fire

What’s happening with the scrap metal site on Springwell that caught fire?

Message from Hillingdon Council.

I am writing to provide an update on the formal enforcement action the Council has taken against the operators of the unauthorised scrap metal site on Springwell Lane.

Following the Interim Injunction granted on 8 May 2026, the Council has now successfully obtained a Full Injunction. This sets out a timetable for the closure and clearance of the site.

The Full Injunction requires Springwell Lane Metal Recycling Limited to comply with the terms of the Court Order. The Council’s claim against the landowners has been postponed for nine months. If the site operators do not comply with the Order and clear the land as required, the Council may ask the Court to take further action against the landowners.

The main requirements of the Court Order are:

  • The site must no longer be used as a scrap metal yard.
  • No further development or works may take place on the land.
  • No waste, hardcore or similar materials may be brought onto the site.
  • No vehicles, machinery or equipment may be brought onto or stored on the land, except where needed to help clear the site and comply with the Order.

By 4.00 pm on 23 August 2026, Springwell Lane Metal Recycling Limited must remove:

  • All scrap metal, gas canisters, tyres and waste materials.
  • The fence panels and posts installed along the site boundary.
  • All skips, containers, vehicles, diggers and machinery used for the unauthorised scrap yard.
  • The weighbridge.
  • The new concrete bases shown in the evidence provided to the Court.

By 4.00 pm on 30 September 2026, Plot B must be re-seeded with grass.

The Council will closely monitor the site to ensure the Order is followed. An inspection will take place on or shortly after 24 August 2026 to check that the land has been cleared as required.

Failure to comply with the Court Order may result in the Council applying to the Court for contempt of court proceedings. This is a serious matter and could lead to penalties including fines, imprisonment and/or the seizure of assets.

Thank you for your patience while the Council has pursued all available legal options to stop the unlawful use of the land as a scrap metal yard. Despite delays to prosecution proceedings that were outside the Council’s control, we were able to demonstrate to the Court that the ongoing unauthorised use, its impact on local residents through noise and nuisance, and the potential harm to the Green Belt and natural environment justified the granting of an Injunction.

We welcome the Court’s decision and hope the matter will now be brought to a successful conclusion.

Hillingdon Council.

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

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

Rickmansworth library – service update

As you may be aware, Rickmansworth Library experienced a fire in the workroom on Thursday 18 April.

The fire started in the workroom and this is where the most damage has been caused. A temporary power supply has been set up and the clean-up operation is underway. There is a significant amount of work to be carried out before the library can re-open – a large part of the building will have to be rewired and the staff work areas will have to be completely cleared due to the fire damage caused. Luckily, the fire didn’t spread to the public area but there is soot and ash residue in all areas of the building, as a result all the books, furniture, shelving and carpets will need to be cleaned to ensure that the library is safe for staff and customers.

How long will the library be closed?

It is still too early to assess this. We are working with contractors to try to re-establish the service as quickly as possible. As soon as timescales become clearer, we will advertise a re-opening date.

I have books on loan that were due back on or after 18 April – what should I do?

We are extending the loan period for anything that is due back at Rickmansworth on or after 18 April 2024. We will continue to keep this under review but please be assured that there will be no overdue charges to pay on items that fall into this category.

Please note that this loan extension does not apply to items borrowed from other Hertfordshire libraries. You can check the due date of your loans and renew them through the Hertfordshire library app, on our website, or by calling 0300 123 4049

I have reservations to collect from Rickmansworth – what should I do?

A member of library staff will be contacting you to find out if you can collect your item from another Hertfordshire library.

Which other libraries can I use?

You can use any Hertfordshire Library. The closest library to Rickmansworth is Croxley Green Library. Croxley Green also offers Open+ – extended opening hours when staff are not on site – if you would like to register to use this service, please ask staff at Croxley Green to arrange this for you. Library opening hours and locations.

If you would like to keep up-to-date with regular library news, you can sign up for their eNewsletter here.

By R.D.R.A., ago