Watford Observer
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:45:00 +0000New grant scheme can boost local community projects
New Three Rivers grant scheme offers up to £500 for community projects as part of Grove Court redevelopment by Thrive Homes and Howarth Construction.
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:40:00 +0000Clothes swap in Watford to promote sustainable fashion and reduce waste
West Herts College hosts a Watford clothes swap on February 23, organised by Veolia and Watford Borough Council, to promote sustainable fashion.
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:11:59 +0000Fundraiser launched to support funeral of 'wonderful' teen killed in Herts crash
A fundraiser has been launched to support the funeral costs of a 13-year-old girl killed in a crash in Ware, Hertfordshire last week.
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:26:53 +0000Four arrested including 'drug driver' after stolen car stopped in Watford
Four people have been arrested for theft of a motor vehicle and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs after a stolen vehicle with cloned plates was stopped in Watford
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0000Bus stops 'won't be fixed until summer' as users get 'drenched'
Watford High Street bus stops with roofs which shattered in a crash will not be fixed until the summer – as users continue to get soaked.
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:13:00 +0000Ramp up the romance with a Valentine’s gift from Experience Days
From romantic afternoon teas to exhilarating track-days, pampering spa treatments to thrilling outdoor adventures, Experience Days has an experience to make your Valentine’s heart race.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:40:00 +0000The 7 restaurants near Watford named in the Michelin Guide 2026
Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire restaurants near Watford have been included in the latest Michelin Guide.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:12:00 +0000Odhams memories as historic Watford print site closure confirmed
A look back at the history of publishing giants Odhams Press after Reach announce planned closure of historic Watford print site.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:04:32 +0000Defiant PM refuses to quit at Hertfordshire event this afternoon
PM Keir Starmer was back in Hertfordshire today as he delivered a speech defending his leadership of the country.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:46:37 +0000News giant announces closure of iconic Watford print site
Media firm Reach has announced plans to close its Watford print site as part of UK print consolidation, with work moving to Broxbourne.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:50:00 +0000Snaps of 10 town centre pubs and clubs from 20 years ago
Memories of Area and Destiny nightclubs, and bars including Chicago Rock Cafe, O'Neills and Yates in Watford town centre in 2006
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:50:00 +0000High Street café set to reopen with family 'fulfilling dream'
“Overwhelming” community support has buoyed a family working to reopen The Village Cafe, Bushey.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:55:00 +0000Meet the new headteacher taking over a Watford secondary school in September
The new headteacher for Watford Grammar School for Girls has said she is “immensely proud” as her appointment is announced.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:20:47 +0000Investigation after two die in Hertfordshire aircraft crash
Two men have died after a light aircraft crashed on farmland in Rushden, Hertfordshire.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:45:58 +0000The Horns returning again as reopening date confirmed
The Horns, in Hempstead Road, Watford, will reopen under new management after its sixth closure in three years.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:17:40 +0000Pensioner in 24-hour care with dementia found guilty over unpaid car insurance
A Rickmansworth pensioner with vascular dementia has been convicted in one of Britain’s controversial fast-track courts.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 08:31:00 +0000Readers can subscribe for just £5 for 5 months in this flash sale
Readers who want to subscribe to our news site can enjoy an exclusive offer of £5 for 5 months or save over 40% off an annual subscription during our limited-time promotion.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0000Woman 'heartbroken' after being denied wheelchair because home 'too small'
“Heartbreaking and frustrating” rules have left a Woodside, Watford, resident “housebound” because her home is judged not big enough for a vital wheelchair.
