The councillor behind the idea for Three Rivers' first ever rainbow crossing is undeterred by criticism and says he hopes to see more installed.

The colourful crossing was installed in Leavesden Country Park this month which Three Rivers District Council says is in recognition of LGBTQ+ communities.

The thermoplastic design incorporates the traditional rainbow Pride flag to represent the LGBT+ community, with a chevron of black and white stripes to represent people of colour, and blue, pink and white for transgender people.

The white also symbolises those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS.

Watford Observer: Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst by the rainbow crossing in Leavesden Country ParkCouncillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst by the rainbow crossing in Leavesden Country Park

The crossing has been welcomed by many but some Observer readers weren't so impressed.

In our comments section one person wrote: "What a waste of time and money, would of been better money spent on helping the homeless", while another said "The Lib Dems are happy to waste money on this project, yet they will not spend money on CCTV where crimes like drug abuse and ASB are going on".

The council has confirmed the rainbow crossing cost £1,800 which Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, who came up with the idea, said was "a very small amount of extra money" compared to repainting the existing zebra crossing.

The Liberal Democrat councillor says he was told by officers repainting the zebra crossing would have cost between £700 and £1,000. He added the £1,800 was funded by a highways budget the district council has access to.

Watford Observer: Three Rivers Liberal Democrat councillors Stephen Giles-Medhurst and Sara Bedford who came up with the idea of a rainbow crossingThree Rivers Liberal Democrat councillors Stephen Giles-Medhurst and Sara Bedford who came up with the idea of a rainbow crossing

Another criticism of the rainbow crossing was that it puts lives at "risk".

The commenter said: "A driver who isn't paying attention might just think its a funky painting on the road...waste of money and puts children's lives at risk."

Others said the rainbow crossing didn't look like a pedestrian crossing anymore.

Responding to those concerns, Cllr Giles-Medhurst said: "There are warning signs saying it is a pedestrian crossing - perhaps if they can't see that, they shouldn't be driving.

"This is not on the main highway and it has been done in lots of local authorities and the Department for Transport allows for them."

Watford Observer: Leavesden Country Park rainbow crossingLeavesden Country Park rainbow crossing

He would like to see another rainbow crossing installed outside Three Rivers House in Rickmansworth.

The councillor said: "We will wait to see how the thermoplastic coating works and subject to budget constraints, we will look at the feasibilities of putting one in.

"The rainbow crossing is sending a very clear message on diversity and gender support. The crossing in Leavesden Country Park is in a very important location that will have been seen by lots of people and I think it sends a very powerful message.

"We want to show wider support for our diverse community in Three Rivers and make it clear that everyone is respected for who they are."