Latest News from the Parish Council
B197 London Road Draft Proposal
August 2010: Latest update is that we recirculated the residents who hadn't replied the first time and we have now got the response up to 62%, with 96% of these being in favour of the proposals. We are now involved in lobbying the Borough and County Councils to respond to our proposals, and the matter was raised at a relevant County Council meeting on 28th July by our wonderful County Councillor, Richard Smith. The strong response and level of upport has been very helpful in taking our case forward. Thanks very much to Paula, Andy and Judith who put lots of work in on increasing the response. Following Richard's presentation of the matter at the County Council meeting, Herts Highways have committed to respond to us with some initial thoughts. We are not expecting (unfortunately) to see rapid action taken over this, but this is a good step forward on the path. June 2010: As you all know, we recently solicited the views of the parish residents and so far we have had just about 50% of the slips back with 96% supporting the draft proposal! This is a wonderful result and we will now be taking things to the next stage which is pursuing the appropriate people at the district and county councils and at Herts Highways and the Police. In the meantime we will alo be contacting everyone who hasn't yet responded to give them another opportunity to express their support or otherwise for the proposal in its current form. As the proposal says, the process will involve the highway engineers working with us to refine and develop the proposal to the point at which it can be formally consulted on with all residents. You will all get another opportunity at that time to vote for or against what is suggested, and to submit our thoughts for consideration. As you may already know, you can download a PDF version of the current proposal here. New Police Constable
We have a new neighbourhood Police Constable as of the beginning of June 2010 - his name is Jamie Johnston. If you would like to contact Jamie please call the standard Police non-emergency number which is 0845 33 00 222. Latest news from Barleyfields Children's Centre at the Village Hall (updated 28th July 2010)
The Children's Centre has a range of activities running over the summer at Woolmer Green Village Hall. Please contact Barleyfields Children’s Centre to book places on the activities. Jumping Joeys
Barleyfields Children's Centre are working in partnership with Jumping Joeys to bring movement and dance classes to Woolmer Green. There are sessions on 29th July and on 5th, 19th and 26th August. New Start Nought to Nine Months Baby Group
This group takes place every Friday from 1.15 – 3.00 pm at Woolmer Green Village Hall and will continue over the summer. It is an informal and friendly group where parents can share experiences and have fun. The group provides a social opportunity for parents to meet each other, discuss concerns, share ideas and offer support. New Start has been developed by the Stevenage Speech and Language Project and each week the group has a speech, language and communication focus covering topics such as dummy use, interaction, listening skills and speech development. Picnic and Parachute
These sessions are taking place on 30 July, 13 and 27 August. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy parachute games and outdoor play. Fitness and Fun
These sessions are taking place on 12 and 17 August and will include mini fitness and traditional games. Family Picnic
Taking place on Tuesday 31 August. Bring family, friends and picnic and join the fun. Please note that the last Stay and Play before the summer will take place on 19 July and it will return on Monday 6 September. More information about Barleyfields Children’s Centre and the activities and courses on offer across the Children’s Centre area are available on our website: www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/barleyfields For further information and to book places, please give Sue Smith a call on 01438 821651 or send an email to Susan Smith. Campaign for a Secondary School for Woolmer Green
There is a proposal to build a new secondary school to serve Woolmer Green, Knebworth and surrounding villages. There are 4 junior and primary schools in the area with just over 1200 pupils but there isn’t a local secondary school for them to move up to. The nearest secondaries are a 20 minute car ride away in rush hour and are beyond walking distance. The proposed location for the new school is just past Monread Lodge on the other side of the railway lines. The plot is large enough for full size playing fields and a park which could be open for all of the community to use outside school hours. Because the location is within walking and cycling distance for the surrounding villages it could reduce car journeys by thousands each week. The result would be a daily, healthy walk for children, less traffic and less pollution. It could also see the end to parents having to appeal to get their children into the school of their choice because, currently, our village is the furthest distance away from the Welwyn Garden City schools’ catchment area. However the proposal does also require the building of a significant number of houses on Green Belt land, and may also as a result cause some increase in traffic in the local area. In the coming weeks and months discussions will be held with stakeholders, councils and the pro campaign group to test the mettle of the proposal. If you would like to voice your opinion, sign the petition, or view further information on the proposal then please visit: http://www.weneedaschool.org Our PCSO is a winner!
On 23rd June 2009, the Police Authority held their awards evening for Police Constables, Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables and members of the public. We had nominated our PCSO, Rob Taylor, as being worthy of an award for his excellent work in Woolmer Green and in the surrounding area and for setting up Rural Watch. He was one of the 12 finalists and… also the WINNER!! Since he has been in this patch, the crime level has dropped to virtually zero and his award is certainly very well deserved. Many congratulations, Rob! | 
