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https://www.herts-pcc.gov.uk/news/latest-news/
Valuable Safety Forum
Letter received Jan 31, 2025 – via email
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to extend my thanks to the Rickmansworth and District Residents Association for organizing the Batchworth Bridge Crossing Safety Forum. It was a valuable opportunity for the community to come together and discuss much-needed road safety improvements.
The discussions highlighted the real dangers posed by both the Batchworth Bridge crossing and the Church Street (A404) crossing near the Moor Lane roundabout. The latter, in particular, seems even more hazardous due to poor visibility and fast-moving traffic.
Would the redevelopment of Trinity Court into residential units strengthen the case for road safety improvements in the area? It would be helpful to understand what the next steps might be and how we can best support efforts to push for action from the relevant authorities.
I’d be keen to stay involved and offer any assistance in moving things forward. Please do let me know how I can help.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
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RDRA response:
Many thanks for your email and feedback. Much appreciated. We’ll always keep you posted and updated on the developments with this issue.
RDRA is hosting Batchworth Bridge Crossing Safety Forum on 29 January 2025 at 7:30pm
You are invited to come along to the Batchworth Bridge Crossing Safety Forum to express your concerns.
Venue: The Education Centre at Batchworth Lock WD3 1JJ
Nearest Parking: Church Street (opp. St Mary’s Church), Moor Lane, Tesco (Harefield Road)

Local plan: 30% more housing & Green belt may be used
Please click the link below for an update from the Joint Residents’ Association, comprising 11 associations and other interested parties, regarding the recently revised local plan:
https://threeriversjointras.wixsite.com/website
Please keep an eye on developments within your areas, especially on land designated as Green belt.
Aquadrome Bridge near playground closed from 20th January until Easter
Message from Three Rivers District Council
I am pleased to inform you that we will be commencing the replacement of the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Bridge off Riverside Drive. Planned works will begin from Monday 20 January until Easter. During this time, the bridge and Ebury Play Area will be closed to the public to allow the work to be completed safely.
Pedestrians can still access Rickmansworth Aquadrome and town centre during the works. The established diversion route will be in place with on-site signage.
We’ve been working with our contractor, Beaver Bridges, and local agencies, including the Environment Agency and Hertfordshire Highways, to ensure they are aware of the works and happy with how they will be carried out and that we comply with all necessary legislation, we are only now able to confirm the dates.
Our Communications team have a planned programme including social media posts and a recent press release on the council website to notify the public with further details.
This is an exciting part of the overall project, and we look forward to bringing you a superb new bridge and nature focused play area soon.
For more details on the work please visit:
https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/news/rickmansworth-aquadrome-bridge-closure-replaced
Island Development halted
This controversial application has been “withdrawn with no further action taken”, according to a letter received by residents last month. Our only concern is why? Will it be re-submitted or were the objections from the various water agencies sufficient for them to call it a day.
It is noted that the company selected to replace the current drawbridge, to the island site, with a heavy lorry access bridge is the the same one selected by TRDC to build the new Red access bridge to the aquadrome (said to blend into the scenery throughout the four seasons).
Calling All Artists in Rickmansworth!
Sustainable Three Rivers, the organisation behind the much-loved Community Garden in Rickmansworth, is on a mission to celebrate and highlight the importance of nature, wildlife and biodiversity especially in our area. With the generous support of Councillors Paula Hiscocks and Reena Ranger OBE, they are thrilled to announce an exciting art competition open to all Rickmansworth residents!
The winning pieces will be featured on six panels in the subway connecting the west of Rickmansworth to the town centre, creating a beautiful and inspiring space for the community to enjoy.
We’re inviting you to create a painting, drawing, or sketch, in a square format (e.g. 21cm x 21cm), inspired by the local nature that makes Rickmansworth so special. From the serene beauty of the Aquadrome and Stocker’s Lake to the charm of Woodoaks Farm, the Community Garden, and the Rose Garden, there’s no shortage of inspiration.
How to Enter:
Send a high resolution photo of your artwork minimum size 3MB, by 26 January 2025 to hello@sustainablethreerivers.org.
Include your name, address, contact details (email or phone number), and age (if under 18).
A panel of judges will select the winning entries, and successful artists will be contacted by 28 February 2025. Winners will need to provide original artwork.
The finished panels will be installed in the subway this spring.
Don’t miss this chance to share your talent and leave your mark on Rickmansworth. We can’t wait to see your creations!
RDRA to host a Batchworth Bridge Crossing Forum in partnership with BCC
Wednesday 29th January at 7.30pm
Education Centre at Batchworth Lock WD3 1JJ
Following the most recent accident on this crossing and thanks to persistent pressure by Rickmansworth residents about pedestrian safety, the RDRA are hosting this forum, in partnership with BCC, to discuss with Three Rivers District Council.
Parking can be found in Church Street, Moor Lane and the Tesco car park, all of which are a few minutes’ walk from the Lock.
If you feel strongly and are able to attend, please do come along!

Have your say to WIN Watersmeet gift vouchers
Residents have an opportunity to shape the future of council services across Three Rivers district as the latest major survey of local opinion is launched.
The annual residents’ survey gives people the opportunity to have their say on the services they receive from their district council. Views are being sought from all residents aged 16 and over and the survey will close on 31 March 2025.
Anyone who takes part in the survey online and indicated that they wish to be entered into the prize draw will also have a chance to win one of three £60 vouchers for Watersmeet in Rickmansworth.
The district council provides a variety of services ranging from benefits, community safety, planning and housing needs to leisure services, parks and green spaces, public health and protection and waste and recycling collections.