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Message from the Mayor


I am really pleased that the recently published Road Map should allow us to return to normal life by the summer.  We will soon be able to meet with our loved ones again but in the meantime please continue to follow the various rules.
 
Since our last newsletter I have been fortunate enough to receive my first dose of the vaccine and I urge you all to take this up when offered.
 
Our Covid-19 Grant Fund continues to support our local community and in recent weeks grants have been made to both Ware Swimming Club, to assist with their fitness and return to swimming and to Leaside Church to assist with the cost of a deep clean.  Both organisations have had vastly reduced income over the past year and we were pleased to be able to assist.  If you are a local group or charity in Ware check here https://waretowncouncil.gov.uk/about/news/wtc-relaunches-covid-19-grant-fund/ to see if you are eligible for help.
 
Whilst out taking daily exercise, it has been the great to see the initiatives taken by local businesses to adapt in the current climate.  Please check our website https://waretowncouncil.gov.uk/towncentre/  for details of which of our local businesses are offering click & collect, delivery and takeaway.  It’s really important that we Shop Local where we can.
 
We are now into the final months of the Civic Year and will soon be bringing you information on our plans for 2021/22.
 
Ware Town Council continues to work on your behalf and if you have any matters you would like to bring to my attention please do not hesitate to get in touch.
 
 
 
Councillor Alexander Curtis
Town Mayor

 

Vaccination Pod to open at Fletcher's Lea, Ware Priory

 
Ware Town Council are delighted to be able to host a NHS Vaccination Pod at Fletcher’s Lea, Ware Priory.  The NHS Vaccination Pod will open on Wednesday,  March 10th 2021 and will be in operation for approximately six months. 
 
This will be a bookable service so please don’t just turn up without an appointment – the NHS will be in touch with you when it is your turn.  For online booking of your test you will find more information here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/
 
If you need to speak to NHS England concerning your vaccination you can call 119.  Please do not call or email Ware Town Council as we will be unable to assist you.  We will bring you details on opening times when we have the information to hand.
 
The Vaccination Centre will be operational over the next six months and during this time there will be no parking available at Ware Priory, except for blue badge holders.
 



 

Refurbishment Work at The Priory


What was the Council Chamber has been reimagined as a clean, modern working space, available via Launchpad. This light and airy room, which looks out over the gardens, has been repainted, new carpet laid & smart new furniture and high speed internet connection.  Perfect for 21st century working.

The beautiful formal Council table and chairs are currently being refurbed, ready to be set up, along with the lovely gallery of photos of past Mayors, in the Clare Room.

If you would like a flexible, calm environment to  work  visit the website below to book:

https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/businesses-support/launchpad-business-centres
 

My Ware - Photographic Competition

 
Our 'Celebration in Art' competition at the end of last year proved such a success, it led to us thinking that a Photographic Competition might give more of you the opportunity to show your creativity and add something to your daily exercise.

We are launching today and the theme is  'My Ware' ~  this can be whatever Ware means to you personally, whether it's a portrait, landscape, a place, or an activity.   There will be two categories, under 16s and over 16s with prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd placed in each category.  The competition will close on April 30th 2021. 

You don't need any special equipment, a camera phone is fine.  See here for full details:  
https://waretowncouncil.gov.uk/about/news/

We can't wait to see your work!
 

Ware Lido - going swimmingly!

 
Our fantastic grounds staff have been working really hard on getting the Lido ready now that there is some light at the end of the tunnel.  

The rest of the Lido Team are currently building our own roadmap to reopening, and hope to have some firm plans for you soon, including details on our new booking system.   Stay tuned for updates on www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk and https://www.facebook.com/WarePrioryLido

 

Events at Ware Priory

 
Since the Government announcement of the Road Map date for weddings, celebratory and commemorative events, the Events Team have been working with our existing and future guests on the possibilities of when and how their events can take place.  We are following the current guidelines as follows;

12th  April                            up to 15 guests  (weddings & celebrations of life)
17th May                             up to 30 guests   (weddings & celebrations of life)
21st June                            Restrictions lifted on all events

All the above dates are, of course, subject to data at the time.

Our Events Team, Kerry and Niki, look forward to welcoming you back to Ware Priory.  They can be contacted on:

01920 460316
events@warepriory.co.uk

 

Ware Festival

 
Late in January this year the decision was taken to cancel Ware Festival 2021 as it was agreed that this was the appropriate cut off time in terms of decision making if we were to go ahead with providing a safe, enjoyable and high quality series of events in July for Ware Festival.  This decision wasn’t taken lightly and has received wide support from the local community. 
 
Although government advice has now changed and the Four Step Plan published, at this stage we would not be able to produce the safe, high quality events synonymous with Ware Festival so, regretfully, the decision remains to go for a big come back in 2022.
 
We are currently looking at what we may be able to offer our local community in terms of events later on in the year.


