currently FREE, will cost 3.00 once the machines are activated.

Murderer jailed for life CLICK HERE to see report

From: D

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

Views: Still sad your gone neil, life was'nt a long enough sentence

Posted on site Thursday, April 17

Re Re Post Office closure and move: CLICK HERE to see latest comments

Re: Tampered post woe for pensionerTo see report, Click here

From: kc

hemel

Views: Re; Postal Complaints I am a postman in Hemel and find it unbelievable that your newspaper and a selection of your readers have such a negative attitude towards us and the Royal Mail.

Us postman are only human and yes we do make mistakes. The odd letter will be mis-sorted and yes you may get a letter through your door that isn't yours. This is not done on purpose and is human error.

We start our job at 6am and sort thousands of letters in a short period of time so we can get out on our rounds and deliver your mail. Numerous times I have delivered letters that have insufficient address details on and on some occasions no number/street name on yet we use our own knowledge and that of a fellow postie if they know who/where it should be going to.

We never get thanked for that. Only when there is a problem do you and your readers suddenly feel the need to have a moan.

Postman/woman have a very hard job to do and have to carry extremly heavy bags throughout their duty with the constant worry of the lovely dog whos never bitten anyone before suddenly lunges at you but we get moaned about because the odd letter in a million gets put in the wrong letterbox.

Yes I agree it shouldn't happen but it does and always will. Nobody in this world is perfect and if you think that delivering to in excess of 500 houses every day is so easy why don't you apply for a job and then maybe the Royal Mail will become as perfect as your error free paper and your ever so perfect readers.

Whilst there are the odd dodgy postie about the vast majority are very honest hardworking people who strive to do a good job in all weathers without the right tools for the job. Any envelope that looks opened doesn't mean it has been. Many cards that are sent through the post are not sealed properly as the gum on the envelope is not sufficient enough to hold it. USE SELOTAPE. Every house has some so use it.

If your postie puts a signed delivery through your door then they are more than likely trying to be helpful. If you happen to be out when he calls and this is more often now as posties don't start delivering until approx 9am then when you get back from being out you will have to traipse down to the local sorting office in Park Lane(parking vey limited) after 24 hours and queue up for at least fifteen minutes before getting served by the overworked person trying to find your parcel/letter.

Why moan at someone who is actually helping you out. Soon we will stop being helpful.

Then again that will give you something else to blame the postman for as this is what seems to happen in Hemel. Speak to your postie. We won't bite.

If you do not want signed for items put through you letterbox tell him/her. They won't do it again. More communication in this world would benefit everybody.

Re: Residents campaign to save recycling centre CLICK HERE to see report

From: Barbara Burch

Tring

Views: It is crazy to think that the 'officials' think it is a wise decision to close the Tring Dump (or should i say recycling centre!).

I thought that todays environmental issues are the best way to pull in the votes..those seen to be doing something about the environment are far more popular then those who are not. So why on earth would they want to close the centre down??

It seems to me that by closing the dump they create more environmental issues as people will have to travel further afield to recycle their waste. In an age where the children are coming home from school and dictating what needs to be recycled and insisting that all excess packaging be sorted, recycled or used for something completely random just to save throwing it away, that available recycling centres should be treasured not shut down.!!!

This proposal is a slap in the face to all those who are environmentally aware and who are doing as instructed by these same officials and disposing of their waste responsibly. And what is proposed for the site anyway?? probably more over priced luxury apartments that no one can afford and ensures the housing market stays ridiculously high! I am sure we won't be seeing much needed family council housing being built on there. I can honestly say that i believe this proposal is one of the most ridiculous things i have heard in awhile.

Murderer jailed for life CLICK HERE to see report

From: RL

Hemel

Views: Life should mean life.

Travelling by bus made easier CLICK HERE to see report

From: D

Hemel Hempstead

Views: I was pleased to read about the screens being placed at bus stops in Riverside. It can be really confusing for passengers and drivers have often either ignored my request for them to stop altogether or at least reprimanded me for failing to psychically guess where I should wait!

I wonder if the screens could be rolled out along Marlowes too? On the other hand, as John Dodson points out in his blog, there's still no way of knowing if a bus has been delayed/cancelled. As far as I'm aware, the screens only show the SCHEDULED arrival times.

We're celebrating the introduction of these very basic screens, when real-time displays showing delays and expected ETAs have been standard issue at bus stops in mainland Europe for years!

Not even Transport for London have introduced such an initiative in our Capital City. It really puts us to shame! Whilst browsing John's blog, I also read with amusement his entry about mobile phones.

