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The 'Big Watford Conversation', a survey to give local people the chance to share their views and experiences of the town, as well as their thoughts and ideas about Watford’s future has been launched.

Whether it's the town’s 17 green flag parks and other green spaces, local jobs and employment opportunities, or the availability of good quality housing, the council is keen to understand what matters most to residents. By taking part in the 'Big Watford Conversation,' people can actively contribute to shaping the future of their town.

To say ‘thank you’ for taking part, the council is offering five £30 Watford Gift Vouchers as part of a prize draw. Residents who wish to be entered into the draw just need to give their contact details at the end of the survey, with winners selected randomly. The survey deadline is 25 August.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “As Mayor, I am committed to making our town a vibrant and successful place to live, work, visit, and run a business. This can only be done by listening to residents and working together to make changes. That is why we are launching the ‘Big Watford Conversation’.”

“To be a successful town in the decades to come, we need to make decisions now so that we can create a town that future generations of residents and business are proud to call home. Your voice matters, and I encourage you to complete this questionnaire and share your thoughts before 25 August.”

Deputy Mayor of Watford and Portfolio Holder for Community, Councillor Aga Dychton, said: “Your voice, your town, your future! Engage in the 'Big Watford Conversation' and feedback your experiences, opinions, and suggestions on topics like green spaces, thriving job opportunities, or quality housing, to support the council's efforts to enhance Watford. Your perspective matters and every piece of insight is important for the future of our town.”

The survey can be accessed online through the council’s consultation platform at watfordcommunitysurvey.commonplace.is. Residents are encouraged to participate and share the survey link with their friends, neighbours, and community members to ensure a diverse range of perspectives are captured.

The feedback received will then be used to create the final strategy and a delivery plan for achieving the key environmental goals up to 2030.

The draft strategy focuses on how we make Watford a low-carbon and climate-resilient borough and sets the following targets:

In the document the council commits to working alongside its community and businesses to find the best ways to reach net zero carbon, wanting not just to learn from others but to explore innovative solutions that will work for Watford.

Improved biodivesity, more recycling, cleaner greener travel, reduced water usage and improved energy efficiency all form part of the draft strategy.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “The global climate emergency is affecting communities across the world and in the future will have huge impacts on our local economy, local families and local wildlife here in Watford. It’s so important to address the issues now and protect the future for our younger generations. Your input on this draft strategy is needed and valued.”

The draft strategy also sets out the council’s own commitment to be net zero carbon for emissions (CO2e) by the end of 2030 and to reduce its own organisational waste to near zero by 2030.

Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said: “The draft strategy sets out how we will create a low-carbon and climate-resilient borough but we can only deliver this in partnership with residents, community organisations and businesses. That’s why your feedback is so important to us. Please go online, read the strategy and complete our short survey.”

The draft strategy builds on the work being done across the council following the declaration of a climate and ecological emergency in 2019 and aligns with the Elected Mayor’s manifesto commitment to making Watford a cleaner, greener, healthier town for all.

Since 2019 Watford’s tree canopy has been increased, a new bike share scheme for residents and commuters was introduced and a 10-year regeneration project on one of Watford’s key natural assets – the river Colne – was started. The borough currently has more Green Flag parks and green spaces than any other part of Hertfordshire due to the council’s continued investment and management.

The draft strategy and survey can be found at https://watfordsustainabilitystrategy.commonplace.is/. The consultation closes on 9 December.