As the current ward improvement scheme draws to a close, Hertsmere Borough Councillors talk about what they spent their money on.

Each Councillor has £2,000 to spend on initiatives suggested to them by members of their ward.

Councillor Morris Bright, leader of the council, said: "The scheme was created so that cash could be spent on projects put forward by local communities.

“The idea is that people bid for money through their local ward councillor and those councillors then decide what will be supported in their local area."

Lynn Hodgson, Liberal Democrat councillor for Bushey Park, funded two people to attend young persons fix and trix events.

Conservative Bushey Park councillor Linda Silver provided two replacement benches and one new bench for the King George V Park in Bushey.

She said: “A few members of the Friends of the Park mentioned that two of the benches were 'on their last legs' and were difficult for people to sit on.

“I particularly love this park which is of course in my ward because it is such a lovely place to spend time in and I myself take my own grandchildren there on a Sunday.”

Anita Gamble, Liberal Democrat St James councillor donated money to a ramp and young persons event and a seat in Lea Close.

She said: "Residents say that they need somewhere to rest when they return with heavy shopping from the bus stop or the shops so I felt the bench was a really nice idea."

Liberal Democrat St James Councillor Laura Richards-Gray donated £1,000 to a recycling initiative for Bushey Meads School.

She said: “The plan is to equip the dining hall with recycling units for plastic bottles and aluminium cans, food waste and general waste.

“The school appears very committed to promoting recycling to the students. Hopefully this means they will carry on these good habits in their own home and as they grow into adulthood.”

Brenda Batten and Paul Morris, Conservative councillors for Bushey Heath ward, provided £1,000 for a birdbath for Mary Forsdyke Garden.

Councillor Morris said: "I hope the birdbath will attract lots of wildlife for people to enjoy and enhance the natural environment."

Brenda also provided £400 for 18th Bushey and Oxhey scout group to buy new camping equipment.

Councillor Batten said: "Local scout groups provide such valuable opportunities for young people and can really help with lots of life skills. I was delighted to be able to support this."

Miki Colne and Roger Kutchinsky, Bushey North Liberal Democrat councillors applied for funding in respect of the construction of a pool in Fishers Field.

Councillor Colne said: “This pool will provide an additional facility for wildlife habitat & add to the enjoyment of all members of the public who relax in this pleasant green space.”

Councillor Kutchinsky said: “It's already a wonderfully diverse environment and the addition of a pond will only increase that.”

Steve O' Brien Conservative councillor for Bushey North funded a replacement camping table and benches for the 79th Bushey and Oxhey Scout troop.