Speaking at last week's (10th December) Hitchin Forum, Cllr Daniel Allen, the leader of the District Council explained that "Pay on exit parking" installation will start in Hitchin this coming January and that there will be choice of paying by cash and card.

Campaigners have long called for this new means of parking which would allow visitors to the town's shops and eateries to be less rushed whilst experiencing the 20^th happiest place to live in the entirety of the UK.

In other news from the forum the chair, Cllr Ian Albert, updated attendees as to the latest on the long awaited and much anticipated "Hitchin River Walk".

Cllr Albert explained that the relatively new Labour administration is "really keen on this" and outlined the current steps that are being undertaken which includes settling legal issues, informing residents, assessing lighting, hedges and updating footpaths.

Cllr Albert also updated on the Churchgate regeneration plans which include more focus on revitalisation of Hitchin Market, incorporation of green space, improved accessibility, affordable housing and community space for all in the scheme.

Cllr Allen told Hitchin Nub News in November that in his dream scenario work on Churchgate would start in 2028.

Tom Hardy from Visit Hitchin told the forum that there have been 230 copies of the new Hitchin cookbook sold so far and that 2,000 people logged in to watch the livestreaming of the Christmas light switch on via the H-CAM in the town centre.