Time flies!
A year ago today, local residents gave me the privilege of serving as County Councillor for Harpenden South West. It feels like only yesterday—but in that time we’ve achieved a great deal together, as this and previous newsletters have hopefully shown. There is still much more to do in the years ahead.
This month’s update includes:
- Progress (and challenges) fixing our roads
- Your views on 20 mph zones in Harpenden
- The future of Harpenden Police Station
- And much more
But with polling day for this year’s local elections fast approaching, the key question is:
What’s Your Vision for the Future of Our District?
As Leader of the Conservatives in St Albans District, this is a question I am asked almost every day—never more so than at election time.
We have a strong Conservative team standing this year, and we’ve been working hard to speak to as many residents as possible about our vision.
Our priorities are clear:
- Scrap unfair parking charges introduced by the Liberal Democrats
- Cut household bills
- Invest more in keeping our District clean, tackling fly-tipping, and improving our streets
But I also want to hear from you—do you agree, or would you do things differently?
Why Is There No Plan to Fix Our Roads?
Despite the glossy leaflets, it remains unclear how the current administration plans to fix our roads.
- Not enough potholes repaired
- No long-term maintenance strategy
- Highways funding reduced for next year
This is despite telling Government that more funding is needed.
Over the past year in Opposition, I have been developing a detailed plan to improve our roads—ready to implement from day one of a future Conservative administration.
Concerns over Highways performance remain, and after repeated cancellations of the Highways Cabinet Panel, I have requested further scrutiny through the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
Would You Support 20 mph Zones?
The County Council is investing in expanding 20 mph zones across whole towns.
These proposals:
- Cover wide areas rather than individual streets
- Do not include traffic calming measures such as speed bumps
While I have expressed my own concerns about value for money, my role is to represent your views.
👉 Let me know what you think.
Where Are Harpenden’s Police Team Going?
Many residents have asked about the future of Harpenden Police Station on Vaughan Road.
Following discussions with the Police & Crime Commissioner:
- Local policing teams are now based at the Town Hall
- This keeps officers close to the town centre
- It allows better use of public funds
Efficient use of resources like this is essential, and I will continue pushing for similar improvements across local services.
Do You Back Kemi’s Pothole Plan?
Improving roads requires both local and national action.
Recent national proposals include:
- Investment in modern repair technology
- A national pothole reporting platform
This could help resolve issues like those on Lower Luton Road, where council boundaries complicate repairs.
Is the Local Plan a Cause for Celebration?
After seven years in charge, delays in the Local Plan have created significant challenges.
- Limited protection for Green Belt
- Continued housing pressure
- Insufficient focus on brownfield development
The current plan is likely to be replaced quickly—at further cost to taxpayers—requiring allocation for around 25,000 new homes.
Should Utility Companies Be Held to Account?
Utility works continue to cause disruption across our roads.
Recent issues include:
- Poor reinstatement after works
- Mess left on roads and pavements
With their powers should come responsibility. I will continue working to hold companies accountable and improve standards.
What Did We Get Fixed This Month?
Delivering local improvements remains a key priority.
Recent work includes:
- New SLOW sign on Moreton End Lane
- Repainting road markings on Grove Road
- Pavement repairs near the Grove Road care home
If there’s something in your area that needs attention, please get in touch.
What Else Have I Been Doing?
This month I have:
- Opposed Labour’s business rates hike
- Met with Conservative colleagues to develop policy plans
- Worked with Highways officers on future budgets
- Met residents to discuss local concerns
- Visited Grove Infants School’s Nurture Room, supported through my Locality Budget
What’s Coming Up in May?
Key dates and priorities include:
- Local Elections – Thursday 7th May
- Supporting Conservative candidates across the District
- Meetings on waste and street cleansing improvements
- Full Council meetings at District and County level
- Highways planning and walkabouts across Harpenden
- Continued engagement with residents and local groups
There’s much more to come, and I’ll be back next month with another update.
In the meantime, if you need help with anything, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Best wishes,
Matt
Cllr. Matt Cowley
County Councillor for Harpenden South West
District Councillor for Harpenden South
Conservative Group Leader in St. Albans District