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Two Temporary Traffic Orders – Courts Hill Road and Scotland Lane, Haslemere

COURTS HILL ROAD (D5523), HASLEMERE – TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC ORDER 2020

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL PROPOSE TO MAKE the above mentioned Temporary Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Courts Hill Road (D5523), Haslemere that extends from its junction with Longdene Road (D5523) to the south-eastern property boundary of “Courts Corner”. This Traffic Order is required to enable SGN to carry out gas mains replacement works. These works are anticipated to be carried out between the hours of 7:30am and 5pm within 6 weeks of the 12 month period of operation of this Temporary Order that commences on 23 March 2020. Advanced warning signs will be displayed and the temporary closure which is anticipated will be required for 24 hours each day, will only operate when the relevant traffic signs are displayed. Access for pedestrians; dismounted cyclists and equestrians will be maintained at all times. Access for residents and businesses on the affected length of Courts Hill Road (D5523), including access for emergency services to such properties will be maintained at all times via the vehicular diversion route which will be: Eastbound – Lower Street, Haslemere High Street (around Town Hall), Shepherds Hill and Midhurst Road. Westbound – Midhurst Road, Shepherds Hill and Lower Street.

SCOTLAND LANE (D5524), HASLEMERE – TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC ORDER 2020

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL PROPOSE TO MAKE the above mentioned Temporary Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Scotland Lane (C32), Loxhill that extends from the south-eastern property boundary of “Foxwarren” to the south-western property boundary of “The Old House”. This Traffic Order is required to enable Morrison Utility Services to make a new water service connection. These works are anticipated to be carried out within 4 days of the 12 month period of operation of this Temporary Order that commences on 24 March 2020. Advanced warning signs will be displayed and the temporary closure will only operate when the relevant traffic signs are displayed. Access for pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, emergency services, residents and businesses will be maintained at all times. The vehicular diversion route will be via: For eastbound traffic – Midhurst Road, Shepherds Hill, Lower Street, High Street, Petworth Road and Haste Hill. For westbound traffic – Haste Hill, Petworth Road, Lower Street, Shepherds Hill and Midhurst Road.

Update on Scottish Power works with temporary lights at Tanners Lane/Lower Street junction in Haslemere

This morning, I spoke on site with the Scottish Power project coordinator and crew who are working in Haslemere and have set up the temporary lights by the Lower Street and Tanners Lane junction.

They tell me they have extended their road closure licence until the 24th April for the temporary traffic lights. 24th April is the worse case scenario end date for the lights.

Scottish Power will amend their signage to reflect a change in date to 24th April

I explained that the current signage states the work will finish on 5th March and that it would be helpful to set expectations by amending the details on the board. They have agreed to do this.

The project has taken longer than expected due to complications. These have included cables at one building that were 8m down and required deep excavation, some pipes that had pushed into drains and, the poor weather.

They tell me the lights will be recalibrated in the next few days as the company will move their works to the other side of Lower Street.

I have arranged a further meeting with the site manager for next week to discuss further.

Outcome of South Western Railway consultation into late night and early morning services

I have received an update from South Western Railways following their consultation re late night/early morning services. Kindly read below:

Dear Nikki,

I am writing to let you know that following last Autumn’s public consultation into changes to late night/early morning services, we will be pressing ahead with the improvements on a trial basis from December 2020. As a result, passengers will benefit from:

  • More late night services on Fridays and Saturdays
  • A more reliable railway for everyone
  • Less overrunning engineering works

Although this will mean the withdrawal or retiming of a small number of late night/early morning services on Sunday-Thursday affecting around 400 passengers, by allowing Network Rail additional time for engineering work we will deliver a more reliable railway for the hundreds of thousands of passengers who travel on the network every day.

The full results of the consultation are available at: www.southwesternrailway.com/consultation

Network Rail will carry out a large programme of improvement work in the Guildford area over Easter

I am sharing an update I received from South Western Railway about
a large programme of improvement work in the Guildford area over Easter that will affect train services for rail users including Haslemere residents.

