Author Archives: admin

South Western Railway Welcomes The Latest Addition to its Community Rail Partnership (CRP) Family

The inaugural Steering Group meeting of the Surrey Hills to South Downs CRP was held on Thursday 13 June, following the group’s registration with the national body, the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP). CRPs are not for profit organisations created to help further link local communities with the railway. Full press release here.

The new CRP, which covers Haslemere to Milford, with aspirations to extend to Farncombe, includes partners from Surrey County Council, South Downs National Park and Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, met to agree its action plan for promoting the destinations along the line, as well as encourage greater use of sustainable and healthy transport. It also considered bids that could be submitted into SWR’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF), when it is launched later in the year.

The CRP has grown up from the long-established station adoption of Haslemere, which includes art displays, the tending of green areas and planters, as well as the creation of a dedicated Information Hub, staffed by local volunteers.

The group is also working closely with the operator to provide one of its unique Try the Train days for the local school, supporting pupils as they prepare to make the step to secondary school, developing their confidence with rail travel.

SWR’s Community Rail Manager, Andy Harrowell, said:

“We already provide support and funding to 8 CRPs across our network, helping to involve our communities with our stations and services, and are delighted to welcome this new addition. The adoption work at Haslemere has made a real difference to the station and we look forward to working with the CRP to deliver similar enhancements along the line. We have already provided finances to support the Hub this year and will be discussing with the CRP other project funding for the future, based on the action plan discussed.”

Surrey County Councillor for Haslemere, Nikki Barton, Chair of the Steering Group said:

“The new Surrey Hills to South Downs Community Rail Partnership has come together thanks to the vision and hard work of our dedicated volunteers and partners, and with the invaluable support of SWR and ACoRP. We have exciting plans for a range of projects going forward, which build upon the key role our train stations play in the vitality of our communities and their strategic locations as gateways to the beautiful surrounding countryside.”

Allison Thorpe from South Downs National Park Authority, and Caroline Price of Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, added:

“2019 marks 70 years since the Government passed an Act of Parliament to establish national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In this anniversary year, both the South Downs National Park and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are delighted to come together in this the new line partnership to encourage more visitors to access these special places by rail.”

Station adoption see groups work with the operator to add a local feel to each location. SWR has committed to helping each group register with ACoRP, paying their membership fees, as well as offering a specific fund to support work. SWR has 18 ACoRP registered station adopters across the network, ranging from Brentford, to Templecombe and Wareham. It is keen to encourage more, and is in discussions with a number of groups to adopt stations in the future.

Contact Information
South Western Railway Press Office

press@swrailway.com

SWR’s family of Community Rail Partnerships include:
• Blackmore Vale CRP (Tisbury to Crewkerne)
• Devon and Cornwall RP (Axminster to Exeter)
• East Hants CRP (Liphook to Rowland’s Castle)
• Hounslow line CRP (Barnes to Feltham)
• Island line CRP (Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin)
• Lymington to Brockenhurst CRP
• Purbeck CRP (Moreton to Holton Heath, including Swanage Railway)
• Three Rivers CRP (Salisbury to Bursledon / Winchester, via Romsey and Chandler’s Ford)

New Signage for Public Footpath in College Hill

In September 2015, Waverley’s Local Area Committee agreed to proceed with formalising the public footpath that leads from the High Street (next to Lloyds Bank) and goes up to College Hill. Here are the committee papers for that decision. The footpath had been blocked by a local property developer, to the anger of residents. The developer appealed the decision.

In December 2016, a decision was made for a Map Modification Order – Footpath 604 Haslemere, meaning the developer had to open up access again. This decision followed a public inquiry held at Haslemere Museum, with representation from Surrey Council Council, The Haslemere Society, The Half Moon Estate Residents’ Association and many residents. More here.

For a long while residents have campaigned to have signage on the footpath.

The signage has been installed this week.

Beech Road Pavement Repair Postponed

Last week, I wrote about the Beech Road pavement reconstruction here.

Please see below an update about this reconstruction work:

From: Works Communication Team/EAI/SCC
 
To: Nikki Barton <Nikki.Barton@surreycc.gov.uk>
Subject: Works postponed: Pavement reconstruction – Beech Road, Haslemere – Traffic delays possible

Dear Cllr Barton

This is to advise that these works have been postponed due a clash with SGN works. The advanced warning signs will be collected next week and the works will be reprogrammed. We do not have a new date for this work as yet, but will be sure to update you once we do.

Sometimes our plans have to change, often due to bad weather or problems on other works in the same programme which can have a knock on effect. If anything changes with the details of these works, we will let you know.

You and your residents can also find up to date details of the works on www.surreycc.gov.uk/roadworks.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us on 0300 200 1003 or email works.communication@surreycc.gov.uk.