 
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Ware Festival of Running - The Ware 10s

 
We are absolutely delighted that those lovely people at Ware 10s are planning to hold the Ware Festival of Running on Sunday July 4th and are working hard to present a Covid safe event.  This fantastic event has become a Ware Festival staple over the last few years and has always been well supported by runners and the local community.

Along with the usual races, there will also be a virtual entry at a reduced price.  Entries will open on 8th March.  See here for up to date news and book your place http://www.ware10s.co.uk/index

By entering this event you are also supporting EHAA, the Ware 10s chosen charity.


 

Shop Local this Mother’s Day - Online, Delivery & Collection

With Mother’s Day on Sunday, 14th March you can treat mum with a gift, treat or a delicious meal from Ware’s businesses offering online shopping, delivery, takeaway and click & collect.  Find that special piece of jewellery, a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a book subscription or her favourite takeway and you will also be supporting our High Street during lockdown – it’s a win win!  Please email sarah@waretonwcouncil.gov.uk if you would like to add your Ware business to the list for free.  Visit https://waretowncouncil.gov.uk/waresopen/
 
 



 

Just a reminder........

 
To sign up for Garden Waste removal, which will become a chargeable service from April 1st 2021.  If you sign up via direct debit  before March 22nd you will get an early bird discount, with a total annual cost of £45.  (normal cost will be £49 per annum outside of this period).  Your brown bin will then continue to be emptied of garden waste on a fortnightly basis.

Further information and the link you need to sign up are here: https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling/garden-waste-service
 

 


Emergency Maintenance Works
A1170 between Baldock Road/High Street and Star Street Roundabouts

 
Hertfordshire Highways are currently monitoring the condition of the road surface in the A1170 Baldock Road/Ware High Street, as the road is deteriorating faster than expected. They may have to close the road at short notice to carry out essential emergency works to ensure that customers are still able to safely physically distance and continue to use the designated road space. 
 
Hertfordshire Highways are currently closely monitoring the condition of the road surface in the A1170 Baldock Road/ Ware High Street, as due to the wet and cold weather, the road is deteriorating a lot faster than expected. Therefore, they may have to close the road at short notice to carry out essential emergency works to ensure that customers are still able to safely physically distance and continue to use the designated road space.
 
Hertfordshire Highways will need the road clear of parked vehicles in order to complete the work.
 
If you need to use your vehicle, please make sure you move it outside the road closure at least 30 minutes before we are due to start working.
 
Hertfordshire Highways are able to relocate parked vehicles, if necessary, using a specialist removal vehicle. If you or a member of your household are unable to move a car out of the works area due to shielding, self-isolation or for other reasons, please phone Eurovia on 01992 784100 and they will arrange to have the vehicle professionally relocated free of charge.
 
Please refer to the yellow signboards on your street to see the exact dates, timings and permit number. Any date changes to these works will be communicated on the yellow signboards at either end of your street and at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/roadclosures
 
These works are weather dependent and may be postponed if poor weather is forecast.
 
Details of any disruptions to bus services can be found at www.intalink.org.uk/timetables (search for your service). If you're unable to find this information, please call the customer service centre on 0300 123 4050.


 

Planned Roadworks ~ Hertfordshire Highways

 
The following roadworks are due to commence in the near future:

A119 London Road, 22nd-25th March, resurfacing and improvement.  Work will take place 8pm-5am.

To keep up to date with forthcoming roadworks visit https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/highways-roads-and-pavements/highways-roads-and-pavements.aspx

Ware Town Council continues to lobby to have the High Street one way system lifted.


 

Calor Rural Community Fund

 
The Calor Rural Community Fund opens for applications on Wednesday 10th March 2021. So why not join them and raise awareness of projects needing funding which you may be working on.
 
The Fund has supported 214 projects with over £460,000 generated through crowd-funded donations and Calor contributions over the last 4 years. Check out some of these wonderful projects here.
 
This year projects have the opportunity to use the crowdfunding platform to raise awareness for their initiative, giving them the chance to raise money for their project through the crowd.
 
On top of Crowdfunding, Calor are also giving away a very large pot of funding, totalling an amazing £85,000! So why not get involved and help raise awareness for your local project.
 
Applications open on Wednesday 10th March 2021 – for more details see here: https://communityfund.calor.co.uk/


 

Local Elections

 
On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in East Herts will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at Hertfordshire County Council, the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner as well as several town by-elections, including Ware Town Council. While the elections are not until May, East Herts Council are already making plans to help you stay safe while casting your vote.  

There are a number of ways to have your say in the elections in May - you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.
 
You can expect many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.

If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly.  You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online.

Residents can visit the FAQ page on the website to find out more about the elections on 6 May 2021: 
http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/electionfaq

The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Any residents who have questions can also contact their local elections team at electors@eastherts.gov.uk
 
Copyright © March 2021, Ware Town Council, 
information correct at the time of publication

Our mailing address is:
info@waretowncouncil.gov.uk



 






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Ware Town Council · The Priory · High Street · Ware, SG12 9AL · United Kingdom

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