Members area

Rickmansworth Conservation Area Appraisal Consultation. Deadline 12 August.

Have your say on the future of Rickmansworth’s historic town centre.

Three Rivers District Council is reviewing the Conservation Area to help protect its character, heritage and important buildings while guiding future development. If you live, work or visit the area, this is your opportunity to influence how it is preserved and enhanced for future generations.

https://haveyoursay.threerivers.gov.uk/rickmansworth-conservation-area-appraisal-consultation

Walking Audit by Age Friendly

We joined Age Friendly on their walking audit of Rickmansworth High Street this month, with a particular focus on the experiences and needs of older adults.

The walking audit lasted around 30-45 minutes and was a friendly, community-led walk to highlight accessibility issues, safety concerns, signage and seating.

Send Age Friendly a message: https://www.livelongerbetterinherts.co.uk/contact/
Or email them: info@livelongerbetterinherts.co.uk

Metropolitan train line difficulties

The Metropolitan service has issued an apology, giving the following explanation:

“Unfortunately we’ve got a couple of big issues going on:-

We do have some train operator resourcing issues, we’ve had higher than expected attrition however we do have new train operators coming in so this should resolve soon.

We are also having to train all our operators on the next section of the 4LM signalling upgrade (SMA9) so this is not helping with our availability. We’ve reviewed the training programme to lessen the burden on coverage. Next week there will be less courses running and so should help with our duty coverage.

In addition there are some issues with the track condition so there are currently speed restrictions in the Wembley area. The whole area will be rerailed over the coming weeks which will mean the speed restriction can be lifted.”

Transport for London
20th July 2026

Four new councils for Hertfordshire

The Government has announced that four new unitary councils are to be formed in Hertfordshire.

The decision means that Hertfordshire County Council and the ten district and borough councils will be reorganised to form four new unitary authorities, North West Hertfordshire, South West Hertfordshire, Central Hertfordshire and Eastern Hertfordshire. The four new authorities will, from April 2028, provide the services previously provided by the county, district and borough councils.

This means that Three Rivers District Council will form part of the South West Hertfordshire Council.

Eastern Hertfordshire Council will also include Royston Heath, Royston Palace, Royston Meridian, Ermine, Weston and Sandon wards from North Herts Council, and Northaw and Cuffley ward from Welwyn Hatfield District Council.

What does this mean for you?

There will be no immediate changes to services and you will continue to represent your residents until Vesting Day on 1 April 2028.

Elections for the ‘Shadow Authority’ will take place in May 2027 which will oversee the transition from the existing councils to the unitary authority. On 1 April 2028, councillors of the Shadow Authority will formally take over responsibility for the new authority.

How can you find out more?

A members’ briefing will be scheduled for the coming days, at which you will be able to ask more questions and find out more from me, the chief executive, and the leader Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE.