Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor has been in power for over 100 days. When we spoke to him 50 days ago, he gave us his visions for the area. But what has he achieved so far? We speak to him to find out.

Met Line Extension

Long-awaited plans to create a link from Croxley to Watford Junction and Euston were scrapped earlier this year.

What he said 50 days ago...

He also said he would ensure the council gets the money it invested into the project back and look at alternative transport measures. He promised to look into costs associated with different schemes, but said he hasn't got his heart set on a rail, a tram, or anything in particular.

What he's done...

He has met with senior Transport for London (TfL) officials and secured their agreement to look into alternatives.

He added: "Nothing's changed, we need to make sure we get our money back.

"We need to work with them to do feasibility studies on alternative projects.

"Discussions are still going on between officers on the logistics of it all. It's all still in it's very early stages."

Cycling

What he said...

He wants to create a Boris-bike style scheme in Watford, liaising with other authorities such as Three Rivers and Hertfordshire County Council, so the bikes can be taken to numerous locations. He also wants to improve cycle infrastructure.

What he's done...

He said: "I'm confident we'll have the scheme up and running in 2019. I've been having discussions with Hertfordshire County Council and Three Rivers.

"I think it will be really good, I've also had meetings with cycle groups."

He also spoke about better cycle infrastructure.

Turning Watford into a more dementia friendly town

What he said...

His vision is to create an environment where everyone understands the condition, what it entails, and how they can help.

He will run free training sessions for shops, who will then be given a sticker proclaiming them as ‘dementia friendly.’

What he's done...

He's been having discussion with organisations and businesses and in October, a forum bringing together charities and businesses together to create an action plan will begin.

"We also have someone working at the council to make sure we can implement these things," he added.

"Information will be provided for people who have dementia, as well as their carers. It is all starting to make good progress."

The improvements at Woodside and the closure of the bowls club

The closure of Woodside Bowling Club sparked a lot of anger earlier this year. Members were locked in a dispute with Watford Borough Council over how much rent they should pay.

What he said...

Transforming Woodside Leisure Centre will be beneficial in the long run and the bowls club will not suffer, because there is already a bowls club in Bellmount Wood Avenue, near Cassiobury Park.

He had approved plans for a a multi-million-pound investment into the playing fields to go to consultation. His vision is to create a coherent entity.

He is also looking into creating a Go-Ape style park with high-wires, but the idea is still in its infancy

What he's done...

There is now an ongoing legal case about the amount of rent Woodside Bowls Club should have paid as well as their rent arrears, so Mr Taylor is limited as to what he can say.

Parks

What he said...

He wants to turn all 16 of Watford's parks into Green Flag status. At the time, 11 carried the title.

What he's done...

Now 12 are Green Flag parks after Harwoods Park was recently awarded the honour.

Meanwhile, he was contacted by children of parents with disabilities asking for better facilities so play equipment is more accessible.

"We will meet them and make sure we improve our parks, everyone deserves to be able to play," he said.

He also put up a table tennis table in Cassiobury Park after a child requested one.

The 'chamber of conscience'

What he said...

Community groups are crying out for more space, but a chamber of conscience would allow businesses to give back to the community.

What he's done...

The chamber of conscience had its first event in July, a successful day where over 100 volunteers attended.

Chamber of Commerce Chris Luff is also keen to do further events to get more people involved after the first proved successful.

Reflecting...

In his first 100 days, Peter has also launched a petition to rezone Watford into Zone 6 after discovering how commuters spend an extra £1,000 a year on getting to work in central London.

He said: "It is a huge privilege to be mayor of this fantastic, diverse and thriving town.

"I have been busy getting on with the job I was elected to do - making Watford an even better place to live and work. Improving local transport has been a priority.

I’ve been out across our town listening to you, finding out why you like living here and what you want to change. "

His next listening event will be held in St Albans Road, outside the Post Office by Bruce Grove on August 25 at 10am. You can also fill out the Listening to Watford survey at tinyurl.com/PeterListens.’