News from Rickmansworth Liberal Democrats - Three Rivers, a Lib Dem Run Council
What a relief to have Station Road open again !
…………………………………………………
A Parish Council for Rickmansworth ? A public meeting will be held at Three Rivers House on 22nd February starting at 6.00pm. All Welcome to come, give their views and ask questions
.………………………………………………
The recent problems with the on-line ticketing system at Watersmeet have now been put right.……………………………………………………….
The felling work in Bishops Wood is now complete and the footpath surfaces are being improved.………………………………………………………………………………….
The government is looking for sites for new prisons. They can be brown field sites and 'contamination can be dealt with'. All local authorities are being asked if they have any such sites. We do not think there are any in Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) area. Anyone have a different view ?
…………………………………………..
We have been asked if anyone knows a local firm or organisation which provides cleaning and driving services for local elderly people - with appropriate remuneration.
………………………………………………………………
Blue Green Algae levels remain high in the Aquadrome. Treatment is being organised.……………………………………………………………
People have been asking about the lorry activity on the field alongside Long Lane. We have been informed that it is more soil testing and is likely to finish this week.
………………………………………………………….
The most recent Pynesfield planning application came before TRDC planning Committee on February 25th. It is 15/2354/HCR3 - HCC Reg. 3 Application for mineral extraction, processing and importation of sand and gravel and reclamation materials for Denham Park Farm with restoration to agriculture and small wetland area. This application will be determined by HCC, probably in March, but TRDC wants to make sure that local views are given due consideration. Bucks CC have a variation of conditions application pending. TRDC expects to be consulted but has not yet had the details. A future application is expected on increased traffic movements, to vary existing planning conditions on access to the site.
…………………………………………………..
Many Maple Cross residents had a very tiresome time trying to get home one evening in the middle of February. Denham Way was closed between 8.00pm and 2.00am to allow much needed road repairs. Although notice of the work was given in advance it did not say that residents would not be allowed through to their homes and were expected to go round by Harefield and Denham - the last thing one needs when going home on a Friday evening ! We have complained about this to HCC on behalf of local residents. Clear notice is needed, and acceptable arrangements to accommodate people trying to get home
………………………………………….
Footpath 65 (Rickmansworth). The route of this footpath was altered some time ago to offer a better line for pedestrians from Uxbridge Rd. to the Aquadrome. HCC is now making a diversion order to regularise this route, and make it clear that there is just one route crossing the land, and the public have the right to use it. Notices will be put up advertising this.………………………………………………………………………..
The next edition of Three Rivers Times will go out in July. Are there any items/ideas/ information that you would like to see in it. Do you have a local organisation/group you think would benefit from an article? Please let us know.……………………………………………………………….
TRDC's Budget was set on Tuesday, 23rd February. This has been exceptionally tough with Government Council Tax Support Grant being cut far more deeply and faster than expected - from £1.5m (2015/16) to virtually nothing by 2019. TRDC's share of the Council Tax will increase by an average 3.1%. Even after this increase our average B and D bands will still be lower than it was 10 years ago, this demonstrates sound financial management of TRDC by this administration. There is no other Hertfordshire Council with a better record. The Council's priority has been to protect Services while balancing the budget with efficiency savings (they have achieved about £350,000 of savings each year for more than a decade) and with new income. This means they can deliver a balanced budget, provide additional investment in key areas, maintain the reserves, while protecting services to the residents.
They have maintained the 2 hr free shopper parking, and have provided extra funding for more parking bays. They continue to protect our Green Belt and local environment despite the Government making it easier and easier for developers to push ahead in against local concern and opposition.
The Council will continue to work closely with local businesses and establish a new reserve fund to help against any future economic downturn.
There has been a great deal of concern about the collection of garden waste. The Council has to decide between stopping the service altogether - it is not actually statutory responsibility - or charging for it. They would have preferred to do neither. More than 4000 consultation responses came in, with ¾ saying they would rather pay £35 pa to maintain the service than lose it. So the service will continue but charged at £35 for a full year - £25 initially to cover only apart year - and there will be certain concessions.
