People asked to choose name for new town bridge

Residents have been invited to select a name for a new pedestrian bridge in a Hertfordshire town.

Three Rivers District Council wants a new wider bridge to connect Rickmansworth Aquadrome to the Ebury play area.

People have been asked to share their opinions on five names proposed by the authority, each referencing the history in the area.

Emma Sheridan, associate director for environment at the council, said: "It is only fitting to have a name for the new bridge that best reflects the character and heritage of the Rickmansworth Aquadrome."

The new red bridge is planned to be 48.6m (159ft) long and 3m (10ft) wide, which is double the width of the previous bridge.

Contractor Beaver Bridges dismantled the original structure on Saturday and Sunday, and the replacement will be installed in March.

The council has considered five possible names for the bridge and people can share their opinions on their favourite until 28 March.

They include Harry Walker Bridge, which would honour a local boat builder whose family business, which he started in 1905, helped create the Aquadrome.

The name Ebury Bridge recognises the Grosvenor family, particularly Robert Grosvenor, 1st Baron Ebury, who during the Victorian era was involved in local railway development.

Meanwhile, Colne View Bridge would highlight the River Colne, a chalk river that hosts species of shrew, newt and bat.

Another suggestion, Ann Shaw Bridge, would commemorate Ann Shaw who led the council for 30 years and passed away in 2017.

Finally, Aquadrome Bridge would reference the nearby man-made lakes that the bridge connects to.

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