The sale of a £2.4 million house that once belonged to a drinks magnate, a huge fire causing disruption to trains and the Hornets’ decision to retain Troy Deeney following his release from prison were among the stories making the headlines in the Watford Observer five and ten years ago this week.
FIVE YEARS AGO
Cordially yours - historic home of former drinks magnate goes up for sale
A historic house in Radlett – once the home of a famous lime cordial magnate – is to be put up for sale.
The £2.4 million property, named “The White House”, is situated on a private lake in a gated estate and boasts lime cordial proprietor Lauchlan Rose among its previous occupants.
During the Second World War, Rose's the original factories in the London docks were bombed by the Luftwaffe.
Rose moved operations to St Albans, and bought the estate in Radlett to be close to the new facilities, living there with his family for many years.
Huge warehouse fire causing major train disruption this morning
An enormous fire at a warehouse is causing major disruption on the trains this morning (September 15).
Firefighters from across the region attended the blaze at the timber yard and offices in Chantry Place, Harrow, just before midnight last night.
The London Fire Brigade said 12 people living nearby had been evacuated as a precaution.
The fire is now under control but there are currently no London Midland or Southern services running between Milton Keynes and London Euston, while services between Watford Junction and Euston are running but with severe delays.
£2m project to make Watford town centre 'pedestrian-friendly' given green light
Cars and buses could be moved away from Watford town centre after a £2 million project to transform the High Street into a “pedestrian-friendly environment” was agreed.
With the Watford Borough Council-owned Charter Place Shopping Centre development due for completion in September 2018, plans have been put forward to “enhance the look and feel” of the area immediately around it.
These changes include cutting down on the amount of vehicles passing through and increasing the dominance of pedestrians to create a “shared space”.
However some aspects of the scheme could prove contentious, such as the relocation of disabled parking pays to a new facility in Church Street, the relocation of the existing taxi rank to a permanent location in Wellstones, and the rerouting of current bus services.
TEN YEARS AGO
Watford statement on Troy Deeney
Watford have released a statement confirming they will be retaining the services of Troy Deeney, who was this week released from prison.
The statement read: "Watford FC is to retain the registration of Troy Deeney.
“The Hornets welcomed the striker’s recent independent apology – however it was genuine remorse shown in a face-to-face environment, coupled with a serious commitment to rehabilitation on all levels, which was just as key to his retention.
“This decision has been taken after extensive discussions between senior club officials, Deeney himself and his representatives.
“The club believes it can play a key role in facilitating Deeney’s rehabilitation into a professional working environment, and will be closely monitoring all aspects of the forward’s activities connected with Watford FC.”
Mayor and MP take the plunge
The great and the good of Watford endured a nerve-jangling descent from one of the town’s tallest buildings, all in the name of charity.
Watford MP Richard Harrington , elected mayor Dorothy Thornhill and Watford Community Housing Trust chief executive Tina Barnard all took the plunge from the top of a Meriden high-rise to help raise funds for The Peace Hospice .
The event was part of the trust’s fifth birthday celebrations which saw all but a few of their 170 staff travel to the estate to either help organise activities or carry out improvement works.
The abseil from the roof of Munden View is intended to raise £50,000 for the Watford charity and has brought together 92 representatives from local businesses and organisations.
Watford Rottweiler aims to become TV top model
A West Watford dog is hoping to catwalk herself to fame by claiming the title Britain’s most handsome pooch.
Scarlett, who is three-years-old, will be starring in ITV2’s show, Top Dog Model, tonight alongside her owner Anthony Skordis.
The canine will go up against stiff competition from 22 other dogs in a Paw Camp, which will whittle the contest down to six hopeful hounds in the final.
However Anthony, 37, who lives in Oxford Street, said he entered Scarlett because he wants her to help undo the bad name Rottweilers have developed.
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