Watford Observer
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000Tickets for new Warner Bros Studios Leavesden experience on sale now
Tickets have just gone on sale for a new Harry Potter Tour experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Mastering the Magic workshop.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:12:45 +0000'Hour-long delays into Hertfordshire' after motorway crash - recap
National Highways is reporting delays "in excess of one hour" following a crash on the M1 just within Hertfordshire.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 07:45:19 +0000Two of Watford's neighbouring towns among 'best places to live 2026'
Two of Watford’s neighbouring towns, Rickmansworth and Bushey, have been named among the best places to live for 2026.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 07:32:00 +0000Every second counts this Valentine’s Day…check out WATCH & WATCH offers
As a timeless symbol, giving the gift of a watch to a loved one this Valentine’s Day not only symbolises your past, present, and future moments as a couple, it’s obviously a pretty practical gift, too.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0000Charities in Watford invited to apply for £2k in funding in new scheme
Watford Rotary Club invites local charities, schools, and community groups to apply for up to £2,000 in grants. Apply by March 15 for community project funding.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:29:00 +0000Mosque team 'delighted' after church conversion plan approved
The team behind a newly-approved mosque in Watford have reacted to last night's planning decision.
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:53:00 +0000When it could snow in Hertfordshire this month according to the Met Office
There is a chance of snow in Hertfordshire this month, according to the latest long-range Met Office forecast.
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:14:00 +0000Major retailer shuts all standalone stores - but Watford branch to survive
Watford's GAME branch has survived after the struggling firm announced it is closing all its standalone stores.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:52:00 +0000Suspect description released after road rage row attack
A suspect description has been released after a suspect reportedly attacked another motorist in Loudwater.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:49:50 +0000Hertfordshire teen created ‘library’ of extreme right-wing material
A Hertfordshire teenager created an online “library” of extreme right-wing material encouraging violent attacks on racial groups, a jury has found.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:44:31 +0000Protestors 'delighted' as removal of all 170 village green boulders confirmed
Residents have celebrated confirmation all 170 “unlawful” boulders will be removed from The Green, Croxley Green.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000Look inside much-loved pub at heart of community 30 years ago
A look back at the array of objects that helped give the Villiers Arms, in Oxhey, its charm and character in 1993.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000Latest on 10 ongoing road closures amid 'gridlock' traffic
Motorists have bemoaned heavy traffic across the area around Watford amid a host of road closures for works.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:10:53 +0000Jewellery stolen in home burglary
Jewellery was stolen from a Fairview Drive, Watford home in a burglary.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:51:00 +0000'Serious assault' probe - man with Watford links WANTED
Herts Police investigating a “serious assault” are looking for a man with links to Watford and other Hertfordshire areas.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:29:00 +0000'Hit-and-run' seriously injures motorcyclist - police make arrest
A man has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop after a crash in Watford on Tuesday night (February 3).
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:15:00 +0000Man hit by bus in busy Watford road this morning
A man has been taken to hospital after being hit by a bus in Clarendon Road, Watford this morning (February 4).
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:03:20 +0000Police close road outside secondary school - recap
Rickmansworth Road is partially blocked outside Watford Grammar School for boys following a crash, according to the AA.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:15:30 +0000Crash closes busy road as emergency services attend - recap
Clarendon Road in Watford is currently closed due to a crash, as emergency services attend the scene.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000'Hidden gem' museum celebrates achieving accredited status
Three Rivers Museum in Rickmansworth has gained Arts Council accreditation, recognising its excellence in heritage, collections care, and public engagement.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:57:00 +0000Woman hit by car this morning taken to hospital
A woman in her 40s has been taken to hospital after being hit by a car earlier this morning (February 4).
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:45:00 +0000Supermarket redesign plans given green light amid closure for refurb
Designs for a wide-ranging refurbishment of the M&S in Rickmansworth High Street have been approved after it closed for the works.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:21:25 +0000'Heavy traffic' warning amid crash - recap
Motorists have been warned of heavy traffic after a crash in Green Lane, Croxley Green.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:23:54 +0000Mosque plan for Watford church APPROVED
Watford Borough Council's development management committee has approved plans to turn a church in the town into a mosque.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0000Superb short film showcases Watford's past - watch it here
Watford’s past has been brought back to life thanks to the skills of a talented videographer.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0000Eight people added to Herts Police wanted list in January
These eight people have been added to the Herts Police wanted list in the last month, with their faces shared by the force.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:22:00 +0000Unique and charming gifts perfect for Valentine’s Day
Along with flowers, jewellery is on the most popular list for Valentine’s Day gifts, so why not celebrate Valentine’s Day 2026 in style with a unique jewellery gift for every kind of love?
