Aldenham Country Park, with its adjacent reservoir and surrounding land is a precious resource for our community. I spent many happy days there as a child and still take my children regularly. It is exactly the sort of place that makes where we live so special.

Like many of you, I am concerned about its future as Hertfordshire County Council’s lease of the reservoir and surrounding land expires.  At the same time, there are reports that the dam that supports water levels in the reservoir is at risk of failing. None of this will directly impact on the park itself but clearly, the loss of water from the reservoir and access to its entire perimeter would completely change the nature of the place.

There has recently been a proposal from developers, now withdrawn, offering to secure the site and the dam in return for permission to build on green belt on the far side of the reservoir.

It is likely that there will be other similar proposals, which the council will clearly have to consider carefully.  This should be based on a hard headed analysis. We need to be clear that there is actually a current threat to the dam as the most recent analysis suggests that this may not be the case. Similarly, we should not feel forced into a hastily decision. Once open countryside is gone, it is gone forever. Such a route should therefore only be pursued if it genuinely is the only option to preserve something we all hold dear.

As your MP, I will continue to work with interested parties such as the Country Park Trust, the Sailing Club and Residents’ Associations to explore every alternative avenue of support. I am determined to do all I can to secure this beautiful place for our children and grandchildren.

This article appeared in the October edition of MyBushey and MyRadlett news.