HITCHIN
TOWN COUNCIL
Hertfordshire is currently a two-tiered Council system, with more local facilities such as bins, leisure centres and grass cutting being undertaken by North Herts Council and education, highway matters (potholes!), libraries and adult and child social care, amongst other matters, being undertaken by Hertfordshire County Council.
This is anticipated to change. As the Government promote the formation of unitary authorities we are highly likely to see the merger of North Herts Council with other Council’s in Hertfordshire, including the County Council functions. At the time of writing there is a consultation underway proposing the merger of North Herts, East Herts, Stevenage, Welwyn Hatfield, Broxbourne and Hertfordshire County Council as one North and East Hertfordshire Authority. It is thought that this change will start to occur from 2027 onwards.
With the formation of unitary authorities, local communities such as Hitchin become more remote from the day to day functions of the Council. We become a small voice in a much larger crowd. The formation of a Town Council is likely to become compulsory at the time a unitary authority is formed to ensure a local level of democracy continues to exist.
By voting for a Town Council now, we are giving ourselves as a community the opportunity to become established in a way that suits how local residents want to see the Town managed, rather than a rushed formulaic approach as a smaller cog in a bigger re-structure.
This provides us with an opportunity to see Hitchin shaped in the way we, as residents, want our community to evolve and to prevent Hitchin becoming lost in the bigger North and East Hertfordshire proposals.
OUR CHANCE to have a Town Council.
Hitchin town, with its c.35.000 residents, has no meaningful community voice, unlike the surrounding villages of Ickleford & St. Ippolyts that have Parish Councils and most other towns in the country, who have their own councils.
But, WHAT IS A TOWN COUNCIL?
The role of a Town Council is to represent the interests of the community and help lobby and advise other tiers of government on local matters and spending decisions.
What form would a Town Council take?
It would consist of elected, unpaid councillors from Hitchin and a small executive team headed by a Town Clerk, supported by volunteers.
WHY NOW?
Government is looking at the whole structure of local administration. There’s a reasonable prospect that North Herts Council and Herts County Council will be combined in some way as a UNITARY AUTHORITY. This may well add efficiency, but will further reduce Hitchin’s distinctive voice and control. Regional Councils are also constantly squeezed by funding, which is most felt at community level. A Town Council will generate its own funds to make a difference locally.
SO. HOW COULD A TOWN COUNCIL BENEFIT HITCHIN?
It would complement and extend the management and improvements achieved by Visit Hitchin in the Town Centre, to the rest of Hitchin. There are 3 key areas where a Town Council would support our town, alongside North Herts Council and Hertfordshire County Council (or a unitary authority).
delivering services to meet local needs
giving the community a voice and representation
improving the quality of life and community wellbeing
DELIVERING SERVICES
A Town Council could help deliver services and community initiatives to meet local needs. These could include…
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Establishing a team of community rangers who patrol public spaces, provide assistance, information, and support to residents and visitors.
Their responsibilities may include addressing minor issues such as littering, dog fouling, and vandalism, as well as acting as a visible presence to enhance community safety.
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Identify areas in need of street improvements such as road resurfacing, pavement repairs, and installation of traffic calming measures.
Prioritise street improvement projects based on factors like safety concerns, traffic flow, and pedestrian accessibility.
Consult with residents, businesses, and transportation authorities to gather input and feedback on proposed street improvement plans.
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Managing and maintaining allotment sites within the town, ensuring they are allocated fairly and efficiently.
Providing guidance and support to allotment holders on cultivation techniques, pest control, and sustainable gardening practices.
Organising community events and workshops related to gardening and allotment cultivation.
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Establish a graffiti and flyposting removal team or contract with a professional removal service to promptly remove vandalism from public and private property.
Implement anti-graffiti and flyposting strategies such as applying protective coatings, installing security cameras, and promoting community involvement in reporting and preventing graffiti.
Offer support and resources for graffiti prevention initiatives, mural projects, and youth engagement programmes to deter graffiti vandalism. Educate businesses and the community about alternative advertising options and the negative impacts of flyposting on the visual appearance and cleanliness of the town.
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Install litter bins and dog waste bins in public spaces to encourage responsible waste disposal and help keep the town clean and tidy.
Empty and maintain bins regularly to prevent overflow and littering, and provide clear signage and information about proper use and disposal.
Educate residents and pet owners about the importance of picking up after themselves and their pets, and the environmental impacts of littering and dog fouling.
COMMUNITY VOICE
A Town Council would give the people of Hitchin a voice and representation on local matters. These could include…
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Serve as a voice and advocate for the community's interests, concerns, and priorities in interactions with higher levels of government, agencies, and organizations.
Represent the community on issues such as planning and development, transportation, public services, and environmental protection through lobbying, advocacy, and collaboration.
Foster a culture of civic engagement and participation by encouraging residents to get involved in local decision-making processes, elections, and community initiatives.
