2025

Opinion on re-organisation

Message received 11 Mar, 2025 – via email.

I know that the re-organisation was mentioned as part of the General Election but when one has one choice of ‘vote for Labour, Conservative or Other’ it does not allow for nuance.

I live in Rickmansworth. I have Batchworth Community Council, Three Rivers and Hertfordshire County Council.

I am very happy with that. BCC is very local and the people managing it know and experience what I do.

Three Rivers manages a wider range of things and HCC overarching and ‘big’ stuff.

Furthermore, it is MY money which pays for these organisations (along side other members of the communities) and it is far closer to Democracy than a once in five year national election.

I do not want to be part of a merger into other localities which bear no resemblance of mine.

By R.D.R.A., ago
CGI of new Aquadrome bridge

Name the New Aquadrome Pedestrian Bridge. Deadline 28th March

Three Rivers are asking residents and visitors for their comments on each of the five names shortlisted below. Final decision on the bridge name will be made later this year.

The proposed names are:

  • Ann Shaw Bridge
  • Aquadrome Bridge
  • Colne View Bridge
  • Ebury Bridge
  • Harry Walker Bridge

Each suggested name has a description explaining its link to Rickmansworth. The survey will run until Friday 28 March.

https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/news/aquadrome-bridge-name

By R.D.R.A., ago

Illuminated beacon poles

Message received 10 Mar, 2025 – via email.

Thank you for your recent newsletters which I always find an interesting read.

I was sorry not to be able to attend the recent meeting regarding the crossing by the Batchworth canal.

I regularly drive over it on my way to work in Northwood so I am aware how some other drivers seem to disregard the needs of pedestrians looking to cross and how difficult it can be sometimes be to see people there when it’s dark.

In Ruislip some of the pelican beacon poles are illuminated and that at least makes drivers aware that a crossing is there as they approach it. Better lighting also would help in my opinion.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email. I wholeheartedly agree with your comments and these were raised at the forum.

Also look up our column in March issue of Ricky News-page 48.

I sincerely hope that HCC/TRDC take this issue seriously and do something about it.

May elections are your opportunity to express your views to your councillors as they will be after your vote.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Local Government Reorganisation. Deadline 12th March

Message from Three Rivers District Council.

Local authorities are required to develop proposals for reorganisation, in areas where there are currently two tiers of local government.

This will be a once in a generation change that effects local people and services for decades to come. It is therefore important that there is proper consideration of the options and meaningful consultation with residents, key local organisations, including business, and our public sector partners.

Our priority is to ensure any changes genuinely benefit residents and businesses while safeguarding high-quality local services.

Hertfordshire’s leaders are working together to explore the best way forward, but we do not support a single unitary council. Hertfordshire is simply too big to be run by a single council. With a population of 1.2 million across urban, suburban, and rural areas, it would be much larger than any local authority in the UK, creating an oversized bureaucracy that could slow down decision-making and make services less responsive to the needs of our diverse communities. Local issues require local solutions, and one giant council would risk losing the connection between residents and the services they rely on, and maintaining these connections is our priority.

All councils in Hertfordshire, along with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, are collaborating to assess the options. However, with no agreed proposals, Hertfordshire will not be included in the first phase of reforms. Given the financial and staffing challenges councils already face, it is essential to balance the delivery of vital services with any future governance changes.

This process is still at an early stage, and we want to keep residents, businesses, and stakeholders updated as discussions progress. Any changes must be carefully considered, transparent and inclusive, ensuring that residents and businesses are fully engaged in shaping the future governance of Hertfordshire. As we consider future options, we would therefore be eager to hear your views in this initial early stage, particularly on whether Hertfordshire should have more or less local councils and your views on what this would mean for decision-making in our communities.

We are committed to ongoing consultation and involvement and we will expect to deliver more formal stages of public consultation as plans progress.

If you wish to share your initial views please send those through to us at devolutionlgr@threerivers.gov.uk by Wednesday 12 March 2025.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Bridge Replacement on 15-16 March & other Aquadrome Enhancements

Aquadrome Pedestrian Bridge Replacement.

The old Aquadrome pedestrian bridge off Riverside Drive, next to the playground, is being replaced for a new gateway to the nature reserve. Three Rivers District Council’s contractor, Beaver Bridges, successfully disassembled the bridge last month and the new bridge will be installed on 15th and 16th March. Expect single lane traffic management during this time.

The Aquadrome remains open via the car park, towpath by the canal, or by following the established diversion signage.

The new bridge, funded largely by developer contributions, will be 48.6m in length and 3m wide – double in width than the old bridge to allow pedestrians, wheelchairs, buggies and cyclists to pass each other safely and encourage sustainable travel. The surrounding area will also be attractively landscaped to provide a great view of Batchworth Lake.

Fishing swim enhancements:

Enhancement work on the fishing swims started last month on Batchworth Lake. Three Rivers District Council’s contractor, AquaMaintain will be working on the site until Monday 31 March. The plans, which have been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, have been developed in consultation with the local fishing club and Countryside Management Services.