Passengers advised to plan ahead this Easter with Guildford area set for 10 days of improvement work

  • All lines in the Guildford area will be affected by improvement work between Friday 10 and Sunday 19 April 2020
  • A limited South Western Railway (SWR) service will operate between London Waterloo and Guildford via Cobham & Stoke D’ Abernon between Tuesday 14 and Sunday 19 April
  • Great Western Railway (GWR) and CrossCountry services will be replaced by buses throughout
  • Southern passengers for Guildford will need to change at Epsom for onward SWR services

Network Rail will carry out a large programme of improvement work in the Guildford area over Easter to provide a more reliable railway and better performing train services.

Engineers will lay almost a mile of new track for trains to run on and over a mile of conductor rail to supply trains with electricity. 41 new track circuits, which tell signallers where trains are on the network, will be installed. The project has taken more than two years to plan and will take 12,000 man hours to complete.

Between Friday 10 and Sunday 19 April, all other services by SWR, GWR, CrossCountry and Southern are affected as follows:

  • SWR services between Woking/Guildford and Haslemere will be replaced by buses
  • SWR services between Guildford and Aldershot will be replaced by buses
  • GWR services between Reading and Gatwick Airport will run between Reading and Ash, with buses replacing services between North Camp and Guildford/Gatwick Airport
  • CrossCountry services from Newcastle to Guildford will terminate at Reading
  • Southern services for Guildford will start and finish at Epsom, with passengers required to transfer to SWR services to travel on to Guildford
  • SWR will run a limited service between London Waterloo and Guildford, via Cobham & Stoke D’ Abernon, from Tuesday 14 April.

Passengers should plan ahead and check before they travel with National Rail Enquiries or their train operator, as services are subject to changes and may take longer.

Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “We would like to encourage passengers who travel through Guildford to plan ahead and check before they travel, as there will be a very limited number of services between Friday 10 and Sunday 19 April.

“We apologise for the disruption that our improvements will cause however this work is vital if we are to improve both the railway and train services in the area. Closing the line for 10 days will allow us to carry out much more work compared to a series of more limited weekend closures, which could take months.”

Alan Penlington, South Western Railway Customer Experience Director, said: “These crucial works will increase the reliability of train services that travel through Guildford and help reduce disruption in the future. I realise there is never a convenient time to close the railway, but Network Rail has chosen to carry out these works over the Easter holidays when passenger demand is typically lower.”

“I really appreciate the patience of our customers whilst the improvement works are carried out and I urge anyone who is traveling via Guildford over the Easter period to check before they travel.”

Notes to editors

  • As part of our multi-billion pound Railway Upgrade Plan, we’re working for you to allow trains to run more frequently, faster, and to improve the reliability of the rail network to reduce delays in the future.
  • Network Rail is investing over £2bn over the next five years to upgrade signalling, tracks, structures, embankments, stations and depots to give passengers in South West London, Surrey, Hampshire, Somerset better journeys with fewer delays.
  • Our timetables are planned 12 months in advance, and we schedule in the time needed for planned works to improve the rail network.
  • When we need to carry out planned engineering works, such as replacing tracks or upgrading signalling systems, we might need to close a section of track for 24 hours or longer to complete the upgrade work efficiently and safely.
  • Trains run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so there’s no time when the network isn’t being used, meaning works can cause some disruption for passengers and businesses.
  • We plan works for certain times, so they cause the least disruption to passengers such as on bank holidays, Sundays and overnight, when the network is less busy.

Suspended – RMT Strike Monday 9, Tuesday 10, Thursday 12 & Friday 13 March

Notification from South Western Railway that RMT strike action has been suspended

Haslemere’s Neighbourhood Plan


For the past six years, a core group of more than 80 Haslemere Vision volunteers, working on behalf of Haslemere Town Council, have been consulting the community on future development priorities to include in the neighbourhood plan for Haslemere, Shottermill, Critchmere, Beacon Hill, Hindhead and Grayswood.

How and what to prioritise is a key issue in the public consultation, and responses – both supportive and negative – will inform the final version of the draft plan, which it is now the responsibility of the town council to deliver.

As the Haslemere Herald reported in its article, Taking Back Control,
if a majority of residents back it in the referendum, Haslemere Neighbourhood Plan will be enshrined in law and its policies will apply to all planning applications in the area.