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Encourage local spending and support for independent businesses by promoting Buy Local campaigns, shop local initiatives, and loyalty programmes.
Partner with local businesses, trade associations, and financial institutions to offer incentives, discounts, and rewards for shopping locally and supporting the local economy.
Advocate for policies and practices that prioritize local procurement, contracting, and investment to keep more money circulating within the community and stimulate economic growth.
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Establishing a community grants program to provide financial support to local community groups, charities, and projects.
Developing clear eligibility criteria and application processes to ensure transparency and fairness in the allocation of grants.
Monitoring and evaluating the impact of funded projects on the local community and encouraging collaboration and partnership working among grant recipients.
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Develop a comprehensive town planning strategy that balances economic development, environmental sustainability, and community needs.
Review and assess planning applications for new developments, infrastructure projects, and land use changes to ensure they align with local planning policies and regulations.
Engage with stakeholders, including residents, businesses, developers, and government agencies, in the planning process to gather input, address concerns, and foster collaboration.
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Establish transparent and accountable governance structures, including town council meetings, committees, and decision-making processes.
Develop policies, procedures, and bylaws to govern the operation and conduct of the town council, elected officials, and staff.
Provide opportunities for public participation, feedback, and engagement in the governance and administration of the town, such as public consultations, town hall meetings, and citizen advisory panels.
SUPPORT & WELLBEING
A Town Council could help improve the quality of life and community wellbeing within Hitchin. These could include…
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Developing and coordinating a range of youth activities and programmes to engage young people in positive recreational and educational experiences.
Working closely with local schools, youth organizations, and community groups to identify the needs and interests of young people.
Providing opportunities for skill-building, social interaction, and personal development through activities such as sports clubs, arts and crafts workshops, and youth clubs.
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Create community project to bring people together to work toward a common goal that benefits the broader community.
Projects would be typically designed to address local needs, solve problems, or promote social well-being within the community.
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Collaborating with event organizers to support a diverse range of local events and festivals that celebrate the town's culture, heritage, and community spirit.
Providing logistical support, funding assistance, and promotional resources to help ensure the success of events.
Encouraging community participation and engagement in event planning and organization.
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Supporting or establishing existing groups: walking groups, singles groups, art appreciation, theatre groups, cookery classes, local history.
Develop and coordinate a range of services and programs tailored to the needs of elderly residents, such as home care assistance, social activities, and transportation services.
Collaborate with local care providers, health organisations, and community centres to offer support services like meal delivery, health screenings, and socialisation opportunities.
Advocate for age-friendly infrastructure and policies that promote accessibility, safety, and inclusivity for elderly residents in the community.
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Develop and implement community safety initiatives in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, community groups, and residents.
Establish neighbourhood watch programmes, CCTV surveillance, and community patrols to deter and address anti-social behaviour.
Provide support and resources for anti-social behaviour awareness campaigns, youth outreach programmes, and conflict resolution training.
The true extent of the projects worked on will be the gift of future town councillors, working collaboratively with the statutory authorities.
How WOULD A town council BE funded?
Similarly to the parishes of St. Ippolyts and Ickleford, the local authority would take an annual fee (a precept) with the council tax on behalf on behalf of the Town Council of say £50 a year, which would raise about £600,000 to spend on the town and our community.
WHO IS PROPOSING THE FORMATION OF A HITCHIN TOWN COUNCIL?
Hitchin Initiative - a group of local business people who set about trying to revive the town centre, which has been very successful, so they have turned their attentions to the rest of Hitchin.
Hitchin Initiative Ltd was set up as Hitchin Town Centre Initiative Ltd in 1995 as a not-for-profit guarantee company. They provided the initial funding and management (with a small grant from the local authority) and subsequently was funded by membership donations from local businesses and individuals, together with some events.
Its first objective was to appoint a town centre manager, one of the first in the country. Most will agree it has been very successful – one indicator is the very much lower volume of empty shops than most of the country through recessions and crises.
15 years ago the Initiative sponsored Hitchin BID, again, one of the first in the country. That stabilised the town centre finances. BID took on town centre management and allowed activities to be expanded. Its work has been supported enthusiastically and its renewal has been voted in 3 times at 5 yearly intervals.
About the same time, it sponsored Hitchin Markets Ltd, another social enterprise, which took on the running of the market on behalf of the local authority.
Hitchin Initiative still has the support of voluntary donations from Hitchin businesses and residents and has fewer regular obligations, but acts as a catalyst for the town’s development. It has worked relentlessly to enable the completion of the town’s riverside walk and that may soon come to fruition. It continues to control the market’s operation and is lobbying for a major upgrade alongside Churchgate changes.
Ah, Churchgate. The Initiative brings together town businesses and activists and is a voice in its hoped for redevelopment.
Now, a major activity is promoting the formation of a Town Council.
SHOW YOUR
SUPPORT
If you support the idea of a Hitchin Town Council, please let us know by signing the form, as this will help us to prove that there is support from the wider Hitchin community.