News from Rickmansworth Liberal Democrats
Tesco Rickmansworth Car Park Scam
Neighbourhood Watch has alerted us to a stocky, dark haired man asking directions, making friendly chat and then saying he is nearly out of petrol, and could he borrow some money to buy more. When refused he drove off in a small, dark, new, Vauxhall Corsa. If you are approached report to police and, of course, do not hand over any money. tania.stabler@herts.pnn.police.uk
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Flooding
Thank you to those who got in touch to alert Three Rivers Council to the flooding from the river at Scotsbridge. Temporary fortifications have been put along the most exposed parts of the river bank to reduce bank erosion and avoid flooding. The sand bags are just a temporary arrangement while longer term plans are investigated by the Environmental Agency. The Council has to work with the Environmental Agency on this to develop a scheme that will not result in further flooding down stream.
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Protecting Our Local Environment.
At a recent Council Meeting the Council Leader, Ann Shaw, proposed a motion that Three Rivers write to the Local Government Minister Eric Pickles and ask him to review the changes being made to the Planning System. We are very concerned about the removal of the need for planning permission for certain developments, including extensions up to 8 metres. We do not agree with weakening the Green Belt. The removal of the obligation on developers to provide affordable housing and to contribute to essential services and facilities for new developments is very disappointing. Planning is a major issue for local residents, people are interested and concerned. Three Rivers has worked very hard for many years to protect the local environment and the character of our towns, villages and open areas. Our message to the Government is 'This is not Localism, listen to local people who know more about their areas than Ministers'. Councils, up and down the country, of all political colours, including Conservative, have been expressing similar views to the government in the hope that ministers may step back and reconsider.
The Liberal Democrat administration of TRDC was shocked and disappointed that the Conservative councillors would not support this motion - on the grounds that developers must be given "maximum freedom of choice" (!). We do not accept that view. Fortunately the Liberal Democrat motion was carried without Conservative support, but it would have had more strength if it had been unanimous!
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Oxhey Woods
This local Nature Reserve is situated between S.Oxhey, Northwood and Moor Park. It consists of approx.100 hectares of mostly ancient woodland that has been there since the last ice age - 10,000 yrs ago. During Half-Term there was a weeklong celebration of the Oxhey Woods Access and Interpretation project with the launch of the new sculpture trail. There were a number of free family and adult activities including a Conservation Taster Day, woodland art workshop, health walk and fungus foray. On Thursday 1st November there was a demonstration by a chainsaw artist, a woodland harvest and a guided tour round the 1km circular route with the sculptures - the materials reflect the wild life and history of woods. The Play Ranger Team was there to encourage families to play in the natural environment and a vintage coffee bar sold refreshments. If you want to know more ring TRDC 01923 776611 or www.threerivers.gov.uk The wood carving was featured in a previous video http://youtu.be/uDlZdJtKqcg
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Dates for your Diary…
Sat 17th Nov Rickmansworth Society Quiz Supper St Mary's Church Centre 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from Barbara Owen 772325
Sat 17th Nov Watford Philharmonic Choir perform 'Dream of Gerontius' at Watford Colosseum at 7.30pm http://www.watfordphilharmonic.co.uk/index.php/november-2012-the-dream-of-gerontius . Rickmansworth residents perform in this choir
Wed 21st Nov Rickmansworth & District Horticultural Society open evening Mr John Tyler talk with slides on VOLCANOES & DRAGONS. The Kimodo dragon, from Indonesia, meets some of the animals and plants which share its home.W.R.V.S. Bury Lane. Rickmansworth. 8.00pm. Interval tea and biscuits, raffle, free - contributions accepted on exit.
Chamber Music
Concert at Rickmansworth Baptist Church on 14th November at 1.05pm.Mozart (Sonata in E minor), Beethoven (Sonata in G,Op.30).Michiko Negami- violin, David Oliver- piano. Tickets £5.
Thur 15th Nov is the date of the elections for the new Police and Crime Commissioners.