The History of Croxley Green Parish Council
Croxley Green Parish Council was established by the Residents and Ratepayers Association. Its aspirations were to be independent from any political party and to work for and with the best interests of Croxley Green.
The community was already represented by District Councillors responsible for Three Rivers as a whole. However, members of the Association felt that another tier of local government would be in closer touch with the special character and needs of the Croxley Green community. The parish was divided into three wards with five councillors allocated to each of the North and South wards and six to the Croxley Green ward (central).
The date set to elect the sixteen councillors was 13th March 1986. The first meeting of the new Parish Council was held on the 3rd April in the Library.
The meetings continued to be held in the Library until land next to the Community Centre became available. It was agreed to purchase and erect a pre-fabricated building on that site and this was delivered in two ready-made sections on Friday 2nd April 1993.
Following the official opening, once they established in these new offices, the council were able to plan many community projects. The following are just a few of the early initiatives they undertook, aimed at all sections of the community. (Copies of the Council magazine, the Parish Pump can be downloaded to view the record of the council's past and present activities.)
The role of councillors has changed as the parish faces many challenges from outside developers and influences etc. The lowest tier of local government, together with the Residents' Association, they represent the voice of the community to promote and achieve a pleasant environment for residents to live and work in.
The current Parish Council information can be accessed from their website at www.croxleygreen-pc.gov.uk
The community was already represented by District Councillors responsible for Three Rivers as a whole. However, members of the Association felt that another tier of local government would be in closer touch with the special character and needs of the Croxley Green community. The parish was divided into three wards with five councillors allocated to each of the North and South wards and six to the Croxley Green ward (central).
The date set to elect the sixteen councillors was 13th March 1986. The first meeting of the new Parish Council was held on the 3rd April in the Library.
The meetings continued to be held in the Library until land next to the Community Centre became available. It was agreed to purchase and erect a pre-fabricated building on that site and this was delivered in two ready-made sections on Friday 2nd April 1993.
Following the official opening, once they established in these new offices, the council were able to plan many community projects. The following are just a few of the early initiatives they undertook, aimed at all sections of the community. (Copies of the Council magazine, the Parish Pump can be downloaded to view the record of the council's past and present activities.)
- A Community bus service for the elderly to and from Watford and calling at locations not on the normal public bus routes.
- Anti-litter campaign painting competition involving the school children for which 320 entries were received. Parish Pump number 3 April 1993 for details and winners.
- A Best Kept Garden competition began in 1993 which included most attractive floral Public House.
- A successful illustrated Parish Map went on sale in December 1993. The design was copied by other parishes county-wide.
- Local schools began restoring Stone's Orchard, The Green, by planting fruit trees.
- A 'Dog Hygiene Poster' competition was successful in 1995 following the installation of 'dog bins.' Entries were from all the infant/junior schools. Parish Pump number 7 December 1995 for details and winners.
- A History of Croxley Green through its Street Names by Shirley Greenman, illustrated by John Kirkham, was published in 1996.
- A photographic competition was held in 1996 encouraging residents to photograph their local community. Parish Pump numbers 8 & 9 May and December 1996.
- Craft Fairs were held on The Green in September 1998 &1999.
The role of councillors has changed as the parish faces many challenges from outside developers and influences etc. The lowest tier of local government, together with the Residents' Association, they represent the voice of the community to promote and achieve a pleasant environment for residents to live and work in.
The current Parish Council information can be accessed from their website at www.croxleygreen-pc.gov.uk
Site of the new Parish Council office
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A view from Community Way car park
Working on the foundations
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Digging out the foundations
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Finishing the foundations
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The Slab is finished
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First half of the office arrives in Barton Way
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Negotiating the turn into Community Way
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Arriving on site
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A closer view
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Awaiting to be sited in the car park
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Nearly in position
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Just the outside to finish now
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The painting and decorating continues
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Final tidying up
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Working on the flower beds
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Nearly finished
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Work continues on the outside of the offices
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Finished the new Croxley Green Parish Offices
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The finished offices
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A proud council chairman John Hedges
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The official opening of the offices
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