Watford Observer

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000
MP quizzed on tax rises, Watford General and Labour's prospects
Watford's Labour MP Matt Turmaine discusses a busy first full year in post.

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000
The best walking routes to enjoy this Boxing Day around Hertfordshire
Looking for a walking trail in Hertfordshire? These are the five best walks you can do in Hertfordshire this Boxing Day.

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0000
5 of the best Chinese takeaways in Hertfordshire you need to order from
From Dragon Garden to Wu's Family, discover the best places for a Chinese takeaway around Hertfordshire according to Tripadvisor.

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000
Ten brilliant businesses that opened in Watford in 2025
Home Bargains, Wendy's and a new food court were among the biggest business openings in Watford in 2025.

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000
Sleek one-bed flat with balcony near Watford Junction put on sale
This sleek one-bedroom Marri Street apartment features an open-plan layout, integrated kitchen, built-in wardrobes and a smart-tech bathroom, just minutes from Watford Junction.

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000
Celebrities spotted out and about in Watford this year
Jojo Siwa, Helena Bonham Carter, Anthony Joshua, and Jason Momoa are among the biggest stars spotted in Watford in 2025.

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000
The 5 best to 5 worst rated Christmas films you need to watch on Netflix in 2025
Here are the best and worst Christmas films you can find on Netflix in the UK, according to scores from Rotten Tomatoes.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:35:00 +0000
Council investigating after fencing built across path to sport facilities
Three Rivers District Council is conducting enquiries after fencing suddenly cut off direct access to Oxhey Playing Fields sport facilities.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:25:00 +0000
Mum heartbroken after car stolen with kids' Christmas presents inside
A mother has been left heartbroken after her car filled with sentimental items and kids’ Christmas presents was stolen outside the Tesco Extra in Watford.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:30:00 +0000
Two Watford bus timetables to see tweaks in January
Timetable tweaks for two Watford bus services (635 and 602) will be introduced in the new year.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 11:55:00 +0000
Man in 90s dies after crash when car left road 'for reasons unknown'
A man in his 90s has died after a crash near Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead, sparking an information appeal.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 11:28:55 +0000
'Tap-in, tap-out' payments go live at key Hertfordshire train stations
Contactless 'tap-in, tap-out' rail ticketing has gone live at key train stations across Herts.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 11:25:00 +0000
Community leader bids farewell after almost 20 years in charge
Bob Jones retires after 20 years as CEO of Watford and Three Rivers Trust (W3RT), succeeded by Saffron Johnson. W3RT leadership change.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:34:43 +0000
Application suggests former High Street restaurant could make a return
Watford High Street restaurant Bill's could be reopening, a licensing application suggests.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:07:48 +0000
'Violent offender' who punched teen girl in face during robbery jailed
A “violent offender” who attacked two teenage girls and stole their phones outside Tesco Extra Watford has been jailed.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:30:00 +0000
'Livid' parents pull boy from school after 'five lunchtime allergy blunders'
Parents have pulled their son from a North Watford school after he was given the wrong food and had allergic reactions five times.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:30:00 +0000
Christmas opening hours for Tesco, Aldi, Asda and more across Hertfordshire
Check what time the likes of Asda, Aldi, Tesco, Lidl and more are open this Christmas in Hertfordshire with opening hours.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:08:29 +0000
Arrest after air ambulance called to 'medical emergency'
Police have arrested a man after a reported “medical emergency” in Borehamwood which required the air ambulance.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:45:00 +0000
New cake shop opened in Watford by former bakery worker
A former bakery worker has launched her own business, Cake Inn Watford, offering custom cakes.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:42:00 +0000
Vehicle crashes into restaurant and sparks 'emergency' gas repair
A vehicle crashing into Bushey High Street restaurant Zaza sparked fears of a leak after a gas pipe was damaged.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:15:00 +0000
Watford business shuts after 53 years as liquidators appointed
After 53-years serving the Watford community, Plant & Tool Hire Ltd has closed and entered liquidation.

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:30:00 +0000
Mum to fly out for last hope cancer treatment days before Christmas
A former Watford General nurse from Kings Langley will fly to Mexico for last hope cancer treatment today, potentially missing her last Christmas with her kids.

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:50:00 +0000
Revised Christmas bin collection dates for Watford and nearby areas
Revised bin collection dates during the Christmas period for Watford, Three Rivers, Hertsmere, and Dacorum.

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:30:00 +0000
Memories of Watford shivering in the snow at Christmas 1981
A look back at some of the snowy scenes when the Watford area shivered at Christmas in December 1981 during one of the coldest winters on record.

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:11:38 +0000
Emergency services called after crash closes road
Eastbury Road, Watford, was shut for more than an hour after a single vehicle crash.

