Tag Archives: Independent Councillor

Haslemere County Councillor Update from the past 2 months

A belated Happy New Year to readers of my blog. Here is an update of some of my county councillor activities from the past couple of months.

Attended the following Surrey County Council meetings

Other work related to Haslemere

Station Travel Plan (STP). Secured funding for a STP. This is in partnership with Haslemere Vision. The first stage of background research has been completed. Happening now and for the next few days, there will be a travel survey and Haslemere Vision is looking for volunteers. Please click here to see how you could help Haslemere Vision for one or two hours.

Haslemere train station forecourt and additional deck car park. I met with representatives from South West Trains/Network Rail/Surrey County Council to finalise plans before key stakeholder consultation.

Highways schemes. Gateway schemes underway and some of you may have seen SCC notices in town. Work is going to start in the next two weeks. Shepherds Hill railings and Midhurst Road scheme still to be snagged/finished- lighting/electricity supply problems.

Shepherds Hill Road Safety worksRoad markings to improve pedestrian safety outside Grayswood School have been installed. Funded this highways scheme outside Grayswood Primary school to improve the safety of children, parents and staff walking to school.

The 30mph speed limit, Grayswood Road, town end. The 30mph limit on the approach to Haslemere High Street has been extended towards Grayswood. New signage has been installed.

MidhurstRoadSafety

Fosters Bridge: Arranged replacement of missing railing under the bridge.

Wey Hill crossing: Plans finalised for pedestrian crossing opposite Shahanaz. Installation date TBC.

Youth service: SCC paid provision has been re-allocated to Farnham following SCC Youth Services Needs Assessment agreed in Sept 2015. I raised my concerns for Haslemere. Success in lobbying for additional youth work resources at the Wey Centre – external funding has been secured to provide a paid member of staff to work one day per week to support young people. The CCard Scheme, 1-2-1 and ‘Early Help’ support for young people will continue to be provided in Haslemere through the SCC Community Youth Work Service.

Haslemere Station Community Partnership, town promotion: Attended start up meeting – using members’ allocation to fund start up with involvement from National Trust, South Downs National Park Authority, Haslemere Visitor Info Centre, Haslemere Museum, SWT, HTC, SCC, Haslemere Events.  Vacant shop at station to be used as pop up to promote community events and visitor information.

Sandrock lighting. Pedestrian lighting should be installed in the next few weeks.

College Hill right of way: SCC has now submitted a map modification order for the right of way access for the pathway leading from the Petworth Road to College Hill. The process will be delayed as the developer who installed the railings and blocked the access has lodged an appeal. This is now going to be a lengthy process. More here and Haslemere Herald article here.

Press release from the SCC Independents’ Group of Councillors regarding the Central Government’s decision to cut the Rate Support Grant. Read our statement in full here. The Residents’ Association and Independent Group is the largest opposition group within Surrey County Council. It currently has nine members, representing divisions from across Surrey. The group leader is Cllr Nick Harrison and it has members represented on all the committees of the council.

IMPORTANT. Bus Consultation affecting Haslemere. Consultation closes March 16th. Here is a link: www.surreycc.gov.uk/transportreview and a summary of routes affected.

Spend of my annual Members’ Allocation

  • Haslemere Basketball Club. There will be a full press release for my next councillor update but here is an early indication of how the funds will be spent via an email sent to me by the club:

    “We are so grateful for the grant money provided by Surrey County Council via councillor Nikki Barton. We have already bought two match balls as per our funding application, which have been used in a recent match (see photo below). We’re looking into the best deals for the rest of the equipment and kit we require, and hope to have completed purchases and orders by the end of January.”

Members of Haslemere Basketball Club

Members of Haslemere Basketball Club

  • Haslemere Hockey Club’s schools program. Please read (click on thumbnail) Schools Programme 1 and (click on thumbnail)

Schools Programme 2to learn how the Hockey Club has spent the funds for youth coaching.

  • Table Tennis Club lighting. Funded new high-luxe level lights so that the table tennis players can use the Woolmer Hill gym for club nights.
  • Haslemere Events will take on the lease of the train station shop for community event promotion. I have given some of my members’ allocation to fund legal costs.

PLEASE NOTE there is still time to apply for funding for your local organization. Here are my contact details.

Other Items

Lion Green Post Office campaign. Please note the Facebook campaign page to try to keep the Post Office following M&S’ acquisition of the Co-operative site in Lion Lane.

Stepping Stones. High Court Appeal won. More here in the Haslemere Herald.

Haslemere Hub. The HaslemereHub meets at the Georgian Hotel & Spa every Tuesday (from 2nd February) from 9am for coffee with workshops for all local independent businesses. The purpose is to collaborate, share and grow! Your first visit is FREE!. Here is their Facebook page.

