Just three quick things this month.

   Firstly, thank you to those of you who took the time to reply to my last column regarding the market; I am still receiving responses and got one more only           today! All of you recognise that things can’t go on as they are and yet you are divided about the solution .

   Most of you felt that continuing to simply lower rents was not the answer, as it does not increase footfall - to those that did suggest this, I would say to bear in mind that doing so creates a shortfall in the council’s budget, which means cuts are needed elsewhere. We are now looking at alternative venues for the market to increase footfall and I will be making sure everyone knows what is going on .

    Some good news - we have just appointed an operator for the Colosseum.            We are sorting out the nitty gritty of contracts and deciding what refurbishment needs to be done to make it the kind of all round entertainment centre that I think the town deserves to have. Again I will keep you posted .

    Finally you may have read about the ongoing taxi dispute . The council was stuck in the past with a restricted limit on the number of taxis . This meant less than 100 people had a monopoly on all taxi trade and their plates changed hands for 10’s of thousands of pounds!! We believed this was wrong and took the restriction off. Now anyone who meets the standards of car and driver has the right to earn their living in this way in Watford. This is in line with most towns and cities in the country and in line with government policy!

    Naturally those who had had a monopoly were not happy . Now as the recession has hit, the cabbies are finding it tough. I do sympathise with them. They have asked us to refuse any more licences and we have refused to do this on principle – we either have a limit or we don’t. It is strange that those new           drivers who benefited from our change of policy and praised us for allowing them the means to earn a living are now asking us to pull up the ladder on           others! Oh well it’s all in a days work as your Mayor and I wouldn’t change it!

    Enjoy the sunshine, Happy Easter.

 

      On a different tack our market. I am genuinely interested in views about our market. The town is a Charter market town so there is no doubt that it is here to stay and I have NO PLANS to get rid of it contrary to what my political opponents say! BUT it is losing customers we are not giving it the business it had in the past so what’s the solution? We have done some extensive market research which has pointed to several things from the competition from Wilkinsons and Poundland , them being open seven days a week unlike the market’s three. Many feel it no longer has what they want to buy. Is it in the right place? The most successful markets are outdoors according to the experts and our own anecdotal evidence from St Albans and Hemel. Our specialist Italian and French markets have been very popular too increasing footfall in the town and making a family day out.

     We are seeking to redevelop Charter Place but the recession has put the brakes on this as we need a development partner. The market is tied up with Charter place as it occupies a very key location in any redevelopment. Should we move it? If so to where? Indoors or outdoors? Improve the kind of stalls on offer? If so what to? Let’s hope we can have a genuine debate about this and not resort to scaremongering!

Big thanks to Nik and all the “My News ” team for the opportunity to have a bit of a say and to contribute to what is fast becoming a popular local read. I like its emphasis on local and it’s celebration of Watford - both the town and in particular the people. It’s also not afraid of tackling tricky subjects.

We are blessed in our town with an army of great people who regularly volunteer to make life better for us all. From the dads who run the line at their son’s footie club to the hairdressers and therapists that give their skills and time for free for our Peace Hospice clients - and all our other charities. People say volunteering is dying. But I don’t agree. I think the word ‘volunteering’ puts people off admitting what they actually do . It sounds old fashioned and a bit WI (no offence ladies!). Starting the half marathon recently in the freezing cold in Cassiobury park, I saw the St John Ambulance volunteers, once again doing their bit - as they also do at every Watford FC game. The event was even run (pardon the pun) by the Watford Harriers - again all volunteers. It is now an annual event and this year there were over 2000 registrations! Amazing.

When I became Mayor I was struck that we don’t celebrate these ordinary folk doing extraordinary things. That’s why we “ invented” the annual Audentior Awards. The event takes place at the Colosseum every March and the audience are mostly volunteers . It is an opportunity to showcase our Watford talent as we are entertained. This year the new One voice choir will be singing for us and the dancing will be provided by Tappytoes. But the highlight of the evening is the awards themselves:

Mayor’s Award

Chairman’s Award for Volunteer of the Year

Good Neighbour Award

Charitable Group

One Watford Sustainable Business Award

Young Person or Group of Young People Award

Disability Access Award

If you want to nominate someone either go on line at www.watford.gov.uk – the nomination form is under the ‘council and democracy’ section. Or alternatively, drop me a line and I will send you out the forms. It’s dead easy. Award winners get a table for their guests and full recognition of their efforts plus a limited edition Audentior medal as a keepsake (no civic tat it’s the real deal!); plus the usual champers and flowers. It’s the highlight of the year for me as I am reminded of those who do just get on and do it, many of them who have been getting on and doing it for donkeys years! If you feel you too could do something – and the options are so varied – pop into see the Council For Voluntary Service, located at the top of the parade, and they will help you get started.

Finally we set the council tax this week and the budget has been tough but I will save that for next time …..