Peter Taylor's newsletter 30th November 2022

30 Nov 2022
Peter Aga and Amanda hold up the white ribbon flag

These are the top stories from my weekly newsletter. If you want to receive stories like this and more, including local events and ways you can support our community, please sign up at www.watfordlibdems.org/newslettersignup

Ending Violence against women and girls

I was pleased to be able to raise the white ribbon flag at the Town Hall last Friday to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.

Friday was International White Ribbon Day, a day where we commemorate women who have been been victims of violence at the hands of men. I am proud that at Watford Borough Council we have recently been awarded White Ribbon accreditation for our commitment to end violence against women and girls. 

Warm and welcoming space update

Last week I told you about our new warm and welcoming spaces across the town.

These welcoming spaces give people the chance to come together, stay warm, enjoy some company and perhaps a cup of tea and a biscuit. The welcoming spaces are safe and open to all – no matter your situation. You can visit as often as you like and will always be met by a friendly face.

Now, our partners at ArrivaClick have offered to give FREE travel to any of our welcoming spaces. Just use the discount code WELCOME22 to access the free journeys. 

A full list of warm spaces and their opening times is available on the council website or you can phone 01923 226 400 to speak to someone at the council.

£150,000 for community projects

On Monday, we approved 16 schemes across Watford to benefit the community. In total, over £150,000 will be awarded from our Neighbourhood grant fund to support community projects.

These projects were proposed by groups and individuals across Watford and voted on by the public to help us choose who should receive funding.

Thank you to everyone who took part this year and look out next year how you can get involved in the next round of projects.

The full list of projects is below:

Sport and wellbeing - 3G artificial grass pitch at Everett Rovers FC, fully enclosed nets at Watford Town Cricket Club, defibrillator at Glen Rovers GAA, creation of community artwork by Cathartic C.I.C and a get active programme at Veterans Support Group Watford & District.

Green spaces and sustainability - Biodiversity garden at Cherry Tree School, school allotment at Beechfield School, New Hope memorial garden at St Marys Church and interpretive signs within Cassiobury Park nature reserve.

Community spaces - Improvements to Holywell Community Centre, including the kitchen, main hall and entrance facilities, as well as Meriden Community Centre car park, which includes fixing potholes and painting white lines.

Supporting local facilities and infrastructure – CCTV at Victoria Passage, investment for better toilet and wash facilities at Watford Workshop, general improvements to the Pump House Theatre, including better disability access and Random Café to improve accessibility, add a patio, and install solar panels.

Trishaw rides for older and disabled residents 

Specially adapted trishaw bikes funded by the council will hit the town centre on 12th December and Cassiobury Park on 18th December with older and disabled residents able to take a tour around this year’s wonderful festive lights display or the Top 10 park.

People who sign up will be able enjoy the illuminating High Street LED tree lights and giant twinkly Christmas tree, or take in beautiful scenery at Cassiobury Park. To book, or become a volunteer cyclist, visit www.watfordcyclehub.org.uk/trishaw-rides

Watch a video of the Trishaws in action here