2025

Lack of tree watering – help!

Message recieved 3rd July 2025 – via email.

Please find below a report I have sent to Hertfordshire Highways re the lack of tree watering, in particular vulnerable newly planted trees in hot weather.

I am a great supporter of the tree planting scheme and appreciate the fanfare of self congratulation when work is undertaken, however I am concerned that my Council Tax is not being wisely used if they are allowed to die through lack of watering and care.

3 trees, recently planted by ‘the council’ are in dire need of watering. One is surviving, one is dying and one looks dead.  Over the last week I have watered these daily, despite only one having a ‘tree hydration bag’.  As I do not live adjacent to the trees, I have to carry a watering can and bottles of water to the site, in a shopping trolley.

Please can a watering programme be set up asap, for these trees and all the other trees recently planted, especially in the current hot weather.  These trees will have cost us residents a significant sum of money to fund.  A poor use of our taxes if they are not maintained.

Please can I ask that you assist me in raising this concern to any relevant parties.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Dogs in Aquadrome

Message received 25 June 2025 – via email.

I have heard that the Council may require dogs to be kept on leads in the Aquadrome. Also there may be a requirement for dogs to be kept on the lead elsewhere.

I am the custodian of a mini Schnauzer – my fourth. His youth and nature is such that I would always walk him on the lead beside a road but the great pleasure for both of us is when we are in an open space and he can be free of the lead and sniff, run, and mingle with other dogs at will.

Living on the Harefield Road the Aquadrome is in easy reach. If this proposal is passed, I shall have to drive elsewhere. Hopefully, the council will not choose to restrain dogs in all their open spaces, even so I shall then add to pollution (and this is not a ‘good’ thing).

My dogs are essential for my life. When we are on our daily walks, I meet neighbours and strangers and friends – my social life. Without a dog, I would stay indoors most of the time and as I have no family I, too, would have mental health problems – and that is no idle comment.

I imagine most other dog owners would agree with me.

I hope this is a matter where you can represent us dog owners to the Council.

RDRA response:

As a German Shepherd dog owner who walks at the aquadrome twice daily, I understand and sympathize with your concerns.

In my view, it is some dog owners, rather than their dogs, who require better training and information. Improved signage and information boards around the aquadrome would be beneficial.

It is natural for an animal to sniff other dogs as a form of introduction. However, some aggressive dogs should be kept on leads and, in certain cases, muzzled.

Implementing a single, blanket policy would be inappropriate. Additionally, how does the council plan to enforce this policy? It could lead to conflicts between dog owners and create an unpleasant, hostile environment.

I am willing to organize a resident’s forum to discuss this issue if there is interest.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Public invited to join live webinar with PCC and Chief Constable to discuss local crime issues – Tuesday 8th July 9:30am

You are invited to watch a live public webinar next Tuesday where the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire Jonathan Ash-Edwards will ask Chief Constable Andy Prophet about local crime and safety issues.

Neighbourhood policing, safer town centres and firearms licensing will be discussed, along with what steps the Constabulary are taking to solve more crimes in Hertfordshire.

The Accountability & Performance Meeting (APM) will be held online and is open to any members of the public who want to attend and watch the proceedings.

It starts at 9.30am on Tuesday 8th July, you can register for free and secure your place at https://bit.ly/JulyAPM2025.

For those who can’t attend in person, a recording of the meeting will be posted on the PCC website.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Joint Residents’ Association comments on reform of planning committees

The Joint Residents’ Association (JRA) has responded to the technical consultation about the reform of planning committees. Click here to read the JRAs response. Please contact us if you have any comments on the JRAs response.

Note, the JRA combines lots of local associations and therefore have a stronger voice together:

  • Bedmond Residents Association;
  • Can’t Replace Our Green Space;
  • Carpenters Park Residents Association;
  • Chorleywood Residents Association;
  • Chandlers Cross Residents Association;
  • Croxley Green Residents Association;
  • Eastbury Residents Association;
  • Kings Langley & District Residents Association;
  • Maple Cross & West Hyde Residents Association;
  • Moor Park Residents Association;
  • Oxhey Hall Residents Association;
  • Rickmansworth & District Residents Association;
  • Hunton Bridge.
By R.D.R.A., ago

Hertfordshire Transport Survey from James McGuirk at University of Hertfordshire. Deadline 11th July

You are invited to complete an online survey as part of a masters course being undertaken by James McGuirk, a Transport Planning student at the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

The survey is for Hertfordshire residents aged 18 or over and can be completed on a smartphone or desktop computer browser.

The findings will be used as part of a research report on public perceptions of public transport in Hertfordshire. Respondents cannot be identified, and responses are anonymous. The closing date of the survey is July 11th.

Click link for survey: https://herts.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eQm3f4Sq98ZKV02

By R.D.R.A., ago

Some great advice from Sustainable Three Rivers

Sustainable Three Rivers’ latest newsletter recommends we dry our washing outside if we have gardens and don’t water dead or dry grass as it will recover when the rains return. They also encourage our use of the Croxley Green Repair Cafe – fix it, don’t bin it!

The RDRA are a proud supporter of the Community Garden, which is one of the many projects undertaken by Sustainable Three Rivers. Friendly volunteers meet up on Mondays 11.30-1.30pm and Sundays 10.30-11.30am for planting and garden maintenance sessions – all welcome but bring gloves! If you’re interested in getting involved, please email hello@sustainablethreerivers.org.

Read more about Sustainable Three Rivers’ work, like protecting local trees from damaging ties, and other important climate information by visiting: www.sustainablethreerivers.org/blog.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Rickmansworth Aquadrome Management Plan not fit for purpose

Message received 17 June 2025 via comment under Riverside Path topic avoided by authorities post.

I attended 3RDC’s local area forum on 4/3/25, and asked the text below. I’m unable to attend the [RDRA AGM] meeting tonight, 17/6/25;

I am speaking against the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Management Plan because it does not address the following points.

  • The Rickmansworth Aquadrome woodland path has been closed for over a year now, due to professional advice received by TRDC that says it is “unsafe”. There has been no evidence issued by TRDC to verify that statement.
  • TRDC has said the path remains closed, awaiting the issue of a hydrological report, possibly by the Environmental Agency. It is not usual for a hydrological report to take over a year to be investigated, drafted and issued.
  • The existing hydrological assets already installed in the Aquadrome – identified and located using what3words locational app, and issued to TRDC in November 2024 have not been maintained by TRDC for many years. Recent correspondence from TRDC states they are now considered no longer fit for purpose.
  • Would TRDC therefore, without further prevarication issue the supporting evidence that shows by which measure the woodland path is considered “unsafe” and how it fails to meet that measure?
  • Would they also categorically state when, and to which organisation the alleged hydrological report was commissioned, and demonstrate by what measure the existing hydrological assets are no longer fit for purpose, regardless of if they had been maintained?
  • Failure to comply with these requests will leave TRDC in an invidious position, in barring the Rickmansworth public from one of its most bio-diverse pedestrian routes for reasons that they are unable to show any supporting evidence.
  • Please overhaul the hydrological assets as previously noted; commit to maintaining them; and re-open the woodland path.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for this post. We can file a ‘Freedom of Information’ request to get TRDC to respond.

By R.D.R.A., ago