News from the Rickmansworth Liberal Democrats

Rickmansworth Waterways Trust
We are very lucky to have this active organisation looking after our section of the Grand Union Canal. Its members work very hard all the year round, organising the Festival in May (20th Festival next year), offering the educational programme, the chance to go for trips along this stretch of the canal and many other things. One of the responsibilities is looking after Roger, the historic working boat. There are four aspects of this - conservation, maintenance, operations, and presentation. Fabian Hiscock would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in being involved. Either email him on fabian@rwt.org.uk of ring on 07767 831924.
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First Time Buyer Scheme
Three Rivers District Council and the Leeds Building Society have launched a scheme to help first time buyers who can afford repayments but are currently unable to provide a large deposit. The new 'helping hand' initiative offers a 95% mortgage at a 5 year fixed rate of 5.49% with discounted fees and a free valuation. For information contact Adam Rea on 01923 240589 or the Society's mortgage hot line 08450 540 994. Three Rivers supports a range of housing initiatives and also refers those in difficulties to the Mortgage Rescue Scheme
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Sportivate Programme
This is the name of Sport England's nationwide campaign that captures the excitement of the 2012 Games, providing opportunities for teenagers and young adults aged 14-25 to receive 6-8 weeks coaching in a sport of their choice. It targets those who are doing limited sport in their own time, the semi-sporty. It is fully inclusive. Sportivate projects can be delivered by anyone from national governing bodies, sports clubs, leisure trusts, youth club, schools, colleges, not for profit organisations and work places. Projects can start from April 2013 and must be completed by end of March 2014. If a local organisation is interested in this project visit www.threeriverssport.com/sportivate for more details. More information can be found at www.sportengland.org
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Twin Pack vehicle - this week a twin pack vehicle has been in use to collect recycling by co-mingling some of the recyclables collected as an experiment. It looks like a refuse vehicle but everything collected is being recycled. Three Rivers Council has been assessing the tonnage that can be collected by different types of vehicle.
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Local Crime Figures
In the last 6 months crime in Three Rivers District fell by 27%. This includes a 30% fall in vehicle crime and a 23% fall in Anti-Social Behaviour
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Rickmansworth Starlight Evening
Many thanks to all those who attended this event at the beginning of December - and extra thanks to all those who bought all those roast chestnuts from the stall in the High Street. We sold all our nuts and raised £110 for Beat the Killer Cold - which will be matched by Three Rivers Distric Council to raise £220 for the fund to help badly off local residents with their fuel bills. If you missed the celebrations you can see them by clicking on http://youtu.be/RS5yq91qQ
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Benefit Cheat jailed
A benefit cheat who falsely claimed £38K in a range of benefits has been jailed for 3 months. The TRDC Fraud Team worked with the Dept. of Work and Pensions on the case investigation. Concerns about Benefits Claims can be reported in confidence to TRDC on fraud@threerivers.gov.uk or ring 0800 458 9200.
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25 years of Three Rivers Museum
Our local museum celebrated its 25 year birthday a few weeks ago. Take a look at the 25 years display in Basing House 2.00 to 4.00pm Monday to Friday, 10.00 to 4.00pm Saturday.
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Future Films at Watersmeet
14th February 'People Like Us' - 16th February Family Film 'The Lorax' (2pm Matinee only) - 21st March 'The Source.'