Feedback Forum

RDRA correspondence with Members and Residents

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

Riverside Path topic avoided by authorities

Message received 12 June 2025 – via Comment under post: Message from the Aquadrome Steering Group.

Once again the issue of the closure (now 18 months+) of the Riverside Path is avoided. It was closed on highly debatable H&S and public safety grounds. Although 3RDC claims to be committed to repairs and reopening, it is apparent from the summary above that there is no funding secured either for investigative work, nor repairs. The promise of re-opening therrefore is little better than worthless, and the basis for the closure remains deliberately vague and imprecise. Truly a disgraceful state of affairs and one with little prospect of resolution.

By R.D.R.A., ago

When will library open?

Message received 4th June, 2025 – via email.

I would like to know when Rickmansworth Library is going to reopen, as there is clearly no work going on there. Herts County Council are no help.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email. Sadly we have had no updates from BCC, TRDC or HCC regarding the opening of the library.

I will raise this issue with BCC at the next full council meeting next week.

By R.D.R.A., ago

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