Useful Info

SCHOOLS, community groups or charities in Three Rivers are invited to apply for a grant to help them run long-term sustainable projects.

B&Q Watford's One Planet Living Grants support four key themes - save energy, grow your own, conserve nature and support local culture and heritage.

Grants from £50 to £250 are available for any organisation within 20 miles of the store, in Lower High Street.

A RESTAURANT run by a former protégé of Gordon Ramsay has scooped one of the most prestigious awards in the catering world.

Colette's at The Grove, in New Road, Croxley Green, won three AA rosettes after head chef Russell Bateman impressed judges by cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Russell, 30, said: "Everyone here is absolutely delighted, it is a real honour for the restaurant to be recognised.

"We have one of the largest walled gardens in the country where we grow
our own fresh herbs and vegetables, including cabbages and Jerusalem artichokes at the moment. I think that gives us an edge.

"I grew up in Hayes so my cooking has an Asian influence - my dishes include mussels sag aloo stuffed into a samosa, and brill with coconut milk."

Russell, of Watford, says he is now longer in contact with his notoriously foul-mouthed mentor - but admires his success.

"I could never expect to go as far as he has but as long as the customers enjoy my food then I am happy."

RESIDENTS can enjoy free access to their cash thanks to a new ATM machine at Northwood Hills Post Office in Joel Street.

Branch manager, Mr Manivannan, said: "My customers said they want and we have listened and acted.

"There are some cash machines in the local area which charge people for withdrawals, but now people have a choice whether or not they pay."

RUBBISH lorries in Northwood and Rickmansworth were fitted with snow chains to help cope with severe weather conditions.

Refuse, recycling and compostable waste will be collected on the usual days this week, according to Three Rivers District Council.

Any refuse which was not picked up last week will also be cleared, and should be left next to bins on the scheduled collection day.

RELENTLESS snow has brought rush hour traffic to a stand-still in Northwood and Rickmansworth, with delays on public transport and schools closed.

Although emergency services have reported a quiet night, the ongoing icy conditions have caused hold-ups on treacherous roads, many of which have not been gritted.

Hertfordshire County Council, which is responsible for salting, was forced to reduce its operation on Monday, after the Government ordered local authorities to scale back by up to 50 per cent.

HOMEBUYERS need to earn more than £90,000 per year to buy a property in Three Rivers, a survey has revealed.

Homes in the district, which includes Northwood, Rickmansworth and Croxley Green, are among the most expensive in the East of England.

An average property is worth £363,191, meaning would-be residents need a mortgage worth 15 times the average salary of £24,232.

CHILDREN have another opportunity to enjoy the snow tomorrow (7) as the following schools have announced they will remain closed for a second day.

Eastbury Farm JMI and Nursery in Northwood

Christ Church C of E School in Rickmansworth

Rickmansworth Park JMI in Rickmansworth

Rickmansworth Secondary in Rickmansworth

Shepherd Primary in Rickmansworth

St Joan of Arc Catholic School in Rickmansworth

St Mary's C of E Primary in Rickmansworth

Yorke Mead Primary School in Rickmansworth

St John's Catholic Primary School in Mill End

Harvey Road Primary in Croxley Green

Little Green Junior School in Croxley Green

Malvern Way Infant and Nursery in Croxley Green

Maple Cross JMI in Maple Cross

RUBBISH and recycling collections have been suspended due to the snow and extreme weather.

Three Rivers District Council has announced green bins missed today (6) will be collected next Wednesday (13).

Residents are advised to leave excess bags next to their bins.

Brown bin collections will not resume for a fortnight, until the next scheduled trip on January 20.

Recycling due to be collected today will commence from Monday (11) to Wednesday.

A statement on the district council's website said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused but hope you can appreciate we are doing all we can to ensure collections are disrupted as little as possible."

A PRIMARY school in Rickmansworth has announced it will close tomorrow (6) as a result of severe weather forecasted over the next 48 hours.

St Mary's Church of England Primary School, in Stockers Farm Road, has asked parents to keep their children at home due to a lack of heating caused by a gas leak.

A statement on the school's website said: "We regret to say we shall be closed on Wednesday, January 6 because of a lack of heating due to a gas leak.

"This should be repaired on Wednesday."

Classes are expected to resume on Thursday (7) and parents are advised to bring their children to school unless they hear otherwise.

HERTFORDSHIRE Police are advising road users in Three Rivers to take extra precautions and drive only when necessary in advance of predicted adverse weather conditions this week.

Motorists should ensure they are wearing sensible and warm clothing and footwear. If travelling by car, prepare for a breakdown and carry extra provisions such as a flask of hot drink, food, blankets and a shovel.