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 13:34:33 +0000
Fault to cancel Watford Junction line trains until end of day
Trains on the Abbey Line from Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey are expected to face disruption until the end of the day.

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:44:00 +0000
Pedestrian crossing and 20mph extension proposed near school
A new pedestrian crossing and extended 20mph zone are being considered for Gallows Hill Lane in Abbots Langley as part of school safety improvements.

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:35:00 +0000
Watford trains disruption between Christmas and New Year's Day - round-up
Watford Junction travellers can expect cancellations and reduced services over the Christmas to New Year's Day period.

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:27:00 +0000
Final week of festive wins: coffee machine, hamper and £150 voucher
The final week of this year’s advent of competitions has opened, with three new prizes available for subscribers.

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:05:00 +0000
Bushey honeytrap killer successfully appeals murder conviction
One of the killers in the Bushey honeytrap attack on Vishal Gohel has successfully appealed his murder charge.

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:55:00 +0000
Restaurant confirms reopening plans after vehicle crashed into it
Bushey restaurant Zaza has confirmed its reopening plans after a vehicle crashed into it.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:05:00 +0000
Fire rips through village flat - warning issued by firefighters
Firefighters have shared a warning after a fire devastated a property in Abbots Langley.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:23:00 +0000
'Affray' near High Street bar sees three arrests made - CCTV appeal launched
Police have arrested three people over an “affray” involving “several people” near Dunnings II in High Street.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000
Swanky gym with 'premium feel' reopens after £400k revamp
South Oxhey Leisure Centre has reopened its gym following a £400,000 refurbishment, featuring new equipment, improved studios and accessible facilities for all users.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:55:00 +0000
Air ambulance called to 'medical incident' as road shut
Emergency services shut a Borehamwood road to treat a person suffering a medical incident as the air ambulance was reportedly called out.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:09:03 +0000
'Driving Home For Christmas' singer Chris Rea dies age 74, his family confirm
'Driving Home For Christmas' singer Chris Rea has died at the age of 74, a spokesperson for his family has told the BBC.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:58:15 +0000
Miles of congestion after motorway crash - recap
Congestion stretches from Hemel Hempstead to the M25 following a crash which has forced a partial M1 closure.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:58:30 +0000
'Air ambulance and firefighters called' as road shut - recap
Leeming Road, Borehamwood, is shut following a crash as residents report multiple emergency services have been called out.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:10:00 +0000
Watford laundry vehicle mysteriously decked out with bunting
A look back at a vehicle used by Watford Steam Laundry, in Hagden Lane, around a century ago.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 11:58:00 +0000
Bar chain with Watford branch goes into administration
The Watford Sixes Social Cricket location is reportedly “at risk” as the chain of themed venues has entered administration.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:20:00 +0000
Rotary Club secures new storage deal to boost support for community
The Rotary Club of Watford has secured new storage space through a sponsorship deal with STOREX Self Storage, allowing the group to expand collections and support more community projects.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:12:00 +0000
Home put on sale for £400,000 on sought-after road
This Souldern Street property offers two double bedrooms, two reception rooms, a modern kitchen, loft space, rear garden and excellent access to Watford transport links.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:30:00 +0000
I was blown away by brilliant new Browns restaurant - review
The Watford Observer reviews the newly-opened Browns restaurant in Bushey Heath.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:43:00 +0000
Watford postal workers receive early festive treat from local MP
Watford MP Matt Turmaine delivered a festive treat of Quality Street tins to Watford postal workers during the busy Christmas rush.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:20:11 +0000
PCSOs honoured as 'modern day saints' in art exhibition
Two PCSOs officers in South Oxhey have been honoured as ‘modern day saints’ as part of an an art exhibition at All Saints Church.

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:58:06 +0000
Rare Royal Mint 20p coin sells for 76 times face value because of error
Featuring Queen Elizabeth II on the front and the Tudor Rose on the reverse, the 20p piece was minted with a rare error

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0000
Latest planning applications submitted to Dacorum Borough Council
Dacorum Borough Council has received a wide range of planning applications this week, including home extensions, refurbishments, tree works, new dwellings and 25m communications masts.

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000
Wistful thoughts of a white Christmas in Watford
Watford Observer local history columnist Lesley Dunlop takes a festive look back at when Watford has experienced a white Christmas.

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000
Latest Three Rivers District Council planning applications
Three Rivers District Council has received new planning applications this week, including home extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, alterations, and a prior notification for camping use.

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000
When crowds gathered to hear a 'medical' man speak
A 135-year-old photo of 'medical' man Sequah speaking to a crowd in the Market Street area of Watford.

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