Ebury Way in Rickmansworth is cleared and ready again for Socially Distanced Exercise and Relaxation - thanks Councillor Chris!
Ebury Way is a quiet and much appreciated 3½ mile (5.6 km) traffic-free route through lakes and fields, linking Rickmansworth and Watford.
It follows the route of an old railway line and crosses the Grand Union Canal and the three rivers - the Colne, the Chess and the Gade - which give Three Rivers District Council its name.
Run for over 25 years by the Liberal Democrats, it attaches a high importance to recreation, childrens playgrounds and in providing opportunities to enjoy the environment and path shared with walkers and cyclists.
It is ideal for family cycling and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Wikipedia provides the following notes:
"Passing lakes and fields in Rickmansworth, the path has its origin as the Watford and Rickmansworth Railway which endows it with generous width and gentle gradients. It forms part of National Cycle Network 61 which runs between Windsor to the southwest and Ware to the northeast. The Watford section of the Ebury Way up to its crossing of the Colne also forms part of National Cycle Route 6, so this section is jointly routed 6/61."
Three Rivers District Cllr Chris Lloyd reported a tree down on the Ebury Way after having to slow down on a run. After work by councillors and officers on Watford Borough, Three Rivers District Council and Herts County Council, it was agreed that it was the responsibility of a team at Herts County Council and it was cleared.
"During these Covid times, and afterwards its important that we keep footways and cycleways clear to encourage walking and cycling and therefore reduce our over reliance on car travel and to lower our carbon emissions," commented Cllr. Tim Williams Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Client Services and Sustainability at Watford Borough Council.
"Since lockdown I have been out running and walking more than I have ever done before. I would like to thank officers at Herts County Council, Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council who have responded to my many emails getting trees cleared, steps repaired in the Chess Valley.
I would encourage all of us to take regular exercise while keeping a safe distance from the people we meet and respecting the Country Code. I would also recommend bright clothing if you are running before sunrise or after sunset," said Cllr. Chris Lloyd, the Liberal Democrat Lead Member for Leisure on Three Rivers District Council.