I once boarded a bus, where the driver was going on and on to an off-duty driver stood next to her, about how she had reproached a previous passenger for the use of their mobile phone. In a tone loud enough to be heard by myself and all other passengers at the front of the bus, she kept repeating to her colleague "you just don't want to hear another person's entire conversation do you?".

Not only that but she then proceeded to audibly call another driver a "stupid cow" for not letting her out at a junction! The irony of the situation evidently escaped her.

Re: Park and Ride service axed

From: vince scott

dunstable

Views: ive just found out, and by copmlete accident that the park and ride scheme from gadebridge to Hemel town centre has been scrapped. I thought, that the whole idea of p & r schemes were to keep the traffic out of the town centres. Well, how wrong can you be. This is so typical of what councils up and down the country are doing now. It was obvious what was going to happen when all the free bus passes were issued, to cut as many schemes and services to pay for it all. No doubt in my mind that the majority of the councillors who made this total misjudgement dont even live in Hemel or even begin to understand the problems of local people. So long as they get their thousandss of pounds expensives all is ok.If that is'nt bad enough, no one knew about it and were standing at bus stops waiting for a bus that was not even in service. THANKS A LOT COUNCIL..Fell free to put up my tax as well!!! running.

Posted on site Wednesday, April 16

CLICK HERE To see report

From: Sandra Murphy

Tring

Views: Doctors Dilemma Why should the doctor in question have to open at weekends , he has to have a life beyond his work, It is only a small minority that want weekend opening and believe me they will be the very people who will not turn up for the appointment .

Re Potholes: CLICK HERE To see all the reports so far to our Pothole Hotspot

From: Bill KEAR

Nash Mills

Views: Serious potholes at the bottom of belswains lane near the factory, and they continue along to Red Lion lane

Posted on site Tuesday, April 15

Re Red Kite over HemelCLICK HERE to see earlier reports, photos and background

From: julie

hemel hempstead

Views: red kite sighting sun 13/4/08, top of queensway at aprox 13.30 swooped down in front of my car to grass verge then back up over trees on jupiter drive school field. Has taken a couple of days to work out what bird it was! An awesome sight.We feel very lucky.

Re Re Post Office closure and move: CLICK HERE to see other readers' views on this, our online vote and links to background stories

From: sue hicks

hemel hempstead

Views: What is about the people who make the decisions for what goes on in Hemel. I believe none of them can live here otherwise they would not make such ludicrous decisions, they obviously have no brain and certainly no compasion for the elderley, disabled and parents with young children Conclusion - they are all single with no children no elderley parents and no-one disabled in there family that is of course if they are actually human, I have my doubts.

Posted on site Monday, April 14

Re Re Post Office closure and move: CLICK HERE to see other readers' views on this, our online vote and links to background stories

From: Karen Herbert

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Re: Post Office moving to WH Smiths. What a stupid idea! I could understand if the Post Office was to be re-located to the ground floor of WH Smith's, but to the 1st floor beggars belief! Straightaway, the people behind this move are alienating the elderly, disabled and those with pushchairs & buggies.

Yes, there is a lift, but that can only take so many people. What if a wheelchair is to wide to fit into the lift? That person is stuck. Also, what if the lift breaks down? I know full well from my current job, that lift repair companies don't always respond straightaway to call outs for broken down lifts. Hemel Hempstead is already a dump. This is just another addition to a list of things that make the town the dump that it is.

Re: Living with teenagers

From: Susan Lyus

Berkhamsted

Views: There are still places available on a FREE Parenting course at Ashlyns School, Berkhamsted. All parents welcome, whether currently a parent of a teenager, or thinking of the future. The course is called Living with Teenagers and runs from Thurs 17th April to 22nd May, 7.30 - 9.30pm. To book your place ring Susan Lyus on 07854 685909

Re Snapshots of life in 1970s Hemel: CLICK HERE to see the photos

From: Paula

Hi, the photos of Hemel in the 1970's are brilliant.

I was born in London, and my family moved us to Hemel in 1973 when I was almost 4......I do have great memories of growing up in Hemel..

I went to Mountbatten School which is now where Jarman Park and Tescos is situated, I have vivid memories of going into town after school with my friends, and going up to the WIMPY BAR which was situated roughly where the top end of the marlowes centre is. It had a winding footpath with a fountain in the middle and the wimpy bar was at the top, and it served up great knickerbockerglorys.

The photos you have shown of the statue and the yellow flowers I believe are at the far end of town where riverside is now situated, and I think that is where Robert Macalpine building was, correct me if I am wrong. I also remember the wagon and horses pub, which was a great place, my friend's mum worked there in the kitchen, so we often went into beer garden after school for a lemonade and a bag of crisps.

