Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council achievements

• Reduced crime
The council has worked in partnership with the police and has reduced crime by 28 per cent. Initiatives have included the introduction of CCTV in crime black spots and employing street wardens and Police Community Support Officers to strategically patrol areas of the borough.

• Free bus pass scheme
We have launched a free bus pass for pensioners a year ahead of the national scheme. We’ve also introduced Shopper Hopper, a wheelchair accessible door-to-door transport service for older people who cannot get to the supermarket on public transport – more than14,000 passengers benefited in 2007.

• Energy efficient homes
Our tenants enjoy the third most energy efficient homes in the country, making heating more affordable for tenants, particularly the elderly.  This performance is the result of long term investment by the council including the installation of double glazing, energy efficient heating and hot water systems. The council has also fitted effective cavity wall and loft insulation in all of its homes.

• Increased recycling provision
All residents are now able to recycle glass, paper and garden waste at the kerbside. Mixed can collections began in the summer of 2008 to compliment existing paper glass and green (garden) waste collections. Plastic bottles are also recyclable at neighbourhood recycling centres (supermarket car parks, shopping centres etc). We are currently looking at plans to increase the range of recyclable/compostable materials collected in the future.

• More properties available for key workers.
We have delivered 1,349 flats for rent, shared ownership and for key workers over the past five years. With multi-agency partners we have also provided 85 supported housing schemes to meet a variety of needs.

• Reduction in the number of abandoned vehicles
Abandoned vehicles were a significant issue in the borough a couple of years ago. Working with new legislation and residents, we have reduced the number of abandoned vehicles on our streets by more than 90 per cent, which helps the borough look cleaner and tidier for residents and visitors and increases the number of available car parking spaces.

• A greener borough for you
Improvements have been made to our gardening provision, for example shrubs are maintained not only in winter, but throughout the summer, drastically reducing complaints as well as the number of weeds. We also carry out an additional leaf clearance before the main clearance commences in problem areas.

• Cleaner streets for you
New resources, such as green machines and Hako sweepers, have been introduced to target problem litter areas, for example shopping parades and town centres.

• Refuse 
The rounds for collecting household waste were reconfigured to reduce the total mileage of our lorries, reducing our impact on the environment and improving efficiency.

• Play Areas
We have refurbished 14 play areas over the last 5 years - most recently in Stanborough Park and Money Hole Lane

• Campus West
Improvements have been made to many of the facilities at Campus West.  There has been a new floor fitted in the Roller City skate area, and an extended stage and a new sound system installed in the theatre.  A new online booking system has been launched to allow a more convenient way to access facilities at the campus.