Metropolitan Line, George Michael, Watford FC among archive stories this week

FIVE YEARS AGO

Met Line extension: Mayor confirms work has stopped

THE elected mayor of Watford has confirmed that work has stopped on the Metropolitan Line extension.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said that Affinity Water has stopped working on the extension, formerly known as the Croxley Rail link.

Mike Shaw, her personal assistant, said Mayor Thornhill found out through the "parliamentary grapevine" and said they do not know why it has stopped, but confirmed that there were shortcomings in the project's funding.

But Mayor Thornhill said design work is continuing and that Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling has assured the extension is a contractual obligation.

Bushey Heath 1st Scout Group and George Michael fans hoping to revamp the hut on Little Bushey Lane, where the star played his first ever gig

George Michael fans raising money to repair hut where he held first gig

George Michael fans will come out in force to dance and sing the night away at a charity event in memory of the star.

The George Michael Appreciation Society is hosting a tribute disco to raise money to restore and repair a scout hut in Little Bushey Lane, Bushey, where George held his first gig.

The event’s organiser described the singer, who was found dead at his home on Christmas day, as an “inspiration”.

Tracey Wills, 44, of Ashfield Avenue, Bushey, said: “The whole community has come together to help with this disco.

“George was very loved by the Bushey community. The school has offered to let use their hall for the disco and we have Betty and Dolly's salon, in Harcourt Road, selling tickets.

“We also have got help from Mable’s Tea Rooms and The Three Crowns Pub. It is a big community effort.”

Councillors outside the development

Project to turn Watford’s first cinema into flats nearing completion

A controversial project to turn Watford’s first large cinema into a residential block is nearing completion.

The former Central Hall Cinema in King Street – more recently used as a Mecca Bingo hall – has now been largely demolished and replaced with 25 one, two and three bedroom “luxury apartments” spread over four storeys, with 13 accompanying parking spaces and a separate retail unit.

One of the main conditions to planning permission being granted to Bushey-based developer Heronslea was the retention of the recognisable Art Deco façade in order to protect the existing street scene and architecture.

However the south and west elevations were considered less aesthetically pleasing, hence the decision to knock down the rear of the building and start afresh, despite this resulting in the loss of the original auditorium.

TEN YEARS AGO

Josh Lewis: 24 years for brutal murder of Mujib Hakim

Police praise Watford Observer for helping catch Hakim's killer

The lead detective in the Mujib Hakim murder investigation has praised the Watford Observer for its help in snaring the 40-year-old’s killer.

Josh Lewis, who was this week jailed for 24 years after being found guilty of stabbing the Royal Holloway University graduate to death, handed himself in to police after an appeal was published in the newspaper and on this website.

The 21-year-old walked into Watford’s Shady Lane station after seeing his photograph and a police statement printed in July.

In the report, police revealed their belief that the unidentified Lewis, pictured in a CCTV still featured alongside the article, held the key to Mr Hakim’s mystery disappearance.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Collin, leading the murder investigation, said: “We didn’t know who he was and at that stage he was just a significant witness. The report was undoubtedly of assistance to us in identifying that person.

“A lot of police time and effort would have been wasted trying to find that individual without the appeal. I would like to thank the Watford Observer for running the piece as it shows an excellent case of how the media and police can work together to detect crime and I am grateful to them.”

Marvin Sordell was being linked with a move away from Vicarage Road ten years ago this week. Picture: Action Images

Financial constraints have scuppered Watford bids

Watford have missed out on several transfer targets this month due to the club’s financial restraints, Sean Dyche has admitted.

The Hornets are constantly looking at players and trying to arrange deals but Dyche accepts the club often do not have the financial muscle to force through moves as they please.

"We have missed out on a number of targets because we just don't have the finances to make it happen immediately," Dyche said earlier this week.

"We are close-ish on a couple of yes situations. There are things that we have to be forward-thinking on and put things in place but we are always waiting on the other parties to say yes rather than us just having the money to force the yes decision, which is why it is difficult.

"That is my life now; constant phone calls, constant background checks, constant alignment and it is not just me – Ross (Wilson), Woany (Ian Woan), Tony (Loughlan), Chambo (Alec Chamberlain) - it is something that has been a real tough task since I have taken over because we have brought in a reasonable amount [of money] but they [the owner and board] have had to back the club up for the future.

"In the grand scheme of things, we have spent quite small compared to the rest of the division.”

Costa Rican ambassador Pilar Saborio meets Croxley Green schoolboy William Gross

Schoolboy's letter to ambassador gets a personal response

After reading a letter from a Croxley Green school pupil, the ambassador for Costa Rica decided to visit his class to answer the questions in person.

William Gross wrote to the embassy in London while carrying out research for a geography project on the Central American country.

On receiving the message, ambassador Pilar Saborio decided to visit York House School to give a talk on the country she represents.

William asked two questions: Why doesn't Costa Rica have an army and why is it important for the world to be less polluted?