So many memories of such yesteryear, going to Saturday morning pictures where the full house is now, and having a cone of chips round the corner in seafarer chip shop, when the pictures had finished.

There used to be a great open plan bakers in bridge street I think it was called don millers, and my family used to go there every Saturday for their jam doughnuts.

Another memory was the chelsea girl clothes shop which was on the corner of bridge street which is now a building society.

What alot of nostalgic memories of such a town that is now full of pound shops, coffee shops, pubs, and a post office that is so small you couldnt even swing a cat in it..Oh the joys!!!

Re Tring Rugby Club

From: Deric Newman

Secretary Tring Rugby Union Football Club

Cow Lane Tring

Views: Sir, On behalf of the players and staff at Tring Rugby Club a quick note to thank the people of town for their support on Saturday when the first team won the London 2 North league title, and with it promotion to London One. Over 400 spectators, a record number for a standard league game, cheered the team home from the sidelines and helped make the day all the more memorable. It is this support from the local community which makes Tring such a great place to play sport. We hope that they enjoyed the day as much as we did and will be joining us again next season. Yours faithfully Deric Newman Secretary Tring RUFC

Posted on site Sunday, April 13

Re: Council tax blunderTo see report, CLICK HERE

From: Norman Cutting

BERKHAMSTED

Views: Cllr Andrew Fairburn says "It's an error for which I'm responsible. The task is what we do about it." The answer is in his own hands! Whoops, it's not the done thing to actually take responsibility for errors and resign in politics, is it? Perhaps the computer which committed this sin, should be pensioned off - no, not a good idea as that would 'reward the wrongdoer. Perhaps Berkhamsted (where he represents), Tring (the recipients of the error)and Dacorum (portfolio holder paymaster) should have a by-election to restore confidence.

Posted on site Saturday, May 12

Re: Pavilion 'axeman' to be honouredTo see report, Click here

From: Stephen Cox

Abbots Langley

Views: I could not believe my eyes when I picked up last week's Gazette upon discovering that former Conservative councillor Julian Taunton was being awarded an honour.

Making the man who controversially bulldozed the Pavilion to the ground and whose party then broke their promise to provide a state-of-the-art replacement venue by 2006 a Freeman of the Borough demeans the very essence of the award.

Posted Friday, May 11

Re: Hemel Post Office closure/moveTo see more views on this and Online Vote Click here

From: Ken Spicer

Hemel Hempstead

Views: I wish to nominate the designer of the new WH Smith "Post Office in an upstairs cupboard" for this years "Einstein Award".

Only a genius could have come up with a way of clearing the town centre of anyone with a heart condition or high blood pressure, mums with kids in buggies, infirm or disabled people or anyone suffering from claustrophobia!

It's brilliant! Six months from now when these people have found they can still get their pensions, savings,family allowances and other "postal services" from the few remaining Post Offices out of town, there will be less people cluttering up our nice town, making it a much nicer place to be!

Oh, and when WH Smith finds it has a an empty top floor, perhaps it could negotiate with the NHS to make it in to an A&E Unit or Maternity Wing?

Re: Tampered post woe for pensionerTo see report, Click here

From: Terry

Hemel Hempstead

Views: As a postman im fed up with criticism letters get damaged its annoying yes but it happens and the reason postmen/women put letters through the door that require signature is so the customer doesnt have to go and collect the letter packet from the delivery office it's called trying to be helpful

Posted on site Thursday, April 10

Re: Pavilion 'axeman' to be honouredTo see report, Click here

From: martin crowhurst

hemel hempstead

Views: How dare they give a man who has ruined the night life in hemel by knocking down the pavilion and giving the children no where safe to paddle in the park be given a freeman of the borough what do the council think they are doing there are more worthy people in dacorum who deserve to be honoured i have never been more disgusted with the council in this town as i am now with this news the other people listed in the article are people who deserve there honour julian tauton i am afraid in not worthy of this

Re:Snap shot of life in 1970s Hemelhots-of-life-in.3964682.jp>To see report and photos, Click here

From: Jacqui

Views: Just seen your photos of Hemel from the 1970's and thought I could help with some of the photos. The Church shown is Holy Trinity in Leverstock Green and the park shown afterwards is the Cricket Pitch alongside The Horseshoe in Leverstock Green opposite the village shops which are also depicted showing the Spar shop which is still in existence. Hope this is of some help. Thought the photos themselves were fascinating.

Posted on site, Wednesday April 9

Re: Hemel Post Office closes and moves to WH Smith'sTo see report, Click here

From: Paula Thomas

Warners End Hemel Hempstead

Views: SO WE ARE NOW GOING TO LOOSE THE MAIN POST OFFICE IN TOWN, AND TRANSFER TO WH SMITHS!!