Are you a business owner in Hindhead or Beacon Hill? Meet the Mayor – Hindhead and Beacon Hill businesses

Waverley Ensemble. March 5 was due to be the first Waverley Ensemble Concert of 2016, but the concert has been moved to Saturday April 16 at St Christopher’s Church Haslemere at 7.30pm. Program: Arias sung by Amanda O’Brien and Telemann Flute, Violin and Cello Concerto with Susan Milan and Andrew Taylor. For more information please go to: www.ishanibhoola.com.

South Downs National Park Authority volunteering map. South Downs NPA website has a volunteering opportunities map – which enables organisations with volunteer opportunities to promote these opportunities to a wider audience. Link here to their website and map. www.southdowns.gov.uk/volunteering-map

Phase One Parking Proposals for Haslemere

Site visits for the Waverley-wide parking review were carried out in September and October 2013, with recommendations presented to the Waverley Local Committee on 13 December 2013.

The decisions made at the meeting were recorded in the minutes. Decisions, resolutions and plans.

The recommendations are now being formally advertised. The drawings showing all the locations, by councillor division; are shown bvia this link https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/parking/parking-news-and-updates/parking-news-and-updates-in-waverley.

Should you wish to comment or object to one or more of the proposals, you can do so by completing the feedback form here: Waverley Parking Review.

The closing date for all submissions is Friday 4 April 2014.

Alternatively should you wish to physically view the drawings of the proposals you can do so by visiting one of the following locations during their normal office hours.

  • Haslemere Library, 91 Wey Hill. Haslemere.

In addition please note:

  • That the proposed permit holder only schemes for the shared use parking bays in West Street and St Christopher’s Green, Haslemere will be advertised in April. Please also note that the proposals for these are still shown on the plans.

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/parking/parking-news-and-updates/parking-news-and-updates-in-waverley

This is an extract for Haslemere from the committee report.

3.8 HASLEMERE

Weydown Road (24050, 24052, 24116, 24138, 24139) Along the entire length of the road, introduce sections of single yellow line applying 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday in order to prevent parking on both sides of the road in any one place. A section of single yellow closest to Derby Road on the western side of Weydown Road will have a restriction applying only between 3pm to 5pm Monday to Friday in order to benefit visitors to the nearby Church. Weydown Road is currently heavily parked by commuters on both sides of the road which makes the passing of two way traffic very difficult, obstructs sight lines due to the bend in the road and puts cyclists at an increased risk due to their unnatural position in the road. In addition to these proposals, double yellow lines will be provided on the Weydown Road junction with High Lane and the existing single yellow lines by the junction with Derby Road will be upgraded to double yellow.

Derby Road j/w Weydown Road (24052) Upgrade the single yellow lines on this junction to double yellow to maintain sight lines at all times of the day.

High Lane j/w Derby Road and Weycombe Road (24140) Introduce double yellow lines on this staggered set of junctions to maintain sight lines and road safety. In addition, keeping this area clear will help the school crossing patrol officer who works by the Derby Road junction.

Derby Road (24050) West of the junction with Church Road, extend the existing double yellow lines on the north and south side further westwards in order to cover driveways and give better sight lines and access, particularly during school pick up and drop off times. In addition, downgrade the section of 8.30am to 6.30pm single yellow line restriction outside Derby House to the same times are per the remainder of Derby Road (10am to 2.30pm). This will provide additional parking during school pick up and drop off times.

Church Road (24050) Outside the accesses to numbers 15, 17 and 19, introduce two lengths of double yellow lines to improve sight lines for these drives and to limit the parking between the two dropped kerbs to two vehicles as opposed to three vehicles.

Tanners Lane (24055) Extend the existing double yellow lines on both sides of the road to improve traffic flow and sight lines. On the south side the lines will extend up to the Church Green Cottages. On the north side the lines will extend up to the extent of the white dashed edge of carriageway marking by Church Hill Gate.

Bridge Road (24054) Extend the existing double yellow lines by the junction with Popes Mead up to number 13 Bridge Road. This will help with the passing of traffic without impacting too significantly on the current parking practices of Bridge Road residents.

West Street (Service Road by Fire Station) (24054) The residents parking bay here is underused during the day and it is therefore proposed to introduce a free one hour limited waiting period (in addition to permit holders) in order to allow this bay to be used by visitors to the nearby shops as well as by existing resident permit holders.

Sandrock (24117) Opposite numbers 10 and 11, extend the existing double yellow lines opposite the driveway of number 11 to assist with access to and from this drive.

Courts Hill Road (24058, 24117) On the north side introduce 4 lengths of double yellow lines to prevent parking opposite the drives to numbers 1a, 3 to 9, 11 and 15. In Courts Hill Road parking only takes place on the north side and this makes it difficult for residents with properties and driveways located on the south side to exit their driveways. This proposal eradicates this problem throughout the street. In addition, revoke the ‘permit holders only’ parking bay outside Haughton House as this bay is very underused during the day and is causing unnecessary displacement of vehicles to the eastern half of Courts Hill Road.

