Antiques dealer Alice Young, speaking on behalf of stall-holders, said: The gazebos were never voted for by traders, but we were told there was a show of hands in support of them following a meeting in February 2020. Where are the minutes for this meeting? No vote on gazebos even happened. If people had been told there and then that there would be no stalls there would have been outrage, but nobody thought this would happen. We were told to use the government funds which were meant to help us with our loss of income from the first lockdown to buy gazebos which we then had to erect, dismantle, transport and store.
St Albans district council leader Chris White.
- Credit: Archant
Drastic measures to survive the devastating impact of the pandemic on district council finances have received the green light from councillors.
Despite government support, SADC faces a £1.7m revenue shortfall, with this figure set to rise to a further gap of £2.2m for the period of 2022-23.
In a bid to avoid sweeping service cuts and catastrophic consequences for years to come, the Lib Dem administration called on their fellow councillors from across the political spectrum to back a budget aimed at helping SADC to weather the coronavirus storm.
Council leader Cllr Chris White told a meeting of full council: Tight budgets mean tough decisions. My plea to this council is to recognise the tough position we have reached and are still in and accept that there is some pain to be shared by all. This budget is sound. It is prudent. It is fair.
Published:
2:40 PM February 23, 2021
Bim Afolami has been vocal about his objections to proposed redevelopments due to the impact on surrounding residents. Picture: Martin Wootton
- Credit: Archant
A letter from Downing Street congratulating Harpenden on its hard work in vaccinating people has been received by MP Bim Afolami.
In his address, MP Matt Hancock said that Harpenden Health PCN is one of the highest performing vaccination areas in the country.
The Health Secretary said he would like to thank the people of Harpenden for their amazing efforts in coming together in these difficult times to deliver a truly inspiring community effort.
Marshalswick South councillor Richard Curthoys.
- Credit: Archant
A Conservative district councillor has been lambasted by Facebook users after posting comments about secrecy within the Lib Dem administration.
Richard Curthoys, who represents Marshalswick South and describes himself as a LibDem Baiter on his Twitter profile, questioned why councillors were made privy to documents kept secret from the public.
Alongside a picture of confidential blue papers, he asked members of the St Albans People group: Why is this administration so obsessed with secrecy?
He said: Virtually every set of papers we get from this administration contain blue (schhh it s a secret) papers, items we cannot disclose to you the electorate for various reasons.
St Albans district council leader Chris White.
- Credit: Archant
It could be out with the Cabinet and in with committees under proposed changes to how the district council functions.
Residents, community groups, businesses and other organisations are invited to have their say about the plans, which are scheduled to come into effect in May.
The main change is the replacement of the council’s current Cabinet system, which has been in place since 2001, with one based on committees.
At present, key decisions are delegated to a leader – elected annually by Full Council –and his or her Cabinet of portfolio holders