October was a busy and varied month. Neighbours were plagued by a bad smell coming from the Reviva composting site in Elstree, and David Cameron’s deputy chief of staff Oliver Dowden was selected as the Conservative candidate for the Hertsmere seat.

Elsewhere, light sleepers were angered after being kept awake all night following an illegal rave.

The Metropolitan Police received several complaints regarding the party near Barnet Road, in Arkley, with loud music beginning at around 11am and continuing throughout the night.

It is believed that more than 500 young trespassers gathered on land behind the petrol station, off Stirling Corner roundabout.

Security guard Dave Jordan said: “The padlocks had been broken open and they were using the old police station to spray graffiti. When you can see around 500 to 600 people off their heads, dancing around, you leave it alone.”

Mr Jordan said he found evidence of drug use when he returned to check for damage the next day.

Also in October, market traders in Borehamwood expressed their frustration after being told they could no longer leave their vans behind their stalls.

Hertsmere Borough Council contractor Brays Associates is now enforcing the rule at the Shenley Road market, which forced some traders to pack up their goods once and for all after being left with nowhere to park.

More than 400 people turned up to celebrate Elstree and Borehamwood’s rich film history with the first screening of documentary From Borehamwood to Hollywood, put together by the University of Hertfordshire’s Howard Berry and members of history group Elstree Screen Heritage.