The Parish Council has submitted a reponse to the recent Breakspeare School consultaiton. Details of the consulation can be viewed at https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/consultations/schools/breakspeare-school-consultation.aspx.

The Parish Council response can be viewed here. 

Risk and Policy Analysts Ltd. are carrying out a survey of residents for the Environment Agency. How aware are we of Property Flood Resilience?

If you would like to take part, please complete the survey at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/propertyownersandoccupiers/. The survey closes on 22 November 2021.

The study is part of wider work to enhance resilience to flooding. The GOV.UK site provides some more information:   https://www.gov.uk/government/news/29-million-extra-funding-to-boost-action-on-making-homes-more-resilient-to-floods

WHAT I CAN DO TO IMPROVE MY HOME AND REDUCE MY CARBON FOOTPRINT

Many of us in Croxley Green live in buildings that pre-date the Second World War and therefore are more difficult to insulate and protect from the excesses of the climate than post-war buildings. Everyone can do something to save themselves money. In this short article our advice can only be general.

In older homes, which were constructed in a time when coal was cheap and central heating was rare, most will, by now, have been improved and adapted with double glazing and loft insulation. If your home has not been improved or has only been partially improved there are a range of items for which you can get financial assistance under the Government’s Green Deal scheme https://www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures. These include:

• insulation, such as solid wall, cavity wall or loft insulation;
• heating;
• draught-proofing;
• double glazing; and
• renewable energy generation, such as solar panels or heat pumps.

For those who do not have central heating or whose boiler needs replacement there are alternative forms of heating which can attract financial benefits under the Government’s Renewable Heating Initiative (RHI) https://www.gov.uk/domestic-renewable-heat-incentive.

Even if you do not qualify for either of these schemes or do not wish to participate in them, there are so many things that you can do to your home to save money and improve your comfort. There are many firms which offer such services. Only use firms which belong to a recognised trade body and which offer guarantees or warranties.

• Roof insulation is essential and the more there is - 200mm or more laid in two layers along the joists and then across the joists - the better the fuel saving, but the worst heat losses occur at the eaves and other junctions where it is extremely difficult to stuff insulation quilt into the gap. Some of the quilt materials have to be handled carefully using gloves and a face mask.
  
  
• Pipe and tank lagging - Particularly if roof insulation has been fitted, all water pipes and tanks in the roof space should be very well insulated through their length. Any pipes in the floor should also be lagged.
  
  
• Windows cause the worst heat loss in any building and single glazing is responsible for huge losses. The older double-glazing systems are nothing like as good as the modern ones. In Northern Europe triple glazing is wide spread and it is becoming more common here with an extra cost of only 10-20% and we would recommend it. The most important feature of windows is the draught sealing of opening frames and the sealing around the frames against the brickwork. Get a warranty for the glazing system.
  
  
• External Walls in pre-war property. If you have solid brick walls you can improve the performance either by lining internal walls with insulated plasterboard (called dry lining) or placing insulating wall paper when redecorating or by the application of insulated render outside. Dry lining means that each room will become a little smaller: skirtings and window boards will have to be removed and re-fixed and the rooms will need redecoration. Insulating wallpaper does not take up space, but is less effective. However, everything helps. External insulated render, although very effective, will completely change the appearance of your home covering any architectural features. It is as well to consider the negative effects of both before taking a decision.
  
  
• External walls in post-war property. These are almost always built with a cavity wall with two brick or concrete block skins separated by a cavity of at least 50mm. It is common for people to have insulation foam or pellets injected into the cavity to improve the performance without the adverse effects of dry lining or insulated render. There can be problems with cavity fill, notably damp retention, particularly in more exposed sites.
  
  
• Many older homes have timber floors with a ventilated void below under part or all the ground floor. (This is apparent from the external air bricks). This means the floor can be very cold. Carpet (especially with underlay) or vinyl sheet reduce the heat loss but cannot fully offset the problem.   There are some very thin insulation slabs now available that are expensive but may be worth considering when replacing the floor covering.
  
  
• Front doors and garage doors. Modern front doors have much superior thermal insulation than older doors and come in a variety of designs many of which incorporate security features. If your garage is integral to the home, it may be worthwhile fitting an insulated door to combat the heat loss into this unheated area.
  
  
• Some of you will have old fireplaces with chimneys open to the air and use solid fuel. It may be worthwhile converting your fireplace to a stove with a sealed flue liner avoiding down draughts and improving efficiency. The chimney must be swept beforehand. You can also have a throat plate fitted to an open fire chimney which is closed when the fire is not in use.
  
  
• Thermostatic valves. Older radiators may not have thermostatic valves. These can be fitted to your existing system so that you can adjust the temperature in each room.
  