HAS ANYONE THOUGHT HOW THIS IS GOING TO AFFECT THE ELDERY AND INFIRM WHO WILL ALL HAVE TO SQUEEZE INTO THE LIFTS TO MAKE THEIR WAY UPSTAIRS TO COLLECT THEIR PENSIONS ETC.

I FOR ONE RELY ON THE POST OFFICE ON A WEEKLY BASIS, AND AM VERY GRATEFUL THAT CHAULDEN POST OFFICE IS WITHIN REACH TO MY HOME. THE STAFF IN THE CHAULDEN POST OFFICE ARE 100% HELPFUL, FRIENDLY AND CHEERFUL.

I FEEL VERY SORRY FOR THE STAFF OF THE MAIN POST OFFICE WHO, I HEAR FROM SOME OF THEM THAT HAVE SERVED ME THAT, THEY ARE TO LOOSE THEIR JOBS!!

DISGRACEFUL!!! THIS TOWN IS BECOMING A JOKE, BUT LOW AND BEHOLD WE HAVE ANOTHER COFFEE SHOP BEING OPENED (AT THE OLD CARD WAREHOUSE SHOP)

IM SURE WE ALL NEED COFFEE, BUT SURELY ADEQUATE POST OFFICE FACILITIES ARE MORE IN NEED THAN A FLAMING LATTE OR A CAPUCCINO!!

LETS HOPE WH SMITH CAN TAKE THE STRAIN OF ALL OF HEMEL HEMPSTEAD COMING IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP TO GET TO THE POST OFFICE COUNTER......IF NOT THEN IM SURE THEY CAN ALL GO ON THEIR COFFEE BREAKS AND WAIT FOR THE RUSH TO DIE DOWN..

To see the latest Pothole Hotspots in Hemel, Click here

Re: Tampered post woe for pensionerTo see report, Click here

From: Lesley

Hemel Hempstead

Views: In December, a soaking wet and broken A4 envelope containing confidential information about my daughter's financial affairs was shoved through my letterbox. I wrote a letter of complaint, handed it personally to a Manager, together with the damaged envelope in the local Sorting Office and never ever received a reply. In both January and February, two Recorded Delivery letters were put through my letterbox without ever being signed for. I haven't even bothered to complain as they never respond. What on earth is happening to our Royal Mail!

Posted on site Tuesday, April 8

Re: Fair Trade

From: Nicky Bull

Tring

Views: In many communities the argument about the impact of supermarkets rages on, and this is certainly true in Tring as we assess the impact of Marks & Spencer joining Tesco and competing for our custom.

But whichever store we shop from, we should remember that the food we buy often comes from some of the world's poorest countries. The charity ActionAid has uncovered cases of women in India being paid as little as 30p a day to process cashew nuts for British supermarkets. The way some of our supermarkets do business means that people are not paid and treated fairly for producing the goods we buy.

After a long investigation into supermarket power, the Competition Commission will report its findings into the effect of supermarkets by the beginning of May.

ActionAid believes that the Commission must recommend a new watchdog to regulate how supermarkets do business with their suppliers. I support their campaign because it could go a long way to ensuring that the millions of workers who supply British supermarkets receive a living wage. I would encourage your readers to add their support at www.actionaid.org.uk/whopays

Re: Alarm

From: crazy woman

Hemel Hempstead.

Views: Why can't someone switch off the bleeping alarm on the empty Hogs head? Its been going off for days. The poor people that live in the flats above.

Posted on site Monday, April 7

Re: Travellers' homes up for debateClick here to see original story

From: Tirsha

hemel hempstead

Views: What more travellers sites! Wish my kids (both born here @ St. Pauls, yes, another hospital they pulled down!)could have got a home here so easily.

Re Charity collectors

From: Janet

Kings Langley

Views: I was appalled to read Keith Carrington's comment from 25th March of his encounter with a street collector in Hemel. I hope Mr Carrington and others will not assume that all charities holding collections in the town centre use paid collectors or that their collectors will behave in such a manner as to upset people. The Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted Branch of Cats Protection has held an annual street collection in the Marlowes for a number of years and we have been fortunate to have generous support from local people, for which we are extremely grateful. In our Branch we are all unpaid volunteers who give our time for free. Anyone who wishes to collect money in the street or any public place must obtain a street collection permit from the Council, so any complaints about the conduct of collectors should be addressed to the Council.

