Here we continue our look back at the news making the headlines in the Watford Observer in March and April 2023.
Expansion plans for Warner Bros Studios are given the green light by government at the beginning of March.
Watford Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council had previously approved to the plan but it was agreed the government would have final say.
The proposal includes 11 new sound stages, new production offices, three workshops, a multi-storey car park featuring 2,500 parking spaces, and a new roundabout near the A41 North Western Avenue
EastEnders actress Tracy Ann-Oberman is starring in the hotly anticipated Merchant of Venice 1936 – at Watford Palace Theatre. The show charts the growth of the British Fascist party in London’s 1930s East End and the community rejecting their hatred in the famous Battle of Cable Street.
Watford council’s cabinet approves its ‘preferred choice’ to run the iconic Watford Colosseum when it reopens in 2024 following an extensive regeneration project. AEG Presents – which runs the O2 Arena in London, leads the race as Watford mayor Peter Taylor hails the “exciting news for Watford”.
Laura Gerber is taken to hospital after falling into a 10ft sinkhole and swallowing sewage. She mistook the hole in Jubilee Road, Watford, for a puddle.
During the following few days Laura was treated at Watford General Hospital and given blood clotting injections after the sewage caused an infection.
Cassiobury Park attack victim Sheraze launches campaign to improve lighting to make the park safer at night. She presented a position to the council appealing for action, with some changes announced later in the year.
Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi, co-founder of Soul Survivor church, is at the centre of a safeguarding investigation launched in April. In June it was “mutually agreed” that he steps back from all ministry while an investigation is carried out by the Church of England, following concerns being reported.
Later in the year he permanently stepped down, but no criminal charges were pursued.
Emotional former students attend an art exhibition run by their ex-headteacher as a goodbye before he dies from terminal cancer.
Nearly 20 students and former colleagues from Alban Wood Junior school attended Keith Sampey’s art exhibition on April 11 after he called for people to go and see him.
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