It is also proposed to allow properties with steep or narrow driveways on the north side Kings Road (24057) Extend the existing double yellow lines on both sides of the road southwards up to and partly beyond the Leisure Centre entrance to prevent parking on this section of bend to maintain sight lines and road safety. This is a change for the TRO only to match the layout currently on the ground.

St Christopher’s Green (24051) On the unrestricted section by the church, introduce a 2 hour limited waiting bay for three vehicles (same restriction as Bunch Lane) in order to provide additional visitor parking for the Church or nearby shops. On the residential side on St Christopher’s Green, extend the existing double yellow lines by the garage to cover the dropped kerb for this garage. In addition, outside properties ‘Dawn Cottage’ and ‘Elmbank’, convert this section of residents bay here to permit holders or 1 hour limited waiting. As this parking bay is underused during the day, having these two end spaces available for visitors to the shops will make better use of the available space.

Lion Green (24056) Outside the Methodist Church, revoke the single yellow line to allow parking during the day but extend the existing double yellow lines that are to the east of the church by approximately two car lengths. This extension of double yellow lines will cover the eastern access to the church and a car length beyond in order to help maintain traffic flow by clearing the white central hatching that reduces the width of the carriageway lanes at this point.

Lion Mead (24056) Increase the limited waiting period on the parking bay from 1 hour to 2 hours in order to give additional time for church visitors.

Lion Lane (24049, 24051) On the north eastern side of Lion Lane, introduce double yellow lines from the junction with Underwood Road (also covering this junction) northwards up to the boundary of numbers 76 and 78 (excluding the lay-by outside numbers 40 to 44). This proposal will significantly improve two way traffic flow by keeping parking on this side within the layby areas only and not allow parking to take place half on and half off the footway which happens during school pick up and drop off times and in the evenings.

Weysprings (24051) Outside number 2, reduce the existing double yellow lines so that they do not cover the dropped kerb for this property. This is at the request of the resident.

Lower Road, Grayswood (24047) On the north side between the existing school keep clear marking and double yellow lines, fill in this gap with additional double yellow lines in order to keep parking on one side of the road only in the vicinity of the Grayswood House entrance and prevent parking by this entrance.

This is consultation only and any comment may be sent to me on nikki.barton@surreycc.gov.uk or David Curl, Parking Strategy & Implementation Team Manager Parking Strategy & Implementation Team Local Highway Services Surrey Highways on 0300 200 1003 or via e-mail  david.curl@surreycc.gov.uk

Agenda LAC (Waverley) Dec 2013. Parking Review. Surrey Cycling Strategy. Next Full Council. Local Items

Cycle strategy meeting on 28th November 2013

Attended this meeting. View webcast here:

Item 13 of the LAC December 2013 meeting (see below) will consider the outcome of the recent consultation.

You may be interested to read the Draft Consultation, Surrey Transport Plan – Cycling Strategy 2014 – 2026 here.

FUTURE SCC MEETINGS

LAC Waverley meeting 13th December 2013

A review of the Phase 1 changes to the on-street parking arrangements in Haslemere that were introduced earlier this year (including residents-only parking and some yellow lining) is currently being carried out by the SCC parking team.  The review recommendations will be discussed at the Local Area Committee meeting being held in Godalming at 1.30pm on Friday December 13th, 2013.  The Committee can agree with the recommendations or adjust them, following which final recommendations will be published in the Haslemere Herald and in the Library for a period of public consultation.

All feedback will be taken into consideration and the recommendations with or without amendments will be taken to the Local Area Committee meeting in March 2014 for decision.

I have worked with the parking team to assess the impacts of Phase 1 with reference to 3 key criteria: Safety, Access and Efficiency. In my view, any refinement, enhancement or modification of the current Phase 1 arrangements will need to be based on these criteria alone.  This means that we can expect a relatively modest number of recommendations to come out of this regular parking review.  The full SCC parking review report and maps, are included in the committee papers, including the agenda.

The annual review of on-street parking in Waverley-wide car parking review is item 8 (pages 9-112), Waverley-wide review here.

If you only wish to read the Haslemere Review and see the maps, click here.

Environment & Transport Select Committee

Here is the agenda for the meeting of the Environment & Transport Select Committee to be held on 12 December 2013.

Items include:

  • Surrey Highways Customer Service & Resident Satisfaction
  • Community Recycling Centre Service Update
  • Tree Maintenance
  • Gully Cleaning Update

Next Full Council meeting

The agenda for the meeting of the COUNTY COUNCIL on 10 December 2013 is available here.

The meeting will be held in the Council Chamber and available to watch live on the Council’s website (http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/webcasts).  There is public seating in the gallery for approximately 50 people.