The Council realises there are many other issues you maybe concerned about. Let them know and they will do their best to answer your questions.
…………………………………………………………………..
Have you any ideas that would improve local road safety ? The new Road Safety Fund has opened for bids. Members of the public, community groups and other organisations can apply for grants to promote local road safety. Over 2 years the fund set up by the P&C Commissioner has generated approx £1.3m, partly from fines on motorists. If you want to know more http://www.hertscommissioner-org/road-safety-fund
…………………………………………………..
Update on Metropolitan Line Extension - To prepare for the new viaduct over Baldwins Lane substantial utilities work will soon start , to be done in phases over the next 6 months. The first phase was 27th Feb to 27th March excavating areas of carriageway and footways to divert existing water, gas, electricity and communications services. Most of the work will be done between 8.00am - 6.00pm, Monday to Sunday. Trees are also being removed from the railway embankment either side of Baldwins Lane. If you have questions/problems, ring TfL Community Relations Team (24 hrs) on 0343 222 2424
………………………………………….
Stickers to remind residents not to place food, garden waste or recyclables in their refuse bin will be put on all bins starting 29th Feb. This is to remind us all to use the various recycling containers to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. This is sound environmentally and also saves us all money on landfill tax and fees.
………………………………………………………………………..
Do you love dancing ? Are you aged 50+ ? Dance sessions are held in Rickmansworth Baptist Church on Thursdays 12.30 - 2.30pm. Try out a variety of dance styles - line dancing, salsa, flamenco, jive and tango. Classes are informal, friendly and fun. You don't need a dance partner. Call to book a place 01923 776611, or just turn up. For more information email Leisure@threerivers.gov.uk or www.activetogether.org.uk …………………………………………………
The Café in the Park has been shortlisted as one of the 5 finalists in the People's Favourite category of the Sustainable Restaurant Association's Food Made Good Awards. The finalists were selected from 600 nominations for the positive impact they make on the community, the environment and people's stomachs. The Cafe in the Park has championed sustainability since it opened in 2005. To watch a short video of the café's story visit www.thecafeinthpark.com
Ongoing Events
- Future Friends of Watersmeet Film Society films -21 April 'Joy'
- Ricky Folk meet at 8.15pm in the back bar of the Conservative Club, Bury Lane on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.You can sing, play or both or simply come and listen. No entrance fee and drinks are at club prices. In exchange for the facilities they entertain members of the Club at summer events each year and participate in other local events.
- Three Rivers Museum in Basing House next to the library, have new displays featuring the Great War & Ernest Shackleton - Museum open Mon to Fri 2-4pm, Sat 10am to 4pm. Free. Support you local museum.
- Art Exhibition by local artists in TRDC Council Offices, in the reception area next to the stairs (in the foyer
- Rickmansworth and District Art Society meet in the Cloisters Hall on the first Thursday of the month.
- The Mill Photography Club resumes its fortnightly meetings January at the Mill Cafe, Methodist Church, Berry Lane. WD3 7HJ. The club welcomes new members, we meets from 10am to 12am at the cafe to discuss & practice improving our basic photographic abilities. If you have a camera, come along & give us a try, no fees or costs.
- Croxley Camera Club is the photographic society for Three Rivers district and is known as the friendly club. They have a range of photographic interests and skills within the club with photographic advice available from specialists in many genres including nature, landscape, studio and other areas. They meet every Thursday between September and May in the Croxley Green Community Centre at 7:30 for a 7:45 start. New members of all abilities are always warmly welcome. information about the club please go to their website: http://croxleycameraclub.com/
- A full list of forthcoming events at Watersmeet can be seen by clicking this link http://www.watersmeet.co.uk/whats-on/
- Ricky This Week is now also available on Twitter. Some weeks, through re-tweets it reaches over 1000 people @LesMead_
- Police Officers from the Local Neighbourhood Team would like to hear from residents if they have any information about drug use or crime. Please report any information, intelligence or suspicious behaviour. Please phone on 101, or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111 or email ryan.hemmings@herts.pnn.police.uk
Herts County Council fault reporting www.hertsdirect.org/faultreporting