Feedback Forum

RDRA correspondence with Members and Residents

Full context required

Message received 24/03/26 – via email.

I wanted to ask whether the RDRA plans to make any comment regarding the recent statement in the Lib Dem Focus leaflet about the removal of knotweed from the Ebury Way play area.

While the leaflet suggests that progress is now being made, it seems to gloss over the considerable delays and the role that local pressure, including the RDRA’s planned protest march, played in prompting action. Many residents will be aware that this issue has taken a long time to reach this stage, with repeated references to legal and contractual complications.

Given the RDRA’s involvement and advocacy on this matter, I think it would be helpful for residents if there were some acknowledgement of the full context, including how progress was ultimately achieved.

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on whether the association intends to address this publicly. 

RDRA response:

Thank you for your email and for sharing your thoughts regarding the Lib Dem Focus leaflet and the ongoing situation at the Ebury Way play area. At present, the RDRA does not have any plans to make a public comment about the leaflet or the progress reported. However, we will continue to monitor developments closely and remain engaged with the issue to ensure that residents’ concerns are properly addressed.

We appreciate your interest in the matter and will keep the residents updated should there be any significant changes or further actions required.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Town Ditch has some issues

Message recieved 22nd February – via email.

Good to meet you today. As I mentioned we are looking for help around the Salter’s Close area. The Town Ditch has some issues with non native invasive such as Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed. It would be good to see how we could work together.

RDRA response:

The Town ditch is currently being reviewed by TRDC in conjunction with the EA. Mike Sims gave Chris Lloyd a walking tour of it and he is taking it up further.

River Chess Association response:

I am the Chair of the River Chess Association and a partner in the Chess Smarter Water Catchment Project. Over the past year along with the Chiltern Society and Chiltern National Landscape we have established a group of volunteers (River Rangers) to do maintenance work on the Chess. It has been a success and they have been successful in improving flow through Chesham and significantly reducing flood risk while creating good wildlife habitat.

We have seen all the good work that Three Rivers have done around Scotsbridge and are keen to work with existing groups on the maintenance and improvement of channels through Rickmansworth.  There is so much good that is going on in Rickmansworth with expanding water vole populations, otters and growing fish populations. It would be good to build a network of enthusiastic volunteers to grow the engagement with the river, while balancing wild life needs with flood mitigation.

I have been monitoring invertebrates on the Chess at Scotsbridge for over 16 years and it is one of our best sites for Yellow May Dun mayfly in the Colne Catchment.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Sad slow decline of our high street

Message received 15 February – via email.

The sad slow decline of our high street over the past 50 years has continued with the withdrawal of the Barclays van 3 weeks ago,

So now all four banks we had have gone, just left with a Building society, and something that calls itself a Post Office. ( Quite a disgraceful set up,) with rarely more than one staff behind the counter and with the Evri and other parcel services its not uncommon to have 12+ queuing,

Heaven forbid passport and car tax documents!

The flog to Watford is really too much for those who don’t use internet services.

So, Is there any chance our Residents could have a Hub? A mix of ‘Banks’ each day perhaps?

Where Credit cards etc can be paid. (not at P.O)

I feel sure it would make a big difference to

The the Seniors of Rickmansworth, Mill end Chorleywood

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email. Unfortunately, what you’re asking for is beyond the realms of our humble Resident’s association. We do not have the expertise or the required resources to manage such a hub that you’re proposing. We’re all volunteers trying to do our best for our local community, but this one is beyond our reach.

By R.D.R.A., ago

M&S path closed off

Message received 13th February – via email.

Thank you for the recent update newsletter and all your good work for Rickmansworth.

To my shock M&S have closed off the pathway from the council car park to Ebury Road while doing their renovation works to the shop.

As far as I understand this is a public right if way as the passage between the houses surely does NOT belong to M&S.

Since the (very badly communicated) renovation works are scheduled to take a further 6 weeks to two months this, much used, public footpath should be reopened for access asap

I do hope this issue can be addressed by those concerned and the current situation rectified.

RDRA response:

This is a public footpath so it is the responsibility of Herts County Council and they have confirmed that due to health and safety concerns the path will remain closed until M&S complete their works. I am awaiting a time line.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Selfish parking

Message received 2nd February – via email.

My husband and I along with many friends who live in the area have become increasingly concerned about parking on pavements and grass verges. I contacted the TRDC and shared a series of photos to show how these disrespectful drivers are creating so much trouble for disabled and vulnerable people.

We have witnessed pedestrians having to walk in the road to pass vehicles encroaching on the footpath!

We are fortunate to have the enjoyment of grass verges many maintained by residents. Yet drivers who don’t live here seem to think it’s acceptable to destroy council property!

I would like to see the council walk round the roads and try to combat such selfish behaviour.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email regarding the pavement parking issue.

This is illegal in England and Scotland , Cllr Mike Sims has taken up on the residents behalf for TRDC to apply the highway code as per the Highway Code:

Rule 244

ou MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London or Scotland. Exceptions are allowed in limited circumstances. You should not park partially or wholly on the pavement elsewhere unless signs permit it. Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.

Law GL(GP)A sect 15 & T(Scot)A part 6

By R.D.R.A., ago

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 R.D.R.A., 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 R.D.R.A., 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 R.D.R.A., 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