A .PDF version of this document can be found here.

Hertford Town Council forms the lowest tier of local government administration but is the closest democratic body to the electorate in the town.   Traditionally the powers of a Town Council have been relatively few although legislation being considered by the Labour Government looks likely to change this.   In the future it would be possible for the Town Council to take over more of the functions that are important to Hertford residents and visitors; functions that have not been performed well by the Tory controlled District Council.   Markets, toilets and car parking charges come readily to mind.

Following the 2003 local elections, Hertford Town Council is Tory controlled – only two of the 16 council seats are currently held by Labour Councillors.   The previous Labour controlled Town Council had a fine record and did much to transform the town.   Our plans for the future for Hertford are now on hold until we can regain a majority on the Council.  The Tories, at both Town and District level, oppose much of what we would like to do.   We fear that a return to the old ways with cuts in services and poorer provision generally is all that can be expected.   Much that still needs to be put right in Hertford is likely to remain undone.

Hertford has changed over the latter half of the twentieth century, you no longer hear the regional accent around the town and Margaret Thatcher’s society-less policies have meant that many Hertford residents spent much of their waking hours away from the town.   It could become just another dormitory town, but this had begun to reverse with Labour in charge of the Town Council.   We believe that Hertford is a great town to live and work in and we want to give it a strong sense of community.   Under Labour, the Town Council had been punching well above its weight and Labour actively promoted Hertford’s interests and the well-being of Hertford’s residents.   Our plans for a better market with locally grown produce must now wait.   Tory cuts already make it unlikely that Hertford can become a Quality Council during the term of this Tory administration and Hertford is likely to stay under the miserly influence of the Tory District Council.

Hertford is a historic town, we are well aware of its past glories and the traditions that have been handed down to us.   Few towns or cities have as many as three civic symbols - the Honour, the Sword and the Mace!   Under Labour, much more of Hertford’s history has been accessible to all residents and visitors - displays of the Town’s silver and gold treasures and open days at the Castle and other civic buildings were examples.   Labour didn’t neglect the present day either, during summer weekends the Castle grounds were filled with families enjoying music, displays and activities.   With a Labour Town Council, Hertford really was a great place.   Lets hope that a Tory administration will not set the town back too far..

  Return to top

The contents of this site include opinions held by Branch Party members and other contributors, and their interpretation of issues relating to the East Herts District and its constituent Town and Parish Councils and their policies.   If you think any of the material is misrepresentative, incorrect or otherwise inappropriate please contact the:

Hosted by: