In the lead-up to Christmas it is difficult to ignore the many families who must be caught up in the cost-of-living crisis. There is always so much pressure at this time of year on family budgets, but this year it will be even worse. If there is any way readers can help, perhaps with donations to the food bank, I am sure it would be gratefully received.

The Committee will be reviewing the publication of the journal in the New Year. Sales at the shops is decreasing month on month and we need to perhaps rationalise between hard copy publication and an on-line offering. Whatever route we choose we must consider revenues vs costs, our many journal advertisers and of course our Journal readers.

The Remembrance Sunday parade and service was once again very well attended and respectfully received. A wreath from the Civic Society was laid at the war memorial - "We Will Remember Them".

Some good news at last on the planning front. EHDC have met and considered the application for 350 dwellings to the east of Buntingford. Their decision is that the application has been refused. I am sure that the 1000-plus objections put forward by Buntingford residents helped in their decision process. We will, however, have to wait and see if the applicant appeals the decision.

We have been informed that the planned River Rib works will be delayed. Contractors for the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT), hired for the works, suffered a major break-in at their yard and all of their specialist plant and equipment has been stolen. A delay to the work is therefore inevitable.

Finally I would like to wish all Civic Society members and readers of the Buntingford Journal a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

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 November issue of the Buntingford Journal will be available from the usual retailers from 25th November.

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

This website and all the pages herein are © Buntingford Civic Society.