Due to the inaction of the Three Rivers Council regarding the reopening of the Ebury Play Area, closed since March 2024, there will be a Demonstration March starting at the TRDC car park at 11am and ending up at the Play Area.
All are welcome to join – bring protest signs, placards and banners!
Councillors say work has already started but we see no evidence of earthworks happening so we’re joining this Demonstration March in the hope it draws more attention to this issue. Worth noting that Councillors who presided over Ebury Play Area decisions do not live in Rickmansworth and it’s hard to say whether they have personally visited the site since it was abandoned two years ago to check on any progress.
RDRA presented our Ebury Play Area petition to the Climate Change and Leisure Committee on 11th March. We asked Paul Harding to speak on this topic for 3 minutes as he is a nearby resident – his excellent speech is below. After his speech, the Committee lead responded by saying that construction work will commence at the end of the month, before Easter. But in a previous meeting another Councillor said that “boots on the ground” work started last week! All residents at the meeting walked out in disgust because the Committee lead didn’t allow a point of order or discussion.
There is a rumour of a demonstration happening on 28th March starting at the Council offices at and ending at the Play Area – we’ll keep you posted if we find out more information!
Paul’s excellent speech
“While studying for a post graduate business qualification, I learned a phrase that has stayed with me ever since; behaviour is an observable function.
“With that in mind, I observe the absence of any work in the Ebury Playground since spring last year to demonstrate the council’s inept management of the playground refurbishment project. Although yes, I did see two people in there this afternoon, with their clipboards, hiviz jackets, over shoes and hard hats – but they did no actual work; merely observed and recorded what has lain there – or grown there – for almost a year now. The last time I recall seeing anyone in there was the same day that a TRDC public meeting was to be held that evening in this room.
“To be absolutely clear; I use the word “inept” here because it most closely meets the level of skill observed by TRDC’s behaviour in this matter; synonyms are – clumsy, incompetent, ineffective, inadequate. You will no doubt be aware that, with the arrival of spring, those weeds that were imported to the Ebury Playground a year ago will soon be seeding, germinating, sprouting and spreading. I understand that the recommended remedy to NNIS such as Japanese knotweed is to either treat with pesticide or mechanical removal. I further understand that the contractor has apparently offered removal, but TRDC has rejected this and said it wants to have the weeds treated. Has it escaped TRDC’s notice that this is a children’s playground?
“We, your public, residents and electors are fed up with asking you to do the right thing; you seem incapable of responding without dithering, obfuscation and avoiding the issues. When the forthcoming local government reorganisation is settled, yours will be the worst possible legacy in the history of this town.”
Thank you for your letter of 4th March. We note, however, that you have not addressed the central questions put to you in our open letter of 2nd March: why did you undermine the draft Plan by criticising the evidence that supports it and why did you publicly support the Housing Minister’s decision to block public consultation on the draft Local Plan? It should be noted that the Housing Minister did not say TRDC’s Local Plan evidence is inadequate; he simply said he wanted to read it, to see if it justifies the draft plan.
More concerning still is what happened after you received our letter. You had the opportunity to raise Three Rivers at Prime Ministers Question Time and rather than use it to robustly defend our Green Belt, to demand that the Minister reverse his intervention and to back the evidence supporting the Plan, you seemed to be more interested in scoring a party-political point You state that you have “consistently defended our Green Belt.” We would respectfully point out that the single most effective defence of the Green Belt is a sound, adopted Local Plan and you have just backed the Minister’s decision to prevent one from reaching public consultation. Without a plan proceeding to examination and adoption, the district remains exposed to exactly the speculative development you say you oppose. Your position is contradictory: how you can you claim to defend the Green Belt while supporting the action that leaves it most vulnerable.
You claim the plan “lacked the evidence required to be deemed sound.” As we set out in our original letter, this does not withstand scrutiny. Consider the Stage 4 Green Belt Review recently undertaken at considerable cost which analyses the Green Belt under the new rules. This was prepared by one of the most highly regarded major consultancies, with recognised experience in this area. This review clearly identifies that development in several areas of the District’s Green Belt would fundamentally undermine the purposes of the wider Green Belt and therefore must be protected from development.
