Questions submitted to full council next week

I have submitted two questions ahead of SCC’s full council next week:

On Haslemere fire services:

Further cuts to night cover at fire stations are being proposed by this council.  The first round of ‘transformational’ cuts had a significant impact on Haslemere station, which is now is currently often left empty.  Most incidents on Haslemere’s ground are now being covered from outside the areas resulting in increased attendance times- often between 20-30 minutes- when the promise is attendance is under 10 minutes, 80% of the time.  I understand studies indicate an overall reduction in attendance times as a result of the transformation, however this is not working for Haslemere- which also provides cover for any emergencies in the A3 Hindhead Tunnel.

My question, given the current situation as described above, how can I reassure my residents in Haslemere that they can have confidence in their fire service provision to assist in an emergency particularly during the night?  

On sustainable transport relating to SCC’s proposed new headquarters:

Given the distance of the proposed Woodhatch site from the nearest rail station, what plans will be made to ensure our residents, SCC staff and councillors are able to access the proposed new civic heart for Surrey by sustainable transport modes?

Update on Woolmer Hill tree situation in Haslemere

Many residents have contacted me about the tree on Woolmer Hill and the resulting build up of traffic. I have been working with SCC highways on this matter. Here is an update from our highways representative for Haslemere:

“The tree that was originally in question has been cut away and cleared but our tree surgeons discovered a further 4 dangerous trees that are in danger of falling. Where the trees are located unfortunately they require some additional specialist equipment including a crane, digger and cherry picker to carry out these works safely. Unfortunately this takes time to organise but the works will be carried out on within the next couple of days to get all 4 removed. Once again sorry for the inconvenience. ”

Mobile Coronavirus testing in Haslemere, 7 October until 14 October

A mobile Coronavirus testing facility is being established in Weydown Road Car Park, Haslemere, from Wednesday 7 October until Wednesday 14 October.

Testing is available to all those with COVID-19 symptoms, but must be pre-booked online. Booking is open from 5pm the evening before and on the day.

Residents should book on the national testing portal: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

Key workers should book on the government portal: https://www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers

Those without an appointment will be turned away.

Children under the age of 5 can be tested but there will need to be 2 parents or guardians in the vehicle – one driver plus one adult in the back to administer the test (you must not  leave your vehicle once on site). If only one parent is present, you must park away from the test centre and enter on foot, where you will be taken to a different area for testing.

Those without transport can walk into the testing centre, but will also need a pre-booked appointment.

Congratulations to Shottermill Infant School on achieving their Green Flag ECO status award

Congratulations to Shottermill Infant School on achieving their Green Flag ECO status award- thanks to the innovative and sustained efforts of the dedicated teaching staff, green team, pupils and parents. 

The school received their new hot compost bins before lockdown, funded from my SCC Members’ Allocation.  Head Jilly Storey comments – “a huge thank you to you for the grant that enabled us make the huge leap to dealing onsite with our own food waste. We have made our first lot of our own compost and are getting used to the new aromas around the site!”

Best of luck to Head Jilly Storey who is currently shortlisted for the National TES Environmental champion of the year.

Emergency utility works on Farnham Lane, Haslemere

Sent: 28 September 2020 12:55
To: Nikki Barton <Nikki.Barton@surreycc.gov.uk>
Subject: Emergency utility works on Farnham Lane, Haslemere

Dear Councillor,

For your information can I advise you of emergency works being carried out on Farnham Lane, Haslemere (Opposite Bracken Cottage).

Thames Water need to repair a burst water main. The traffic management that is placed is a Road Closure and the estimated end date is the 01/10/2020.

Kind Regards,

Network Coordinator – Waverley

Streetworks Team

Surrey Highways

Emergency utility works on Lower Street, Haslemere

Sent: 24 September 2020 10:37
To: Nikki Barton <Nikki.Barton@surreycc.gov.uk>

Subject: Emergency utility works on Lower Street, Haslemere

Dear Councillor,

For your information can I advise you of emergency works being carried out on Lower Street, Haslemere (Outside 66).

Thames Water need to repair a burst water main. The traffic management that is placed is Two-Way Signals and the estimated end date is the 30/09/2020.

We have requested manual control between 06:30-09:30 & 16:00-18:30 to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Kind Regards,

Network Coordinator – Waverley

Streetworks Team

Surrey Highways

Telephone: 01483 518035

For more information about what we do, please visit
Surrey Highways website

You can follow us on twitter @Surreytravel

Legal requirement for businesses to enforce rule of Six and display QR codes

Dear Cllrs and Clerks,

This morning, the Government announced that certain venues, including venues run by local authorities will now be legally required to display NHS QR posters in their venues by the time the NHS Test and Trace app goes live on Thursday 24 September. This includes all venues from the following sectors:

•            hospitality;

•            leisure and tourism;

•            close contact services;

•            places of worship; and

•            local authority venues.

A range of information and resources on the app and QR codes is available to view and download via the links below:

Introducing the app – explainer pack (PDF: 1.6MB)

NHS COVID-19 app features – overview poster (PDF: 159KB)

How to create a QR poster for your venue (PDF: 1.5MB)

Tips for displaying your QR poster in England (PDF: 1MB)

How to use QR codes to check into a venue (PDF: 1.6MB)

How to download the app on Android phones – guide (PDF: 2.6MB)

How to download the app on iOS iPhones – guide (PDF: 2.6MB)

In addition, all businesses and venues will be required to enforce the ‘Rule of Six’ or face fines of up to £4000.

Further information on the announcement is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/venues-required-to-enforce-rule-of-6-nhs-qr-code-posters-and-contact-logs

I will send out a one-off issue of our Business E-newsletter today and copy in local chambers, but in the meantime please feel free to share with your networks.

Kind regards,

Ian

https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1306952364394389505

Communications and Engagement Officer

Waverley Borough Council