Agenda item

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Programme, including funding progress and opportunities.

Recommendation

       i.          To note the content of the report.

      ii.          Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance, in agreement with the Lead Member, to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding in order that external funds where awarded for the Aquadrome Programme can be accepted by the Council

     iii.          Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance, in agreement with the Lead Member, to  enter into contracts above the value of £25,000 for works procured under the councils procurement and contracts procedure rules relating to those secured external bids.

The Head of Leisure and Natural Infrastructure introduced the report.

Mr. Harding spoke on the item; raising concerns about the Aquadrome path being closed for over a year due to safety concerns, with no evidence provided by Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) to support this closure, and the maintenance of existing hydrological assets, which TRDC deemed unfit for purpose. The speaker called for transparency regarding the criteria used to assess the woodland path’s safety and timeline for the hydrological report and called for immediate action to restore the woodland path and improve maintenance in the area.

The Associate Director for Environment provided an update on the Aquadrome path, stating that the hydrological work had been awarded to JBA Consulting in February 2024. The officer highlighted significant erosion issues affecting the river channel, the potential presence of asbestos, and noted that the existing infrastructure, including sluices and culverts, is outdated and blocked, leading to disrupted sediment transport and habitat connectivity. The officer emphasised the importance of expert judgment in managing river channels, stating that decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Following risk assessments, the closure of the public path was deemed necessary due to safety concerns related to erosion and flooding. The officer explained that the decision to keep the path closed had been made to protect public safety and the integrity of the wetland ecosystem, which is crucial for managing water levels, and confirmed that the closure of the path aligns with the Council’s risk management strategy.

Members addressed the ongoing issues regarding the pathway safety and the delays in receiving the necessary reports from the Environmental Agency (EA) to allow the completion of the hydrological assessments. They highlighted the confusion among the public regarding the different classes of pathways managed by the Council and emphasised the need for a pragmatic approach to restore public confidence. They expressed concerns over the state of the pathways, the children’s play area, and the overall management of the site. Officers responded by acknowledging the frustrations surrounding the EA timeline for the updated flood modelling and explained the legal distinctions affecting the pathway closures – namely a public right of way managed by Hertfordshire County Council and one without any designation. Officers affirmed the Council’s commitment to improving the site and securing significant funding for necessary investments as outlined within the committee report.

Members sought clarification on the legal advice received concerning the reopening of the public right of way, emphasising the need for scrutiny over how delegated powers have been used by Council officers. Officers clarified those decisions regarding public right of way fall under the jurisdiction of the county council and not the committee. The conversation also touched on the existence of a petition related to the path closure, which did not receive the necessary numbers required to be presented to committee, the responsibilities of health and safety, and the specific delegations being requested for accepting lottery funding and then securing contracts to spend the funding.

In response to a question raised regarding the alleged repurposing of the Aquadrome bridge, officers responded by stating that this was in fact not true, and no repurposing will take place.

Councillor Steve Drury moved the recommendation as set out in the report.

On being put to the committee the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

1. To note the content of the report.

2. Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance, in agreement with the Lead Member, to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding in order that external funds were awarded for the Aquadrome Programme can be accepted by the Council

3. Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance, in agreement with the Lead Member, to enter into contracts above the value of £25,000 for works procured under the councils procurement and contracts procedure rules relating to those secured external bids.