Following the consultation process, the plan will be submitted to Waverley Borough Council to invite further comment before submitting it to an independent examiner to approve it for referendum.

If a majority of residents back it in the referendum, Haslemere Neighbourhood Plan will be enshrined in law and its policies will apply to all planning applications in the area.

The adoption of the neighbourhood plan also has important strategic funding implications.

Waverley currently applies a community infrastructure levy (CIL) on all developments, of which 15 per cent – capped in the case of large developments – goes to Haslemere Town Council.

An adopted neighbourhood plan means the town council is given more responsibility for decision making and its share of CIL will rise to 25 per cent with no cap.

The increase in funding will mean Haslemere and the surrounding area can undertake more ambitious new projects or partner with Waverley and Surrey County Council to deliver larger schemes.

Haslemere mayor John Robini, who is chairing the working party taking the plan forward, said: “Our aim is a plan that will help deliver the long-term goals of a balanced and vibrant neighbourhood.”

The plan identifies four key objectives:

* To encourage development that meets Haslemere’s housing needs while protecting the character of the area – in particular to encourage more homes for young people, local workers and downsizers.

* To protect and enrich green spaces and the surrounding natural environment.

* To re-balance road use, limiting the adverse impact of motor vehicles by improving provision for off-street parking and/or alternative forms of transport.

* To protect existing employment and encourage more diverse local employment opportunities to create a sustainable community.

I confirm that the final versions of the Neighbourhood Plan and summary are now up on Haslemere Town Council’s website.

https://www.haslemeretc.org/uploads/1/1/5/9/115942197/final_neighbourhood_plan_ver_2019.10.pdf

https://www.haslemeretc.org/uploads/1/1/5/9/115942197/final_neighbourhood_plan_summary.pdf

Joint statement on coronavirus cases in Surrey and West Sussex

In the last half hour, I have received the statement below from the Head of Surrey County Council’s communications team:

This afternoon the Chief Medical Officer for England announced three further patients who were “close contacts of a known case”, had tested positive for COVID-19. These relate to a man who tested positive in Surrey on Friday 28 February so brings the total number of confirmed cases in Surrey to two. We can also confirm the other two cases in this family cluster have been confirmed in West Sussex. All cases are adults and are not health workers.

Ruth Hutchinson, Interim Director of Public Health for Surrey County Council, and Anna Raleigh, Director of Public Health for West Sussex County Council, have issued a joint statement following the Chief Medical Officer’s update.

They said: “We are working closely together and with Public Health England and the NHS to make sure everything possible is being done to protect people in our respective counties and minimise the spread of the virus.

“We’re receiving regular updates from colleagues at Public Health England who are already making good progress in contacting anyone who has been in close contact with the individuals to provide them with advice about what to do if they start to feel unwell, and how to manage if they are told to self-isolate.

“This work is a key way of minimising any risk to them and the wider public and while this is fast-moving situation we would like to reassure everyone that our county councils and health colleagues are well-prepared and doing all we can to minimise the chances of further cases.

“Anyone who is not contacted directly by PHE should continue to go about their life as normal but take extra care to follow public health advice on simple steps we can all take to help reduce the risk of infection.”

Dr James Mapstone, Acting Regional Director (South of England) for Public Health England, added: “PHE is providing specialist advice to local authority partners around two confirmed cases in Surrey and two in West Sussex. The four cases are part of an adult family cluster. We are aware of the people they have been in contact with and we are making contact with those people to issue appropriate advice and steps to take if they start to feel unwell.”

