Lessons were to be learnt in May as the findings of an investigation of how a dog died on a train track were published.

Shih Tzu dog Jonty was dragged along the platform at Elstree & Borehamwood station in September last year after a lead held by owner Rose Barry was caught in the train doors as it closed.

Jonty was found dead in a tunnel a little way up the line.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch investigated the case, concluding the train driver was not aware the dog was caught between the doors.

The RAIB highlighted that the driver carried out his final safety check before departure in no more than 1.1 seconds.

This is compared with the 13.5 seconds recommended by the Rail Safety and Standards Board.

The RAIB made a safety recommendation to Govia Thameslink Railway relating to the time drivers spend carrying out safety checks.

It also urged the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train companies, to investigate technologies which improve the detection of people or items trapped in train doors.

The parents of a university graduate who died in a hiking accident in Argentina raised more than £17,500 for a charity.

Helen and Eliot Minn, along with their daughter Hayley, from Borehamwood, organised a 35 mile cycle ride in memory of their son David who died in January last year during an eight month trip to South America.

The family chose to raise money for the Eve Appeal - a gynaecological cancer research charity close to their hearts.

Borehamwood Times:

David Minn

A motorbike rider from Borehamwood was jailed after he mowed down a 67-year-old woman.

Lesley Bello-Hernandez, 67, was crossing a road in Cambridge when she was struck by a speeding bike on February 13.

Jack O’Donnell, aged 25, of Tempsford Avenue, Borehamwood, was jailed for eight years and disqualified from driving for nine years.

It was council election time in Hertsmere - and the Conservatives retained their dominance in the borough.

It was not complete plain sailing however as they lost their three seats in Bushey North to the Lib Dems while they also lost two seats in Potters Bar and a seat in Borehamwood to Labour.