We are joining the nationwide Solar Together scheme which can help you to install solar panels at your home.
The Council’s priority is to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2030 and the renewable energy scheme is one of many actions we are taking to achieve this goal.
You will be able to register an interest in St Albans Solar Together from Monday 22 August until Tuesday 27 September.
The scheme aims to lower costs, find the best supplier and manage the installation. The more homes that take part, the cheaper the prices will be as a result of bulk purchase savings.
The sun provides a clean and unlimited source of energy. When harnessed by solar panels, even on overcast days, it will reduce your bills and your carbon footprint.
Look out for information on how to register later this month on our website and social media pages, @StAlbansCouncil.
|
Pub In The Park is returning to St Albans for the third time – and we have teamed up with the organisers to give away four tickets to one lucky winner.
The event is being held at our Verulamium Park from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 September and will include award-winning restaurants, live music by top acts and, of course, great food and drink.
Your hosts for the weekend will be celebrity chefs Tom Kerridge, Si King from The Hairy Bikers and Simon Rimmer.
Music will be provided by McFly, Melanie C, Beverley Knight, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Aswad plus many more.
To enter the prize draw, log your details here. The tickets will be for the Lazy Sunday session.
|
 We have won FIVE Green Flag awards for our parks and open spaces.
The Green Flag - an international quality mark - was given to Verulamium Park, Clarence Park, Sopwell Nunnery Green Space and Hatfield Road Cemetery.
In addition, Verulamium Park was awarded Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management of its historic Roman features.
The award of more than 50 Green Flags to local authorities and community groups throughout Hertfordshire was celebrated at an event at the Assembly Room of the Museum + Gallery.
Among those attending were representatives from ParksHerts - an organisation set up to promote the county’s green spaces – and Keep Britain Tidy, the charity that runs the award scheme.
We are seeking City of Sanctuary status for the District - so it is recognised as a safe haven for people forced to flee their homes.
The City of Sanctuary network is a UK-wide movement that acknowledges places that “go above and beyond to welcome people” who are seeking refuge.
We will work towards joining the Network as an awarded member and will have to show that the values of welcome and inclusion are in evidence throughout the Council.
This application to join the sanctuary movement follows the work we have undertaken with partners to resettle more than 50 Syrian refugees.
More recently, we have inspected dozens of local homes made available for Ukrainians fleeing the war to ensure they are appropriate.
|
More than 12,000 people are expected at the Enjoy St Albans Food and Drink Festival's annual street party.
The 'Feastival' will take place from noon to 6pm on Sunday 25 September with much of the City Centre closed to traffic.
There will be more than 70 food and drink stalls, pop-up restaurants and bars, cookery demonstrations and live music.
Residents can vote here for their favourite restaurant, pub, café or food producer in the Festival Awards up until Monday 22 August.
More information about the Festival, now in its 15th year, is available here.
|
St Albans Cycle Hub is now up and running – and offering its services to the local community.
These include bike repairs at affordable prices and cycle training for beginners as well as those looking to master more advanced techniques.
The Hub also supports people using the pump and cyclocross tracks at the adjoining Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre in Cottonmill Lane.
You can follow the Hub on social media @stacyclehub or find out more at www.stalbanscyclehub.co.uk.
We have awarded the Farriers Arms pub, Lower Dagnall Street, St Albans, the status of an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The lower field at Bernards Heath was also made an ACV after it, too, was nominated by members of the community.
An ACV is recognition of the importance of a social amenity to local residents who must be kept informed of any redevelopment proposals.
|
 We are promoting the dog safety code which was drawn up by the Canine and Feline Sector Group.
The group is a not-for-profit body which advises the Government on dog and cat welfare issues.
Its dog safety code highlights three crucial messages, encouraging everyone to be alert, aware and – most importantly – safe around dogs.
 We have joined the Beds and Herts Community Rail Partnership which aims to bring the industry and surrounding communities closer together.
It covers eight Thameslink stations including Harpenden and St Albans City.
In the coming year, the partnership plans to allow people to become more involved with their local railway station.
Anyone who would like to register an interest in becoming a 'Station Friend' should email andyb@bedsrcc.org.uk.
Our photo shows the Partnership’s Try the Train programme in action, an initiative to inform young people about rail safety so they can travel with confidence.
Our Community Lottery raises money for good causes throughout the District.
Tickets for the weekly draw cost £1 and at least 60% of revenues go to good causes locally.
There is a chance to win the £25,000 jackpot every week and you can also choose which good cause to support.
Details, including how to buy lottery tickets, can be found here.
|
 A public consultation is being held on measures intended to improve the planning application process in the District.
Community groups, planning agents, property developers and residents are all encouraged to give their views on the proposals.
These include the requirement that a Climate Change Statement should be submitted for any major developments.
The consultation runs until Monday 26 September and you can take part here.
 St Albans On Sea, until Sunday 6 November, free, Museum + Gallery
Despite being many miles from our nearest coastline, St Albans has always had a wide range of connections to the sea.
From the Sea God mosaic in Verulamium to the current HMS St Albans, this exhibition will explore those stories and our relationship with our coastline.
Further information about all that is happening at the Museum + Gallery and Verulamium Museum, can be found here.
|
Town Hall Tour: Mayors, Magistrates & Museums, Friday 16 September, 2.30pm, free, but booking required, Museum + Gallery
Follow our knowledgeable guide through the newly-restored building to discover the fascinating functions and features of the different historic spaces of the former Town Hall. These tours are run in partnership with St Albans Tour Guides.
|
|
 |
Make A Roman Oil Lamp, Thursday 25 August, 10:00am - 12.30pm or 1pm - 2.30pm, £3 per child, Activity Room, Verulamium Museum
Wealthy Romans lit their homes with small pottery lamps, fuelled by olive oil. Join us for a clay workshop where you can build your own to take home and try out for yourself.
Arrive at any point during the sessions and stay for as long as you like.
|
An independent person is to be recruited to our key Audit Committee following a review.
Previously, the position was filled by a Councillor rather than someone from outside the organisation.
The Audit Committee is a key element of the Council’s corporate governance, tasked with ensuring high standards of financial and risk management.
Experts from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) were asked to carry out the review and recommended the independent chair among other reforms.
|
Our waste and recycling crews have had access problems due to inconsiderate parking.
This photo shows an example from Shottfield Close, Sandridge - our truck couldn’t get through. Help us to help you by parking considerately. Report parking concerns to illegalparking@stalbans.gov.uk.
|
 Mosaic Lettings is a Council-run service for landlords looking to rent out properties.
We will complete tenant background checks, property inventories, inspections and an end-of-tenancy clean for free.
We'll also provide a bond deposit of up to two months’ rent and a similar sum if the property is empty and re-let through us. There is also a £200 cash bonus when we let your property.
Interested landlords should contact mosaic.lettings@stalbans.gov.uk or 01727 814674.
|