Background

  • The confirmed cases are not GPs or health workers. Contact tracing is underway and that includes testing some people. It is not surprising that a GP surgery has closed for cleaning as that is part of the primary care guidance.
  • The tracing and managing of contacts who have had significant exposure to confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus is being co-ordinated by Public Health England.
  • The process starts with a predetermined list of information being collected on each patient. This includes details of any places visited following the onset of symptoms or, in the case of travellers, since they arrived in the UK.
  • This is either done by the clinician caring for the patient or in conjunction with them. Translation services will used if needed to ensure the information is as accurate as possible.
  • Information is also collected about significant contacts – those people in close contact with the case while symptomatic, such household members, fellow travellers etc.
  • Using the available information, all close contacts of the case will be assessed and either categorised into high or low risk.  All contacts will be provided with health advice about symptoms and given emergency contact details to use if they develop symptoms in the 14 days after the exposure occurred.
  • Those considered to be at higher risk will have a verbal assessment of their health and their health will be monitored on a daily basis and they will asked to self-isolate.  Should any of the group report symptoms they will be assessed and offered testing in line with current guidance.

PHE recently used contact tracing successfully in Brighton to track all know cases and prevent any further cases.

If I live in Surrey or West Sussex am I at extra risk because of the recent cases?

  • We ensure that someone with coronavirus doesn’t put others at risk by treating them in isolation and carefully investigating who they had close contact with through contact tracing.
  • Contact tracing is a fundamental part of outbreak control that’s used by public health professionals around the world.
  • If a person tests positive for coronavirus, we speak to the patient to identify anyone who has had close contact with them during the time they are considered to be infectious and go all out to find these people as soon as possible.
  • Once we have contacted them we can then give them the advice they need. If they are in groups considered to be a higher risk, we make sure that we follow up with them daily to see how they are.  If they become unwell we are then able to assess them quickly and take appropriate action.

What does self-isolation mean for people who don’t have symptoms?

  • Just like when you have the flu, individuals should remain at home and should not go to work, school or public areas. Where possible, individuals should avoid having visitors to their home but it is ok for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food. Individuals should not use public transport or taxis until 14 days after their return from Wuhan.
  • Individuals should monitor their symptoms and call NHS 111 (or your national alternative) if they develop any of the following symptoms – fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

There are things you can do to help stop germs like coronavirus spreading:

  • Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

There is also an NHS link which contains hygiene and prevention advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

We’re currently not accepting interview bids on this.

Original statement published on Surrey County Council’s website here.

Coronavirus update from Surrey’s Director of Public Health

I have been liaising over the last 24 hours with Surrey County Council’s leadership and through them Public Health England (PHE). Below is the latest update, also published here on Surrey County Council’s website. I am hoping to be able to supply more information and guidance for residents in Haslemere as soon as possible – but this is dependent on information Public Health England is able to provide. Statement follows:

Ruth Hutchinson, Interim Director of Public Health for Surrey County Council, said: “I have spoken to colleagues at Public Health England this morning and will remain in continuous contact while we manage the situation in Surrey.

“PHE updated me on their work and steps they have taken since the case was confirmed. They are already urgently contacting anyone that has been in close contact with the individual to provide them with advice about what to do if they start to feel unwell, and how to manage if they are told to self-isolate.

“This vital work will continue throughout the weekend and is a tried and tested method that ensures we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.

“Anyone who is not contacted directly by PHE should continue to go about their life as normal but take extra care to follow public health advice on simple steps we can all take to help reduce the risk of infection.

“I appreciate that news like this can be a cause for concern, so I would reassure everyone that Surrey County Council, together with the NHS and PHE is taking every necessary measure to help reduce the risk of the virus spreading.”

Background

  • The tracing and managing of contacts who have had significant exposure to confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus is being co-ordinated by Public Health England.
  • The process starts with a predetermined list of information being collected on each patient. This includes details of any places visited following the onset of symptoms or, in the case of travellers, since they arrived in the UK.
  • This is either done by the clinician caring for the patient or in conjunction with them. Translation services will be used if needed to ensure the information is as accurate as possible.
  • Information is also collected about significant contacts – those people in close contact with the case while symptomatic, such household members, fellow travellers etc.
  • Using the available information, all close contacts of the case will be assessed and either categorised into high or low risk.  All contacts will be provided with health advice about symptoms and given emergency contact details to use if they develop symptoms in the 14 days after the exposure occurred.
  • Those considered to be at higher risk will have a verbal assessment of their health and their health will be monitored on a daily basis and they will asked to self-isolate.  Should any of the group report symptoms they will be assessed and offered testing in line with current guidance.

