Over the summer holidays, Watford has seen some great events and I hope that you have been able to enjoy them.

Our annual favourites returned, including Imagine Watford, which brought drama and dance performances to our High Street. We’ve also had the Big Beach, which transformed the Parade into a sandy space enjoyed by many families, and Jiveswing, where hundreds came to listen and dance to some of the UK’s best jazz bands.

And new this year we were pleased to welcome the carnival at Radlett Playing Field, which I hope will return again next year.

There is still plenty to come, including The Big Screen, which has started in Knutsford Playing Fields until August 14, then moving to Woodside Playing Fields until August 21, Colourscape (August 20 to 29), and Herts Pride (August 20). You can find a full list at watfordbigevents.co.uk.

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All these events bring visitors to Watford and they rely on our public transport, including our trains. That is one of the reasons I am worried by reports that Watford Junction Station’s ticket office is under threat of closure. A helpful and friendly face at the station is important to visitors, some of whom are international, as well as necessary for elderly or disabled residents who may need extra help at the station.

Closing the ticket office removes a vital service – Age UK estimates there are 3 million elderly people across the country who do not have access to a smartphone to buy tickets, check timetables or get travel advice. And this is a national issue – the Government plans to close every ticket office in England, which they say will save train companies £500 million, but there is no guarantee a single penny of this will go to improving services.

Over recent years we have seen fares rise, services decline, and now ticket office closures will make things even worse. My Liberal Democrat team and I have created a petition so local residents can send a message to the government. You can sign it at: www.watfordlibdems.org/saveourticketoffice

  • Peter Taylor is Elected Mayor of Watford
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