What were some of the most read stories in July this year? From a car almost crashing into a shop, to a £5m mansion going up for sale, the Welwyn Hatfield Times had it covered.
1. Exciting pre-loved fashion store is coming to Welwyn
Always Loved, a pre-loved fashioned store, announced that it would be opening in Welwyn.
Occupying a unit that was previously home to SuSu, a popular women's clothing boutique, Always Loved is run by Isabel Hospice and opened in September.
It exclusively sells women's clothing and accessories, raising vital funds for the palliative care the hospice provides to the local community.
Charlotte Greenwood, head of retail and marketing at the hospice, said: "We are so excited to launch our new shop to the people of Welwyn.
"Thrifting has become a hobby for many and the thrill of finding a bargain whilst supporting the circular economy is a win-win. Whilst not forgetting, profits from every purchase contribute towards changing the lives of people in the local community, who need specialist care and support living with a terminal or life-limiting illness.
"All stock will be carefully curated for the boutique, and we believe you’ll find some great unique, and quality pieces to really enhance your wardrobe."
2. Have your say on Welwyn Garden City's Birchall Garden Suburb
A consultation opened on plans to extend Welwyn Garden City with a new development of 1,950 homes.
The Birchall Garden Suburb is a joint venture to the east of the town, after the site was identified for development in both the East Hertfordshire District Plan and in the draft Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan.
The masterplan produced by both council's proposed the construction of 1,950 new homes, two primary schools, a secondary school and community facilities, on land off the B195 extending down to the A414.
Giving residents the opportunity to ask questions about the plans, a council statement read: "The purpose of the masterplan is to ensure that the new suburb is planned and delivered comprehensively creating a new sustainable community incorporating Garden City principles and providing the required new infrastructure."
3. Watch: Inside the stunning £4.95m Welwyn home with pool
A stunning home in Welwyn went on the market, complete with its very own swimming pool and tennis court.
Harmer Green House in Pennyfathers Lane has eight bedrooms and six bathrooms, and is set in more than eight acres of land.
Savills estate agents described it as "an elegant Dutch Colonial Revival residence offering over 7000 sq ft of versatile accommodation arranged over two floors, outbuildings and cottage, set within landscaped garden and grounds including a swimming pool and tennis court set within about 8.08 acres in all".
"Characteristic features blend harmoniously with up-to-date styling and include classic plasterwork to arches, ceilings and coving, panelling to walls, sash and bay windows, and decorative vintage fireplaces."
4. Car narrowly avoids hitting shops in Welwyn Garden City
A car narrowly avoided hitting shops after it mounted a curb.
Footage captured by residents showed that a car had gone onto the pavement in Woodhall Parade in Cole Green Lane after crashing through a bush.
It came close to hitting a Betfred store, coming to a stop just before the shop front.
5. The Hedgehog: Man seen with knife in Welwyn Garden City pub
Police were called to The Hedgehog pub in Shoplands, following reports that a man had been seen with a knife in the pub garden.
Officers attended the scene and carried out a search, but were unable to trace a suspect.
The Hedgehog temporarily shut, with a notice on the door confirming that they had closed "until further notice due to a serious incident".
Herts police confirmed that the pub was cleared during the incident, but they did not ask or request for the pub to remain closed.
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