Clarendon Arch, Bush Hill Park is a Grade II Listed Structure. It is an aqueduct carrying the New River over Salmons Brook and is the oldest structure on the New River.
The Society has been raising concerns about its maintenance and access to the arch with both the Council and Thames Water for some time. In March, a meeting took place on site involving the key parties and Historic England. Following recommendations by Historic England it has been agreed that Thames Water will carry out essential maintenance including the removal of very large self-seeded ash and sycamore saplings growing immediately next to the historic walls.
Twenty years ago, Thames Water funded a public viewing area overlooking the arch. Due to a lack of maintenance and anti-social behaviour, the viewing area was closed and without consulting other parties, Thames Water sold part of the access path to the adjoining property owner. The Society and Historic England believes that people should be able to see this historic structure and is working with the Council and Thames Water to see how the viewing area can be reopened. It is likely that this will have to be by arranged visits such as for Open House Weekend.
The Society has said that if it helps to facilitate reopening of the viewing area it would be willing to act as a keyholder and provide access for organised visits.