UPDATE ON LOCAL ISSUES

Wey Hill Re-surfacing

I am delighted that following extensive discussions with SCC highways Wey Hill has now been fully resurfaced.  In my November uopdate, I mentioned that there had been interim repairs. It was surprising to discover that Wey Hill was not included in the Project Horizon road repair program. I am grateful to John Hilder and his team at SCC for agreeing that the extremely poor condition of the road warranted a full repair.

Members’ Allocation

All SCC County Councillors receive a members’ allocation, £12,826 to be spent in their local communities.  I encourage any groups that would like to apply for some funding for their charity or community projects to contact me at nikki.barton@surreycc.gov.uk.  The deadline for applications for the 2013/14 is mid February, so I do urge anyone interested to apply.

Councillor Surgery

I look forward to receiving any input from people in Haslemere and Grayswood, and will host a surgery from 9.30-11.00am on Monday 9th December at Haslewey. See here for more information.

Junction Place

The yellow lines have been finally removed from Junction Place slip lane and this means there is space for more parking for shoppers here now.

Camelsdale Admissions Consultations

I wrote about this last week. Please read here.

Waitrose Local Producers Shopping Event

Waitrose are hosting a Christmas Shopping Evening between 4-8pm on Thursday 12th December. There are several local producers such as Langhams Brewery (Surrey), Wickham Vineyard (Fareham), More Food Cakes (Chichester), Farmhouse Cookery (West Sussex) which will offer tastings of their products, all stocked by Waitrose.

Proposed Changes for Admission to Camelsdale Primary School.

This was brought to the attention of Surrey County Councillors and Surrey’s Borough and District Councillors today by Claire Potier, Principal Manager Admissions and Transport (Strategy), SCC.

This is an extract of the communication but please read this document here for more information.

Dear Colleague

Surrey County Council is consulting on the proposed changes to admission arrangements for some community and voluntary controlled schools from September 2015. Full details of the consultation and the changes being proposed are available at www.surreysays.co.uk.

Changes to the schools which will be considered to admit local children when assessing nearest school for community and voluntary controlled schools:

Camelsdale Primary School in West Sussex to be added to the list of out of County schools which will not be considered to admit local children.

The consultation on the proposed changes will run until Monday 20 January 2014. I would encourage you to read the paperwork and if you wish to submit your views please complete an online response form. Alternatively if you would prefer to respond on a paper form, please telephone the Surrey Schools and Childcare Service on 0300 200 1004 to request a copy. Please note that only response forms which are fully completed with the respondents name and address will be accepted.

After the closing date, responses will be collated and presented to Surrey County Council’s decision making Cabinet on 25 February 2014. Its decision will then need to be ratified by the full County Council on 18 March 2014.

Once determined the final admission arrangements will be placed on Surrey’s website at www.surreycc.gov.uk/admissions.

I look forward to receiving your comments.

All the best

Claire Potier

Principal Manager Admissions and Transport (Strategy)

Tel: 01483 517689

Wey Hill, High Street, Critchmere, Cycling Strategy, Kings Road, Crossrail, Sturt Farm. Fracking, Funding, Shepherds Hill, Derby Road, Lower Street, Stoptober

A summary of items I’ve been dealing with in the past couple of months.

Wey Hill: Confirmation from Mark Borland, SCC Highways, that significant patching of Wey Hill will take place on 11th November, 2013 removing all visible defects and potholes. In May/June 2014, the road will be ‘surface dressed’ providing a protective coating over the patching work delivered in November to deliver an overall new road surface.

Unfortunately the surfacing material cannot be laid when temperatures are low, hence the delay until spring/summer next year to complete the scheme.I have requested that Highways consider using this resurfacing opportunity to improve pedestrian safety in Wey Hill and instate a crossing using the existing build out and drop curb at the top of Wey Hill/St Christopher’s Green.  This is an issue that will be brought to the Haslemere and Western Villages Task Group for discussion.

Shepherds Hill lime tree: Agreed with John Hilder, SCC Highways, to wait for Haslemere Town Council decision on way forward. SCC will contribute to the tree. Haslemere Society has also expressed interest in contributing to a replacement tree.

Critchmere traffic survey: John Hilder, SCC Highways, is to chase up on post Hindhead tunnel opening/impact of traffic calming survey in Critchmere.

High Street railings outside Clayton Fine Jewellery: Railings semi repaired by SCC work gang, but apparently work stopped when May Gurney work gang arrived on site. I have asked Highways for clarification, and for any possible funding, to replace the railings.

National Trust notice board to promote Swan Barn and other activities: permission given by SCC Highways to situate outside Boots in the High Street subject to agreement on design by WBC conservation officers and with the understanding that SCC does not take responsibility for maintenance. Awaiting confirmation from SCC Highways on responsibility for installation.

Rex Cinema plaque, Wey Hill: Permission granted by SCC Highways for installation of memorial stone and the memorial service will take place on September 22nd.

