News from the Rickmansworth Liberal Democrats

Squashed Bollards - a vehicle has squashed the bollards on the pedestrian refuge in the Uxbridge Rd near the end of Moneyhill Rd. We have asked Herts Highways to repair the refuge quickly because without the bollards pedestrian feel vulnerable crossing this busy road.
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We have been asked whether we know why men with clip boards have been walking around the Eastwick Crescent/ Springwell Avenue area of Mill End, making notes. Enquiries indicate that they are investigating the possibilities of providing a cycle route that gets cyclists off the busy, narrow Uxbridge Road. We believe this is worth looking into but: a) if cyclists are to be encouraged to cross the Uxbridge Rd near the bottom of Long Lane a proper crossing is needed and b) pedestrians must be protected, not expected to leap out of the way of oncoming bikes.
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A recent review of the Unemployment and Benefits situation in Three Rivers District has produced the following information
*there was a 22% decrease in the unemployment claimant count locally between September 2009 and June 2012. The only area of increase was South Oxhey (with 38% of total district claimants).The Hertfordshire claimant rate is 2.4%, for Three Rivers it is 1.8%.
*Between Jan 2010 and June 2012 the number of unfilled vacancies has more than doubled. The top 3 occupations sought by local residents are sales/retail assistants, general office assistants/clerks and goods handling/storage. But the top 3 types of vacancies are care assistants/ home workers, HGV drivers, and sales representatives. Clearly jobs sought do not match vacancies. Training for employment is needed, and must go beyond literacy and numeracy, into vocational training.
* The highest levels of NEETs - 16-19 yr olds not in education, employment or training - are in South Oxhey and Maple Cross/ Mill End.
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We are delighted that so many people have welcomed and praised the new play area at Scotsbridge. Thank You. Do visit if you have children or grandchildren to entertain. There is a wide range of equipment including a zip wire, spinning see-saw, embankment slide, crawling tunnel, space net and lots more. There are tall climbing trees for the adventurous and sand for the youngest. The apparatus is set in a beautiful landscaped area with picnic tables, and the Chess is just two minutes away. There is also a skate park, basketball, tennis courts and goal area ready for play. The equipment was chosen after extensive consultation with local schools, community groups and residents.
George V play area and Baldwins Lane are next on our list. Maple Cross play area will get extra equipment and a consultation is underway about play provision in Chorleywood.
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We are pleased to report that Three Rivers District Council's summer holiday play provision has been a great success. Play schemes - 91% take up, with 1,897 attendances. Provision is made for referred children and those with special needs. Play Rangers - 883 attendances. Annual Play Day, this year at George V - 500 participated in play/arts and sports. Skate Park - staff supervised sessions attracted 1,356 skaters. Free Swims for Young People - 8,519 attendances. If you have ideas for other activities in the future we would be delighted to hear them.
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Name Change. Veolia Water is changing its name to Affinity Water, this follows the unification of 3 previously separate companies - Veolia Water Central / Veolia Water SouthEast / Veolia Water East. The change comes in this month and becomes official on 1st October.