We are delighted to welcome Helena Goldwater to the Town Council. Councillor Goldwater was elected to the Town Council on Thursday 30 January, in a by-election for the Briars Ward vacancy.

Hatfield Town Council still has one more vacancy to fill, which we will do via cooption. This is a process whereby eligible members of the public can put themselves forward to be coopted via a vote of the Full Council.

But why would you put yourself forward?  Well here a few reasons:

Hatfield Town Council is the parish level local authority in the area, covering the town of Hatfield, but also Lemsford, and Newgate Street Village. It is the level of government closest to the people, looking after community halls, play parks and a number of community sports facilities, including Birchwood Leisure Centre. It has a budget of around £2 million and overseas a number of civic and community events such as Remembrance Sunday services every November and a community day in the summer. As a Town Councillor you will have the opportunity to shape these activities and explore what more the parish council can do to meet the needs of local residents, communities and businesses.  Town Councillors are also able to give a voice to local people, including in planning matters, by responding to consultations launched by the larger authorities (Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council) and even speaking at public meetings. Highlights this past year have included marking the 80^th anniversary of the D-Day landings in June, completing a refurbishment of Millward Park in July and hosting a fantastic community day in the Hatfield town centre in September.

For those interested in putting themselves forward Jonah Anthony, the Town Clerk is more than happy to have an informal chat, so please do get in touch.  Candidates are requested to submit a personal statement (no longer than a side of A4) setting out why they would make a good town councillor by 10am Friday 7^th February. This, along with a short CV, should be sent to the Town Clerk, via email (town.clerk@hatfield-herts.gov.uk) or regular mail (c/o Birchwood Leisure Centre, Longmead, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 0AN).  Once eligibility is confirmed, candidates will then be invited to address the Town Council on Wednesday 12 February, before existing councillors vote to co-opt. Some guidance on eligibility can be found here.