Derby Road, St Bartholomew’s School: Made a request to David Hodge that a solution should be found to make the currently unadopted, potholed section of Derby Road in front of St Bart’s school safe for children, staff and parent access. John Furey, Cabinet member for Transport, was asked to report on all schools across Surrey sited on unadopted roads. There are currently 10.  The initial report suggests resurfacing 85 meters of Derby Road to a standard that would last 10 years at a cost of £17,000. I am waiting for a response to my question on how this repair would be funded.

Two Parks Project: Met with Paul Fishwick, project coordinator to discuss Haslemere as a gateway to the South Downs National Park, including cycle signage, upgrading of sections of the Serpent Trail, the Sunday Midhurst bus service that will start next summer and the potential for improved signage at the station for visitors.  Discussed the possibilities of improving facilities for commuters accessing the station by bicycle on the back of the Two Parks project station upgrade, and ensuring that new signage includes Devils Punch Bowl and wider tourist information. Attended the National Parks sustainable transport stakeholder conference, Sept 12 in Brockenhurst in my role as champion for Haslemere within the South Downs National Park.
 
Draft Cycling Strategy: Surrey County Council’s draft cycling strategy is now out for public consultation. The strategy has been developed with input from borough and district councilors and sets out SCC’s aims and objectives to increase the numbers of Surrey residents cycling safely whether for travelling to work or school or for leisure and health. It also sets out what is proposed to manage less positive aspects of cycling such as cycle casualties and large numbers of cycling event in some parts of the county.

The consultation runs until 1st November. All the documents are available on the County Council website: www.surreycc.gov.uk/cyclingstrategy.

Comments may also be sent to cyclingstrategy@surreycc.gov.uk

I plan to work with Lesley Harding, SCC ‘Sustainability Group Manager’, to develop a Local Cycle Plan for Haslemere during 2014. Safer cycling and walking access for all ages has been identified as a key issue in the Haslemere Vision public consultation to date. It is very positive that SCC is developing a countywide strategy. Haslemere is well placed to benefit from synergies arising from improving cycle/walking provision for local residents, commuters and tourists.

You may be interested to watch this YouTube video which was sent to all councillors by a Mytchett resident, How the Dutch got their Cycle Paths

Surrey set to lobby for Crossrail 2 and new stations: The county council will argue the case for Crossrail 2 to come into Surrey, as well as for the possibility of new stations at Park Barn and Merrow in Guildford. Article here.

Kings Road exit: no left turn: have requested that signage be reorientated, at present it has twisted round and is not fully visible from the junction.

High Street cobbles: SCC Highways to assess if cobbles need to be re laid to improve pedestrian safety.

Town Hall grass triangle: awaiting response from SCC Highways regarding refurbishment/paving of triangle grass border which is permanently damaged.

Fernhurst Fracking: SCC Highways input to the Waverley Borough response to West Sussex consultation for a scoping opinion: requesting thorough analysis of: potential traffic implications on Haslemere, noise, dust, odour of traffic and operations, impact on drainage and water supplies in the area, impact on landscape and impact on biodiversity in the area.
 
Sturt Farm development: SCC Highways are not aware at present of this planned application.

I understand the next public consultation by the developer will be 23rd Sept 4-8pm in Hasleway, Lion Green. If there is a formal application, it will be submitted to Waverley Borough Council. List of Waverley Councillors representing Haslemere here.
 
Outstanding Funded Actions remain from 2012/13 Local Area Committee: Funding allocated for feasibility studies addressing the issues of:

  • Flooding at Fosters railway bridge
  • Traffic management at the Critchmere triangle
  • Traffic management at the Coombers triangle: I have questioned the need for this and feel the funds (approx. £2000) could be better spent elsewhere in Haslemere. As the funds have already been allocated by the LAC it may have to go ahead.

Haslemere and Western Villages Task Group will meet in Oct/Nov, 2013. I will be sending through a provisional list of items for discussion for feedback.

Haslemere Vision: I spoke at a session of Haslemere Vision on Saturday 14th September. This session was a briefing and workshop on what can be in a neighbourhood plan, the process of plan preparation and the planning context behind neighbourhood planning. I’d like to draw your attention to an event relating to Haslemere Vision on Saturday September 28th.  A “visioning” workshop at which the groups will start on the process of developing a shared overarching vision for Haslemere and the Villages in 15 or 20 years time. It will run from 2:00pm till 4:30pm at the Church Hall of Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Derby Road.

Also, please consider taking the time to have your say in Haslemere Vision’s engagement survey.

Next Local Area Committee meeting will be on 20th September 2013 at Cranleigh Village Hall. These are the documents relating to this meeting.

Town Council Update: Presented the above to Haslemere Town Council on 11th September.

In addition…

Lower Street Temporary Traffic Order.The Temporary Traffic Order is required to enable the laying of a new water supply on behalf of Thames Water. The works are anticipated to take place on Sunday 29th September and Sunday 6th October 2013 between the hours of 09:00 hrs and 16:00 hrs within the one month order which commences on the 29th September 2013. View Lower Street – Diversion Diagram.

