March 2022
Residents can breathe a sigh of relief that two major development plans affecting the village could be delayed by up to 5 years. The news comes following a Dacorum planning meeting at which councillors were informed that no new developments could go ahead pending the outcome of an inquiry into the environmental impact of tourism on Ashridge forest (pictured).
January 2022
The deadline for objections to a plan for nearly 400 houses on the other side of the Leighton Buzzard Road has been extended until January 22nd.
Residents Association secretary Michael Nidd, who is encouraging residents to oppose the plan, says it would be in breach of Green Belt policy.
Every November the village gathers at Marchmont Cottage for the annual fireworks party. The event raises valuable funds for village projects.
December 2021
It’s all change in the Old Town as the new year welcomes a flurry of new shops. From having just a few, there is now an abundance of coffee shops. There’s The Hive at the bottom, the Tea Tree up the hill, Artichoke in the middle, to the newest, Old Town Coffee…
December 2021
A new development plan within the village has been lodged with Dacorum Council. It is for a parcel of land at the top of an area of grassland between Wall Cottage and Misden, opposite the old Boar’s Head. The application is for three houses in a courtyard setting, with access on to Piccotts End Lane.
November 2021
Bring your buckets and spades! No, we’re not going to the seaside, we’re planting daffodils. After scarecrows and fireworks the village has one more important event on the calendar: brightening up our verges with a host of golden daffodils in time for next spring. They are being provided courtesy of Dacorum Council and all you have to do is come along on the morning of Sunday 5th December and take as many as you think you can plant. We’ll be meeting at the Marchmont Arms for a quick coffee at 11am followed by an hour of planting.
November 2021
There was one VIP guest sadly missing from last weekend’s village fireworks. Baby Phoebe Keevil was all set to come with her mum and dad Kate and Ian of Wall Cottage. They had even bought her some ear defenders. But then Phoebe developed a chest infection and had to stay at home. But she didn’t miss out entirely. Mum and dad held her aloft at the window enjoy the spectacle from the warmth of her home.
November 2021
The village’s first fireworks party for a couple of years has been hailed a resounding success.. More than 80 residents watched an amazing display which was, by general consent, the best yet in the 15 years of the event.
Yvonne Metcalfe of No 42 emailed to thank PERA’s social committee for ‘a lovely evening and an amazing display.’
Lady Val Corbett of No 96 emailed saying ‘A great PERA night. I was pleased to see such a good turnout and I thought the organisation was perfect, especially the raffle callers!
October 2021
While a number of other options are being drawn up to try and curb speeding vehicles in the village, PERA has taken advantage of a new initiative by Dacorum’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd. He has commissioned 4 new vans equipped with a speed camera to operate in areas troubled by speeding drivers. While they cannot issue speeding tickets, they can issue advisory notices.
October 2021
PERA is planning a daffodil day in November for residents to brighten up the village. Dacorum Parks division has kindly donated more than 500 bulbs to be planted on the village verges. Residents will be notified by email of an upcoming Sunday when the bulbs can be distributed and planted.