Topics Big and Small

We enjoyed a lively AGM thanks to the two key speakers and the interaction with members and non-members alike. If there was a take home message it was that BCS has a highly valued role to play in the wellbeing of the Town and that future challenges will extend beyond the maintenance of artefacts and the built environment.

Having said that we are pleased to let you know that as a result of meetings with the Town Council and Hertfordshire Highways we expect to soon see work done on repairing High Street pavements and restoring lost or damaged railings. BCS is also linking with others to clean-up the River Rib to remove bottles and cans which are so unsightly.We will let you know when this will happen. Before long we will also see restoration of the milestone at St.Peter Church - a modest but important piece of our heritage, similarly, will be the refurbishment of the Town Sign on Market Hill. A significant financial contribution has been offered to the Council towards repairing the damage done by vandals to the Seth Ward children's play area.

New faces appear in Central Government and no doubt we will be hearing new thoughts on the East of England Plan. From the beginning of the consultative process BCS has supported the need for 'affordable housing' and social housing. Where we have concerns is around the questions of lost green-belt and the absence of infrasructure alongside housing development. We would love to hear the powers that be discussing these topics as a whole and also give evidence of inherent quality and modern design.

We offer a warm welcome and congratulations to Ann Fisher the in-coming Chief Executive of EHDC and look forward to learning her views on the issues affecting our part of the world.

June is Carnival month and BCS will have a stand where we will be pleased to greet you - lets keep our fingers crossed for a fine day !

Derek K Cooper, Chairman. June 2006.