There was another wonderful turn out at the War Memorial this year to pay tribute to all those who have given their lives in conflict. Every year Buntingford ensures that "We will remember them".

We have had some good news recently. After much campaigning by CPRE (Campaign for the Protection of Rural England) the Prime Minister has announced in a speech that the Government will take a different approach to development. This approach will prioritise suitable brownfield land - that is land that has previously been developed - before building on the countryside. This is seen by CPRE as a historic moment in its efforts to protect and enhance the countryside for generations to come.

Buntingford has recently seen a surge in Covid infections. Over the past few days this has dropped but it does demonstrate how vulnerable we can still be. If you qualify for the booster jab I would personally urge you to take up the offer.

COP26 has taken over the airwaves recently, and with good cause. Whatever the global outcomes and actions, we are all responsible for our own lives and should feel duty bound to do anything we can to help in the global warming issue. Individual actions may seem miniscule, even pointless, in the greater picture but as they say, every little helps.

A recent consultation has been completed asking for residents comments on the proposed build of a further 60-ish dwellings on land either side of the A10/Neale Drive access to the Redrow estate. This land was originally designated as a green space buffer between the A10 and the Redrow estate. As far as I am concerned it should stay this way. Not sure why we would want or need another 60-odd dwellings in our already overcrowded environment. On a similar note Dandara are still working on plans to build a further 23 dwellings on their Aspenden Road site. A more ludicrous plan is difficult to imagine given the issues with pedestrian and traffic safety. I just hope that EHDC Planning see sense and refuse the application.

Finally, on behalf of the Civic Society, I would like to wish all our members and Journal readers a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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 December/January issue of the Buntingford Journal will be available from the usual retailers from 26th November.

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