Borehamwood Times' most read stories of 2014

In January, a story about a cockroach infestation at The East restaurant in Elstree received 3,733 views.

Owner Tony Chan pleaded guilty to 13 offences and was fined £7,120, while East Inn Ltd pleaded guilty to 15 offences and was fined £14,120.

Witnesses were asked to come forward in February, after a red car tailed a boy down Sullivan Way in Elstree.

He is believed to have indicated to the victim to get in the car, but the boy ran away and escaped unharmed.

The story received 5,594 views online.

A story about a 71-year-old who walked free from court after receiving a suspended sentence for stealing nearly £15,000 from charities was the most read in march, receiving 2,444 views.

Gillian Fowler,  pleaded guilty to stealing £3,824 from The Sunday Club in Borehamwood between February 2009 and April 2013, while she was treasurer, and for stealing £10,659 from the Royal British Legion in Borehamwood, where she was also treasurer.

In April, a 27-year-old man was attacked by two men outside Tesco Extra, in Shenley Road, Borehamwood.

He was taken to hospital in a serious condition for surgery. The story received 10,234 views.

In May, a story about an eight-year-old boy who died after a bicycle accident received 7,029 views.

Summerswood School pupil Peter Mills-Coles died after falling off a friend's bike in Masefield Avenue, Borehamwood.

Traders were up in arms in June after work began on shops at 33 and 35 Shenley Road.

Kosher bakery Mr Baker hoped to open a new restaurant at the site but some traders had complained the company had not followed the correct procedure with Hertsmere Borough Council, with the story receiving 4,424 views.

A story about a serious accident on the Barnet Bypass in July received 5,091 views.

Police, fire and ambulance crews attended the scene on the A1, near the Holiday Inn, following an accident involving a car an a lorry.

In August, a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital after he was assaulted in Aberford Park, Borehamwood.

The boy was approached from behind by two attackers, who punched him in the face and head.

The story received 3,260 views.

A security guard was sacked in September after two 11-year-olds were barred from Sports Direct in Borehamwood Shopping Park, with the story receiving 3,212 views.

The worker, who was employed by a security firm that supplied the company, was immediately removed from his position after reportedly telling the Year 7 students from Yavneh College, in Hillside Avenue, "No Jews, no Jews."

During October, a story about the new Debenhams opening gained 3,452 views.

Singer Steve Dorsett, who won Alan Carr’s Channel 4 show The Singer Takes It All - which was filmed at Elstree Studios - was announced to be hosting department store Debenhams' launch day celebrations.

Debenhams also topped the table in November, with 1,910 views on a story about the official opening.

A horde of excited shoppers rushed in to the new department store to the sounds of Mr Dorsett performing hit songs from the likes of The Killers and Coldplay, while staff provided beauty and clothing consultations.

Finally in December, the most read story so far has been about plans for a new restaurant on the high street.

Hertsmere Borough Council has received an application for a change of use at 47 Shenley Road, in Borehamwood, from a shop to a cafe or restaurant, after the property has been sat empty since February 2011.