2021 has had no shortage of news and Watford is no exception.
With 2022 just around the corner, we thought we would take a look back at some of our biggest stories of the year.
From Watford's shopping centre's new name to a "big cat" sighting at Rickmansworth Aquadrome, there is not much that we haven't seen in 2021.
As we reflect on our most popular headlines of the year, we would like to wish you a very happy new year.
Top 7 most read stories in Watford in 2021
7. Watford window cleaner dies after being 'electrocuted' at work
A window cleaner has died after he is believed to have been electrocuted in a "tragic accident".
Thirty-nine-year-old Wesley Vicary lost his life while working at a property in Garston on Monday August 16.
The father-of-three was holding his high reach washer pole at the house when it is understood to have collided with a power line causing Mr Vicary to suffer an electric shock.
6. Two brothers from Watford shot man in the face
Two brothers from Watford who were driven by their mother to a house where they shot a man have been found guilty of murder.
Armed with a shotgun, Anthony Olive and John Bowie were driven to Hoddesdon by their mother Michaela Olive on the night of December 4, 2018.
She waited in her car, a Vauxhall Mokka, in nearby Castle Road with the engine running ready to be the getaway driver, while her sons went to a home in Ogard Road and shot 26-year-old father of two Esam Ayad in the face.
5. New name for Watford's shopping centre revealed
Watford’s shopping centre has officially been given a new name by its owners.
The mall, formerly known as intu Watford, is being renamed Atria Watford under the new management of Global Mutual and Savills.
They say the “bold” new name is testament to the centre’s iconic ‘atrium’ skylights that run the length of the shopping and leisure destination and opens out into the glass-ceiling extension.
4. GMB viewers spot 'big cat' at Rickmansworth Aquadrome
Some television viewers were left bemused this morning after spotting what they believed to be a "big cat" wandering along the shores of a lake.
Good Morning Britain presenter Andi Peters was filming live at Rickmansworth Aquadrome today when a black animal was spotted passing in the background.
The animal went unnoticed by Peters and the ITV studio presenters at the time but eagle-eyed viewers took to social media to question GMB on what they saw.
3. Man dies after police and paramedics called to Atria Watford
A man who suffered serious injuries in Watford town centre yesterday has died.
A spokesperson for Atria Watford shopping centre has confirmed a person died inside the centre following an incident at around 2.45pm.
It is believed a man fell from height, and although the circumstances are unclear, police said yesterday afternoon there is "not currently believed to have been any third party involvement".
2. Police break up fights in Watford after England Euro 2020 defeat
Fights broke out in Watford town centre following England's loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
Fans left pubs and bars after the Three Lions' agonising penalty shootout at Wembley.
Tempers were frayed and multiple small fights broke out in the area, and as crowds got larger, the police became a target.
1. Mum reduced to tears in Watford Asda after Henry Hoover row
A woman has slammed Watford’s Asda after she allegedly bought a new £150 Henry Hoover only to find a tatty second-hand Hetty inside.
Kate Ronan says she didn’t want a second-hand vacuum over Covid fears but was left shocked to discover a different dust-filled model inside the box at home.
The married mum-of-two, from Carpenders Park, says she immediately returned to the store where an employee told her there was nothing they could do.
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