  
• Replacing the boiler. Modern gas boilers are more efficient than old ones and last 20-25 years with regular servicing but there could be an alternative fuel source which is as attractive (see RHI above).   One councillor replaced their old gas boiler with an air source heat pump. This has been successful and heats the house better than the old gas boiler. The house is a 1930s solid wall construction, showing that a heat pump can work if there is space for its installation. If you want to speak to the councillor, please contact the office for details.
  
  
• Modern thermostats and time clocks allow sophisticated use of heating and hot water. If you ever use an immersion heater, get a timer fitted so that you can set the hot water supply to suit your lifestyle and control cost.
  
  
• Efficient use of heat sources. Remember that warm air rises and therefore your downstairs hall radiator can also provide some heat upstairs. If you want to keep every room at an even temperature, leave internal doors open as much as possible so that the heat circulates throughout your home.
  
  
• Ensure any heating or hot water pipes which run through floors or the roof-space are well insulated.
  
  
• Too much sealing up. There is a danger that you can seal up your home too much and, as a result, it feels stuffy. Most modern windows can be fitted with “trickle vents” which allow limited air into the room.
  
  
• Close curtains. On the continent, buildings normally have external shutters that are closed to keep out the worst of the heat. Closing curtains reduces heat gain from the sun or heat loss in winter.
  
  
• Dripping taps. Get these fixed or replaced. The cost of the wasted water mounts up especially if you have a water meter.
  
  
• Dual flushing WCs. These are now standard in new homes or if you are replacing your appliances. They make a considerable difference to your water bill.
  
  
• Water butts. If you have a garden, fit water butts, use this source for irrigation and save on your water bill.
  
  
• If you know your water drains into a soakaway rather than the public sewer you may get a rebate on the drainage part of your water bill.

For further information on saving energy and please visit some of these links;

http://www.greenourherts.org.uk/

https://www.sustainablethreerivers.org/

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/

https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/egcl-page/green-homes-grant. This is for a grant for eligible applicants living in Three rivers District Council.

Would you like to represent the residents of Croxley Green and help keep it special? Then why not become a Parish Councillor.  A Casual Vacancies has arisen in Durrants Ward. However, you don't have to live in Durrants Ward to represent the residents there.

This is a great opportunity for a resident of Croxley Green to join the Council. Please get in touch with us to find out more about the role. Closing Date is Wednesday 22nd September 2021 and prospective candidates will be invited to attend a Parish Council meeting Thursday 30th September 2021.

Application forms can be downloaded here. 

To be eligible to become a councillor, you must:

• be over 18 years of age.

• be a British subject, or a citizen of the Irish Republic, a commonwealth country, a UK dependent territory or another country in the European community.

And meet at least one of the following:

• be on the Electoral Roll for the Parish

• live or work within the Parish and have done so for the last 12 months immediately before you are nominated.

• live within 4.8 kms (3 miles) of the Parish boundary.

You cannot stand if you:

• are employed by that council.

• have been declared bankrupt within the last five years if you have not repaid your debts.

• have been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to not less than three months imprisonment within the last five years.

• you hold a politically restricted post for another authority.

• you have been disqualified under any legislation relating to corrupt or illegal practices.

Closing date to submit applications is Wednesday 22nd September 2021.

Yorke Mead School are having an open morning on Saturday 20th November from 10 till 12 - please feel free to come along to look around the school - there will be children's activities and refreshments available. Tours of the school during the week are available too - please contact the school directly to book these.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 01923 778420

Croxley Green Parish Council has submitted the response to the new Local Plan.

Three Rivers District Council are currently undertaking a period of consultation for a new Local Plan for the district. You can view the plan and related documents at https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/egcl-page/new-local-plan. 

The Parish Council have discussed the plan at the previous 5 Planning & Development meetings, and have now formed a final response taking input from local residents, Residents Associations and sourcing independent professional advice. 

You can read the Parish Council response using the links below

Covering Letter to Three Rivers District Council

Croxley Green Parish Council Response to Preferred Policy Options

Statement prepared by Jed Griffiths on behalf of Three Rivers Joint Residents' Association and Kings Langley and District Residents Association

Croxley Green Parish Council Response to Site Allocations

Statement prepared by Jed Griffiths on behalf of Croxley Green Parish Council on two specific sites in Croxley Green

Friday 20th August 2021 is the last day you can submit your comments on the TRDC Local Plan either online or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Are you recently retired or approaching retirement and considering new activities?  How about joining us at Croxley Green u3a!

For more information visit our website: https://u3asites.org.uk/croxleygreen/home or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The RVS lunch club at the Mill End Community Centre in Rickmansworth is re-opening after lockdown.

The club runs every week day and is there for diners who are 60 years and over.

If anyone would like further information they can contact the manager, Tricia Hedge on the following email:

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