Street Stewards helping keep Stortford safe

Our BID-funded Street Stewards are out and about, helping keep Stortford safe. Thank you for all the positive feedback, both to the BID and directly to our Stewards. We are delighted their presence is having such an impact; building feelings of safety when using the town centre and deterring crime and anti-social behaviour. Examples of how our Street Stewards have made a difference recently include undertaking first aid, assisting vulnerable people, de-escalating volatile situations, escorting lone individuals to car parks and providing directions to venues, taxis and public transport links. If you see them, please say hello. They are here… Read more »

February school holiday inspo

And just like that, it’s half term! Here’s some day-by-day suggestions in the town centre to keep the family fed, watered and entertained next week. MON 16 FEB Animation Workshops at South Mill Arts with Luke Newell. Tickets very limited! Slime Time 10 and 11am at The Little Arts Workshop Internet safety with Ozobots at the library The Eras Experience: Taylor Swift Tribute by Xenna at South Mill Arts Clay Amusables Fish ‘n’ Chips for kids 7+ at The Little Arts Workshop Three side dishes for £15 available at Ace of Lanes TUES 17 FEB Drop-in session 1-5pm for secondary… Read more »

Celebrating the community that shows up for us

5,000 followers!! A massive THANK YOU to our Facebook followers for helping us reach this important milestone. Discover Stortford is a dedicated page, specifically focused on Bishop’s Stortford town centre; business news, town centre events, new openings, and importantly, the people behind the businesses that make the town a special place to live, work, shop and socialise. It’s a local page for local people. A whopping 73.3% of Discover Stortford followers are Bishop’s Stortford residents with a further 17% in the surrounding areas of Stansted, Sawbridgeworth, Harlow and Saffron Walden. Discover Stortford is run by the Bishop’s Stortford Business Improvement… Read more »

Old River Lane Latest Plans

The latest plans for the Old River Lane development are currently live. Since the last consultation in June, Cityheart (the developer), has updated the masterplan and comments are encouraged by Thursday 29th January 2026 in advance of submitting a detailed planning application later this year.  To view the updated masterplan, please click here and also here  The planning application number is 3/25/1949/FUL and for ease a direct link to the application, where you can add your comments, is here

New lighting schemes…not just for Christmas

Pop in from dusk and appreciate the new lighting in all its glory (so hard to capture in photos!). Installed to improve safety, aesthetics and encourage safe exploration across the town centre. We’re proud and excited to see this permanent lighting scheme in Devoils Lane come to fruition. The pretty zig-zagging festoon lights encourage movement from Market Square, down the steps to Devoils Lane and into Bridge Street and beyond. Funded jointly between Bishop’s Stortford BID and Jackson Square and provided by Aylesford Electrical. In addition, you may have noticed twinkly lights in six trees – five on South Street,… Read more »

Street Stewards Trial

In response to surveys, and conversations with businesses, residents and visitors at recent events, we are pleased to announce Street Stewards are being trialled in Bishop’s Stortford. The stewards are funded by Bishop’s Stortford BID through the town centre businesses. The service is provided by Optic Security Services. The team aim to provide reassurance, build confidence on the street and help keep you safe. The Street Stewards work collaboratively with East Herts Neighbourhood Policing Team and Bishop’s Stortford Street Pastors, who are all working hard to keep the town centre a safe and welcoming place to be. If you see… Read more »

Christmas Fayre 2025: Key information for residents

Letter from the organisers, Bishop’s Stortford Town Council, regarding road closures, diversions, timings and free parking provision in the town centre. Dear Residents, The annual Bishop’s Stortford Christmas Fayre, organised by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council, is taking place on Saturday 6 December 2025 from 09.30 – 16.30 on North Street, Potter Street, Market Square and South Street. This free event will include activities for all the family such as live music and performances, a fun fair, and much more. The Fayre incorporates the regular weekly Saturday Market and the Farmers and Craft Market, as well as specialised festive stalls.  The… Read more »

Gift Card Prize Draw Winners 2025

WINNERS ANNOUNCED! Our prize draw took place this morning and we are delighted to announce the following ten charities will receive a £50 Discover Stortford Gift Card for their upcoming fundraisers. St Clare’s Hospice – fundraisers over the festive period Stansted Mountfitchet Windmill – Santa at the Mill, 6th December The Welbeloved Club – over 70s lunches once a month CHIPS (Children’s Integrated Playschemes) – Christmas Craft & Afternoon Tea, 5th December Grove Cottage – Grove Cottage Ball at Down Hall, 9th May 2026 Hillmead PTFA – Winterfest, 5th December St Joseph’s School Association – Christmas Fayre, 11th December Bishop’s… Read more »

November 2025 Business Meet Up

A really enjoyable and productive BID business meet up today. Special thanks to Wright & Bailey London (Robert, Caitlin and Macy) for the beautiful venue and looking after us so well, Ludo & Mairead at Le Peche Mignon for the wonderful catering and Josh Dean MP for taking the time to join us and speak with our much-valued businesses. If you’re in search of state-of-the-art eye tests and stylish eyewear in a warm and welcoming environment, pay the Wright & Bailey team a visit at 10 High Street. www.wrightandbaileylondon.com For stunning coffee, authentic French produce and delicacies or evening dining… Read more »

Face of the Month – Olu from Waitrose

FACE OF THE MONTH IS BACK! This month’s winner will be a familiar to many of you…it’s the amazing security guard, Oluseyi, from Bishop’s Stortford Waitrose & Partners Congratulations! Oluseyi is loved by everyone for his friendly smile and kindness. Store Manager, Sara Farnsworth, comments, “Oluseyi plays a key role in our team, keeping Partners and our customers safe. He is always receiving praise for his excellent service and beaming smile. He is an integral part of the Waitrose Bishop’s Stortford family. We are proud Oluseyi has been recognised for his wonderful service”. Congratulations, Oluseyi! We really do appreciate everything… Read more »

Festive Fun Day 2025 Recap

IT’S A WRAP! Thanks to everyone who helped us deliver yesterday’s Christmas launch event in the town centre. A great demonstration of the community coming together – businesses, residents, visitors and local groups. Bishop’s Stortford was truly buzzing! Watch this space for more photos throughout the week. Here’s to Christmas in Bishop’s Stortford