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:12:00 +0000Tiqets offers discounted days out and experiences for Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day is fast approaching and with added romance in the air, a romantic day out will most likely be top of the list for many couples.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:25:00 +0000Police investigating two town centre burglaries as flats targeted
Herts Police are investigating a pair of burglaries in High Street and Rosslyn Road, Watford town centre.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:10:00 +0000Minister tells Watford firms there is 'no future' in low growth, high tax economy
Small business minister Blair McDougall MP outlines Labour’s growth plans at Watford business breakfast, discussing VAT, business rates.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000Snaps of when a snazzy new bar opened in Watford in the 1990s
A look back at the opening of Wag & Bone Bar in Lower High Street, Watford, in 1993.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:25:00 +0000Inside look as bar to reopen 400+ capacity space after years empty
Watford High Street bar Dunnings II will reopen a 400-capacity space after years of closure this weekend.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:49:00 +0000Councillors vote to slash school's admission places by a third
Councillors have voted in favour of reducing the pupil admission numbers (PAN) at two Hertfordshire primary schools, following a dip in the number of new pupils.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:20:00 +0000Opening date confirmed for new Aldi 30 minutes from Watford
The opening date of a new Aldi supermarket in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, has been confirmed.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:55:00 +0000New business opening in Harlequin Watford after £150k investment
A year of planning and £150,000 investment has gone into an upcoming Chop Wok Express restaurant for the Harlequin.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:55:00 +0000Reason for helicopter and ongoing police presence confirmed
Herts Police have confirmed why a helicopter and multiple police cars were seen searching South Oxhey.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:35:00 +0000Popular Labour Club saved from closure after sale U-turn
The William Morris Labour Club in Henbury Way, South Oxhey has been saved from the block.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000Village pub among 30 sold in Herts and Essex to new operator
The Stag in Chorleywood has been included in the sale of 30 Hertfordshire and Essex boozers.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:51:00 +0000Person dies after being hit by train between Watford and Euston
A person died after being hit by a Lioness Line train between London and Watford Junction.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0000Watford labelled 'worst big town in Britain' by national newspaper
The Telegraph newspaper has claimed that Watford is the worst major town in Britain in a new list.
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:11:24 +0000Save on your half term fun with English Heritage membership
While the February half term can be a mixed bag when it comes to making plans, come rain or shine, children love a play area!
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 16:52:00 +0000High-flying Watford school heaped with praise for 'excellent outcomes'
Parmiter's School in Watford has been lavished with praise by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000Swimming pool, orangery and log cabin among this week's plans
Discover the latest Dacorum Borough Council planning applications, including home extensions, tree works, new buildings, car parks, and property upgrades.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000Never have we needed strong local councils more in Watford
The chairman of Watford Conservatives on why strong local councils are needed to 'restore a vibrant and accountable local democracy' in Watford.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:31:59 +0000Watford café eyes expansion as fundraiser launched
Watford's Random Café has launched a fundraiser as it eyes an expansion.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:18:43 +0000Vinnie Jones spotted at St Mary's as Watford beaten by Southampton
FA Cup winner, actor and Watford fan Vinnie Jones was spotted at St Mary'
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 11:14:38 +0000Nearly £5,000 raised to support family of cyclist who died of 'unexplained injuries'
Nearly £5,000 has been raised to support the family of a man who died of "unexplained injuries" in Borehamwood last month.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000Former Watford firm remembered by carved stone above doorway
A carved stone above a doorway in Shakespeare Street serves as a reminder of engineering firm SG Brown's presence in Watford.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000Watford filming fees for 2025 revealed - BBC and ITV shows included
Filmmakers paid more than £35,000 to film in Watford in 2025, a Freedom of Information request from the Local Democracy Reporting Service has revealed.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:15:24 +0000'Exciting' new takeaway set to open in town centre
Plans have been submitted for an "exciting" new takeaway business in Market Street, Watford.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000The latest planning applications in Hertfordshire suburbs
Latest Three Rivers District Council planning applications: home extensions, garage conversions, landscaping, and local developments.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 09:17:33 +0000Hemel snowboarder to compete for Team GB at Winter Olympics
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games is under way, with Hemel Hempstead native Charlotte Bankes among the athletes competing.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +000024-home plan opposite Watford Junction among latest public notices
Plans for 24 homes opposite Watford Junction are among the latest public notices for Watford and the surrounding area..
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000Light-filled house in one of Watford's leafiest areas put on sale for £900k
A modern, fully refurbished four-bedroom home in the sought-after Oxhey Hall Conservation Area has hit the market for £900,000.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 07:00:00 +0000Two rabbits looking for loving homes after being abandoned
Meet Gordon and Noah, two friendly rabbits at the National Animal Welfare Trust, in Watford. seeking loving UK homes with female bunnies.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 07:00:00 +0000'Children could get seriously hurt' if 'vital' missing bollard not replaced
“Children could get seriously hurt,” a Bushey resident has warned after a car hit a wall within a week of a “vital” bollard’s removal.
Sat, 07 Feb 2026 18:00:00 +0000Will we be genetically engineered in the future?
Half a century since the 1980s: how UK culture, tech and nostalgia shape our future. From Stranger Things to digital IDs, what will Britain look like in 2080?
Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000Bar plans and community upgrades drive busy week in Hertsmere planning
Discover the latest Hertsmere Borough Council planning applications for Radlett, Bushey, Borehamwood, Potters Bar, and Shenley, including home extensions.
Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000Hertfordshire County Council to spend extra £1.5m in new priorities
Hertfordshire County Council has announced an extra £1.5 million in funding.