At around 5am on July 12, an explosion was heard by Andrew Carberry who lives in the Meriden estate in Watford.
When he realised it happened at the Abbey View flats, he rushed to warn people living in the block.
Hundreds of residents were evacuated from the 17-storey tower and no-one was seriously injured.
The blaze destroyed five families’ homes and some residents whose homes were not affected said they were struggling with their mental health since the event.
Resident Guru Awasthi said: “The smoke was coming and [there were] a lot of noises, and I just opened the door from my balcony and I saw the fire was there downstairs, then immediately I came out and myself and roommate started helping other people to come out.”
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Boys charged with arson after Meriden tower block fire
Arguably Watford’s most loved musician, Elton John, brought his farewell tour to Vicarage Road Stadium.
The July 3 show was the 237th date in the music legend’s colossal Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
Our Community Content Editor, Anthony Matthews, said: “This felt like more than witnessing a memorable concert. It was about community and that feeling of being part of something special again. Even the weather played ball.”
He added: “There were people in the audience who bought tickets because they love Elton’s music, but the majority were, first and foremost, Watford supporters. This was a Watford night.”
And while Watford FC hadn’t had the best of seasons, Sir Elton surely lifted everyone’s spirits.
“This was a special Watford night when Vicarage Road got its smile back,” said Mr Matthews.
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Review: Elton John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road Watford concert
Elsewhere this month we reported that teachers at Bushey Meads School were scared of students’ “gang mentality”.
The school’s annual survey, seen by the Watford Observer, also revealed that teachers belived students' behaviour was “escalating out of control”.
Teachers talked about daily fights, “deteriorating” behaviour – particularly since Christmas – and students wandering around outside of lessons.
One staff member also claimed parents would question whether their child was safe “if they knew what was happening on a daily basis”.
Head teacher Jeremy Turner said although it was one of the most negative surveys the school had seen, “I don’t believe it reflects the fantastic attitude of our students, or the dedication shown by our staff".
He added it is “disappointing to see Bushey Meads School characterised in this way” and it would not comment on individual complaints or allegations.
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Bushey Meads School plagued by 'gang mentality', teachers claim
Objections came in thick and fast when developers submitted plans to build as many as 310 homes on green belt land in Bushey.
Developer Redrow Homes has eyed up Harts Farm in Little Bushey Lane for a residential development.
But it received more than 240 objections.
Campaign group Little Bushey Community highlighted several issues with the proposed build.
It said the development will generate 1,200 more cars on Little Bushey Lane. The group also claims that the site has been identified as a flood plain by the Environmental Agency.
At the time of writing, a decision was still being made on the plans.
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Objections fly in over plans to build houses at Harts Farm in Bushey
And after a three-year hiatus ITV's Ninja Warrior UK returned and was shot in Watford.
Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes, and Chris Kamara returned as hosts for the new series.
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ITV filming for Ninja Warrior UK series 6 in Watford
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