Local Authority

RICKMANSWORTH Aquadrome has been named one of the best parks in the UK for the second year running.

The Aquadrome, in Frogmoor Lane, has been awarded a Green Flag in recognition of its excellent use of green space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security.

About 1200 Green Flags are awarded to parks across the country which are free to the public.

Biodiversity projects officer at Three Rivers District Council, Kay FitzGerald, said: "It is a real achievement for Three Rivers District Council, and all of those involved in the Aquadrome."

40 ELGOOD AVENUE - Conversion of attached garage to habitable use with porch to front and conservatory to rear, including alterations to existing parking.

59 GREEN LANE - Installation of new shop front, with infill extensions to front, conservatory to rear, alterations to existing side/rear and replacement fence.

24 - 34, CHESTNUT COURT CAREW ROAD - To carry out tree surgery to one Horse Chestnut tree (T16) on TPO 176.

GLENCAIRN FARM ROAD - Part two storey, Part single storey side/front/rear extension including porch to front with bacony to first floor.

41 COPSE WOOD WAY - To fell one Scots Pine (T1) and to carry out tree surgery to one Scots Pine (T6) in area A1 on TPO 398.

A PUBLIC consultation on the future of the former Reindeer pub site in Northwood is set to take place this Saturday (31).

Developer Excelsior Properties Ltd says it is holding the consultation to give residents an opportunity to 'provide views or suggestions as to the appropriate redevelopment of the site'.

CHILDREN and teenagers are invited to celebrate the opening of a new youth centre in Northwood.

The Northwood Young People's Centre, which officially opens on Wednesday (28), has been developed from one of the borough's oldest youth centres which has been run independently since 1910.

The centre will feature a wide range of activities including a dedicated internet space, dance studio and band practice area.

A special celebration party will take place this Friday (30) with music, refreshments and an opportunity to check out the new facilities.

FREE swimming will continue throughout the summer in Three Rivers, despite it being axed by central government.

Under 19s and over 60s can enjoy free swimming at the William Penn Leisure Centre in Shepherds Lane, Mill End and elsewhere in the district.

10 WOODSIDE ROAD - Two storey side/rear extension, alterations to existing elevations, front porch and conversion of roof space for habitable use with 2 front, 2 rear and 2 side rooflights involving the demolition of existing detached garage to side, conservatory to rear and front/side extension.

33 STANLEY ROAD - Conversion of roof space to create additional level for habitable use to include enlargement of roof with 1 front and 1 rear dormers and 4 rooflights to sides, single storey side/rear extensions and alterations to existing side and rear.

27 LINCOLN ROAD - Single storey side/rear extension with 2 rooflights to side and 1 rooflight to rear.

PLANS dubbed by residents as 'architectural vandalism' in Croxley Green have been controversially approved by Three Rivers District Council (TRDC).

Developer Kebbell Country Homes has previously submitted six applications to demolish Applegarth - a much-loved 20th century property in Parrots Close, situated within the Croxley Green Conservation Area - and replace it with detached family homes or flats.

Five of the six applications were rejected by TRDC, with three of those subsequently dismissed at appeal, while one was withdrawn.

But councillors at a development control committee meeting on Thursday (15) said they had no reason to refuse the latest plans to substitute Applegarth, which lies opposite The Green, with two detached homes.

TWO community groups have each been awarded £15,000 in grant funding from Three Rivers District Council.

The 6th Rickmansworth Sea Scouts, which has more than 100 members, plans to use the cash to refurbish and extend their headquarters, based at the rear of the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians in Rickmansworth town centre.

The cash accounts for about 65 per cent of the total project cost, with the remainder raised through fundraising events including jumble sales, quiz nights and stalls at community events including Rickmansworth Week.

Meanwhile, The Maple Cross Club, which boasts more than 400 members, will use its grant to build a mini health centre.

ASPIRING news hounds are invited to bid for the title of Three Rivers young journalist of the year.

The competition is open to anyone aged 11-19 who lives or attends school in the district.

Entries must be written in a news report or feature style based on true events which have taken place in the past year, at the moment or in the near future, and should be no longer than 300 words.

9 GATEHILL ROAD - Two storey rear extension, alterations to existing rear, new window to existing side and dormer to existing front.

40C THE DRIVE - To fell one Austrian Pine and to carry out tree surgery to one Yew Tree (in Group G2)

47A MURRAY ROAD - Conversion of roof space for habitable use with 2 rear dormers and 5 rooflights to front and a single storey rear extension with 5 rooflights involving the demolition of existing conservatory to rear.

2 BUTTSMEAD - To fell one Oak tree (T4), and one Oak tree in Group G2 on TPO number 38.