Parish Council Report – July 2026
The Parish Council Meeting was held on Thursday July 2nd 2026 at Walkern Sports and Community Centre. This report covers some of the issues we have been dealing with over the last few months. The full minutes of the meeting are available on the Parish Council website and on the Parish Council Notice Board outside Budgen’s shop.
New Councillor
We are very pleased to welcome Courtney Blinco as a new member of the Council. Courtney moved into the village two years ago with husband Simon, who has lived in the village for over a decade. Originally from Australia, she has lived in the UK for over 8 years and is excited to support the village community. Courtney works full time both in London and from her home in Stevenage Road.
Hertfordshire’s Local Government Reorganisation Proposals
Helen Standen, Chief Executive, East Herts Council informed the Parish Council that the Government has now set out its decision regarding the future structure of local government in Hertfordshire. The Government’s preferred model is for 4 unitary councils to be established across the county. This means that the services currently delivered by East Herts Council, along with those of Hertfordshire County Council, will transfer to Eastern Hertfordshire Council on 1st April 2028.
This new Council combines the existing areas of East Herts District Council and Broxbourne Borough Council plus the Northaw & Cuffley Ward from Welwyn Hatfield and specific northern wards from North Herts (including Royston).
Maps and more information can be found on the East Herts website, www.eastherts.gov.uk
As a small Parish Council we are concerned about the scale of these changes and will continue to monitor future proposals so as best to represent the views of residents.
Walkern Sports and Community Centre
On July 29th the Council, as land lords, held a meeting with the WSCC committee to discuss renewal of the lease for the Pavilion. The committee are responsible for the day to day running of the building and have worked hard to encourage residents to take advantage of the facilities on offer.
The discussion was positive, and some changes to the current agreement were suggested that made the responsibilities of each party clearer. We hope the new agreement will be signed and come into effect shortly.
Wilder Walkern Bug Hotel Build
The date was set for Saturday 15th August and adults and children met at the back of the High Street playground, to get involved or spectate. Large quantities of material had been collected over many weeks:
On the day of the build:
· One pallet was placed at a time by adults
· Children enjoyed filling each layer with pine cones, straw, bamboo. tiles, logs, twigs and leaves
· Each pallet was screwed down securely before the next one was added
· Finally, the adults fitted and tiled the roof.
This has been a real community project and it was particularly encouraging to see families with their children having such a great time together. The Council want to thank all the residents and Councillors who have worked hard to make this project a success.
More details and photographs are in the Wilder Walkern article in the journal.
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 3RD September 2026 at the Walkern Sports and Community Centre commencing at 7.00 pm.
Christine Nudds, Parish Councillor