But various delays meant that the work was put off until the summer of 2000. That deadline came and went. It was then thought that the work would take place in 2001, but again, as the cracks worsened, that deadline past.

Earlier this year, the North Mymms District Greenbelt Society reported that work was expected to get underway this summer, but further delays prevented the building work from starting.

According to the NMDGS, structural engineers drew up a fresh schedule for the work this summer, along with a revised estimate of the costs. These were then sent to English Heritage for its approval.

A few weeks ago, English Heritage wrote to Welwyn Hatfield Council to say that they were, ‘assessing a request to increase their grant for the work.’

According to the greenbelt society, English Heritage is pressing for, "a late summer start", for the work to begin. The question is whether, as in previous years, the autumn weather will lead to yet another delay.

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September 10, 2002