Merry Christmas to all our readers.

It's that time of year where we look back at what has happened across Elstree & Borehamwood over the last year.

We take a look at some of most important stories, some of our favourites, and some which are quite frankly that little bit bizarre.

So of course, we begin our look back in January, where in Shenley, a disappointing act of vandalism shocked a community.

Anti-semitic graffiti was daubed over fencing and a chapel, home to a synagogue. It was condemned by villagers and councillor Anthony Spencer, who is Jewish himself.

Unfortunately, it would not be be the only example of antisemitism in our borough this year.

Hertsmere Borough Council were in line for some criticism after they failed to respond in time to an application to build a phone mast by EE in Allum Lane. The council were against the proposal, but a failure to respond within a designated time gave EE the green light to go ahead.

Borehamwood Times:

Labour councillors Jeremy Newmark and Michelle Vince were among those leading the fight against the phone mast

But the council did not receive all bad press.

In January, it implemented powers for a blanket ban on traveller incursions in Hertsmere. Borehamwood in particular had been blighted by encampments in the summer to the dismay of residents.

After plenty of public pressure, the council were granted powers from the court which now allows them to move on travellers without having to go through the court process.