By the time you read this article, the schools will have broken up for the Summer Holidays and a lot of you will probably be sunning yourselves on some exotic beach, although with the weather we have experienced recently, why go abroad when it is just as hot and sunny in the UK.

As mentioned in the July issue, part of this year’s Civic National theme of "FIX ONE THING". We were aware that the poles that support the "Welcome to Buntingford" sign and planter at the Baldock Road entrance to the town were badly corroded. We decided as our project we would "FIX" this and this picture shows the result.

Our thanks to our contractor that carried out this work on our behalf.

In the July issue, we reported that the Reach 3 part of the River Rib restoration project was now moving forward with a meeting planned for early July to formulate a plan for this phase. Unfortunately, this meeting had to be postponed but has been re-arranged for late July and we hope to give a detailed up-date on the plans in the October issue and on our website.

On the planning front, we reported last month that East Herts Council had launched a scoping consultation for the new Local Plan. The Society has input to the Town Council's response, highlighting that the main challenges were providing sufficient housing in the district, protecting green belt (although we have no green belt around Buntingford) and ensuring that adequate infrastructure be provided in conjunction with development to ensure that existing infrastructure is not overwhelmed. It was also recommended that the Local Plan should seek development in areas where there are employment opportunities and good transport links and that "high grade" agricultural land should be protected to help with UK food security. There are to be more consultations in future on various aspects of the plan and the Society will publicise these in the Journal as we are acutely aware that not every resident has access to Social Media or "on-line".

It was our intention to issue a Newsletter to all members with the August / September issue of the Journal but regrettably what with family commitments and other issues it has been extremely difficult to complete this in time for printing etc. It is planned to be completed over the summer break and delivered with the October issue our sincere apologies for this.

Just a reminder our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/buntingfordcivicsociety.

Enjoy your Summer.

Graham Waite, 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 August/September double issue of the Buntingford Journal is now available from the usual retailers. The October issue will be available from the 25th September.

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.