The Resident Number 81 No:1 1964
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
'IN THE BEGINNING' The idea of an ' Orbital' Road to surround London's Suburbs was conceived in 19II. For the next fifteen years the original concept was taken from the pigeon hole at intervals, dusted, amended or otherwise altered and carefully returned to its ministerial 'cote'. However, the idea of a North Orbital Road eventually caught on quicker than its proposed Southern counterpart as we learn that from 1926 to approximately 1936 discussions by the Authorities concerned proceeded continuously and by 1937 the portion between Uxbridge and Rickmansworth and that between Watford and Hatfield had actually been constructed: also that the route of the North Orbital Road had, in a large measure, been safeguarded and that in all cases the route was planned TO AVOID ALL EXISTING BUILT-UP AREAS. The next important event was in 1945, the outcome of a very comprehensive Planning Survey on all aspects of Greater London including Highways and from these deliberations it finally emerged that all County Councils concerned (some nine in number) were agreed that the earliest possible priority should be given to the North and South Orbital Roads a view with which the then Minister of Transport not only agreed but stated the proposed roads would receive the first priority. | ||
The Resident Number 82 No:2 1964
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
REVELS ON THE GREEN-MAY 30th This event, in our opinion, was again a 'great success. All who witnessed the various events enjoyed themselves. It was pleasing to note the tradition of crowning the May Queen and children dancing round the Maypole, is being carried on. Three of the pioneers from the past, Miss Dolly Barton-Smith, Miss Ricketts and Mrs. E. W. Wilbee. devoted many years of their lives to this tradition; but are not all traditions based on the past? Thanks are due to those who gave their services voluntarily to make the afternoon so happy and successful. NEW ROAD DEVELOPMENTS A Super Market? - We understand planning permission has been granted for this. Betting Shop - Application has been made to use premises at 204 New Road for this purpose. Footpath - Met. Station towards Goods Yard. Renovation work has recently been completed, and this we note with approval. | ||
The Resident Number 83 No:3 1964
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
CROXLEY HALL WOODS When tree felling started recently in these woods numerous complaints reached the Association, who took up the matter with the Council. As a result, a meeting was arranged which took place in the woods on August 17th last. The purpose was "to inform a responsible body of people of what was happening so that the information could be disseminated and thus avoid further criticism." This meeting was attended by the Council's advisers and consultants on woodlands, a member of H.M. Forestry Commission, the Chairman of the Council, the Chairman of the Open Spaces Committee, other Councillors and Council officials, and a body of lay representatives, mostly members of the Association's Committee. It was explained that the' policy being followed in these woods was a deliberate compromise between running them as a commercial project to produce timber and as an open space amenity. The work now going on is a first stage and consists of removal of saleable timber and the clearing of a few areas so that re-seeding without replanting can take place. When this is completed no further action will be taken for two years when the second phase of thinning out and clearing of the dead wood and diseased trees will begin. | ||
The Resident Number 84 No:1 1965
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
A proposal has been made by the Churches of Croxley Green for a Youth Centre which would have a paid Warden employed by the Local Education Authority. It appears the Council were impressed by the project and It seems likely that the Territorial Army buildings (adjacent The Green) will become available for at least the first three years. We hope that the work will soon start on land in Barton Way at the junction of New Road for the new Library which is to include accommodation for the Croxley Green 'Welcome Club' (Old Folk). Many residents have become used to noting the dates of Council Meetings publicised on the Official Notice Boards throughout the district but, for some reason, this practice has been discontinued and the absence of this general information has caused some concern. Readers are reminded that the Public are admitted to Council Meetings and several of the Committee Meetings held in 'Basing House' (Council Chambers.) Dates of future Meetings are given elsewhere in this Bulletin. Why don't you go along to hear how the Council conducts your civic business? We would like to know when the bus shelter in New Road will be reinstated. It was damaged as the result of an accident !2 months ago. The Association will press this item-although such pressure should not really be necessary (L.T.E. please note!). | ||