Every week without a Local Plan increases the risk to our Green Belt. Since your first question in the House on 23rd February, a new application to build 333 homes on Catlips Farm in Chorleywood has been published and a new development on the Horsefield in Bedmond has been announced. Speculative applications are flooding in across the district precisely because there is no adopted plan in place. Your constituents are paying the price for this delay, and your support for the Minister’s intervention is making it worse.
We are not naïve. With local elections approaching in May, we understand that the Local Plan risks being used as a political football by parties of all colours. However, when it comes to this issue, we would urge everyone to put party interests aside and all get to together behind it. The future of our Green Belt and the communities we live in is too important to be reduced to electioneering. We would urge you and all elected representatives to treat this issue with the seriousness and honesty it demands.
We repeat our call: please withdraw your support for the Minister’s action and publicly back the draft plan proceeding to consultation and examination without further delay. That is how you defend the Green Belt, not by blocking the very process designed to protect it.
The Three Rivers Joint Residents’ Association represents thousands of residents across every part of the district. Since your first intervention in the Houses of Parliament on this we have asked repeatedly to meet with you about this vital issue, and we again offer to meet with you at your earliest convenience to brief you fully on the plan and on why Residents’ Associations across Three Rivers are united in calling for it to proceed. We trust you will not decline.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Grant Chair – Three Rivers Joint Residents’ Association
A statutory consultation from Central Government begins.
Local Government Reorganisation proposals
After the previous consultation held by Three Rivers District Council, we know that TRDC prefers two. But Central Government would also like to hear from all residents about what they think about the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) – two, three or four unitary authorities.
Please support stall holders and local businesses at the Sunday Market in Rickmansworth High Street. Also come and find our RDRA stall to have a chat – 10:30 to 14:30!
Markets happen on the last sunday of every month from March until December – put all the market dates in your diaries:
It was a privilege to co-host a very successful and well-attended dementia awareness event with Radfield Watford & Borehamwood at William Penn on 5th March. This event formed part of the RDRA 100+ Club initiative.
All the exhibitors and speakers demonstrated a high level of expertise in their respective fields. They provided comprehensive answers to all questions posed by the delegates, contributing to the event’s informative and engaging atmosphere.
Short and sociable walks across Hertfordshire led by friendly volunteers. Find out how to join a weekly Health Walk or become a volunteer, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks or call 01992 555 888. Click for our leaflet. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before walks with suitable shoes and clothing. We recommend you bring a water bottle. Maybe stay for cuppa afterwards!
First steps: Meet up in the Cafe – Wednesdays at 11am (except 8th April) Address: Mill End Community Centre, Church Lane WD3 8HD
Grade 1-2: Meet outside the Cafe – Tuesdays at 2pm Address: Cafe in th Park, Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Frogmore Lane WD3 1NB
Grade 4+: Meet at the Tea Shack – Friday 9:30am Address: Woodoaks Farm, Denham Way, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth WD3 9XQ
Grade 4 to 4+: Meet outside the Cafe – Sunday at 2pm (29th March, 26th April) Address: Cafe in th Park, Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Frogmore Lane WD3 1NB
A free interactive messaging service from Hertfordshire Constabulary. Residents can receive information and updates about crime in your area, local police events and initiatives.
Visit www.hertsconnected.co.uk to sign up for Herts Connected messages. And also follow Hertfordshire Constabulary on all social platforms: @hertspolice.
Let us know if you have incurred financial loss or have been hacked as a result of responding to a scam – call 0330 123 2040 or visit reportfraud.police.uk.
Which Find out about product reviews, consumer rights and sign-up for free scam alerts newsletter – which.co.uk.
Beacon Hertfordshire’s Victim Care Cntre supporting victims of all crime in Hertfordshire – hertfordshirebeacon.org.
Cifas The UK’s Fraud Prevention Community. Offers protection against identity theft – cifas.org.uk/individuals.
