A petition calling for an independent inquiry into why Hertfordshire care homes suffered one of the highest death tolls from Covid-19 in the country is being mounted by Herts Lib Dems.

Concerned members of the public are being urged to sign the petition that calls on Hertfordshire County Council to conduct a comprehensive review and potentially save lives going forward.

A series of ‘wilding’ trials are under way to transform parks and public green spaces across the district. The aim – to rescue and restore our priceless natural heritage damaged by decades of intensive management.

And the message to St Albans residents is – if you want to help fight climate change and boost biodiversity – get involved! Share with us your ideas and suggestions to spread wilding to more places across the district.

Continental-style mini-markets, retailers able to trade outside their shop front and streets lined with open-air cafes and restaurants are envisaged under a scheme to help lift St Albans out of lockdown.

“The aim is to help support businesses forced to close under lockdown by working with them to develop social distancing measures and a strategy for reopening that makes visitors feel safe and confident to shop around town and in our other vibrant high streets, including Hatfield Road,” says Mandy McNeil, portfolio holder for business, tourism and culture on St Albans District Council (SADC).

Liberal Democrats in London Colney have called for the Caledon Estate to withdraw the application for a development of up to 30 dwellings on land alongside the village’s Morris Way playing field.

The call follows the finding that in 1992 the landowner made a formal, written commitment to the district and county councils to maintain the land for recreational purposes.

Two leading Liberal Democrats are urging the Government to include St Albans in a fast-track trial of eco-friendly ‘e-scooters’ to help create more space on public transport during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a joint letter to the transport secretary, Daisy Cooper, the MP for St Albans, and Chris White, leader of St Albans district council, call for the city’s inclusion in the first round of trials, scheduled to start in June.

Local Liberal Democrats have welcomed the re-election of Chris White as leader of St Albans City and District Council for a second year.

He was elected at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday 21 May, which was held online to maintain social distancing.

Support for people working in the frontline will be essential when the end of lockdown begins, warns Sandy Walkington, councillor for Sopwell and Verulam.

Sandy’s big concern, he told listeners to Radio Verulam, the St Albans community radio station on 92.6FM, is the hidden damage that could emerge once life starts to return to normal, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

A number of “robust and effective” actions have been taken by St Albans City and District Council in response to the Covid-19 public health emergency.

“This has been an unprecedented challenge that’s placed huge demands on all our public services and the key workers that maintain them,” said Chris White, Liberal Democrat leader of the council.  

Work to refurbish the children’s playground and revitalise the park area in St Stephens Avenue park will begin when the coronavirus lockdown comes to an end, Verulam ward’s team of Lib Dem councillors has announced.

The budget for the St Stephens Avenue park makeover was secured from St Albans city council by the Lib Dem team after discussions with residents and a survey to find out what they thought was important across key issues.

Community hubs are being set up to help local businesses serve their communities during the coronavirus crisis, Liberal Democrat-run St Albans council has announced.

Up to three street trading stalls will be permitted at appropriate sites across St Albans district, such as car parks at pubs or shopping areas.