The uncertain future of a much-loved children’s camp, a triumphant homecoming for a Watford group, the expansion of a school and a new name for a nightclub were among the stories making our headlines five and ten years ago this week.
FIVE YEARS AGO
It's official - council withdraws funding for Cuffley Camp
Cuffley Camp is a 'rite of passage' for many kids in Hertfordshire (Photo: Round Diamond Primary School)
The decision to halt funding to a popular outdoor children’s camp has been upheld.
Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), following a scrutiny committee meeting, agreed with the initial decision to withdraw from its lease at Cuffley Camp.
It argued that continued investment into the centre would be neither sustainable nor a proper use of taxpayers’ money.
“We understand and share residents’ concern about the future of this much loved outdoor camping centre,” said David Williams, leader of HCC.
“Following a review of Cuffley Camp’s sustainability as a self-financing facility operated by the county council, it was agreed that we cannot maintain the levels of investment required to bring the camp up to the standards needed to compete with alternative providers and offer a compelling service for the future.”
X-Factor finalists enjoy glorious homecoming
X-Factor finalists ‘Rak-Su’ were given a fantastic reception as they paid a visit to their hometown.
The hip-hop band are preparing to battle it out for a top recording contract but showed they are fiercely proud of their roots by returning to Watford.
Myles, Ashley, Jamal and Mustafa signed autographs and posed for pictures with their legions of fans at their old school before making their way to Vicarage Road in the evening.
They were given VIP treatment during Watford FC’s 4-2 defeat to Manchester United, performing at half-time in front of the Hornets’ faithful.
Scanning centre plays vital role in major archaeological find
A medical scanning centre which specialises in cancer treatments has been involved in a ground breaking archaeological project.
The Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, based at Mount Vernon Hospital, contributed to the work carried out on an Iron Age site in Leicestershire.
Researchers utilised the specialist equipment at the centre to examine the collection of decorated cauldrons and jewellery that was discovered near the M1.
Dr Andrew Gogbashian, consultant radiologist at the centre, said: “We have the latest CT scanning technology and using our medical imaging skills and experience to contribute to such a significant archaeological discovery is a real privilege.”
TEN YEARS AGO
Allotment holders to hear their fate on Monday
The shape of the Watford health campus and the fate of Farm Terrace allotments are due to be decided at a crunch meeting next week.
Watford Borough Council’s ruling cabinet is set vote on whether to go with a scheme for the massive redevelopment that uses all, some or none of the historic allotment site off Vicarage Road.
The meeting marks another step towards the long-awaited health campus project that aims to regenerate the land behind Watford FC and Watford General with a new hospital, around 600 new homes and new businesses.
Over the last year, momentum has gathered behind the project, which has been in discussion since 2002, with a developer, Kier, being chosen to take it forward in the summer.
However the scheme ran into controversy in June when the council notified Farm Terrace allotment holders that their site may be included in the project, despite being protected in the original master plan.
The move has been angrily fought by allotment holders, but council and health bosses claim the extra land is needed to make the scheme viable.
School expansion approved
A school in Rickmansworth will be expanded to help plug a shortfall of pupil places, after plans were passed by the county council today.
The proposals detail how Shepherd Primary School, in Shepherd’s Lane, will be expanded to take on another 30 pupils.
The school is one of six to be enlarged, and the only one to attract objections from neighbours.
A forecast shows that by the 2013/14 intake, the area of Rickmansworth will be facing a deficit of 16 primary places.
New name for Area revealed
The owners of the former Area nightclub have revealed the new club will be called Cameo when it reopens.
The news comes as the club, in The Parade, serves a temporary closure after police applied for it to be stripped of its licence for a serious of management and health and safety failings.
Last month the club’s owners, Gatecrasher, agreed to close it for two months and rebrand to avoid losing its licence.
Even though Gatecrasher has revealed the new name of the club, little other information about what it will look like after it reopens has been released. An official opening date is also yet to emerge.
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