Watford housing and school sites in Maple Cross and Croxley Green among our archive stories

FIVE YEARS AGO

'Shame on you': Application to build two blocks of flats approved

A hotly debated application to demolish 10 bungalows and build 32 flats has been approved to shouts of "shame on you" from campaigners.

Watford Community Housing Trust’s proposal to build new homes in Hemming Way was voted through despite the fact it will “stick out like a sore thumb”.

Watford Borough Council planning committee unanimously agreed planning officers' recommendation for approval at a meeting.

Speaking on behalf of residents, Jane Owen told the meeting more than 500 had signed a petition to prevent two, three-storey blocks containing one and two-bedroom flats in the Leavesden Green Estate.

Ms Owen said: "It's still too big, still too brash and this monstrosity should be rejected.

"This is still a blatant overdevelopment and will ruin the character of the area."

Mystery still surrounds plans for new secondary school in Maple Cross and Three Rivers

Councillor Roger Seabourne near the proposed site for The Reach Free School

Mystery still surrounds the plans for a new secondary school in Maple Cross because a planning application has not been submitted yet.

When The Reach Free School opened in 2013, it was expected to be based at its temporary site in Tolpits Lane for three years.

In 2014, a section of land used by Woodoaks Farm was chosen as a permanent site for the new school.

But two years on, an official planning application has not been submitted for the new school.

Cllr Roger Seabourne, representative for Penn and Mill End at Three Rivers District, said school leaders had looked at whether a site in neighbouring Hillingdon would be available.

The opening of Croxley Green secondary school could be delayed, according to MP

The site in Baldwins Lane

An MP said the opening of a new secondary school could be delayed as Hertfordshire County Council and TFL struggle to strike a deal for the land.

Transport for London owns the land to the north of Baldwins Lane which has been earmarked for the Croxley Green secondary school.

But one condition of the school opening in 2017 was that Hertfordshire County Council owned the land.

Negotiations have been dragging on, and the MP for South West Hertfordshire, David Gauke, admitted the opening date could be delayed if progress isn’t made over the next few weeks.

The school's public consultation was also delayed as the parties struggled to sign an agreement.

TEN YEARS AGO

Laura Ashley confirms closing

The former High Street branch of Laura Ashley

A High Street chain has confirmed it is closing its Watford town centre store.

“Closing down” signs have appeared in the windows of Laura Ashley, in The Parade, advertising its final day as Saturday, February 19.

The shop, on the corner of Clarendon Road, is only several doors away from ThaT Burger!, which will close this Sunday, February 6.

A representative said: “Laura Ashley confirms that it will cease trading at its Watford store on February 19, 2011, having sold its leasehold interest to another party.

“The Watford property was no longer suited to Laura Ashley’s full range of products.

“We remain fully committed to our many loyal customers and will continue to offer our collections in nearby stores situated in Borehamwood and Amersham.”

Ant and Dec filming at Watford's ground

Ant and Dec filming Push the Button at Vicarage Road. Credit: Action Images

Famous TV duo Ant and Dec are filming at Watford's Vicarage Road Stadium.

Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, better known as Ant and Dec, will be filming for their TV show Push the Button.

The TV presenters were having pictures taken with fans and signing autographs prior to kick-off in the game against Crystal Palace and at half time, will be taking part in a penalty shootout for the ITV show, which will be aired on February 13.

Shop celebrates 40th anniversary

Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill joins staff at Per Lui for their 40th anniversary celebrations

Champagne was flowing at a Watford fashion shop as staff celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Per Lui first opened in Queens Road long before the Harlequin Centre was built.

But when construction started on the new shopping centre, it moved to new premises in Market Street.

When the Harlequin was completed, the shop then moved to its current location in the High Street, in about 1995, while turning its Market Street base into an office.