Plans for a new market, famous visitors to the area, a landmark development and a woman who gave birth in a car park were among the stories making our headlines five and ten years ago this week.

TEN YEARS AGO

Shipping containers plan to house new Watford Market

Watford’s new market could be largely constructed of shipping containers, and will allow traders to set up stalls on a daily basis.

Intu, formerly Capital Shopping Centres, owns the Harlequin, and is taking the space currently occupied by Charter Place market as part of a widescale redevelopment of the area.

Watford Observer: An artist's impression of the scheme.An artist's impression of the scheme. (Image: .)

Watford Borough Council will build a new £1million indoor market in the car park outside the former TJ Hughes building to replace the market in Charter Place.

At a meeting of the market working group, traders, councillors and representatives from a design consultant discussed the new site.

Watford Observer: The Hollywood actor visited a Garston cinema.The Hollywood actor visited a Garston cinema. (Image: Action Images)

Hollywood actor visits Watford cinema

Hollywood actor Channing Tatum visited a Garston cinema while staying in Watford.

The star of Magic Mike and 21 Jump Street was spotted in the Grove Hotel’s spa before making the short journey to the Vue Cinema that evening.

One fan, who asked not to be named, said: "We were staying at the Grove Hotel and were in the spa when he came in.

"He was really nice. He introduced himself as Chan, trying to be more personal, and we sat next to him and chatted for about ten minutes.

"He was very friendly and down to earth."

Watford Observer: Actor Warwick Davis outside The Frying Squad.Actor Warwick Davis outside The Frying Squad. (Image: Pippa Douglas)

Actors Warwick Davis and Ricky Gervais filming in Bushey

Actors Warwick Davis and Ricky Gervais were in Bushey filming for a comedy series.

The pair were filming with Les Dennis, Keith Chegwin and Shaun Williamson - aka 'Barry' from EastEnders - in The Frying Squad in Bushey Mill Lane for the series Life's Too Short.

Today is their last day of filming for the one-hour special, to be aired this Easter.

BBC crews have also been recording at the Met Police Sports Ground, Aldenham Road, the Mercure London Watford Hotel, and on Heathfield Road, Bushey - which will feature as Warwick’s ex-wife’s home.

FIVE YEARS AGO

ASCOT ROAD: Development will still go ahead despite Met Line Extension failure

A major property developer will start work on its first Watford project later this year – even though the Met Line Extension plan has been scrapped.

Cortland Partners are still looking forward to bringing a 23-storey tower block of 485 new homes to Ascot Road, even though Mayor of London Sadiq Khan pulled the plug on the long-awaited scheme.

Watford Observer: Cortland Partners were looking to bring the 23-storey tower block to Ascot Road.Cortland Partners were looking to bring the 23-storey tower block to Ascot Road. (Image: Cortland Partners)

Executive partner Richard Olsen says the company, which recently merged with Orion Land and Leisure, is still looking forward to investing in Watford.

He has vowed to support a petition, launched by Watford MP Richard Harrington, calling on Mr Khan to reverse his decision.

Watford Observer: Samuel and Sian Austin with their baby girl.Samuel and Sian Austin with their baby girl. (Image: .)

Woman gives birth in hospital car park

A woman gave birth in a hospital car park after she was unable to make it into the maternity unit in time.

Sian Austin delivered her first child – a girl who is yet to be named - outside Watford General Hospital with the help of members of the public and staff.

She described the unforgettable experience as “very sudden” and she even went home later that day.

Mrs Austin said: “My husband and I would like to thank the amazing staff at Watford General who were brilliant throughout my care.

“We would also like to thank the public who helped us.”

Watford Observer: Campaigners celebrating outside the High Court.Campaigners celebrating outside the High Court. (Image: .)

NASCOT LAWN: Centre given stay of execution after court battle

A centre for disabled children has been given a stay of execution until August after parents took the fight to judicial review.

This morning, hundreds gathered at the High Court to hear the outcome of a judicial review case about the future of Nascot Lawn, in Watford.

After a two-day hearing earlier this month, parents nervously gathered at the court today to hear Justice Mostyn's verdict.

Ruling in their favour, he said the Langley Road centre is a "health service" and parents need it for more than just respite.