closure

What’s new with the Woodland Path, closed since March 2024?

The report below is about the Aquadrome, from the Climate Change and Leisure Committee, held on 15th October 2025.

The Environment Agency has finally released the flood modelling on 2nd October which had delayed the completion of the Hydrological survey, which was preventing the Woodland Path from re-opening. This report says that the Hydrological survey should now be completed by the end of the 2025. But what are the next steps after that?

Read report: Supplement Supplementary papers – Rickmansworth Aquadrome Programme 15102025 1930 Climate Change

By R.D.R.A., ago

FoI: Woodland Path

The RDRA Chairman requested a Freedom of Information request on the following questions:

  1. When (on what date) was the decision to close the Woodland path taken?
    9th February 2024
  1. Who was responsible for taking that decision?
    Associate Director for Environment
  1. When was the Environmental Agency Asked/Commissioned to do the Hydrological Survey?
    The EA has not been asked nor commissioned by TRDC to do a Hydrological Survey. Under their responsibilities for water management the EA have been in the process of updating their Flood Modelling for the Upper River Colne, which will inform a Hydrological Study of the Aquadrome commissioned to JBA by TRDC in 21 March 2024
  1. When was the Environmental Agency’s Hydrological Survey Report received by the Three Rivers District Council?
    The Council initially received the EA updated Upper River Colne Flood Model ( it is assumed that this is what the enquirer is referring to) on 2nd October 2025 with a further updated version received by the council on 8th October 2025
  1. When is the Environmental Agency’s Hydrological Survey Report being published and is in the public domain and available for public scrutiny?
    That is a question that the requester should pose to the EA. If this question in fact refers to the council commissioned Hydrological Study it is expected that, as reported to the councils Climate Change and Leisure Committee on 15th October, that this will be complete by the end of the calendar year and published in early 2026.
  1. When is the TRDC scheduling to implement the Environmental Agency’s Hydrological Survey Report Recommendations?
    EA Upper Colne Flood Model does not contain recommendations, it is a model.
    Further details on this matter have been published in the report to TRDC Climate Change and Leisure Committee of 15th October and can be found on the council website: Agenda for Climate Change and Leisure Committee on Wednesday, 15th October, 2025, 7.30 pm – Modern Council item 11a.
By R.D.R.A., ago
Fire at Stockers Lake

Fire at Stockers Lake may have been arson

Affinity Water were made aware of a fire at Stockers Lake yesterday morning, 21st August. This was immediately reported to the estates team who undertook all necessary steps.

Maydencroft attended site to undertake an inspection and recommended action regarding the health and safety of the trees. The area was barriered off and the footpath was temporarily closed.

The Herts Fire and Rescue Department and Wildlife officers Simon and Charlie were also on site dealing with the situation.

There are 3 trees in total that were scorched and 2 have been taken down as they were unstable and could fall at any point. The main tree was about 20 metres tall. Some smaller trees were also cut down to allow a clear path for the large tree to be felled safely. A lot of the branches from the bigger tree had fallen in to the lake.

The trees have been checked for wildlife and there is no wildlife in them or around the area. We have also checked the bat box that’s in one of the unharmed trees near where the fire was and the bat box is fine.

After speaking to the lake Bailiff, they suspect this may be the 2 young youths which started the fire last week in swim 1 whilst a hornet’s nest on the footpath was being treated.

Affinity Water posted today that the area is now safe.

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

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