Members’ area
How should our parks, woodlands and open spaces be managed over the next five years? Three Rivers District Council is developing its Green Space Strategy for 2027–2032 and wants to hear how you use local green spaces, what you value most, and where improvements are needed. Your feedback will help shape how these spaces are protected, maintained and enhanced for both people and wildlife.
https://haveyoursay.threerivers.gov.uk/green-space-strategy-2027-2032
Message from the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner.
Whether it’s tackling anti-social behaviour, reducing retail crime, improving safety for women and girls, or making sure our parks and public spaces feel welcoming, I want to hear what matters most to you.
This summer, I’m launching the next phase of my Safer Town Centres campaign, building on work that has already helped reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in hotspot locations across Hertfordshire through extra patrols and targeted activity.
We’re stepping up action this summer
Over the coming months, Hertfordshire Constabulary and local partners will be carrying out:
✅ Extra police patrols in town centres and hotspot areas
✅ Targeted action against anti-social behaviour and violence
✅ Work to tackle retail crime and support local businesses
✅ Activity focused on improving safety for women and girls
✅ Partnership work with councils, businesses and community groups to make public spaces feel safer and more welcoming
With more people expected to be out and about over the summer, we’re focusing resources where they can make the biggest difference.
The best way to improve local areas is by listening to the people who use them every day.
If you live, work, shop or spend time in Hertfordshire town centres, I’d like to hear your views. What concerns you? What would help you feel safer? What should be prioritised?
Take our short Safer Town Centres Survey before 31st July and help shape future action.
👉 Take the survey: https://tinyurl.com/yccymbn4
Funding available for local projects
I’m also opening a new grant scheme to support projects that improve safety and help communities thrive. Councils, charities, community groups, business organisations and local partners are encouraged to apply.
Funding could support innovative initiatives that:
👉 Find out more about the grant scheme: https://tinyurl.com/ywrrkrj2
The more people who take part, the better the picture we can build of what matters in communities across Hertfordshire.
Spend three minutes sharing your views and help make a difference where you live.
👉 Take the survey now: https://tinyurl.com/yccymbn4
Together, we can help keep Hertfordshire’s town centres welcoming, vibrant and safe for everyone.
Kind regards,
Jonathan Ash-Edwards
Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner
The evening is organised by the BCC (Batchworth Community Council) and will cover Community Safety, Cyber Security and Burglary Prevention. Our local policing team will be there for you to raise any concerns or share feedback.
Have your say on the future of Rickmansworth’s historic town centre.
Three Rivers District Council is reviewing the Conservation Area to help protect its character, heritage and important buildings while guiding future development. If you live, work or visit the area, this is your opportunity to influence how it is preserved and enhanced for future generations.
https://haveyoursay.threerivers.gov.uk/rickmansworth-conservation-area-appraisal-consultation
We joined Age Friendly on their walking audit of Rickmansworth High Street this month, with a particular focus on the experiences and needs of older adults.
The walking audit lasted around 30-45 minutes and was a friendly, community-led walk to highlight accessibility issues, safety concerns, signage and seating.
Send Age Friendly a message: https://www.livelongerbetterinherts.co.uk/contact/
Or email them: info@livelongerbetterinherts.co.uk
The Metropolitan service has issued an apology, giving the following explanation:
“Unfortunately we’ve got a couple of big issues going on:-
We do have some train operator resourcing issues, we’ve had higher than expected attrition however we do have new train operators coming in so this should resolve soon.
We are also having to train all our operators on the next section of the 4LM signalling upgrade (SMA9) so this is not helping with our availability. We’ve reviewed the training programme to lessen the burden on coverage. Next week there will be less courses running and so should help with our duty coverage.
In addition there are some issues with the track condition so there are currently speed restrictions in the Wembley area. The whole area will be rerailed over the coming weeks which will mean the speed restriction can be lifted.”
Transport for London
20th July 2026
The Government has announced that four new unitary councils are to be formed in Hertfordshire.
The decision means that Hertfordshire County Council and the ten district and borough councils will be reorganised to form four new unitary authorities, North West Hertfordshire, South West Hertfordshire, Central Hertfordshire and Eastern Hertfordshire. The four new authorities will, from April 2028, provide the services previously provided by the county, district and borough councils.
This means that Three Rivers District Council will form part of the South West Hertfordshire Council.
Eastern Hertfordshire Council will also include Royston Heath, Royston Palace, Royston Meridian, Ermine, Weston and Sandon wards from North Herts Council, and Northaw and Cuffley ward from Welwyn Hatfield District Council.
What does this mean for you?
There will be no immediate changes to services and you will continue to represent your residents until Vesting Day on 1 April 2028.
Elections for the ‘Shadow Authority’ will take place in May 2027 which will oversee the transition from the existing councils to the unitary authority. On 1 April 2028, councillors of the Shadow Authority will formally take over responsibility for the new authority.
How can you find out more?
A members’ briefing will be scheduled for the coming days, at which you will be able to ask more questions and find out more from me, the chief executive, and the leader Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE.
Find out what was discussed at the last Rickmansworth Local Area Forum, including policing, the Local Plan, Beryl Bikes, Woodland Walk and other matters affecting the local community. Although the Mill Stream was discussed, no actions were recorded.
Affinity Water announced that there will be a hosepipe ban from Friday 17th July, 12am.
Message from Hillingdon Council.
I am writing to provide an update on the formal enforcement action the Council has taken against the operators of the unauthorised scrap metal site on Springwell Lane.
Following the Interim Injunction granted on 8 May 2026, the Council has now successfully obtained a Full Injunction. This sets out a timetable for the closure and clearance of the site.
The Full Injunction requires Springwell Lane Metal Recycling Limited to comply with the terms of the Court Order. The Council’s claim against the landowners has been postponed for nine months. If the site operators do not comply with the Order and clear the land as required, the Council may ask the Court to take further action against the landowners.
The main requirements of the Court Order are:
By 4.00 pm on 23 August 2026, Springwell Lane Metal Recycling Limited must remove:
By 4.00 pm on 30 September 2026, Plot B must be re-seeded with grass.
The Council will closely monitor the site to ensure the Order is followed. An inspection will take place on or shortly after 24 August 2026 to check that the land has been cleared as required.
Failure to comply with the Court Order may result in the Council applying to the Court for contempt of court proceedings. This is a serious matter and could lead to penalties including fines, imprisonment and/or the seizure of assets.
Thank you for your patience while the Council has pursued all available legal options to stop the unlawful use of the land as a scrap metal yard. Despite delays to prosecution proceedings that were outside the Council’s control, we were able to demonstrate to the Court that the ongoing unauthorised use, its impact on local residents through noise and nuisance, and the potential harm to the Green Belt and natural environment justified the granting of an Injunction.
We welcome the Court’s decision and hope the matter will now be brought to a successful conclusion.
Hillingdon Council.