Wheathampstead Business News



Updated November 25th, 2009

First Edition of Village Business Directory

The first edition of Window on Wheathampstead (WOW) is nearly ready to go to the printers.  We anticipate it will be distributed to all households before the New Year.  As well as listing every business in Wheathampstead (see our online business database on this site) it will also have local clubs, community groups and emergency telephone numbers.  Unlike other directories, it will not be crammed with advertising and will be specific to Wheathampstead.  We will be encouraging residents to keep this directory and to use it before all others.

Increasing Footfall for High Street Businesses

There are several projects currently underway to help increase footfall in the villiage.  The Heritage Trail (see below) is well advanced and the first plaques should be installed shortly.  The discovery of the old station platform will be added to the trail and formally opened next year.  We are hoping that it will attract railway enthusiasts and, with its links to George Bernard Shaw, also attract visitors who visit Shaw’s Corner to come to the village.  The site can also be used by individual groups for specific events such as open air exhibitions.

WEB in partnership with the Parish and District Councils are also bidding for funds from the Hertforshire Works Partnership (Vibrant Towns) to install an outdoor gym close to the High Street.  We are submitting a bid this month and, if successful, the equipment should be installed by the spring.  Visitors wishing to use the gym will have to walk through the High Street from the car park in order to gain access.

Update 19th October, 2009

WEB Secures Funding for Heritage Trail

In cooperation with the Parish Council, WEB has secured over £4,500 funding for the first phase of our village Heritage Trail.  We are planning to have high quality plaques made and mounted near or on sites of historic and general interest in the village centre.  The goal is to increase footfall in the High Street by attracting both residents and visitors.  We will be advertising the trail widely including at the St Albans Tourist Office.

Update 30th July, 2009

WEB Chairman Featured in Herts Advertiser

Norman Whitwood, Chairman of WEB, is featured in the issue of the Herts Advertiser delivered today.  See page 2 or click on the following link:

Herts Advertiser Feature

 

Updated 16th July, 2009

Heartwood Forest

The Woodland Trust gave a fascinating insight to the development of the wood at our last monthly meeting.  The message is loud and clear - there is a real opportunity for High Street businesses to benefit. 

The facts are:

  • A significant increase in visitors to the area, mainly walkers, has already been seen. By 2020 the numbers are expected to exceed 100,000.
  • The Woodland Trust is to provide no visitor centres, cafes, etc, and will rely on local businesses to provide the services visitors need.
  • Planting starts this autumn/winter and will attract additional visitors.

Don’t miss out.  Enterprising pubs in Sandridge  have already started to take advantage of the increased footfall offering charged parking which is refunded when the visitor buys food and drink on the premises.

Businesses can contact Woodland Trust to find ways in which Woodland Trust can point visitors in their direction (e.g. mention on Woodland trust maps and leaflets).  Their contact details are:

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/heartwood
heartwood@woodlandtrust.org.uk
01476 581111

Business Breakfasts

Our informal Business Breakfasts are proving to be a useful way of getting new contracts.  Already a number of attendees have reported closing new deals through contacts made at these informal events.  The next breakfast is on Friday July 31st at 08:00 at the Tin Pot.  £5 includes bacon rolls, tea & coffee.

Tesco

Tesco is still hoping to open this year.  Planning permission has been approved for the loading bay and it is now a case of scheduling the work.  Tesco are also looking at rear access to the premises so that customers can make direct use of the East Lane Car Park.  WEB is lobbying the Parish Council who, in turn, are lobbying the District Council to extend that car park.  This is essential to prevent more unwelcome parking in the High Street.

Restaurants

The two new food establishments are now up-and-running and seem to be very popular.  Along with the florist they have made a significant improvement to the look of the High Street and should encourage other potential businesses to fill the remaining two shops.

Harpenden Business Directory

We’ve circulated details of how Wheathampstead businesses can get a free listing in the directory being sponsored by Harpenden Town Council.  Don’t forget to register!