Welcome to East Herts YMCA
Facilities
Introduction to East Herts
At the beginning of the 20th century the population was approximately 7,000. By 1951 the town had expanded to 13,000. The second half of the 20th century saw East Herts grow even further as it became a commuter town and benefited from the M11 motorway, nearby Stansted Airport and improved train links to London and Cambridge. The population is now in the region of 35,000.
Currently, the town centre is undergoing many changes, with the demolition of the old multi-storey car-park and surrounding area to make way for a new town centre area and the building of new flats. There are many plans for further expansion and development of the town due to its continued growth and the expected enlargement of Stansted Airport.
Politics
Mark Prisk (Conservative) was re-elected MP in 2005. The constituency East Herts is in also covers many other settlements including Hertford.
The biggest political issue for the town is the expansion of Stansted Airport and opposition to any new runways or any kind of growth taking place there (there are no pro-expansion lobbies).
There are 18 town councillors who give their time and effort voluntarily. The town also has a Youth Council that meets once a month that is made up of students from many of the local schools where many local and youth issues are discussed.
Economy
East Herts is an affluent area and this is partly due to the town's status as a commuter town for the (mainly financial) workers in the City of London. The town is also home to many working in the tourist-related industry (hotels, catering, airline staff) because it is the closest large town to Stansted Airport. In total about 85% work in the services sector (2001 census).
Education
The county council (Hertfordshire) is responsible for education. East Herts follows the English schools model of primary, secondary, and further education. There are 13 primary and 5 secondary schools (two of which are single sex). The town does not have any further education colleges for post-16 education, all post-16 education is received in the sixth form at the secondary schools.
Many of the secondary schools in the East Herts area have gained special college status for technology, sciences or languages.