Re: Broken lift at sheltered housing blockClick here to see original story

From: emma young

hemel hempstead

Views: re broken lift at sheltered housing block I know first hand how the residents of Betty Patterson House feel about having to cope without a lift as I visit my Nan who lives there a couple of times a week. She lives on the 2nd floor and has to climb 4 flights of stairs.

The residents of the 3rd floor have to climb 6 flights of stairs. My Nan is one of the lucky ones as she is able to manage on the stairs - although she does have to use the chairs that a "kind council person" put on each landing because she suffers with asthma and gets out of breath.

But there are many other residents who have been left unable to get out simply because they rely on the lift to take them to the ground floor where their wheelchair/electric scooter is waiting.

Some of my Nans neighbours have no-one to help them carry their shopping up - the entrance hall is packed with shopping trolleys because it is just impossible to get them up the stairs.

The residents of Betty Patterson House are elderly people and I find it disgusting that the council expect them to wait another 6-8 weeks for the lift to be repaired ( information the residents were told week beginning 31st March ).

Re Potholes in Hemel's roadsClick here to see Hemeltoday's Updated Pothole Hotspots as reported to us by readers

From: Llyn Hay

Hemel Hempstead

Views: There are so many potholes in the roads around Hemel it would be more economical to slow traffic down by making all the holes deeper, rather than making speed humps!! The pavements and kerbs are dangerous, made worse by service vehicles driving across them -what a seedy town Hemel has become. Why is this council spending so much money on huge sculptured eyesores when practically every road in the town is in such desperate need of proper resurfacing, it certainly is'nt visitor friendly!

Posted on site Sunday, April 6

Re: Community spirit

From: Cllr Lloyd Harris, Liberal Democrat

Mortimer Hill Tring

Views: THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY On Friday night I was alerted to the fact my neighbour's hedge was on fire by a passing local resident. With help from a relative we filled up watering cans to put out the flames. Fortunately my neighbour managed to get the worst of the fire out with a bucket of water. This shows the sense of community here, with neighbours helping each other, and the value of neighbourhood watch. I hope that, with the Government forcing the building of thousands of new homes in this part of the country, that this community spirit and neighbourliness is not lost.

Re: Tring Station car park

From: GRAHAM SMITH

ASTON CLINTON

Views: TRING STATION CAR PARK What a complete waste of money. All we need is for the 500 bus to go that 'extra mile' and drop off commuters at the station instead of turning off at Cow Lane. It will stop everybody trying to park their cars in the car park and Arriva making a handsome profit. Just cannot understand why Arriva buses will not turn round at Tring Station. So much for promoting 'public transport' Think Arriva should read this letter Graham Smith

Posted on site Saturday, April 5

Re: Free bus passes for Over 60s

From: Ian Brown

Hemel

Views: Dacorum over 60`s have now received their `go anywhere` free bus passes. They can be used for a free ride anywhere in England including to London and back on Green Line providing that they don`t board the coach in HH before 0930.

A lady in the Arriva booking office at the bus station said that Arriva are hoping that the over 60s don`t return from London during the evening rush hour as this precludes fare-paying passenger (some of whom have purchased an annual ticket at 1,000 or more) from boarding the coach in London for their journey home.

Apparently, last Tuesday, the day after the issue of the tickets, there was a lot of over 60`s queueing in London for the Green Line during the evening rush home. Note: these passes are issued to over 60`s, not stricktly OAPs !

Click here to see Hemeltoday's Updated Pothole Hotspots as reported to us by readers

Posted on site Friday. April 4

Re: Are you paying too much council tax?Click here to see original story

From: Jill Trembeth

Berkhamsted

Views: I have just read the article regarding the gentleman who is attempting to claim back Council tax due to incorrect banding in 1991. I moved into my previous house in 2002 and last year, after seeing Martin Lewis talking about just this on the TV, I put in a claim and was successful.

After following the advice I found that my mid terrace townhouse was banded higer than both my immediate neighbours. I received several thousand pounds back. I don't have the paperwork to hand and cannot remember the exact price. I first received a letter saying that they would not accept my claim as it was over the timescale but I could appeal, but before I put in my appeal a cheque arrived in settlement of my claim.

Re: Potholes in local roadsClick here to see Hemeltoday's Updated Pothole Hotspots as reported to us by readers

From: Jim Keyte

Hemel Hempstead

Views: If people seeing potholes in the road should log onto www.Hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults you will get quite a quick response plus a number which you key in to see the progress of your

Posted on site Thursday, April 3

Re: Miss Herts (and other) beauty competitionsClick here to see original story

From: Brian Pratt

Auckland New Zealand

Details: Miss Hertfordshire/England Whilst not wishing to denigrate the charitable endeavours and personal aspirations of the young women participating in these 'beauty pageants' I am nontheless pretty amazed that in 2008 these 'Teeth,Tits and Tiara' contests are still going strong. You only need to scroll down the photo gallery of the Miss England website to see that there is a very fine line between Cheese, Tease and Sleaze in the way many of the girls are presented. Would be interested to know what others think?

