The Civic Society AGM took place on 25th April at the Benson Hall - our thanks to all those who attended but we would have liked to have seen a few more of you!

The main topic of conversation seemed to be the untidiness of our Town - general litter, weeds on footpaths and verges, and the River Rib being the main areas of concern. It was suggested that perhaps the Civic Society could arrange more 'Town Tidy' events but it was also felt that as we pay the highest Community Charge in East Herts we are being failed by EHDC and HCC. A difficult one, but I shall talk to the Town Council to make them aware of our members' concerns.

Have those of you who take the Buntingford and Royston edition of the Hertfordshire Mercury noticed that there is now virtually nothing in it about Buntingford (or Royston)? I have emailed the new Editor and he has commented as follows:

"I am sorry if you feel like the Buntingford and Royston edition is being overlooked and I accept that in recent weeks we have not had as much local content as we would like. As a business we are under ever increasing pressures in terms of resources and therefore it is hard to attend local council meetings and events in all of the areas we cover. We do have a reporter who specifically covers the patch and I will take it on board that we need to try harder to find more local content. In the future, would you like to send your content to newsdesk@hertsessexnews.co.uk and I will try to make sure I find a space for it in the paper."

The Civic Society is arranging a rural footpath ramble event and heritage walk to mark Civic Day. This event has been postponed until later in the year and further details will be published as they become available.

Also do remember Buntingford in Bloom 2017 - judging will take place on 1st July. Note that the closing date for entries has been extended to the 23rd June. An entry form is available here or copies are available from the Manor House.

The Buntingford and Community Area Neighbourhood Plan is now a formal planning document. It was formally 'made' at the EHDC Council meeting on Wednesday 10th May and will now have full weight in the consideration of any planning applications in the Neighbourhood area.

Finally it is with much sadness that we learnt of the passing of former Town Clerk Derrick Hughes. Our thoughts go to his family at this difficult time.

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.

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