I wonder where the Summer went? We seem to have had one week of sunshine (when it was too hot to do anything) and then a succession of rainy/windy days. Perhaps we can look forward to an Indian Summer!

Many of you will have seen the consultation document issued by Hertfordshire County Council regarding improvements and enhancements to London Road/Station Road. I hope you had time to look at it and make your comments. Personally I feel that the scheme is mainly positive. but the proposed felling of 25 mature trees in order to carry out the works is an act of vandalism that must not be allowed. The Town Council have urged Hertfordshire Highways to find ways to complete the project without removing trees.

The Recycling Centre off Aspenden Road remains closed and I have been informed that it will not re-open due to issues with the landowner. It is also felt unlikely that a replacement site will be commissioned due to budgetary constraints. Personally I find this totally unacceptable. I have written to the leader of Herts County Council urging him to find a solution. I have also made our MP, Sir Oliver Heald, aware of the situation.

We experienced some printing issues with the last Journal run. I think we caught most of the faulty copies but my apologies if you received one of the offending ones.

Walking through Layston Court Gardens recently it struck me how lucky we are to have such an asset in the middle of our Town. It really does look superb at the moment - our new Gardener Alex, must take much credit for its current condition.

Finally, I have just received the very sad news that Bob Jackson has died. Bob was a stalwart supporter of the Civic Society and as nice a man as you could wish to meet. He will be sadly missed.

Graham Bonner, Chairman, Buntingford Civic Society

If you have any queries about Buntingford Civic Society or issues you would like to raise, you can email the Chairman direct at chairman@buntingfordcivic.org.uk.

The September issue of the Buntingford Journal will be available from the usual retailers from 27th August.

More information about the Buntingford Civic Society can be found here and membership forms can be found here.