A bomb scare at a bowling alley, a fire at a car home in Bushey, the reopening of a popular Garston pub and a car transporter getting stuck beneath a railway bridge were among the stories making the headlines in the Watford Observer five and ten years ago this week.
FIVE YEARS AGO
Hollywood Bowl in Woodside Leisure Park, Kingsway North Orbital Rd, Watford. Picture by: @WatfordLondon
Bowling alley evacuated after chilling phone call makes bomb threat
Hundreds of people were evacuated following a bomb threat in Watford.
Staff decided to clear Hollywood Bowl in Woodside Leisure Park after the sinister phone call on Saturday afternoon.
Children's bags were searched as panicked staff tried to work out if the call was genuine.
But police believe the phone call was not a "credible threat" and have launched an investigation.
The driver is stuck in Eastbury Road in Watford
Car delivery lorry trapped under bridge in Watford
A delivery driver got in a bit of a tight spot when travelling through Watford.
Motorists and pedestrians looked on in bemusement after a car transporter got stuck under a railway bridge in Eastbury Road.
Fortunately there were no injuries reported.
The Jeffrey brothers raise a glass with Watford MP Richard Harrington
Popular pub reopens following £320,000 refurbishment
Two brothers have finally reopened a popular Garston pub following a £320,000 refurbishment.
The Hammer in Hand was reopened on Friday after national pub operator Punch spent £326,500 refreshing the Ganders Ash watering hole.
New publicans Paul and Peter Jeffrey welcomed Watford MP Richard Harrington for a tour of the new-look tavern.
Paul Jeffrey said: “We’re delighted with the results of the refurbishment and have had great feedback from the locals.
“As a keen darts player, I’m particularly keen to help continue the pub’s success in pool and darts competitions and raise money for local causes in the process.”
TEN YEARS AGO
Community rallies round elderly dispossessed by Bushey fire
A fire which ripped through the roof of a Bushey care home resulting in residents being evacuated, has rallied the surrounding community.
As firefighters battled to control the blaze at Aldwyck’s Storey Court in Barley Close, neighbours offered solace to the elderly residents, welcoming them into their homes.
Tony Hardin, 68, who lives opposite the sheltered accommodation, said: "There really was a sense of the whole community coming together.
"People just wanted to help in any way that they could.
"As soon as I saw the smoke I ran out to the street. My neighbours came out as well and we tried to get the elderly residents out.
"After that, a few of them came and sat in our living rooms while firefighters dealt with the blaze.
"It was extraordinary, everyone really pulled together in the rescue."
Firefighters spent six hours battling the fire in the roof area of Storey Court.
All 19 residents were evacuated safely, 13 of those are now at home with family and friends, five have been found alternative homes with another care facility provided by Aldwyck, and two are staying at a hotel.
Demolition of 100 garages agreed to make way for affordable homes
Close to 100 garages are set to be demolished in West Watford to make way for new homes after politicians voted through building plans last night.
Watford Borough councillors approved the scheme by Watford Community Housing Trust, which will see 16 new affordable homes built on the Croxley View estate.
However councillors on the development control committee denied a request by the housing trust to waive a planning contribution of almost £20,000 in connection with the application.
Police oppose extra St Patrick's Day pub opening hours
Police are opposing a bid by a Watford pub to open longer for St Patrick’s Day celebrations saying it will worsen alcohol-related disorder in the town.
Walkabout, in The Parade, has applied to Watford Borough Council for permission to push its closing time back from 1am to 2am on the morning after the feast day of the Irish patron saint on March 18.
However the move has met strong resistance from the town's police, who have the power to make representations on any licence extension.
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