Residents were left angry when secretary of state for communities and local government Eric Pickles gave the go ahead to a proposed new rail freight terminal near Radlett.

Meanwhile a gunman who blasted a drugs rival in the chest with a shotgun was jailed for 30 years.

Andre Ryan, 22, from St Albans fired two shots at 24-year-old Jahan Malik in Praetorian Court on June 5, hitting him once.

Frank Varey who had been charged by police in connection with a stabbing in the Quadrant shopping centre in May was found dead in his Luton bedsit after taking an overdose of heart medication, an inquest heard.

Prime Minister David Cameron warned train operator London Midland that action must be taken to improve services between St Albans Abbey station and Watford Junction.

The warning comes after repeated cancellations of the service, which London Midland blame on crew shortages. The company has responded with a revised timetable and is currently training more drivers.

Redbourn resident Adele Irwin gave birth to her baby son on the hard shoulder of the M1 after she and husband David could not make it to Watford General Hospital in time.

Traders in Harpenden also voiced their concerns that a plan by St Albans District Council to impose parking restrictions would kill off small businesses in the town.