Five stories you may have missed from around Watford

1. Smashburger orders Bushey business to change name

An independent Bushey restaurant has been ordered to change its name for being too similar to a global fast food chain.

Smash and Wings in High Street will have to undergo a complete rebrand after it was told it was infringing on the trademark of the UK branch of American fast food chain Smashburger.

The letter from lawyers on behalf of the brand came as a “massive shock” to owners Haroon and Jessica Khan when it arrived in April 2023, about nine months after they set up the fast food eatery.

Haroon said: “As small business owners, you come up with plans and dreams and you take the risk and put yourself out there. For these corporate giants to come along and crush that in one swift blow, it is gut-wrenching.”

Smash & Wings owner Haroon. (Image: Smash and Wings)

2. Motorcyclist dies in Hemel Hempstead crash

A motorcyclist died after a crash in Hemel Hempstead on Monday which saw a 23-year-old arrested.

The collision involving two cars and a motorcycle was at around 6.40am on June 17 in Redbourn Road, on the stretch near Cupid Green Playing Fields.

Herts Police said a man in his 30s passed away at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

3. Six arrested after "knifepoint" robbery in Watford

Six men have been arrested after armed police and a helicopter were sent to an alleged "knifepoint" robbery in Watford.

Hertfordshire Police were called at 8.40pm on June 17 to reports that a group of men attacked a 16-year-old boy in Moss Road, near Garston.

The attackers, who reportedly had a knife, then stole his phone which contained a bankcard.

Armed police and a helicopter were dispatched to assist the search and officers identified six suspects and an address in the Kingswood area.

The men, aged between 15 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in police custody, while the victim’s mobile phone was recovered at the address. 

4. How many XL Bullies are living in Watford?

The areas around Watford where the most XL Bullies live have been revealed by new data.

Owners must have a certificate of exemption for their restricted dog after law changes came into force from January 31, with figures obtained by The Spectator showing just how many live in your postcode area.

Click to link above to see how many are living in your area.

5. Plans for 1,300-home development in Bushey

Bushey could be set for over a thousand more homes after plans for a major “intergenerational” development were submitted.

Care home operator Trulocom has applied for the development. (Image: Trulocom)

Care home operator Trulocom has applied for permission to redevelop a 93-acre plot of land to the south of the area between Heathbourne Road and the M1.

Around 70 per cent of the homes would be designed for elderly people or those needing care services, according to the application registered online this month.

“Our vision for Heathbourne Green is to reclaim a previous landfill site with an exemplar and sustainable Intergenerational Continuing Care Community; a neighbourhood designed to meet the needs of an increasing and ageing population,” said Trulocom.