Kind regards

Works Communication Team
Local Highway Services
Surrey Highways
Email: works.communication@surreycc.gov.uk

South Downs Rambler Information

From: “East Hampshire CRP” <info@easthampshirerail.co.uk>
Date: 6 June 2019 at 12:07:23 pm BST
Subject: FW: South Downs Rambler information sdpriorit

Dear stakeholder

We are delighted to inform you of the return of the South Downs Rambler Rail Bus link this Summer between Winchester and Petersfield rail stations.

Please find attached the bus timetable and a detailed bus stop map.

The service will operate every Sunday and Bank Holiday between 7 July and 8 September, taking in breath-taking views of the South Downs and visiting most of the tourist attractions on route.

So, now there is really no excuse not to explore the South Downs Way and this beautiful part of Hampshire.

Enjoy

Mark Miller

East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership Officer

07900 103296

www.easthampshirerail.co.uk

www.facebook.com/easthampshirerail

www.twitter.com/easthantsrail 


Notification of Pavement Reconstruction, Beech Road, Haslemere

To: Nikki Barton <Nikki.Barton@surreycc.gov.uk>
Subject: Pavement reconstruction – Beech Road, Haslemere – Traffic delays possible

Dear Cllr Barton,

This is to advise you that we will be carrying out pavement reconstruction on Beech Road, Haslemere from 17 June (8am to 4:30pm) for approximately 5 weeks.

The road will remain open with traffic being managed by temporary lights and the pavement will be closed in sections whilst we carry out our works.

Leaflets and signs will be delivered over the next few days to advise residents and businesses of the upcoming works.

Sometimes our plans have to change, often due to bad weather or problems on other works in the same programme which can have a knock on effect. If anything changes with the details of these works, we will let you know.

You and your residents can also find up to date details of the works on www.surreycc.gov.uk/roadworks.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us on 0300 200 1003 or email works.communication@surreycc.gov.uk.

Drew Buerger

Works Communication Team
Local Highway Services
Surrey Highways
Email: works.communication@surreycc.gov.uk

HillFest is on 15th June

I have been asked by The Friends of Woolmer Hill to publicise Hillfest, which takes place on 15th June at Woolmer Hill School.

Forget Glastonbury, Saturday 15th June 2019 sees the return of the most exciting music festival of the year, Haslemere’s HillFest! Taking place in the beautiful grounds of Woolmer Hill School, this family friendly festival showcases a host of incredible local talent and is supported by the Haslemere Fringe and the Music Works.

Following on from the success of the first HillFest two years ago, which had over 800 attendees and a brilliant line up of acts, this year’s festival is going to be just as good – if not better! Bands booked to perform so far include the alternative rock band, Cause for Concern (who are just about to release their debut EP!), indie/pop Woking band Sour Kix (veterans of numerous festivals and support of many big names, from Jessie J to the Kaiser Chiefs), young indie rockers St Paulo and indie/funk/fusion, the Tropics. Along with dancers, poets, musicians and other performers, HillFest is the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon of music, fun, food and sport – right on your doorstep. Festival-goers can flex their sporty muscles and have a go at archery, table tennis, football and badminton and satisfy their tastebuds and quench their thirst with a range of delicious food stalls and a licensed bar.

Organised by the Friends of Woolmer Hill, a registered charity, all money raised will go straight back to helping provide a better environment for the school pupils. Profits will be used to purchase essential science, arts and sports equipment plus allow the school to continue with its annual ‘Community Week’ where pupils undertake a wide range of enrichment activities.

Thanks to the involvement of the Haslemere Fringe and the Music Works, HillFest gives young people the opportunity to perform at a professionally run festival and the local community  a  fabulous music-filled afternoon. If you’re interested in performing, or would like more information, then please contact Friends of Woolmer Hill via the Hillfest webpage www.hillfestival.co.uk.

Councillor Update

This is my first councillor update since being elected to Surrey County Council and re-elected to Haslemere Town Council.

6th May 2019 – received update from South Western Railway regarding electric charging points at Haslemere Station. The update states South Western Railway will be installing eight electric vehicle charging points in Haslemere station car park. Read more here and here.

Charging points

7th May 2019 – travelled by train and bike to County Hall in Kingston for meetings and to sign Surrey County Council declaration papers.

7th May 2019 – received a Surrey County Council invitation to join a member reference group to support the development of a refreshed Surrey Climate Change strategy. I will sign up to join this group.

10th May 2019 – meeting with SCC highways officer to discuss way of future working together.

11th May 2019 – took part in Haslemere’s Critical Mass Bike Ride. Read my write up here.

11th May 2019 – attended Gourmet Geezers charity dinner. All proceeds for the Gourmet Geezers cookbook (on sale in Haslemere Bookshop) will go to The Hunter Centre.

