Hertfordshire Mercury

Family’s search for hope after Frankie’s shocking diagnosis

THE mother of a boy with a rare genetic disorder, which is known to affect only around 200 people worldwide, says doctors told her “nothing can be done” and he was “unlikely to survive past his teens”. Amy Sheridan-Hill, 46, a former teacher living in...

Rivers restored and protected for the future

FUNDING of £1.7 million has helped to restore and protect Hertfordshire’s chalk rivers. The county’s chalk rivers and the wildlife that they support are already showing signs of recovery, the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said. It follows...

Campaign to save ‘perfect’ school with just 12 pupils defeated

DESPITE pleas from parents to keep it open, councillors have decided that one of Hertfordshire’s smallest primary schools should close. Although Albury CE Primary School, near Little Hadham, can take up to 84 children, it has just 12 on roll - down...

FULL STEAM AHEAD: MP VISITS STATION TO SEE WORK PROGRESSING

PROGRESS continues at pace on accessibility upgrades at Hertford North station. The project involves installing a new lift to Platform 1, providing all passengers – particularly those with limited mobility, heavy luggage or pushchairs – with a...

YOUNG CHOIR HITS RIGHT NOTE TO WIN TOP PRIZE

TALENTED young vocalists at a Hertford school have scaled new heights after claiming top prize at a regional choir competition. Duncombe School Harmony Choir was crowned Prep School Choir of the Year at the Haileybury Choral Competition, after a group...

Milestones of hope for area’s wetlands

THIS week is World Wetlands Day - an annual celebration of our wetlands which raises awareness of these vital habitats and encourages actions to conserve and restore them. Locally, the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is working year-round to create...

Domestic abuse team reaches big milestone

A SPECIALIST police team dedicated to protecting people in Hertfordshire from domestic abuse has marked its 10th birthday. Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit (DAISU) reached the milestone this...

THE MANE EVENT: RARE PONIES ARRIVE TO HELP RESTORE THE LANDSCAPE

FIVE Dartmoor ponies have arrived at a National Trust estate where they will help restore the landscape by grazing on thistles and other vigorous plants. The conservation charity hopes that the three mares and two geldings will help create the right...

Golf club is destroyed by huge fire

A GOLF club in Waltham Abbey was severely damaged by a huge blaze on Monday afternoon. Upon arrival at West Essex Golf Club, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed everyone was accounted for and that no one was injured. “The building, which...

Abuse of staff leads to tip opening hours being reduced

ADVERTISED opening hours at Hertfordshire’s network of 16 recycling centres are to be shortened, in a bid to reduce the amount of abuse levelled at staff. Currently, busy recycling sites can be shut to new visitors up to 30 minutes before the...

WINNING WINDOWS SPREAD THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

THE winners of Hertford Town Council’s Winning Windows competition have been announced. Back in October, town centre retailers were invited to enter the competition to spread some extra Christmas cheer. The competition aims to encourage the Hertford...

A DELIGHTFUL WAY TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON

A WOODLAND light trail has returned to Tewinbury Farm and is four times bigger and brighter. The 700-acre countryside retreat just outside Hertford has been transformed into a glittering festive journey, weaving together light, music and Christmas...

Talks to end roadworks misery