Some neighbours have become concerned about work due to take place to redevelop a lake without any public consultation.

Hertsmere Borough Council has published some plans to develop Warren Lake, in Bushey Heath, in an attempt to make it more appealing for the public to use.

However, with work due to start in two weeks’ time, some neighbours have become concerned that they were agreed without a public consultation.

Louise O'Riordan, who is angry at the lack of public consultation, said: “These works are due to take place on a community asset that the community neither approved nor were consulted about.

“These proposed works will drastically change the look and the function of a much used area, so much so that many members of the public will be excluded from using it.

“It seems totally underhanded and unfair that these proposals have been rushed through without public consultation.

“According to the plan dogs are to be banned from Warren Lake. This is not fair.

“Apart from my obvious concerns about exclusion of groups of people my main concern is where the money comes from and why it is not being used for its intended purpose ahead of the park facelift.

“It seems totally unfair that a select few have decided the future of a public and community based asset. That is not democracy.”

Hertsmere Borough Council is looking to improve some of the overgrown shrubs and will remove some selected plants in the garden and around the lake. New planting will be completed near to the Warren Road entrance.

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The plans will also improve the whole path network and the council is going to remove the railings between the garden and the lake to install an additional path route around the water.

Other works include a tree health condition survey which revealed some of the trees will require being removed to accommodate the wider footpath.

Peter Ashby, 72, who lives in High Road, said: “The Forsdyke Garden was built to commemorate a Victorian woman called Mary Forsdyke in 1953.

“Some of the trees and shrubs have been there ever since and now the council wants to remove this.

“The weeping ash tree is beautiful in the summer but the council want to remove it and make a meadow styled park which seems to be the new thing.

“There are some parts of the redevelopment I agree with including cleaning the water in the lake but the removal of the trees and shrubs is unacceptable.”

The council is also looking to introduce wildflower meadows and lake improvements to enhance the look and feel of Warren Lake.

Heather Little, 33, who lives in Warren Road, said she is not opposed to the developments and believes they will make the area look very appealing.

However, she said the idea that dogs will not be allowed in the new development is completely wrong.

She said: “As a dog owner myself I walk my Labrador through the area on a daily basis and I have never come across any antisocial dogs or any dog dirt not picked up.

“I believe the council is being given advice by a group of elite members in the area but a lot of families use the lake and they have dogs as well.

“If it is not open for dog owners where will these people go? They would have to find somewhere else to walk their dogs. It is just wrong.

“Like I said I am not opposed to the development and I do welcome it but dog owners should be still allowed to use it.”

The project is being funded through section 106 contributions received by the council from local developments.

Hertsmere Borough Cllr Seamus Quilty, in charge of the environment, said: “We have exciting plans to improve Warren Lake and Mary Forsdyke Garden for the benefit of all its visitors. “The plans include making improvements to the lake, ensuring better access to the open space and re-designing the planting.

“We are aware of unauthorised posters being stuck on our information board, falsely advising visitors that there will be a ban on dogs as part of these plans. These rumours are completely unfounded.

“We have written to nearby residents advising them of the improvement plans and letting them know how they can have their say on these plans.”

How do you feel about the redevelopment? Comment below or email steven.brown@london.newsquest.co.uk.