I reported last month on the Government sponsored 'Future High Street Fund' for which Buntingford were drafting a bid. Unfortunately we were not successful - EHDC preferring to go forward with the Bishops Stortford Old River Lane project. Very disappointing that once again Buntingford misses out on funding opportunities but we are hopeful that a second round of funding will see us more successful.

The Community Person of the Year initiative is now up and running - see the article here for more detailed information on how to nominate.

David Woollcombe is looking at the possibility of a Buntingford Arts Festival to be held in Layston Court Gardens on Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August, 2019. Much work I guess to be done to make this happen but it seems to me a very good idea and one that the Civic Society would be happy to support.

The Civic Society will be running the Buntingford in Bloom competition again this year. Judging day will be 22nd June and entry forms are available from The Manor House or here.

Dandara have submitted a final proposal for 65 dwellings to be built at Aspenden Bridge. This has been running for nearly 3 years now since the Government Inspector gave planning consent for up to 56 dwellings at appeal in 2016. There are still grave concerns over the safety of pedestrians and traffic given the increase in traffic this new development (and the construction of 17 new industrial units) will create. The Town Council will be invited to comment on the latest proposal and The Civic Society will make any representations it feels necessary.

Another venture worthy of support is the Plastic free Buntingford initiative. An initial meet was held in April and suggested the following events:-

Buntingford Town Litter Pick : Sunday 28th April from 10.45 to 13.00 - Meet in the Manor House Car Park
The "Great Unwrapping" : Saturday 6th July from 10.00 to 13.00 - outside Sainsbury's, Buntingford High Street
Classic ELECTRIC Car Day : Saturday 7th Sept (sustainable, if not plastic free)
Create the Plastic-Free Buntingford Guide - September to November 2019
Plastic-Free Late Night Shopping : Friday 29th November

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.