Stoptober is back and people around the country will take the 28 day challenge to stop smoking during October. Last year over 160,000 people successfully quit smoking for Stoptober, thanks to the wide range of quitting support available. Surrey Stop Smoking Service is supporting the event and will be offering free help and advice to those who want to quit. By stopping for 28 days, people are five times more likely to stay smoke free. Residents who want to give up smoking may visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/stoptober or call 0845 602 3608 to find out more information.

Shepherds Hill/Haslemere Vision/Fracking and More

Shepherds Hill potholes

There have been conversations with residents and SCC on this issue. As well as arranging a site visit with John Hilder (Local Highways Manager), I also met with Trevor Pugh (SCC Highways Strategic Director, Environment and Infrastructure) to request urgently needed road repairs on the A286 on Shepherds Hill.  While individually the potholes apparently fail to meet the ‘safety matrix’ requirements for immediate repair by SCC Highways, I explained that drivers are now swerving to avoid the ‘chicane’ like series of potholes, onto the opposite carriageway creating a significant safety hazard.  In addition, I pointed out that a large number of valuable vintage cars and motorbikes will be travelling up Shepherds Hill en route for the Festival of Speed at Goodwood this weekend.

I have been pressing SCC Highways for a date for the Project Horizon resurfacing, but as I understand that likely date for this will be October/November at the earliest, I requested that a decent quality repair of the holes be made before the Festival of Speed traffic starts arriving.

Good news, or so I thought, I heard on 12th July that Shepherds Hill should be repaired on that same day,  before the Festival of Speed. Unfortunately, SCC’s contractors repaired just one pothole. This is very disappointing and the contractors have now placed signs at the foot and top end of Shepherds Hill.

TopShepherdsHill

BottomShepherdsHill

Large Tree at foot of Shepherds Hill

I’ve been informed that tree branches are obstructing sight lines. I’ve spoken with officers about this.

Haslemere Vision

Attended Haslemere and Villages Vision steering group meeting.  The Vision is a non political, community led forum to enable everyone who lives or works in Haslemere and surrounding villages to pool ideas and resources to create a master plan for future development.  The Vision has pledged to use new Localism powers to undertake and deliver projects that preserve and enhance the wellbeing of the area for the benefit of all those associated with it.

A new questionnaire (click here) has been launched this week on the website (www.haslemerevision.org.uk) to ensure as many views as possible are taken into account (paper copies available at the Town Hall, Haslewey, The High Lane Community Centre, Haslemere Library and Haslemere Hall).

After many months of preparation the Vision will start to work on drafting the Haslemere Neighbourhood Plan in September. More volunteers are needed to join both the steering group that will lead the process forward, and the five working groups to develop the policies and proposals that will inform the plan.

The 5 work groups are: 1) Transport, traffic and parking 2) Environment- built and natural (including housing) 3) Economy and Local Business, 4) Culture, Education and Leisure and 5) Well being Health and Inclusion.

Please get in touch with Haslemere Vision via the website or email info@haslemere.org.uk if you are interested in any of these issues and want to play a part in Haslemere’s future.  The Vision is open to everyone, and everyone’s views count.

Surrey CC Police: Waverley Safer Neighbourhood Team

Met with Tom Budd, Surrey Police Neighbourhood Commander who is based at the Bury’s, Godalming to understand the policing provision for Haslemere.

Haslemere is one of the communities within the Waverley Safer Neighbourhood Team, which includes 13 Neighbourhood Police Officers, and 17 Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s)who deal with local issues and low-level crime.  PCSO’s have the power to seize alcohol, drugs and to stop vehicles requiring the driver to provide name and address. They have no powers of arrest.

Haslemere, Grayswood and Chiddingfold are served by Neighbourhood Police Officer PC Swindell and Community Support Officer George David.  (http://www.surrey.police.uk/my-neighbourhood/waverley/wvhg/meet-the-neighbourhood-team).

Regular local neighbourhood policing team surgeries are held: coming up

  • Meet the Beat: July 24th, 2-3pm at The Wheatsheaf Inn, Grayswood Road, Haslemere
  • Meet your Neighbourhood Staff, August 6th, 11-12.00am at Haslemere and District Community Hospital, Church Lane, Haslemere.

In addition cover is provided by an:

  • Emergency response team based in Guildford responding to 999 calls. Each shift has 4 cars located around Waverley.
  • Dog units, 4 for Waverley
  • Detective team
  • Casualty reduction officer and 2 roads policing support officers
  • Domestic violence team

An innovative multi-agency Safer Waverley Partnership has been established between:

Waverley Borough Council

Surrey County Council

Surrey Police

Surrey Fire and Rescue 

National Probation Service

Guildford & Waverley Clinical Commissioning Group

North East Hampshire & Farhnam Clinical Commissioning Group

The mission statement of the partnership is “Feeling Safe and Being Safe in Waverley”. An annual Strategic Assessment of crime and disorder issues in Waverley is carried out and an action plan is drawn up showing how the partnership intends to tackle the issues highlighted.  The Partnership also works with many other organisations to deliver projects and improve community safety.  The Partnership has several delivery groups focusing on areas, individuals and different types of crime and disorder. It also links with groups at divisional, county and regional level.