PHE recently used contact tracing successfully in Brighton to track all known cases and prevent any further cases.

If I live in Surrey am I at extra risk because of the recent cases?

  • We ensure that someone with coronavirus doesn’t put others at risk by treating them in isolation and carefully investigating who they had close contact with through contact tracing.
  • Contact tracing is a fundamental part of outbreak control that’s used by public health professionals around the world.
  • If a person tests positive for coronavirus, we speak to the patient to identify anyone who has had close contact with them during the time they are considered to be infectious and go all out to find these people as soon as possible.
  • Once we have contacted them we can then give them the advice they need. If they are in groups considered to be a higher risk, we make sure that we follow up with them daily to see how they are.  If they become unwell we are then able to assess them quickly and take appropriate action.

What does self-isolation mean for people who don’t have symptoms?

  • Just like when you have the flu, individuals should remain at home and should not go to work, school or public areas. Where possible, individuals should avoid having visitors to their home but it is ok for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food. Individuals should not use public transport or taxis until 14 days after their return from Wuhan.
  •  Individuals should monitor their symptoms and call NHS 111 (or your national alternative) if they develop any of the following symptoms – fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

There are things you can do to help stop germs like coronavirus spreading:

  • Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

There is also an NHS link which contains hygiene and prevention advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

We’re currently not accepting interview bids on this.

Public Health England and Surrey County Council statement on confirmed COVID-19 case in Surrey

This evening, the BBC reported a patient at Haslemere Health Centre (which has been closed for “deep cleaning” since this morning) is the first to be reported to be infected with the coronavirus in the UK. BBC article here.

Surrey County Council is continuing to work together with partners including Public Health England (PHE) across Surrey and the UK to monitor and ensure preparedness for the Coronavirus outbreak.

Dr Alison Barnett, Centre Director, Public Health England South East, said:

“Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19. One of the latest cases is a resident of Surrey and we’re working closely with NHS colleagues in that area as well as Surrey County Council to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases.

“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

Interim Director of Public Health for Surrey County Council Ruth Hutchinson said:

“Surrey County Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Surrey are protected.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“If you have recently been to one of the affected countries and are feeling unwell, you should phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus”

Notes to Editors

  • Surrey County Council, PHE and the NHS are well prepared to deal with coronavirus. Our priority is to safeguard local communities which sometimes involves taking preventative measures to help reduce the risk of further cases.
  • We cannot comment further on individual cases due to patient confidentiality.
  • Details on testing are published daily at 2pm and includes a breakdown of negative and positive tests https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
  • For more information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19)

PHE https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Temporary Traffic Order – The Avenue, Haslemere – SGN gas main replacement works

NOTICE: THE SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL THE AVENUE (D5512) HASLEMERE AND PUBLIC FOOTPATH 16 HASLEMERE TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC ORDER 2020

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL PROPOSE TO MAKE the above mentioned Temporary Traffic Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit pedestrians or any person proceeding by any other means from entering or proceeding in –

(a) that length of The Avenue (D5512) Haslemere, also known as Public Footpath No. 16 (Haslemere), which extends from the property boundary line between property Nos. 37 and 39 The Avenue to the property boundary line between the properties known as “Hollydown” and “The Tree House, 1” Woodlands Lane;

(b) that length of Public Footpath No. 16 (Haslemere) which extends from its junction with D134 Farnham Lane to the property boundary line between the properties known as “Hollydown” and “The Tree House, 1” Woodlands Lane.

This Order is required to enable SGN to carry out gas main replacement works, which is anticipated to be completed within 5 weeks, between 7.30am and 5pm, during the 3 month period of operation of this Order which will commence on 11 March 2020. Advanced warning sign will be displayed and the temporary closure, which is anticipated to be in force 24 hours per day, will only operate when the relevant traffic signs are displayed. Pedestrian access to premises within the affected lengths of the footpath will be maintained at all times. Diversion Route – Public Footpath No. 16 (Haslemere), D134 Farnham Lane, Public Footpath No. 108 (Haslemere) and D5512 The Avenue otherwise known as Public Footpath No. 16 (Haslemere).