The Resident Number 85 No:2 1965
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
THE ASSOCIATION'S PROPOSAL TO COMMEMORATE THE LATE SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL Ever since 1897 it has become the practice to plant on The Green an oak tree to mark each Royal occasion. The fact to plant a tree to commemorate a great event IS now part of the way of life in Croxley Green. The Association considers the planting of a tree-not an oak (they are for Royal events)-as a suitable way in which to honour the greatest Englishman of our time. He was an individualist and we propose to obtain a tree from the ancestral home of Sir Winston at Blenheim Palace and have a planting ceremony as near as possible to his 9lst birthday next November. It will be necessary to obtain the consent of the Rickmansworth U.D.C. (as freeholders of The Green) and we shall approach the Commoners for their approval. It is hoped all interested parties will agree on the choice of a Douglas Fir or a Cypress (of American origin) to be planted and its position on The Green. To complete the project a plaque will be set at its foot as has been done with other commemorative trees on The Green. I should like to stress this idea is in addition to the National Appeal and supplementary to it. Such a tree will provide an amenity for many years to come in honour of a great man, and for a long time beyond the span of life of our readers. As to the cost, this should not prove too great (one donation has already been received) and when it has been accurately determined we may appeal for contributions from any who share in this project. B. W. GARDNER, Chairman. | ||
The Resident Number 86 No:3 1965
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
THE FUTURE OF CROXLEY GREEN IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT A few issues ago I made a brief reference to this and the best informed opinion now thinks that this question will be with us in about 18 months to two years time. What is going on at the Bucks county border at Chorleywood at the present time may be considered now because the results of this County revision may be felt in Croxley Green when the Herts County review takes place. It so happens that Chorleywood lies partly in two counties. That part in Herts is under the Chorleywood Urban Council; that part in Bucks is under Amersham Rural Council; Shire Lane forms the dividing line. I think it most unlikely the present Bucks review will leave a closely knit community divided between two counties. Consider the possibilities. The most likely is for the Bucks part to be transferred into Herts and thus come under Chorleywood Council. (There is talk of a compensatory transfer of an area near Tring to redress the balance of the counties). It is, of course, possible for the part of Chorleywood in Herts to be transferred to Bucks and come under Amersham Rural Council in which case Chorleywood would cease to exist as a Local Authority. When the Bucks review findings are known I feel sure that from the Herts review point of view we shall see either an enlarged Chorleywood or no ChorIywood at all. | ||
The Resident Number 87 No:4 1965
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
LAND AT CASSIO BRIDGE Messrs. Arthur Pitkin Ltd., whose store is on this 3+ acres of land, of which part will be needed for the Cassio Bridge development, have offered the remainder of the land to the Council with vacant possession. Negotiations will proceed. Readers may like to be reminded that several years ago "The Croxley Green Resident" published a coloured sketch showing how a block of shops would look on this site partly fronting Watford Road and shaped on the curve into Baldwins Lane. Alas this project never materialised, but now that the Council are contemplating spending our money on acquiring this land they might like to have a firm suggestion as to something really useful that they could organise on this corner. Incidentally, this area is a very poor entrance to Croxley Green at the present time as also is the Council owned land adjoining Croxley Green L.M.R. Station on the opposite side of the main road. (The offer has now been withdrawn - Editor.) INTERFERENCE WITH FOOTPATHS In recent years there have been two cases in Croxley Green where a building contractor has so interfered with the footpath as to make its use dangerous for pedestrians. The Association took the matter up and it is now recorded that a resolution urging legislation has been approved by the London Accident Prevention Council. | ||
The Resident Number 88 No:1 1966
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