The partnership has a strong focus on preventative work, initiatives include:

  • Providing free home fire alarm checks
  • Ride it Right scheme to reduce motorbike casualities on the A3
  • Road User Awareness Days for Year 11 pupils across Waverley
  • Safe Drive, Stay Alive courses for over 16 year olds
  • Free panic alarms and shed locks for vulnerable residents
  • Youth intervention team enters into acceptable behaviour contracts with young people.   As a measure of the success of the strategy, there has not been a report of antisocial behaviour on Lion Lane, Haslemere in the past 6 months. Haslemere officers PC Swindell and PC Will Davis are very proactive locally.
  • Safer Waverley initiative identifies local trouble hotspots where individuals are either causing trouble or are vulnerable.  The Community Incident Action Group brings all parties together as part of a Joint Action Group to make sure that the proposed interventions are the most effective.

Tom Budd highlighted  the disconnect between public perception of crime levels and the reality.  I raised the question of household burglary and was very surprised to learn that there are on average 10 ‘dwelling’ burglaries per month across Waverley, (the burglary hot spot is Farnham) and on average 40-50 non dwelling thefts (sheds, garages etc) per month.  The Commander stressed that community feedback is vital in building up an intelligence database.

We also discussed the often hidden issue of domestic violence, often linked with high levels of alcohol consumption.  The problem is growing due to the pressures of economic recession.  Commander Budd explained how victimless prosecution is possible if a victim is too afraid to testify, and safe sanctuary is provided where needed.  The Christian Alliance charity receives partnership funding to provide support for survivors of domestic violence.

Surrey police work closely with Sussex and Hants forces via embedded officers, joint operations and regular cross border crime meetings to share information.

I expressed my appreciation for George David, Haslemere’s wonderful Community Support Officer. George is a very positive presence in the town, who regularly helps St Bart’s children with the walking bus, and crossing to get to school.  I discovered last year that he helps the walking bus even if he is officially not on duty and so not being paid for his time.  George definitely goes the extra mile and I believe Haslemere is very lucky to have him working in our town.

Fracking, Fernhurst and potential impact on Haslemere

Received a number of emails from residents concerned about Celtique Energie’s planning application to the South Downs National Park Authority for “the siting and development of a temporary exploration borehole, well site compound and access road including all associated infrastructure and equipment, for the exploration, testing and evaluation of any discovered hydrocarbons through the drilling of a vertical, and a contingent horizontal well from the same borehole:” at Nine Acre Copse, Fernhurst.  A campaign group has been established http://www.frackfreefernhurst.com/.

Clearly if large shale gas reserves are identified as being exploitable, there will be a considerable environmental impact on Haslemere, arising from an increase in lorry traffic through the town and the potential long term impacts of the fracking process on the ecosystem in particular on water resources.

I understand fracking has been banned in France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania, Bulgaria and several states in the USA due to environmental concerns. It is a new topic for Fernhurst and environs and certainly one in which it will be vital to understand many implications, both for and against.

St Bart’s School, Derby Road

Received a reply to my email sent to SCC leadership expressing my concern about the state of Derby Road in front of St Bartholomew’s School.  Apparently there are a number of schools across the county in the same position as St Bart’s, sited on private, or unadopted/unmaintained roads.  SCC has agreed to address the issue to try to find a way forward.  This is an excellent step forward.

Residents only parking permit scheme

Residents only parking permits have been introduced around Haslemere.  The impact of the scheme will be reviewed and reported in the December parking review.  Feedback can be sent to David Curl, SCC Parking Team david.curl@surreycc.gov.uk.

Lion Green, Haslemere

Met with Jim Edwards, Waverley Borough Councillor (Shottermill Ward) and Haslemere Town Councillor, and David Curl to discuss parking issues on Lion Lane.  David Curl has agreed to include key issues in the December parking review for consideration.  Yellow lining to improve safety for Shottermill Infant School pupils, and to provide passing spaces on Lion Lane have been implemented this week.

Haslemere Town Council Application for Community Improvement Scheme Funding

Provided written support for HTC application to SCC Community Improvement Fund to upgrade and refurbish play equipment on Lion Green.

Waverley Borough Council Car Park Permit Pilot Scheme

While delighted that Waverley have acted so swiftly, following the meeting I recently organized at the Georgian to see how collectively we could support businesses in the town, I am concerned that the parking permit scheme pilot has not been developed with any wider consultation with the business community.

The pilot scheme proposes to sell an initial 50 permits for £50/year giving the holder parking between 3-5.30pm in the Waitrose car park.

