Over the last 40 years our rural market town has seen an explosion of new housing development and rapid population growth. That expansion is likely to continue and we therefore want to ensure a sustainable and economically viable future for the town, whilst improving the quality of life for newcomers and long-established residents. At the same time we need to protect the town's unique heritage, attractive rural character and local distinctiveness for both its citizens and casual visitors.

A view of the War Memorial in Hoddesdon High Street We do not want Hoddesdon to become just another CLONE TOWN indistinguishable from thousands of others around the country which consist of exactly the same depressing line-up of national brand names, multiple chain stores, banks and building societies.

We want to see Hoddesdon developed into a HOME TOWN which is distinctive and recognisable as a unique place. We therefore need a clear strategy to encourage local producers and "niche" or boutique shop owners to set up businesses in the town alongside the existing supermarkets and national chains to provide a diversity of high quality products and services making THE TOWN A DISTINCTIVE AND INTERESTING PLACE TO LIVE AND VISIT.