The Story so far:

Earlier in the year we reported the conclusion of the Lottery fund bid ‘Identify, Inform, Involve’ – Natural Heritage Networks project successes.  Our Evaluation report and digital brochure documenting the community programme are now hosted on the council’s website. We are pleased to share these with you and hope that you enjoy looking through the two documents: Natural Heritage Networks Evaluation Report and Aquadrome 2024 Activity Highlights.

Please visit Rickmansworth Aquadrome Digital Brochures.

It’s an exciting time at the Aquadrome and we thank you for your continued support. 

By R.D.R.A., ago

Meet our local Police Constable Support Officer on 14th March

Between 10am and midday on Friday 14 March, in the foyer of Three Rivers House on Northway, WD3 1RL meet face-to-face with our local PCSO named Ryun Beeson.

Come along to discuss any concerns you may have regarding neighbourhood issues in your area. Receive crime prevention advice & support for finding further services.

Please fill in the latest survey from Hertfordshire Constabulary:

https://survey.hertsconnected.co.uk/Survey/HASH/FA1FD581D6BECEEB6A56E2BD237D2C0B

By R.D.R.A., ago

Worried about safety of Batchworth Bridge

Message received 7th March 2025 – via comment on Batchworth Bridge Forum – BCC response & petition

I have long been worried about the safety of the Batchworth Bridge, mainly from the point of view of a driver. I always drive as slowly as possible and try to scan each part of the crossing as l approach it, including especially the posts etc at each end where the visibility is quite unclear and confusing. I approve of all the improvements suggested, including lighting, white paint instead of black, though l thought a bright fluorescent paint or covering would be even better, and if allowed traffic lights.

Most people wear dark clothes, especially trousers etc, which makes them even more indistinguishable from the black posts.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Dangerous Crossing: Are you a Survivor?

This article will be in the next Ricky News, written by RDRA Committee members Christina Evans, Anne Littlejohn, Andrea Clark & Debbie Wheeler.

The RDRA (Rickmansworth & District Residents’ Association) organised the Batchworth Bridge Crossing Safety Forum on 29th January, in partnership with BCC (Batchworth Community Council) to discuss the hazards of Batchworth Bridge Crossing. Fortunately to date, there has not been a fatality (unless you count the two dead swans). Over 60 residents attended the Forum.

The major concerns highlighted at the Forum:

  • Batchworth Bridge Crossing is frequently used by people of all ages & abilities, night & day.
  • There has been numerous near misses and several accidents.
  • Poorly lit crossing.
  • Drivers can’t see pedestrians at night.
  • Crossing is on the brow of a hill and drivers accelerate towards the crossing.
  • Faded crossing markings (cannot be seen from roundabout).
  • Inadequate and obscured 30mph signage.
  • Crossing is on a dual carriage way – one lane stops, the other lane doesn’t stop.

Suggestions from the Forum were:

  • Improve or add lighting:
    • The white part of the Belisha Beacon poles should be LED lit.
    • Add spotlights on the pole to illuminate pedestrians.
  • Add speed cameras leading to crossing.
  • Smiley Activated Message (SAM).
  • Larger and more frequent 30mph signage.
  • Painting 30mph roundels on roads leading to crossing.
  • Reduce speed from 40mph to 30mph on Riverside Drive (single carriageway).
  • Recent temporary traffic lights worked.

Residents were in favour of permanent traffic lights on the crossing.

What can we do to avert a fatality?

Contact Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) for action to be taken. Request reply. Use the HCC webform to inform them:

  • Near misses or accidents you’ve had or witnessed.
  • Dangers of the crossing.
  • Safety improvements needed.

HCC webform: https://bit.ly/BB-HCC

Or scan the above QR code

Or phone HCC direct: 0300 123 4047

Voice your concerns now!

By RDRA Web Admin, ago

Woodoaks’ Black Barn Project. Deadline 5th March

Message from Woodoaks Farm

Woodoaks’ Black Barn Project planning application for a Community and Education Hub is now in with Three Rivers. The picture below shows how it will appear on the landscape in the artist’s impression:

Our hope is that Three Rivers District Council will approve it without challenges, but community support is now crucial and that’s where we’d love your help, whethr you are a cyclist, green hearted, nature lover or live nearby etc.

Please can you add your voice? Emails to the planning officer will help them to recognise the far reaching and positive impact the Black Barn Project will have.

What you need to do

Send a brief email describing why you support the application (sadly template letters are discounted).

You will need to include your name, and your address as local support really holds weight.

We really appreciate everyone’s time pressed, so here are a few pointers that might help:-

Our mission: To create a community hub for education, lifelong skills, and resilience. To extend a warm welcome to young and old to reconnect, and help restore the balance of nature, people, and planet.

The Black Barn Project will create…

  • A place which allows local communities to engage with and observe local wildlife, and experience and learn how food can be grown in harmony with nature.
  • A place to witness the protection of land and heritage, and the restoration of biodiversity, with opportunities to participate, learn and inspire positive action and behavioural change.
  • A place which challenges the barriers for access to the countryside and farming. Welcoming diversity and nurturing inclusive connections.

A place already known as ‘A Beacon of Hope’ by our local community.

Deadline for submission is no later than Wednesday 5th March.

Send your emails of support to:

Email: Clara.Loveland@threerivers.gov.uk
Reference Number: 25/0154/FUL
Include your name and address (especially if you’re local!)

By R.D.R.A., ago