Civic Voice have asked for assistance in updating local authorities' Statements of Community Involvement (SCIs) so that they set out more clearly how the local authority and developers are expected to meaningfully engage with local communities on planning issues. Civic Voice had found that 30% of responses were more than 5 years out of date. I have researched the information requested and can report that the East Herts District Council SCI is complete and up to date. I have passed the information on to Civic Voice.

At the time of writing, as we move towards June 21st and possible 'freedom', I personally cannot help feeling that perhaps a couple of weeks delay might not be a bad thing. It would be heartbreaking to open up the Country and then suffer a third wave just for the sake of a couple of weeks extra 'controls'. I know that many of you may well disagree and I do understand, but perhaps safety first is the best policy.

As things start to get back to normal backlogs caused by Covid will start to be addressed. I am advised that EHDC Planning Dept have a huge backlog of cases and a staff shortage. We still wait for the Aspenden Road Dandera application to go before the Development Management Committee. As far as I can ascertain there is no date set for it yet.

With one of my other hats on, the Classic Car Show is currently planned to go ahead on 4th September. All is in hand but the overriding proviso is that if any social distancing measures are still in place on the 4th then the event will not happen. Fingers crossed!

It is worrying, and sad, that we seem to be in the middle of a graffiti epidemic. I am sure the perpetrators think it great fun but it serves no purpose and is expensive to remove - let us hope the craze soon dies out.

The Buntingford Community Garden (at the police station if you are not aware) is looking particularly good at the moment and our thanks go to the volunteers who keep it in such splendid condition. It would be nice to see more people make use of it - perhaps because it is at the police station people do not realise it is for public use. Well now you know!!!

After many years of service on the Civic Society Executive Committee Ken Durrant has tendered his resignation. I have known Ken for many years, from long before I joined the Civic Society, and the countless hours of service he has given to the Town in many areas - Civic Society, Carnival Committee, Christmas Lights to name a few - should not be underestimated. My thanks, on behalf of the Town, go to him. Thanks again Ken!!!

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 July/August issue of the Buntingford Journal will be available from the usual retailers from 25th June.

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