Feedback Forum

RDRA correspondence with Members and Residents

Riverside Path still closed

Message received 3rd May, 2025 – via email.

I wonder if the the association has either news or views on the closure of the riverside path at the Aquadrome? I have not seen any coverage of this on the e-new bulletins and this situation has been going on for the best part of 15 months.

Initially there was no information about why this decision had been taken. Subsequent enquiries to the responsible officer (Emma Sheridan) tell us it is H&S issues as the path has been rendered unsafe due the persistent floods. It is as you should be aware a wetland site and by its nature it floods because it part of the floodplain, so it was always the case although recent wet winters have not helped matters. Decisions as the what repairs and when it will be reopened are dependent on the outcome of independently commissioned 3rd party hydrology surveys (by the EA), and subsequent investigation work by 3RDC before a new safe pathway specification can be formulated. As matters stand the current impasse could persists for months and years.

On the face of it the decsion to close the path is reasonable and proportionate, but as many other residents will testify the current state of riverside path is no worse and arguably better that most of the other footpaths around the aquadrome site. Put simply if it is justified to close this path on H&S grounds the other paths should be closed too. They are not and there are no plans to do. No one doubts 3RDC’s competence to act to protect residents but the evidence on the ground does not match or justify what we are being told. Many individuals have explained this to 3RDC which remains steadfast in its stance. Questions have been raised in Open Council meetings and there is at least 1 expensively petition doing the rounds. What is anything is RDRA’s position on this please?

RDRA response:

Thank you for your email via our website. I fully agree with your comments about the riverside path in the Aquadrome.Unfortunately, there are no updates from TRDC regarding the completion of the hydrological survey or when the path will reopen.

The longer it stays closed, the higher the reopening costs will be. It appears that the council is not keeping residents like us informed.

I’m unsure how residents can get the council to communicate and engage with us. I welcome any suggestions you may have.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Opinion on McDonalds

Message received 21 Apr, 2025 – via email.

I am much relieved that McDonalds have had their restaurant approved and wait to see its impact on High Street and the local area.  I have no idea whether it will be for better or for worse but refusal would have cost the Council a lot of money.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Opinion on re-organisation

Message received 11 Mar, 2025 – via email.

I know that the re-organisation was mentioned as part of the General Election but when one has one choice of ‘vote for Labour, Conservative or Other’ it does not allow for nuance.

I live in Rickmansworth. I have Batchworth Community Council, Three Rivers and Hertfordshire County Council.

I am very happy with that. BCC is very local and the people managing it know and experience what I do.

Three Rivers manages a wider range of things and HCC overarching and ‘big’ stuff.

Furthermore, it is MY money which pays for these organisations (along side other members of the communities) and it is far closer to Democracy than a once in five year national election.

I do not want to be part of a merger into other localities which bear no resemblance of mine.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Illuminated beacon poles

Message received 10 Mar, 2025 – via email.

Thank you for your recent newsletters which I always find an interesting read.

I was sorry not to be able to attend the recent meeting regarding the crossing by the Batchworth canal.

I regularly drive over it on my way to work in Northwood so I am aware how some other drivers seem to disregard the needs of pedestrians looking to cross and how difficult it can be sometimes be to see people there when it’s dark.

In Ruislip some of the pelican beacon poles are illuminated and that at least makes drivers aware that a crossing is there as they approach it. Better lighting also would help in my opinion.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email. I wholeheartedly agree with your comments and these were raised at the forum.

Also look up our column in March issue of Ricky News-page 48.

I sincerely hope that HCC/TRDC take this issue seriously and do something about it.

May elections are your opportunity to express your views to your councillors as they will be after your vote.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Worried about safety of Batchworth Bridge

Message received 7th March 2025 – via comment on Batchworth Bridge Forum – BCC response & petition

I have long been worried about the safety of the Batchworth Bridge, mainly from the point of view of a driver. I always drive as slowly as possible and try to scan each part of the crossing as l approach it, including especially the posts etc at each end where the visibility is quite unclear and confusing. I approve of all the improvements suggested, including lighting, white paint instead of black, though l thought a bright fluorescent paint or covering would be even better, and if allowed traffic lights.

Most people wear dark clothes, especially trousers etc, which makes them even more indistinguishable from the black posts.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Valuable Safety Forum

Letter received Jan 31, 2025 – via email

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to extend my thanks to the Rickmansworth and District Residents Association for organizing the Batchworth Bridge Crossing Safety Forum. It was a valuable opportunity for the community to come together and discuss much-needed road safety improvements.

The discussions highlighted the real dangers posed by both the Batchworth Bridge crossing and the Church Street (A404) crossing near the Moor Lane roundabout. The latter, in particular, seems even more hazardous due to poor visibility and fast-moving traffic.

Would the redevelopment of Trinity Court into residential units strengthen the case for road safety improvements in the area? It would be helpful to understand what the next steps might be and how we can best support efforts to push for action from the relevant authorities.

I’d be keen to stay involved and offer any assistance in moving things forward. Please do let me know how I can help.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

[image attachments]

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email and feedback. Much appreciated. We’ll always keep you posted and updated on the developments with this issue.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Temporary traffic lights on Batchworth Crossing

Message received Dec 14, 2024 – via Contact us form

Can you tell me what’s going on with regards to the temporary traffic lights on the zebra crossing nr Batchworth lock being set up earlier in the week? Are these a trial to see how it would work if these were made permanent. How long are they going to be there?. 

RDRA response:

I wish I knew. I do hope that they become permanent fixtures.

HCC who are responsible should be able to assist with this. Possible contacts are Reena Ranger or Paula Hiscox who are our county councillors.

Watford Observer article

By R.D.R.A., ago

Raise issues at Local Area Forum

Message received Nov 13, 2024 – via Email

Thank you for the recent RDRA Newsletter.

I was interested to see that a Rickmansworth Area Forum is to be held on Thursday this week. I would have liked to attend, but unfortunately I cannot on that evening.

I have attached a paper I recently prepared for the Environment Forum expressing concern on three local issues, I hope you can raise these issues at the Area Forum.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email and the letter to TRDC. I shall raise these issues tomorrow [14th November] and hopefully will have some positives to report back.

By R.D.R.A., ago

No communication

Message received Oct 14, 2024 – via Contact us form

Unless there has been no communication since March I don’t appear to be receiving emails.

Concerned to hear about McDonalds coming to Rickmansworth & wondering if it’s too late or how to object? Thank you for your help.

RDRA response:

My sincere apologies for the delayed response. I got your message only yesterday. It seems that we’ve had difficulties with our website hosts and we were unable to either send or receive any communications from our website portal. It’s all sorted now with our new hosting company.

Re: Mcdonalds you can see our post at:
https://rickmansworthresidents.org/2024/05/mcdonalds-coming-to-ricky/

Please also check the current status on the TRDC website. 

By R.D.R.A., ago