There was a potentially worrying occurrence in the Town recently. A blocked sewer led to raw sewage running from the Taylor Wimpey estate all the way down to the Jolly Sailors. Thames Water were called out and responded fairly quickly to clear the blockage, which they put down to residents flushing wet wipe/nappies down their toilets. As the sewage was threatening to flow into the River Rib, The Environment Agency were also put on alert and we have reference number from them for the incident - 1584997 - which I will try to follow up. There is naturally a degree of concern from residents regarding this issue. When the Taylor Wimpey development was first mooted the capacity of Buntingford's largely Victorian drains was raised with concerns that they would not cope with the new houses. I think we need assurances that the recent incident was a one-off and not the precedent for ongoing problems.

I mentioned last month the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War coming up in November. Following an initial meeting involving The Civic Society,The Royal British Legion and Buntingford Town Council it seems likely that we will mark this with a four day exhibition at the Manor House from 9th - 12th November, which will display artefacts from the period and information on those brave men from Buntingford and the surrounding villages who gave their lives. If anyone has any photographs or mementos from the War which they would be happy to be displayed then please contact me on the email below. It is also planned to have a film show on the evening of Saturday 10th where it is hoped the recent release 'Journey's End' will be screened.

The reputation of Civic Voice (of which Buntingford Civic Society is a member) continues to grow, exemplified by the success of their Big Conservation Conversation campaign. As a member of Civic Voice we can apply to attend two All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meetings - both of which could well be of interest to Buntingford - viz:

APPG Review of the NPPF with the Housing Minister Dominic Raab MP, on 13th March

APPG The Future of Conservation Areas with the Heritage Minister (tbc), on 3rd April

Good to hear that what was The Buntingford Kitchen will soon be opening again as a restaurant. Planning consent has been sought for some minor modifications and once these have been approved and completed it shoud be all systems go.

Finally, the Civic Society will be holding its A.G.M. this year on Tuesday 17th April. Full details of the guest speaker and venue will be in next month's Journal.

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.

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