13th May 2019 – attended Surrey County Council Residents’ Association/Independent group meeting County Hall in Kingston.

13th May 2019 – attended Haslemere Town Council induction meeting.

14th May 2019 – promoted information online about Members’ Community Allocation Funding to support local community groups. More here.

14th May 2019 – shared information online about road surface dressing works in Lion Lane, Haslemere. More here.

14th May 2019 – met briefly with Haslemere First Scouts and local WBC councillors in Critchmere and Shottermill ward to understand the history of this scout group’s dealings with the previous WBC administration in respect to their tenure at The Youth Campus.

14th May 2019 – attended steering committee meeting for Haslemere Vision, discussing the future of Haslemere’s Neighbourhood Plan.

14th May 2019 – shared a note about the process of Mayor Making here.

15th May 2019 – attended South Western Railway Community Rail in the City at Waterloo station to promote Haslemere’s businesses and beautiful surrounding countryside.

16th May 2019 – attended Haslemere Town Council’s full council meeting. Papers here.

17th May 2019 – attended Haslemere South Residents’ Association meeting and drinks at The Georgian Hotel.

19th May 2019 – a great Little Lumpy event – over 600 riders raising funds for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. It was fun cheering the riders as they crossed the line. Well done Ken Griffiths and his amazing team of volunteers – including all the cake makers.  I have promised to ride next year, I invite all my fellow councillors to join me!

Pictured with Robert Groves, professional hand cyclist

21st May 2019 – attended my first Surrey County Council Full Council meeting since being elected. Papers here.

Greeting peaceful Climate Change activists outside County Hall before Full Council

28th May 2019 – shared information about Tennyson’s Lane road closure for Thames Water works. More here.

29th May 2019 – met residents and Thames Water on site to discuss the Tennyson’s Lane road closure and major diversion.  Major works are being carried out to the main trunk water pipe that supplies a large part of Haslemere. I liaised with the Highways team to agree an improved road management program that will reduce the time Tennyson’s Lane is closed. Thames Water letter here.

29th May 2019 – received notification that the Surrey Hills to South Downs Community Rail Partnership has been officially recognised by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships.  The original Haslemere Community Rail Partnership, successfully established in 2015, is expanding to include, as a first step Milford and Witley stations.

30th May 2019 – met with Highways officers on site at the road junction by St Stephen’s Church that is in very bad condition.  It was on the winter maintenance list last year, but works were not carried out.  I am pressing for a full resurfacing of this busy junction as a matter of urgency.

Notification of Future Events/Meetings

1st June 2019 – planting session for Wey Hill In Bloom. Volunteers are asked to meet at 10am outside Haslewey.

20th June 2019 – Launch of the Surrey Climate Commission. Event information here.

28th June 2019 – Waverley Local Area Committee Meeting,
Waverley Council Chamber, The Burys, Godalming GU7 1HR.

12th July 2019 – Surrey’s Rural Economy Conference 2019,
Cranleigh School Cranleigh Surrey GU6 8QQ

Update about Tennyson’s Lane Closure for Thames Water repair

The letter below is being sent to Tennyson’s Lane residents today regarding the works by Thames Water to replace a Trunk Main. I wrote about this here earlier this week.

Resident Letter from Thames Water

Thames Water have shared with me that they had a leak on site yesterday, as the team suspected. During a hand dig operation they exposed a ferrule which was certainly already leaking. The team stayed till 10pm last night to get this fixed and are now continuing the planned works on the trunk main.

Tennyson’s Lane road closure for 6 weeks

Thames Water needs to replace the large diameter water pipe (Trunk Main) which feeds all the other smaller pipe to prevent leaks in the future. This large water pipe provides water to a huge area in Haslemere so it’s essential that it’s replaced.

Tennyson’s Lane will be closed from the junction with Scotland Lane to the junction with Chase Lane. A road closure is required as Tennyson’s Lane is far too narrow for any other alternative form of traffic management. They will also be carrying out works on Scotland Lane (close to the junction) so there will be Multi-Way Signals as well. The works are due to take place between 27/05/2019-07/07/2019. 

I have been informed that Thames Water are to liaise with Waverley Borough Council to address waste refuse collections. 

Surface Dressing Works in Lion Lane

I have received notification of surface dressing works in Lion Lane on Thursday this week:

Around one hundred roads across Surrey are scheduled to receive surface dressing during May and June. The programme is due to start on Wednesday 15th May.

Surrey County Council’s surface dressing team will treat areas with a high volume of traffic that require preventative treatment to keep them in a good condition. We will also seal and waterproof the road, provide a new surface to improve braking and increase safety. This work is highly weather dependent so likely to change. The road surface has to be completely dry to lay the surface dressing so even a small amount of rain, or rain overnight, could stop the works taking place if it’s not dried out in time. You can find out more on SCC’s surface dressing page.