Watford Junction redevelopment and M1 widening considered by transport chiefs

FIVE YEARS AGO

Watford Junction redevelopment, widening the M1 and Watford's very own Boris Bikes scheme all under consideration on transport wish list

The redevelopment of Watford Junction was one of the ideas being considered

Transport chiefs believe Watford Junction could be redeveloped to create additional space for passengers.

Hertfordshire County Council has a wish list of different transport projects that it believes will improve transport infrastructure.

While some will never see the light of day, transport officers have considered redeveloping Watford Junction and widening the M1.

Hertfordshire County Council's environment, planning and transport committee were shown the report.

One panel member told the Watford Observer only the priority schemes would be brought forward providing the council could afford it.

Included in the documents are ideas to redevelop Watford Junction station and make it easier for passengers to change between different services and improve access to other modes of transport like buses.

Watford stun Gunners to reach Wembley

Celebrating a famous win: Watford beat Arsenal to reach FA Cup semi-finals. Photo: Action Images

Watford are at Wembley. The Hornets are one game away from their second appearance in an FA Cup final after a stirring second-half display was rewarded with a 2-1 win at Arsenal to end the Gunners’ two-year grip on the trophy.

The Hornets had ridden their luck at times in the first half but once Odion Ighalo put his side in front six minutes after the break, everything changed.

The Gunners increasingly began to struggle after their fragile confidence had taken another blow while their opponents looked increasingly confident on the counter attack.

But few would have predicted the manner of the visitors’ second goal when it did arrive – a simply stunning right-footed drive from Adlene Guedioura that arrowed into the roof of the net.

A Danny Welbeck goal gave the home side late hope and the England striker almost secured a replay when he sent a great chance wide at the death after Alex Iwobi had hit the post, but the Hornets held out to secure a famous win and send more than 8,000 fans into collective ecstasy.

Cassiobury bandstand undergoes revamp

Work to remove the bandstand from its current location started five years ago this week

The historic Cassiobury bandstand has been taken away for a revamp.

Due to open in September in its original 1920s location, the bandstand will have a new colour scheme using the colours from the Capell family coat of arms.

The Capell family were the Earls of Essex who lived at Cassiobury House between the mid-1600s and late 1800s.

Work to remove the bandstand from its current location started this week.

TEN YEARS AGO

Offer set to be made for Hornets

Panos Thomas (front) and Laurence Bassini

The long-awaited takeover of Watford Football Club took a major step forward this week.

It was announced Watford FC Limited, which was set up by highly-respected orthopaedic surgeon Panos Thomas and will be financed by close friend Laurence Bassini, is set to make a cash offer for the Hornets’ parent company, Watford Leisure Plc. The imminent bid for the club has already been accepted by most of the major shareholders.

The new company, which was created in January solely for the takeover, has had its offer of 1p per share accepted by Lord Ashcroft – whose company Fordwat Limited controls 37.16 per cent of the club’s shares – and Graham Simpson and his wife Yianna, who own 8.24 and 8.55 per cent respectively.

A 36-page document, released to the Stock Exchange, confirmed that if the takeover is completed Graham Taylor will remain as chairman.

Schools expansions set for approval

Plans to expand primary schools across Watford are set to be approved next week.

Hertfordshire County Council's education and skills cabinet panel is expected to confirm that six schools will take on more pupils to cope with the demand for places in the town, particularly in central Watford.

Cherry Tree Primary School will permanently expand by one form entry in September this year, while Beechfield, Cassiobury Infants and Holywell Primary Schools will accept an additional 30 pupils in September 2012.

Tanners Wood JMI School in Abbots Langley will take on an extra half form entry (15 pupils) in September 2012, while Cassiobury Junior School will expand by one form group in 2013.

Meanwhile, three additional schools will temporarily expand by one form.

King Street development plans return

Long-running ambitions to rejuvenate a dilapidated part of Watford town centre have received planning permission for the third time.

Bannister Properties Ltd won approval for plans to refurbish the former bank and Robert Peel pub, on the corner of High Street and King Street, and construct adjoining buildings to provide retail units, restaurant space and 24 flats.

Similar proposals had previously been given permission in March 2008 and July 2010.

But they were brought back to Watford Borough Council's development control committee after changes were made to incorporate seven restaurants and one shop.