HM Land Registry Sign up to the free Property Alert service to help protect your property from fraud – gov.uk/guidance/property-alert.
The Electoral Register & the ‘Open Register’ Make sure people cannot buy these lists to obtain your details. Opting out of these lists does not affect your right to vote – gov.uk/electoral-register/opt-out-of-the-open-register.
Telephone Preference Service (TPS) Your details may be publicly available in various online telephone directories (UK Phone Book, 192, BT Find a person, Yell), even when you are ex-directory! Register for Telephone Preference Service to avoid unsolicited calls: https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/register.
Financial Conduct Authority – FCA The FCA Warning List shows firms and individuals that are not authorised or registered by the FCA and are operating without permission or running scams – fca.org.uk/scamsmart.
National Cyber Security Centre (a part of GCHQ) Advice and free tools on how to stay secure online. Visit ncsc.gov.uk.
Get Safe Online Check a website URL before you visit at getsafeonline.org.
Stop Scams UK Call 159 – the safest way to contact your bank urgently if you have suspicions and concerns about your bank accounts. Visit stopscamsuk.org.uk.
Pwned Check if your email has been exposed in a data breach or leaked online. Sign up to be notified: haveibeenpwned.com.
Trading Standards at Citizens Advice Contact us if you think a business or tradesperson has broken the law or acted unlawfully. Or you need help finding a trusted trader. Call 0808 223 1133 or visit citizensadvice.org.uk.
Golden Memories – Mondays 10:30 to 12pm
Visit the Sensory Room at Watford FC, Vicarage Road Stadium for a weekly look back through the decades using football history and music to evoke personal memories. For people living with dementia and their carers and/or loved ones. Sessions are supported by volunteers, guest speakers, former players, memorabilia, respite for carers/families, monthly excursions, music and dance through the eras and chair-based exercise. In partnership with the Alzeheimer’s Society. Click for case study.
Express Yourself – last Thursday of every month, 1:30 to 3pm Oxhey Library, Bridlington Road, South Oxhey WD19 7AG
Enjoy arts and crafts activities and connect with others over a cuppa. Open to anyone who is lonely due to illness or bereavement. Carers and families welcome. No need to book, refreshments available. In partnership with Healthy Hub Three Rivers. Visit our website.
Keep Active – last Monday of every month, 10:30am to 12:30pm Elvira’s, Henderon Hub, High Street Abbots Langley, WD5 0AT
Join in with our wellbing activities, connect with others and find out what support is available to you. Open to anyone diagnosed with a serious illness, carers and families welcome. Visit our website.
Community Cuppa – every 3rd Thursday of the month, 10:30am to 12pm
A place to met others, socialise and build up friendships over a cuppa while living well. Everyone welcome! In partnership with Radfield Home Care and Rennie Grove Peace. Call 01923 624 674 or visit our website.
Address: Stanborough Church, 609 St Albans Road, Watford WD25 9JL.
Young Onset Dementia Support – tailored support for those under 65 who are living with dementia, including those who also have a learning difficulty and those with rare forms of dementia.
Admiral Nurses – when things get challenging, we work alongside family/carers to give one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions.
Dementia Friendly Communities – working with local organisations, communities and new accreditation scheme to make Hertfordshire a place to live well with dementia.
Radfield Home Care
Our home care services empower people to lead the lives they want in comfort and familiarity in their own home. Personalised award-winning care. Regulated by Care Quality Commission. Call us for a chat 01923 624 674 or visit watford@radfieldhomecare.co.uk.
Visiting care We can help you with: Personal car, Domestic assistance, Nutrition and hydration, Getting home from hospital, Medical assistance, Overnight carer, Respite care, Companionship and outings.
Live in care Benefits of live in care: Personalised attention and care, Comfort, familiarity and flexibility, Safety and support, Independence and dignity at home, Cost-effective.
Connected care Our connected care solutions: OKEachDay – daily check in, Go GPS – location reassurance, Careline – Fall detctor and MiiCare – Home sensors.