FIRE Sunday afternoon, October 3rd, brought excitement to Croxley Green when a disastrous fire ruined the, assembly hall of Dickinson Guildhouse. Tribute is hereby paid to the efficient attention of the Fire Brigade but alas their efforts were of no avail. This is a bitter blow to many organisations who have regularly relied on the use of the hall for plays and shows. This rather pin-points the need for a public hall in Croxley Green. GALLUP POLL A local organisation (who shall be nameless for the time being) has instigated a gallup poll among neighbours to ascertain general feelings regarding: politics in local government; the desire for the diversion of' traffic from Watford Road (probably to the expected north orbital road); trains to London; and the education costs in the rates. We hope to be able to publish the results in due course, but it shows we're not all asleep! BUS SHELTER: NEW ROAD Two years ago the bus shelter was damaged during the severe weather at the time. We now hear the Council has voted £75 for its immediate repair. | ||
The Resident Number 89 No:2 1966
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
THE GREEN - I offer no apology for making The Green the subject of my early remarks, and what a shambles it has been during the winter months. The Green is a heritage too precious to be squandered .. For so many years the Residents of Croxley Green have held their Revels there, taken their walks there, and generally enjoyed their local "open space." Some very fortunate people have their homes around its perimeter. Far from preserving The Green the inconsiderate driving and parking habits of a few have turned much of the greensward into a morass. The patients of the local dentist destroy more and more grass in their indiscriminate parking, as do the customers of the two Licensed Houses on The Green. True, the work of laying a surface water sewer has not helped, but with the active co-operation of the Contractors in reinstatement and in the replacement of turf, a few months should show much improvement here. The permanent despoilation of The Green, however, must be stopped and it is the intention of the Committee of this Association to press for more and drastic action to discourage such despoilaion. SEATS ON THE GREEN - It is understood that approval has been given for Dr. Margaret Miller to provide a seat on The Green near to Croxley House, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Garner, formerly of Springfield Close, who did so much to raise funds in Croxley Green. | ||
The Resident Number 90 No:3 1965
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
COMMON LAND AND TOWN AND VILLAGE GREENS Currently available, without charge, from Post Offices, is "Commonland'l a brief guide to the Commons Registration Act 1965-for all who are interested in land which is a Common or a Green, or those possessing Common Rights. Your Association is considering the matter, but it is open for anyone t.o submit an individual statement. CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT The Association is very annoyed that the Council has failed in its duty to provide playground equipment in Barton Way Recreation Ground up to a standard and quantity that has existed for some years. In the knowledge last October that the Council intended to replace the slide with a plank-swing, it was not until April that an order for the new equipment was placed. Summer will be over before the children have the facilities accorded to them. We have mentioned before, in criticism of the Council, that there is slender reason for decrying the jolly old slide as being dangerous, and in any case Messrs. Wick steeds of Kettering (the usual suppliers) do provide for a protective cage at the top of the slide. Are our Councillors old-fashioned? or can they not remember back to the times when they were young? | ||
The Resident Number 91 No:4 1965
Croxley Green Residents Association
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UNILATERAL PARKING IN NEW ROAD
A further suggestion from Councillor Hall was that there should be some form of parking in New Road, while another unnamed Councillor thought there should be a section of the road near to Barton Way which would prohibit waiting for 24 hours each day. The Council did not reach a decision. It is pertinent to note that neither Rickmansworth Council, nor any Councillor, has approached the Residents' Association to seek the opinion of the residents. Arising from letters from several Traders, and because this matter affects people who live in New Road as well as shoppers, your Committee decided to remit the problem to the Annual General Meeting of the C.G.R. & R.A. on November 2nd, to give everyone an opportunity to air their views. This problem reveals yet another example of the lack of any kind of public relations policy on the part of our Local Authority. BLOCKAGES ON SCOTS HILL In a letter to the R.D.D.C. from the Chief Superintendent of Police it is stated that his records show that from 1.1.66 to 29.6.66, there were 42 blockages on Scots Hill; for the year ended 31.12.65 there were 66 blockages. Seven prosecutions arose out of vehicles causing blockages but only two of these involved the condition of the vehicle in question and these were both cases of defective brakes. Arising from this the Council will arrange for a warning sign "Steep Hill-Low Gear Now" to be placed beyond the foot of the hill.In this Issue | ||
