The year came to an end with a December packed with business news and important planning applications, including the news that Hatfield's Next store will be closing down.
1. Hatfield's Next store to go
December's big news saw Next confirm that its store at Hatfield's Oldings Corner Retail Park is closing down.
After online rumours began spreading, the fashion retailer has confirmed the store will be close its doors for the final time in January next year.
"We can confirm that the Hatfield store will cease trade on January 13, 2024," a Next spokesperson told the Welwyn Hatfield Times.
2. Academy salon returns
There was better news in the Welwyn Hatfield business world, as December saw the return of beloved salon Academy.
Academy Hair and Beauty "cease trading with immediate effect" back in June, after the owner took back the Fretherne Road unit in Welwyn Garden City.
The salon is back under a new name, Academy Now, and in a different location, taking over a vacant Howardsgate unit.
There has also been a change of ownership, with Jayne Beecroft passing the business onto her daughter, Ashley Kissick, after 48 years in charge.
"My lease ended after 48 years and at 67, it was the end for me, and yet a new beginning for Academy Now, so I can still continue cutting hair and seeing my fabulous clients," said Jayne.
"I’m beyond proud my daughter Ashley has decided to open her own salon and reinvent the Academy name, blending the old Hair Now, and Academy Hair and Beauty."
Ashley added: "I’ve learnt so much from watching my mum and thought I wanted to try owning my own hair salon."
3. A new fish and chip shop?
The month also saw plans submitted to turn a former Welwyn Garden City Post Office into a new takeaway restaurant.
The plans, submitted by Grieg Hutchinson, would see the old Handside Post Office in Marsden Road become a fish and chip shop.
The unit became vacant when the Post Office moved into the Nisa store in nearby Handside Lane in April 2019, but work needs to be done according to the planning and design statement.
"The applicant would like to turn the vacant unit into a fish and chip shop serving takeaway food," it reads.
"The existing shop frontage is a run-down timber framed window and door combination. The existing shop front needs repair and refurbishment."
4. Welwyn village Green Belt development plans
Plans were also submitted for a housing development on Green Belt land in Welwyn village.
Kingshall Estates Ltd have amended already approved plans to build on the land off Codicote Road - which would also provide access to the site - and their new application would see seven detached dwellings with associated detached garages, parking and amenity areas built.
Plans would also see upgrades to the existing access road following demolition of existing buildings.
5. Save the iconic Welwyn Garden City fisherman
An appeal was launched to find someone who could carry out much-needed repairs to the iconic Welwyn Garden City fisherman.
Standing outside of Regal Fish and Chips in Stonehills, the statue has become an well-known and beloved landmark in the town.
But, the fisherman is now showing serious signs of wear and tear, with the damage in desperate need of repair.
Welwyn Garden City BID has launched an appeal to find someone who can help carry out the work, with a spokesman saying: "The iconic fisherman, that proudly stands in Stonehills outside independent fish and chip shop Regal Fish & Chips, is in need of some serious TLC.
"After many years of standing outside in the cold and being moved on a daily basis, the statue has started to display some serious damage and wear and tear.
"The fisherman statue has become an iconic part of Welwyn Garden City town centre, and we are hoping that he continues to stand proudly in his rightful place for many years to come.
"If you know of anyone who would be able to assist in bringing him back to his full glory then please get in touch with Regal Fish & Chips via Instagram @regalfishandchips."
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