The precious Green in Croxley has become a source of uproar, after 170 boulders were placed on the site.
The decision by Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) and Croxley Green Parish Council saw the large rocks installed at the start of August to tackle parking issues.
Now residents and councillors alike have come together to oppose the decision.
Concerns have been raised over the impact of the boulders on the registered conservation area, the health and safety risks for drivers and pedestrians on the Green, and the amount of money spent on the installation.
On Friday, September 26, over 240 residents signed a Formal Enforcement Action Request to TRDC to address their serious concerns.
While the village has now been nicknamed ‘Croxley Henge’ and even had a visit from the Flintstones, the matter is far from a joke for locals.
Earlier this year, the community of Fremont in California was left in shock after a 57-year-old woman died after her vehicle collided with a boulder similar to those now situated on the Green.
For residents, this tragic tale has become a fear of what could happen.
At a meeting of the Climate Change and Leisure Committee on Wednesday, October 15, a motion was agreed for officers to undertake a structured review and set out potential alternatives to prevent parking.
After the meeting, Croxley councillor Chris Mitchell told CROXLEYnews: “I’m pleased the committee has listened to residents and agreed on a clear, practical way forward.
“A site visit and proper conversations with the parish council and local groups will help make sure everyone has a voice in finding the best solution.”
Sarratt councillor Oliver Cooper has also spoken against the boulders, explaining that the rocks are banned under the Commons Act 2006.
He told CROXLEYnews: “The council cannot breach the Commons Act, which every member of the public has the power to enforce. Allowing the council to get away with this would put many of our beloved green spaces at risk.”
A TRDC spokesperson said: “Following a Climate Change and Leisure Committee meeting, it was agreed that TRDC works with Croxley Green Parish Council to further explore the matter. The findings will be brought to a future committee meeting for scrutiny and a decision.”
They would look amazing with spring bulbs and later wild flowers 🌷. Natural sone will last , but wooden fences not. And who wants a fence. Flowers would bring the green to life