Re: Tampered post woe for pensioner Click here to see original story

From: Peter

Hemel Hempstead

Views: In reply to the lady who had recorded delivery letter posted through her door would she have rather the postman/woman had taken it back to the delivery office and made her go and collect it I can see why she is upset about bank letter but with regards to the recorded delivery he/she was only trying to be helpful

Re Neighbours celebrate planning refusal Click here to see original story

From: Andy Messenger

Hemel Hempstead

Views: I read with interest the article about fouracres walk. Our neighbour also intends to demolish his garages and build an ATTACHED house onto the side of his.

This will turn our semi detached into an end of terrace. We have been told by several local estate agents that this will significantly devalue our home. According to the planning office this is NOT a reason to refuse planning permission. As one local estate agent has told us Ellingham Road is sought after as it has only semi detached and detached houses in it. We are concerned not only for ourselves but for the rest of Ellingham Road.

If this planning application is granted then this will set a precedent for the rest of the houses. Every semi detached home owner will be in fear of the same happening to them. Devaluing their property, reducing their investment and spoiling the look of their home and our road.

We are sure you will agree that Ellingham Road is currently a pleasant place to live in. We have relatively few parked cars in the road, plenty of nice gardens and space between the houses. This proposed building will mean that more cars are parked in the street and yet another garden will be dug up.

The road may end up looking like Coronation Street as each house will be attached to the next. I wonder how far over our town this is happening and if the people of hemel realize how our town is being ruined by this governments plan to fill this area with houses.

Posted on site Wednesday, April 2

Re: Council boss earns more than PMClick here to see original story

From: Brian Langdon-Pratt

Hong Kong

Views: While i have little gd to say about the way the socialists have mangled the management of the country over the past ten years the OFFICE is of supreme impotance . how a civil sevant representing herts can command that type of salary beggers belef. one wonders then a ( what idiocy allowed the pay scale b( how many other '' public sevants ''( with their protected status ] are being payed -- i don;t use the word -- earning''as they obviosly don;t;; c 100000 gbp per annum . ??? brian langdon- pratt

Posted on site Tuesday, April 1

Re: Council boss earns more than PMClick here to see original story

From: Ernie

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Up and up goes the council tax and up and up go council officials' salaries. How can it be right a county chief executive earns more than the PM and 12 others earns over 100,000. This is just the county council - how much do Dacorum Borough Council officers earn? The total bill must be astronomocal?? Do we need two councils? Do we need all these 100,000 officers?

Posted on site Monday, March 31

Re: Unreliable bus route in the spotlightClick here to see original story

From: Danielle

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Re unreliable bus route (26th March) I'm really glad someone at the Council is taking this problem seriously. I've had to complain to Arriva about late/early-running or non-arriving services almost every other week over the last 7 or so months and also get similar responses every time.

I notice that Arriva have recently lost a number of council contracts. Let's hope the companies now running these routes do a better job. As for the 'commercial' services, I'm not sure what can be done but I imagine that if a rival operator were to start up a service in direct competiton with the most unreliable Arriva routes it might do very well.

Re: Potholes

From: GRAEME SIMPSON

Leverstock Green

Views: Rants Meadow has just been resurfaced and the pavements repaired,now the water board is going to dig it up to repair the drains,amazing.The pot holes in Tile Kiln Lane,Kiln Croft and at the large cross roads near the citroen garage in Hemel Hempstead are a disgrace.The ones at the cross roads near the citroen garage are at least 6 inches deep and cover about 4 square feet,they are incredibly dangerous.Any one on a motor bike is dicing with death.

See also Hemeltoday's own Pothole Hotspots, click here

Re Charity collections in street (See comment earlier this month)

From: Tony Castle

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Regarding charity collectors: please remember there's a difference between people shaking a tin (volunteers!), and those people with clipboards/folders who want to sign you up. The clipboard people are paid upwards of eight pounds an hour, and want a lot of money for you (of course they do, there a lot of staff wages to pay!). What angers me the most is you never see the clipboard people stopping rich men in suits! It's always woman and younger people they stop.

Fears for shops

From: mick

hemel

Views: On a walk around the Marlowe's and the new riverside shopping centres there are still a lot of empty units to let or for sale. In a recent article in the gazette there was concern that all the new shops that had opened where large corporations there for the money they made was not staying in the local area.

