Welwyn Hatfield Week in Review looks back at the past seven days in our area, including a rare bird returning to Lemsford Springs, a controversial 'easyJet' car park façade and more.
The bird is the word
As Family Guy's Peter Griffin once asked, have you heard about the bird?
Well, keen bird watchers certainly have, with plenty flocking to Lemsford Springs Nature Reserve to catch a glimpse of the rare Jack Snipe.
Over the past few weeks, and on and off since October, three Jack Snipe have regularly been seen at the site near Welwyn Garden City - the first record of the species at the nature reserve for more than six years.
"We have been very lucky this winter, with the Jack Snipe arriving at the reserve on four different occasions," said Barry Trevis, warden at Lemsford Springs.
Luton Airport or Campus West?
Well that was the question campaigners were asking this week, when they accused Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council of breaching planning permission for the Campus West car park.
Plans submitted appear to show a brown exterior, but orange fins have instead been put on the outside of the car park, drawing comparisons to easyJet.
"It looks like it has included fluorescent orange bands. It has attracted unanimous disapproval with comments ranging from 'sponsored by Easyjet' and 'an amusement arcade'," said Clive Wilson from the Welwyn Garden City Society.
WHBC were quick to deny any breach, with a spokesman saying: "Having compared the approved material sample with that used on site, we can confirm that the colour of the sample, and the fins which have been installed, accords with the details that were approved by the Local Planning Authority."
Goodbye to a Hatfield icon
Hatfield said an emotional goodbye to much-loved market trader John 'The Wool Man' Gregory this week.
45 years on from setting up his stall, John has decided its the right time to call it a day.
"Honestly, you can tell from the amount of years I’ve been here, I’ve loved the place," he said.
"And even though I wasn't born in Hatfield, I’m Hatfield through and through.
"My mum fell in love with it - and I followed and fell in love with the place as well. The people were lovely."
Everyone at the Welwyn Hatfield Times wishes John all the best for the future.
God save the wing
This week's oddest story came in the form of a cauliflower wing.
When Graham and Cathy Bloye went for a bite to eat at The Stanborough Beefeater in Welwyn Garden City, they got quite the surprise, with their wings looking almost identical to the shape of mainland UK, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
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