Feedback Forum

RDRA correspondence with Members and Residents

Grey belt photos – question

Message received 28th November – via email.

I am willing to take photos.  However, where can we find details of land being designated ‘grey belt?

[ Regarding post: Grey Belt Threats – Request for Photos ]

RDRA response:

Very good question. We’ll have to go through all of the green belt sites in the local plan and see which ones are/can be reclassified as grey belt.  Also look into the developers proposed sites to see if they have been reclassified. At the moment it seems to be a tall order.

But many thanks for your offer of help. Much appreciated.

See this previous article which signposts to sites in Rickmansworth:

https://rickmansworthresidents.org/2024/05/planning-and-local-plan/

By RDRA, ago

Council change & e-bike concern

Message received 28th November – via email

By splitting the Council into three different areas will this not mean some work will be more than doubled up. We certainly don’t need more expense.

……………………

As a regular walker at The Aquadrome I have seen many times people nearly hit by cyclists. Introducing and encouraging electric bikes to this area must not be allowed.

PEOPLE WILL BE KNOCKED DOWN.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email. County reorganisation is a central government initiative. All 11 district and borough councils have presented their proposals. It’s up to the government as to what option/s they will go for. My understanding is that we may get to vote on the proposal or maybe get offered a fair au comply.  Keep watching the TRDC website for more info.

Re: cyclists and e-bikes in the Aquadrome , we as residents association do not have any direct influence . As you can imagine, these people are also local residents and unless this activity is made illegal, they have the same rights as any other group. What I’d suggest is that you should write to the council and voice your concerns. We as your residents association, raise this issue at relevant forums to make it as safe as possible for all users of the Aquadrome as possible for better enjoyment of all.

By RDRA, ago

Any update?

Message received Nov 25, 2025 – via email

Thank you for the recent e news, which I found to be an interesting read as always.

I was very sorry not to have been able to come to the recent Local Forum meeting, which I hope was well attended. Was there any updates on the Aquadrome situation?

Can you let me know when the next public meeting from RDRA members will be as I would like to keep up to date on local issues.

What is the latest news regarding the zebra crossing on the canal bridge, any signs that something might be happening to improve this?

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email. We’ll post updates on all current and live issues that we are actively engaged with on our website. Regarding the District council meetings and updates please keep up with the council website updates:

https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/news

https://moderngov.threerivers.gov.uk/documents/g1996/Printed%20minutes%2015th-Oct-2025%2019.30%20Climate%20Change%20and%20Leisure%20Committee.pdf?T=1

https://moderngov.threerivers.gov.uk/documents/b4200/Supplementary%20papers%20-%20Rickmansworth%20Aquadrome%20Programme%2015th-Oct-2025%2019.30%20Climate%20Change%20and%20Le.pdf?T=9

By RDRA, ago

Japanese Knotweed in Playground

Message received 20th July – via comment under post Vital improvements to Aquadrome receive cash boost.

All well and good, but has anyone started treating and or clearing the japanese knotweed in the playground yet? Full of weeds and still no access to a playground that cannot be used. Do the council have any idea when or if the playground will be open?

RDRA response:

Good questions David. We await further news from TRDC. Please do write to your local elected representative/s and councillors as well to get their feedback.

Find Your Councillor: https://democracy.hertfordshire.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx

By R.D.R.A., ago

Overgrown hedges on footpath

Message received 16th July – via Contact us form.

Can you assist by requesting appropriate agency to trim the overgrown hedge on public footpath behind the Premier Inn near Batchwork lock (WD3 1JB??) as it is dangerous for fellow passers especially dog walkers and pram users. I have been told neither Three Rivers Council nor Rickmansworth Waterways are responsible for maintaining the path. Perhaps may be Environment Agency??

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email. Best option for you is to go on to HCC website and report this issue. Also check who your local, district and county councillors are and email them with photos of the area.

Report a fault – overgrown hedge:
https://eservices.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/hidden/hfr-trees?cat=trees&type=TV02

Find your councillor:
https://democracy.hertfordshire.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx

By R.D.R.A., ago

Temporary library isn’t good enough

Message received 15th July – via Contact us form.

While our Rates are always questionable. I find that paying towards HCC for a non existent Library are quite disgraceful.

The ‘temporary’ affair at Ebury Road scout hut really isn’t good enough, and for many its a difficult flog to Croxley Green/Watford

I enquired under FOI from HCC as to why the reopening of the Library is taking so long, to be told the matter of refurbishment is now handed over to their Insurers (who ever they might be!?)

The reroofing was completed months ago, yet nothing has happened with the interior.

Can you find out what is going on and when we can expect to have our Library back. The computers were invaluable and school children are missing out on an important educational asset.

RDRA response:

We asked Cllr-Vishal Patel for an update on this issue and received the following:

“I am in regular contact with the officer and have requested that the remaining work is completed at the earliest. Below link gives latest information and I have requested officer to publish timelines as soon as its finalised.”

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/news-and-campaigns/rickmansworthfireupdate

By R.D.R.A., ago

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

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

Keep up the good work

Message received 17 June 2025 – via email.

I attended your AGM meeting last night, Monday 16th June. I joined RDRA a couple of years ago when I talked to someone on your stall in the High Street on a Sunday Market day. I’d moved to Ricky recently and it was the first I’d heard about RDRA. (Couldn’t Estate agents tell new residents or give them a flyer or something.) I paid on the spot, I seemed to stay on your mailing list so I was no longer sure if, when, or how much I needed to pay and was never directly asked again for my subs. This was all very unclear and confusing. No-one minds paying £3 a year, so this low annual sub should be more prominent and members asked by email for renewal payment on a specific date. I have now set up a standing order via your site.

RDRA is doing marvellous work, especially regarding the issues at the Aquadrome; riverside path closed for over a year and now play area closed for months! It really must reopen for the school holidays.
I was glad Sue offered to discuss your P.R. and hope you become more visible.

Keep up the good work.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email and very valuable feedback. Much appreciated, I’ve copied my committee on this email and I am sure we will take on board your suggestions and implement it.

By R.D.R.A., ago