As 2018 began, there was anger at rail fare increases, with campaigners calling for the railway system to be renationalised

after commuters were hit with the largest fare rise in five years.

Protestors gathered outside Watford Junction, Kings Langley and Bushey stations as average ticket prices went up by 3.4 per cent - the largest rise since 2013.

Watford General Hospital emerged from special measures after an inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

West Herts Hospitals Trust as a whole was rated as ‘requires improvement’, and considered ‘good’ when it comes to caring.

Watford General Hospital was still rated as ‘requires improvement’ despite a number of its departments being classed as ‘good’ by the CQC, and its urgent and emergency department was deemed ‘inadequate’.

Nascot Lawn Respite Service was handed a possible reprieve when lawyers won a second judicial review of the closure of the Langley Way-based centre.

Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group had announced it intended to halt its funding in 2017.

But the families of the severely disabled children who use the centre said they had not been consulted and began a campaign to save the centre.

Parents said “everything" rested on the judge’s decision.

And as January ended, it emerged that Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was withdrawing funding for the Metropolitan Line Extension.

Transport for London said it would not deliver the Metropolitan line extension, even though Watford MP Richard Harrington

offered the £73million shortfall needed to make the project work to Mr Khan.

The money would have covered the shortfall needed to start the building work, as well as control over the tracks and and air space,

allowing for development in the property above the stations.

But, the Mayor refused this offer, instead suggesting a “guided bus route”.