Day care What’s included in day care: Qualitified Care Professionals, Regulated care plan management, Warm shared space with two-course lunch, Individual activities and Personalised care plan.
Attendance Allowance – Grey Matters Consultancy
Extra help when you need it most. We can show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home and make your life easier. We offer a no win no fee service to help you fill in complicated forms. Disability Rights UK Member. Visit our website. Call us on 07752 086507 or email info@grey-matters-consultancy.com.
The upcoming Three Rivers Environmental Network is taking place on Wednesday 18th March at Leavesden HIVE College Road WD5 0NXfrom 7.30-9.30pm focusing on Sustainable Transport.
We hope you are able to attend and please do spread the word with friends, colleagues, neighbours and community groups.
A talk from Tom Rankin – Transport Officer Local Beryl Bike expansion, cycle lanes, capital projects, the LCWIP, electric vehicle charge points and more.
A talk from an HCC transport Officer (to be confirmed)
Discussion time in breakout groups
Round table of upcoming events/schemes/initiatives
JRA is a politically independent umbrella organisation for all Residents’ Associations across Three Rivers including RDRA, which allows us to work together on matters of common concern.
If you are not already aware, our MP Gagan Mohindra decided to come out publicly to support the Matthew Pennycookpost Housing Minister’s decision to place a hold on the new Local Plan. Below is an extract from Hansard of the debate on New Social and Affordable Housing:
“As the House will know, local plans are the method by which we can identify affordable homes and make sure that they are built in the right place at the right time. Since I was elected back in December 2019, I have consistently asked the Liberal Democrat Three Rivers district council to get on with the local plan. However, as the Housing Minister will know, the latest version of that plan did not have sufficient evidence. He has therefore rightly called it in. Does he agree that the Lib Dems need to get on with delivering the local plan and that they should not continue to fail my residents in South West Hertfordshire?”
This is despite knowing that the JRA and local Parish Councils all objected to the delay in getting a new Local Plan in place. One could suspect that this intervention was done for narrow party-political considerations with the May Local Council Elections in mind, without any consideration of the consequences for residents of his constituency, particularly as, within hours, his intervention had appeared on his Facebook feed.
In response to this, we have prepared the attached open letter to be sent to Gagan and local media in the name of the Joint Residents Association.
Dear Gagan,
Your question in the House of Commons on 23rd February, in which you expressed support for the Housing Minister’s decision to prevent the final public consultation on the draft new Local Plan for Three Rivers, will cause direct harm to your constituents. Without a new Local Plan, the District remains exposed to the current flood of speculative planning applications on some of the District’s most valuable Green Belt land, for example the application to build 333 new houses on Catlips Farm in Chorleywood published just this week. Every week of delay increases the risk to our Green Belt.
The Minister’s intervention is undemocratic. It prevents residents from having their say on a plan that will shape their communities for decades. You took this position despite being fully aware that Residents’ Associations and Parish Councils across the District had written to the Minister opposing his action.
In your comments, you cited a supposed lack of evidence supporting the plan. This does not withstand scrutiny. In early 2025, Three Rivers Council paused the plan following the publication of the new National Planning Policy Framework to gather additional evidence, which has now been delivered. Conservative Councillors opposed that pause at the time, arguing the Council should press ahead without the extra evidence. As recently as January this year, Conservative Councillors were arguing that housing numbers could be reduced further, again without providing any evidence to support this. You cannot credibly claim there is insufficient evidence when your own party’s councillors have repeatedly argued that no more was needed.
We call on you to withdraw your support of the Minister’s action without delay and to throw your full support behind the current draft plan proceeding to consultation and examination, giving Three Rivers residents their democratic opportunity to support or oppose the draft plan. The Three Rivers Joint Residents’ Association represents thousands of residents across every part of the District. They will remember.
We are happy to meet with you at your earliest convenience to brief you fully on the Plan and why Residents’ Associations across the District are united in their support for moving the draft plan forward without further delay.
Yours sincerely, Barry Grant Chair – Three Rivers Joint Residents’ Association
