Creative groups get help

Two groups which contribute to the cultural heritage of the Elstree and Borehamwood area are set to get a boost.

Borehamwood Kenilworth ward councillor Pat Strack has clubbed together with fellow ward councillor Richard Butler to each contribute £250 to Elstree Screen Heritage which will be used for display panels for the former MGM studio site.

Cllr Strack said: “The panels will be used to record, preserve and share our unique film and TV heritage and support the heritage trail which informs visitors and residents about the unique film history of the area.”

Borehamwood Cowley Hill ward councillor Ernie Butler has also joined forces with Cllr Strack to support Elstree Productions, which will get £300 from each councillor towards the production costs of their pantomime Aladdin in February. The money will be used for scenery, costumes, publicity, lighting and more.

Cllr Butler said: “Productions can cost a lot of money to put on but they provide lots of entertainment for the public, as well as a great opportunity for local people to join in with an amateur company to act, sing and dance, or help out behind the scenes.”

The funding comes from the Ward Improvement Initiative Scheme (WIIS). Local people can make a bid for cash from the WIIS scheme to improve the area they live in. Each Hertsmere borough councillor gets £1,000 to support local projects and schemes.

If you would like to have a scheme considered, contact your local councillor.