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:57:39 +0000Snooker legend and commentator John Virgo dies aged 79 as tributes paid
John Virgo, who has died aged 79, was known for his playing career in snooker as well as being a commentator for the sport on the BBC
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:05:00 +0000After Life dog statue returns in new spot after vandalism
Dacorum Borough Council has confirmed that a statue of the dog from After Life in Hemel Hempstead town square has been restored following vandalism.
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000Child's fight to beat cancer sparks successful fundraising drive
A community fundraiser inspired by seven-year-old Ethan brings a Nintendo Switch gaming cart to Watford General Hospital’s Starfish Ward.
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:10:00 +0000Radio 2 DJ to compete in Watford pancake race this month
BBC Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills and his partner will be taking part in this year's Watford Pancake Race this month.
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:47:28 +0000Mayor 'careful' over littering enforcement after ONE fine in SIX years
The elected mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, has said the borough council has to be “careful” about the way it handles enforcement after only one littering fine was issued in almost six years.
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:56:00 +0000Driver who 'put lives at risk' during police chase charged
A Kings Langley man has been charged with several crimes after allegedly "putting people's lives at risk" during a police chase.
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:54:00 +0000Herts man jailed after trying to smash way into Hollywood star's bedroom
An armed robber from Hertfordshire who tried to get into the bedroom of Hollywood star Anya Taylor-Joy when she was staying at a London mansion has been jailed.
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000Knowing when it’s time for extra care: Clarendon Lodge Care Home
In the early months of the year, many families take stock of how well older relatives are managing day to day, as subtle changes become more noticeable after spending time together over the festive period
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000Watford mosque plan for church being decided TONIGHT
Watford Borough Council's development management committee is set to vote this evening (February 3) on whether a church can be turned into a mosque.
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:24:12 +0000'Avoid the area' warning amid broken down lorry on M1
Motorists have been warned to avoid the area after a broken down lorry sparked delays on the M1 in Hemel Hempstead.
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0000Watford Monopoly board CONFIRMED to be released this year
Watford is getting its own themed Monopoly board, with the game set to be released before the end of this year.
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 07:20:00 +0000Say ‘I love you’ this Valentine’s with red roses from Blossoming Gifts
If there’s one symbolic sign of Valentine’s Day, it has to be the sight of beautiful red roses.
Sun, 01 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000The 500-year-old building home to a much-loved jewellery shop
This Watford High Street premises has been home to Jackson Jewellers since 1954 but the history of the building dates back 500 years.
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:34:00 +0000Winning EuroMillions ticket bought in Watford recently remains unclaimed
A EuroMillions jackpot of £177,000 has been in won in Watford, with the sum remaining unclaimed.
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:46:50 +0000Flat locked shut after drug and violence complaints
A Watford flat in St Marks House, Churchfields Road, has been shut for three months after reports of drug crime, violence and antisocial behaviour.
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:26:07 +0000'Avoid the area' warning amid crash near M25 - recap
Emergency services are currently at the scene of a crash in Rickmansworth, near the M25.
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:40:00 +0000Look back at a much-missed town centre chippy
A look back at the popular Ebb Tide fish and chip shop, located on the corner of Market Street and Merton Road, Watford, in the 1990s
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:41:00 +0000Burst water main causing 'chaotic' delays and impacting school buses
A burst water main in Aldenham Road, Bushey, is causing long delays and the diversion of school buses.
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:13:00 +0000Objections pour in against data centre plan for Watford hotel
More than 70 objections have been lodged against a plan to turn a vacant Watford hotel into a huge data centre.
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:29:00 +0000Watford-based pub giant 'paying £1 million tax per pub'
Watford-based giant JD Wetherspoon is paying more than £1 million in tax per pub as its founder, Sir Tim Martin, is included among the UK's biggest taxpayers.
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:05:00 +0000Second arrest made over knife attack at Watford 'brothel'
Police have made a second arrest as part of their investigation into a knife attack at a suspected brothel in Watford.
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:05:00 +000013-year-old girl fighting for life after Herts 'drink driving' crash
A 13-year-old girl is fighting for her life after a crash in Ware, Hertfordshire.
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +000028 roads could join 20mph zone as consultation underway
Positive responses to a consultation could see 28 roads in Bushey North join a 20mph zone.