What were some of the most read stories in May this year? From a naked man spotted walking in woodland to a 25-metre deep sinkhole leading to an emergency evacuation, the Welwyn Hatfield Times had it covered.

1. Naked man spotted walking in Welwyn Garden City woodland

Welwyn Hatfield Times: A naked man was spotted out walking his dog.A naked man was spotted out walking his dog. (Image: Andy Garrett)

A Welwyn Garden City dog walker got an early morning surprise when he spotted a naked man walking through the woods.

Andy Garrett was out with his dog in Sherrardspark Wood when he spotted another dog walker close to Six Ways.

"I quickly realised he was stark naked," Andy told the Welwyn Hatfield Times. "He turned away and disappeared down another path when he saw me, but I thought the whole thing was very strange."

Although it is not an offence to be naked in public in England and Wales, it can become one, for example, if a complainant can prove it was done with intent to shock or cause upset.

2. Panshanger: Residents in temporary accommodation after sinkhole opens

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Residents were evacuated from their homes due to the sinkhole.Residents were evacuated from their homes due to the sinkhole. (Image: Supplied)

A 25-metre deep sinkhole developed in Martlesham, Panshanger, causing homes and nearby buildings to be evacuated.

People were warned to stay away from the area, particularly because the sinkhole could have caused damage to gas pipes.

Residents were placed in temporary accommodation, with some complaining they had to pay hotel bills upfront and seek reimbursement from the property management company.

Some frustrated residents risked safety and moved back into their homes after five weeks, before essential repairs had been completed.

3. Hatfield: Application to turn house into children's home

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The property in The Runway subject to the planning appeal.The property in The Runway subject to the planning appeal. (Image: Google Maps)

Plans to turn a house in Hatfield into a children's home were submitted to Welwyn Hatfield Council's planning committee. 

The application, which was turned down in July, with an appeal now launched, seeks permission to convert a property in The Runway area into a residential institution for a maximum of four children aged between eight and 18. 

Along with the children, the 120 sq metre site will take on three carers, two of which would sleep overnight and work on a rota basis. 

The proposal does not include any alterations to the exterior or interior of the property. 

In 2022, an application for the same site was submitted by the same applicants for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the change of use from a house to residential institution, which was refused.

4. Welwyn Garden City: Two people bitten by dog at Stanborough Lakes

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Two runners were bitten at the fishing lake at Welwyn Garden City's Stanborough Lakes.Two runners were bitten at the fishing lake at Welwyn Garden City's Stanborough Lakes. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Two runners were bitten by a dog while out jogging around Welwyn Garden City's Stanborough Lakes.

The pair were running in the park when a German Shepherd approached at the fishing lake and bit them.

It was reported that the dog’s owner(s) tried to control it, but struggled to do so as it was not on a lead.

Investigating officer PC Lee Rowson said: "Thankfully the bites did not draw blood, but this was understandably a traumatic incident.

"The owner(s) appeared to be two males who were fishing and had a tent with them."

5. John Lewis deny Welwyn Garden City store closure rumours

Welwyn Hatfield Times: John Lewis quashed rumours the Welwyn Garden City store would be closing.John Lewis quashed rumours the Welwyn Garden City store would be closing. (Image: Google Maps)

John Lewis denied it would be closing its store in Welwyn Garden City following rumours on social media.

An anonymous post in Welwyn Hatfield Unhinged asked if anyone else was "hearing rumours about John Lewis considering closing their store", which caused plenty of debate in the Facebook group.

More than 150 people commented, with some claiming to have also heard the murmurings, and that Primark could move in or that the building would be turned into flats.

John Lewis was quick to put an end to the closure claims, when asked by the Welwyn Hatfield Times.

"There is no truth in the speculation," said a spokesperson.

The building on Bridge Road was built in 1939 and was originally home to Welwyn Department Stores, with the business thriving until 1984 when it became a John Lewis store following a takeover.