I have used the local shoe repair shop in the Marlowe's centre on many occasions they saved me about 100 pounds when they cut a new key for my car and then reset the key so it would work the cars immobiliser. I was told at the weekend the shop will be closing with the loss of jobs because the Marlowe's centres very large rent increase surely with all the empty units the centre would want to keep the shops not price them out of business. there business is shops that are open surely.

Posted on site Sunday, March 30

Re: Broken lift at sheltered housing blockClick here to see original story

Name: Ex Hemel resident

Australia

Views: My parents live in Betty Patterson House After giving them a call I have been informed from my Mother that the lift is still not working and has not been for 2 weeks. She mentioned that this was in the Gazette.

However still nothing has been done to get this fixed. These people have been in wars to fight for what we have today and yet they are treated like this. The council should be ashamed. I have sent e-mails to various people in the council waiting they response. I can not believe that I have to do this from Australia,

Worrying that my Mother can not get out of the flat without struggling up 2 flights of stairs when over 80yrs old, My Father needs the lift he can not get of of the flat at all. Concerned x Hemel resident I would like some results

Re: Potholes

From: Maureen

Berkhamsted

Views: The potholes in Berkhamsted by Ashlyns School are disgusting. There are two kerb pinchers by St Edmunds which are really bad especially if you have a chronic back condition like myself.

See also Hemeltoday's own Pothole Hotspots, click here

Posted on Site Saturday, March 29

Re: Hemel Hempstead PostOffice to close and moveClick here to see original story

From: J G

Hemel Hempstead.

Views: I'd heard about the closure of Post Offices. 'Poor things!' I thought, imagining a little village in remotest Hertfordshire deprived of a valuable facility. Today I went into WH Smith, toiled up the stairs to the top floor, and discovered that the back half of the upstairs floor will become our new Post Office on 10th April.

Is this a well-thought out idea? Many stairs - old people, mothers with prams and toddlers. One lift, yes. But...Can you picture it? Half the present area - queues at the present Post Office sometimes stretch out almost to the street, even with the contrived snaking. The staff didn't seem too keen about it. Someone tell me it's only a nightmare.

Re: Card cloningTo see report from January, click here,

From: robert nisbet

hemel hempstead

Views: i am emailing you regarding cloning of bank cards. i have had my card cloned once again! this time they have robbed me of 571.00! the card was cloned in hemel at a petrol station. all of the fraudulant payments have been taken from automatic payment systems and also in stores on the un manned till points.perhaps if they stopped the use of these till points etc the amount of fraudulant sales would stop?

Re: Pick eco bagsClick here to see story

Mrs Brenda hayes

Pimlico Hemel hempstead

Views: So much has been said recently regarding the careless use of plastic bags in our supermarkets. The press have done their best to make people aware of the danger to the environment, but you only have to stand at the exit doors to see how much good it has done. On the other hand, look along the line at the checkout, and you will see which section of the public are doing their bit by bringing their own bags, and it's us oldies. These reusable bags cost very little and last forever. They stay in the car boot until needed. It takes so little

Posted on site Friday, March 28

Re: Water leak is a wasteClick here to see story

From: Richard

Views vRe: Water leak is a 'waste' As someone who works for a utility company in the South East of England I can confirm that gaining access to the highway in order to carry out repairs is possibly going to get even more dificult. The Traffic Management Act comes into force on the 1st April and changes the way that any one who wishes to work in the highway has to apply and plan for it. Whilst this will enable councils to manage the work occuring on their roads more effectively it will also mean that events such as this leak will potentially take longer to rectify.

Re: Yellow lines considered for busy roadClick here to see story

From: Priscilla Milton

Tring

Views: As a resident of Akeman Street who most evenings upon arrival home from work at around 7.30 p.m. is unable to gain access up the road without mounting the pavement because of parked cars, I would welcome the introduction of double yellow lines.

However, I would ask that the lines be continued if not continuously certainly either side of the access into Rodwell Yard where cars park right up to the entrance, making it difficult to both turn in and more importantly to exit the Yard without "taking your life into your hands" because of poor visibility up and down the street.

The parking problems at the top of the road are particularly bad in the day at weekends when the road is blocked by visitors to the Museum parking there. The concern not only is for gaining access - which can take 10 minutes on some occasions to get down Akeman Street to the High Street (a 2 minute walk) but also that there is no way that emergency service vehicles (in particular fire engines) would be able to gain access up the street. I strongly support double yellow lines for the whole length of Akeman Street to give residents safe and reasonable access to their homes.

There are 3 car parks within the town all within 5 minutes walk of Akeman Street, and in the evenings there are no parking charges.

