footpath

M&S path closed off

Message received 13th February – via email.

Thank you for the recent update newsletter and all your good work for Rickmansworth.

To my shock M&S have closed off the pathway from the council car park to Ebury Road while doing their renovation works to the shop.

As far as I understand this is a public right if way as the passage between the houses surely does NOT belong to M&S.

Since the (very badly communicated) renovation works are scheduled to take a further 6 weeks to two months this, much used, public footpath should be reopened for access asap

I do hope this issue can be addressed by those concerned and the current situation rectified.

RDRA response:

This is a public footpath so it is the responsibility of Herts County Council and they have confirmed that due to health and safety concerns the path will remain closed until M&S complete their works. I am awaiting a time line.

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

Overgrown hedges on footpath

Message received 16th July – via Contact us form.

Can you assist by requesting appropriate agency to trim the overgrown hedge on public footpath behind the Premier Inn near Batchwork lock (WD3 1JB??) as it is dangerous for fellow passers especially dog walkers and pram users. I have been told neither Three Rivers Council nor Rickmansworth Waterways are responsible for maintaining the path. Perhaps may be Environment Agency??

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email. Best option for you is to go on to HCC website and report this issue. Also check who your local, district and county councillors are and email them with photos of the area.

Report a fault – overgrown hedge:
https://eservices.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/hidden/hfr-trees?cat=trees&type=TV02

Find your councillor:
https://democracy.hertfordshire.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx

By R.D.R.A., ago