Survey: What would make your town centre feel safer this summer? Deadline 31st July.

Message from the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner.

Take this short survey and let them know: https://tinyurl.com/yccymbn4

Whether it’s tackling anti-social behaviour, reducing retail crime, improving safety for women and girls, or making sure our parks and public spaces feel welcoming, I want to hear what matters most to you.

This summer, I’m launching the next phase of my Safer Town Centres campaign, building on work that has already helped reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in hotspot locations across Hertfordshire through extra patrols and targeted activity.

We’re stepping up action this summer

Over the coming months, Hertfordshire Constabulary and local partners will be carrying out:

✅ Extra police patrols in town centres and hotspot areas
✅ Targeted action against anti-social behaviour and violence
✅ Work to tackle retail crime and support local businesses
✅ Activity focused on improving safety for women and girls
✅ Partnership work with councils, businesses and community groups to make public spaces feel safer and more welcoming

With more people expected to be out and about over the summer, we’re focusing resources where they can make the biggest difference.

The best way to improve local areas is by listening to the people who use them every day.

If you live, work, shop or spend time in Hertfordshire town centres, I’d like to hear your views. What concerns you? What would help you feel safer? What should be prioritised?

Take our short Safer Town Centres Survey before 31st July and help shape future action.

👉 Take the survey: https://tinyurl.com/yccymbn4

Funding available for local projects

I’m also opening a new grant scheme to support projects that improve safety and help communities thrive. Councils, charities, community groups, business organisations and local partners are encouraged to apply.

Funding could support innovative initiatives that:

  • Improve community safety
  • Reduce anti-social behaviour
  • Help people feel more confident using public spaces
  • Support safer high streets and town centres

👉 Find out more about the grant scheme: https://tinyurl.com/ywrrkrj2

The more people who take part, the better the picture we can build of what matters in communities across Hertfordshire.

Spend three minutes sharing your views and help make a difference where you live.

👉 Take the survey now: https://tinyurl.com/yccymbn4

Together, we can help keep Hertfordshire’s town centres welcoming, vibrant and safe for everyone.

Kind regards,

Jonathan Ash-Edwards
Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner

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

The first Sunday Market of 2026 is on 29th March

Please support stall holders and local businesses at the Sunday Market in Rickmansworth High Street. Also come and find our RDRA stall to have a chat – 10:30 to 14:30!

Markets happen on the last sunday of every month from March until December – put all the market dates in your diaries:

  • 29th March 2026
  • 26th April 2026
  • 31st May 2026
  • 28th June 2026
  • 26th July 2026
  • 30th August 2026
  • 27th September 2026
  • 25th October 2026
  • 29th November 2026
  • 20th December 2026

Dates taken from rickmansworthevents.co.uk

Rickmansworth & District Residents' Association

Sad slow decline of our high street

Message received 15 February – via email.

The sad slow decline of our high street over the past 50 years has continued with the withdrawal of the Barclays van 3 weeks ago,

So now all four banks we had have gone, just left with a Building society, and something that calls itself a Post Office. ( Quite a disgraceful set up,) with rarely more than one staff behind the counter and with the Evri and other parcel services its not uncommon to have 12+ queuing,

Heaven forbid passport and car tax documents!

The flog to Watford is really too much for those who don’t use internet services.

So, Is there any chance our Residents could have a Hub? A mix of ‘Banks’ each day perhaps?

Where Credit cards etc can be paid. (not at P.O)

I feel sure it would make a big difference to

The the Seniors of Rickmansworth, Mill end Chorleywood

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email. Unfortunately, what you’re asking for is beyond the realms of our humble Resident’s association. We do not have the expertise or the required resources to manage such a hub that you’re proposing. We’re all volunteers trying to do our best for our local community, but this one is beyond our reach.

Rickmansworth Valentine's Indoor Market

Valentine’s Market on Sunday 8th February at St Mary’s Church

Batchworth  Community Council are putting on a lovely indoor market on Sunday 8th Feb 10:30am – 2:30pm at St Mary’s Church, Rickmansworth. All welcome.

The event is free to attend and there will be lots of lovely local stalls, our community PCSO and an information stall please do pop along and support this local community event.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17nkzoj4wW

Download flyer here