Posted on site Thursday, March 27

Re: War veteran gets hump over potholesSee story, Click here

From: Shirley

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Potholes, potholes everywhere! I think almost every road in Hemel Hempstead needs resurfacing. Just filling in potholes is not the answer as within a short while the infill has sunk. A major one that I use frequently is the one on the traffic lights on London Road/Two Waters Way I am sure that my tyres and suspension is suffering because of this and it cannot be avoided if you are going into Hemel from Apsley.

See also Hemeltoday's own Pothole Hotspots, click here

Posted on site Wednesday, March 26

Re: Give horse riders space on the road

From: Catherine Belso

Abbotts Langley

Views: I am writing this e mail as I would like the oppotunity to raise awareness for horses on the roads. Last Friday I had an accident on my horse when a bus came up close to me (brushing my leg) and put his air breaks on. My young horse was scared out of his wits, lost his balance and fell over causing me to fall off in the road.

The bus driver did not stop. This is the last straw for me as it was a proffessional driver who should have known better, not only did he endanger my life, my horses life, his life and others on the bus, but also the lives of other drivers and their passengers. I was so furious, but to be honest it was just a matter of time before something like that happened.

People just do not slow down or pass wide enough, when asked to they respond by speeding up or giving 'v' signs!!! This incident happened on the Bedmond road. On this road there are a number of livery yards and two riding schools.

The riding schools have young and inexperianced children that they take out. I would love the local people to be educated on the importance of slowing down before a child or driver is killed through ignorance. Can you help? I have spoken to the two riding schools on that road, Lisa at Mansion house Farm and Zoe at High Herts and both have said they'd be happy to talk to you and tell you off some of the incidents that have happened on the roads due to ignorant and selfish driving.

The big problem we have is there are so many footpaths and not enough bridelways, in order to get to most of the rides we are allowed to use, we must do road work. I now fear I will never be able to ride my young horse safely on the road as he is now scared. If we cant safely ride on the roads where can we ride?

Could you imagine if there were these restrictions on owning dogs or cats? We spend alot of time and money looking after our kind and beautiful animals, we should be able to enjoy them. Maybe if these ignorant people were aware that if they scare our horses and they jump in the road, they themselves could be killed.

When a half ton of horse hits a windscreen the driver and passenger would not stand a chance. I do hope you dont think this is all waffel and I've made myself clear. People in this area need to be educated, we no longer have campaigns on the telly informing people of the dangers.

Posted on site Tuesday, March 25

Re: Charity collectors in the street

From: Keith Carrington

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Having been approached by a charity collector in Hemel Town centre last week. The collector stated that I should donate a minimum of 8.00 per month. this in itself seems a bit extreme, as the amount I might donate should be my decision.

When asked if the collector was a paid collector she replied yes I get 8.50 per hour. I am appalled that I am approached for a donation to such a deserving cause only to be asked for a minimum amount and then to realise that the collectors take 8.50 per hour fome the amounts.

There were at least 10 collectors on the marlowes and each one takes the 8.50 per hour for up to 10 hours per day. That is a great deal of money donated that will never reach the Charity office.

I can only say to the generous people of Hemel Hempstead if you wish to donate to any charity please consider doing so direct to them and an amount that you decide.

And also you might ask any collectors if they are paid to collect for any particular charity, and how much. I will no longer donate to street collectors.

What do other readers think of charity collectors in Marlowes? Click here and tell us

Re: Card cloningTo see report from January, click here,

From: Lisa Smith

Hemel Hempstead

Views: Just to make you aware it is not only the garages where cards are being cloned, my 15 year old daughter's account was wiped out within the last two weeks the day after she used a cashpoint at a supermarket in Hemel.

Posted on site Monday, March 24

Re: Store imposes 'ageist' ban on teen shoppersTo see report, click here,

From: Ray

Hemel Hempstead

Views: You cannot blame Tesco's they have had to put up with lots of yobbish behaviour and shoplifting, mainly due to to drunken youths.

Re diabetics etc, please make sure you leave home with glucose/sugar sweets,(its just basic common sense) alternativly the nearby Queens Square/Bennetts End shopping parade have a Co-op and similar shops open till 10pm.

Re: Charity sign removed for being 'visually intrusive'To see report, click here,

From: Norman Cutting

BERKHAMSTED

Views:: Regarding the 'illegal' sign removed by the Castle. I was under the impression this process had been abandoned as the Aylesbury Company advertising hot air balloon flights has been on the verge for over 2 years as you enter Berkhamsted.

I can live with local business signs (remind self to erect sign outside by house!), but Aylesbury isn't even in Dacorum - yet!

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