St Albans

The future of iconic Batchwood Hall has been confirmed as an an upmarket restaurant, bar and hotel. Owners SADC have agreed a long-term lease with hospitality firm The Oakman Group for a multi-million pound redevelopment of the building which has lain empty since the pandemic. Work to restore the Hall to its former glory...

If you want to bring a smile to someone in need this Christmas, look no further than the city’s Gifting Tree. SJ Sourcing, Dylans, Christopher Place Shopping Centre and St Albans BID are joining forces to support families and young people who are struggling at Christmas. They are asking customers to contribute...

Unloved and unkempt patches of shrubland in Cottonmill have been transformed into beautiful, wildlife-friendly “guerrilla gardens” thanks to the efforts of a green-fingered husband and wife team. Erica and Philip Lynwood have crafted two different gardens, one on the corner of Keyfield Terrace and the other at the bottom of the...

RSPCA officers have saved a fox which fell down an uncovered manhole on a building site in Grosvenor Road. The wild animal was discovered by a worker during a morning site inspection and the RSPCA was called for help. RSPCA inspector Nicole Pendrell-Smith said: “The poor fox was very weak and his...

The Friends of Jersey Lane (FoJL) - a community group established in April - fielded its first volunteer working group last week, as part of its aim to conserve the lane’s natural assets, enhance its biodiversity and support the local Green Space Action Plan. The working group began the process of...

Families will be able to walk through a winter wonderland featuring festive characters, nutcrackers and elves before meeting Father Christmas in his grotto at Willows Activity Farm this festive season. The Santa Spectacular takes place between November 24 and December 24, and every child who meets the man in red will...

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