There are many examples of successful initiatives across the country as other councils are supporting their high streets.  For example, Chester’s ‘Free After Three’ parking scheme introduced 3 years ago has greatly increased footfall in the towns shops, and has been successfully copied by many towns.

Given the feedback that the recent increases in parking charges in the Waitrose car park are having an impact on the number shoppers who stay on in town to visit other shops, I am disappointed that WBC are not able to go further and work with a wider group of stakeholders to develop a more substantial  initiative that would have more impact in attracting shoppers to the town.

Independent/Residents Association Councillors’ Meeting, Kingston

Met with other 8 independents/RAs councillors in preparation for full council on July 16th.  One of the issues discussed is the £100,000 performance related bonus that will be awarded to David Mc Nulty in 2018, and the appointment of a number of cabinet associates without any full council consultation.

Creating a Buzz On Our High Street

The Haslemere District & Chamber of Trade will be hosting an event in Haslemere Hall on Tuesday 16th July  ‘CREATING A BUZZ ON OUR HIGH STREETS’. Click here for more details.

Haslemere Museum Founders’ Music Festival

This will be on Friday 19th July 2013, 7pm to 1pm and Saturday 20th July 2013, 12pm to 11pm at Haslemere Museum. More information here: FOUNDERS FEST flyer.

Week May 20th – 25th, 2013, Councillor Summary

Week May 20th -25th 2013

Attended Annual General Meeting of Full Council: Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

David Hodge re-elected as Leader, Peter Martin re-elected as Deputy Leader. David Munro replaced Lavinia Sealy as council’s Chair and civic head of the county.  David Munro stepped up from Vice Chairman to take the Chair position, with Sally Marks filling role as Vice Chair.   The Council is made up of 81 County Councillors, 58 Conservative, 9 Residents Association/Independents, 9 LibDems, 3 UKIP, 1 Labour, 1 Green. The full cabinet was announced. View the full webcast of the AGM here.

David Hodge set out the key aims for the next 4 years: improving Surrey’s roads, investing in schools, boosting apprenticeships, care for vulnerable people and the local issue of litter which he stated blights people’s lives.

Eber Kington challenged the decision by the Leader to award David McNulty, County Council Chief Executive, a bonus of £100,000  to be paid in 2018 on the proviso that certain performance-related targets be met, in a secret meeting. Independent group intend to challenge this. (Surrey Ad article on this subject.)

Met with officer responsible for Local Area Committee to discuss how experiences of Haslemere during parking debacle could provide learning for SCC. One positive outcome is that specific training given to Chairs and Vice Chairs of all Local Area Committees. The meeting protocol has also been adapted to allow members of the public the opportunity to speak (albeit with limited rights) during the debate on an agenda item as it happens.

Afternoon Session: Market Place

Attended exhibition of key services provided by SCC, which are very wide ranging. Including: Community Speed Watch Team, partnership between police and community to monitor traffic speeds, Travel SMART programme initiative to provide local people with more travel choices, help cut carbon, calories and cost.  Transport for Surrey, including Surrey Rail Strategy, to be produced by Arup, looking at overcrowding, rail capacity, faster journeys and longer trains.  It will also look at the Crossrail 2 project which will liberate considerable capacity at Waterloo and will impact on Haslemere. Surrey Telecare Service, a 24 hour service using simple equipment to help potentially vulnerable people live more independently in their homes. SCC Cultural services, including Surrey Arts, Heritage, Libraries and Community Learning.  Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.  Adult Social care services, and Children, Schools and Families services.

Spoke with officers responsible for services to understand how Haslemere can benefit more from what they offer, planning to link local providers of these services in Haslemere, including the voluntary sector, with the key SCC officers via a series of meetings in Haslemere.

Wednesday May 22nd, 2013

Confirmed meeting between Haslemere Town Council and SCC Highways Localism Team with a view to Haslemere submitting a bid for share of £20,000 funding for local highway maintenance.

Met with Mick Bradford at the site of the 1942 RAF bomber plane crash into the Rex cinema which stood next to the current Eden hairdressers in Weyhill.  Mick has spent many hours researching this very dramatic event in Haslemere’s history and has uncovered many photos, including photos of the 3 young British pilots killed in the tragic accident.  We discussed the siting of a memorial stone under the tree opposite the site of the Rex, and the possibility of a story board so that everyone can learn about the event. I have contacted SCC heritage services to understand if there is any funding for the story board.

Mick is planning to raise funds locally for the memorial as a fitting tribute to the young pilots who died. A memorial service will be arranged once the funds have been raised and the stone is installed.

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

Morning spent having drive around with Ian Fowler, SCC highways officer for Haslemere to understand the highways issues. Ian is going to be a great help with the detailed problems that arise.  He explained that an annual pothole check is carried out by Paul Cooper, and white spray is painted around holes that need repair.  Any pothole greater than 40mm deep should be repaired within 5 days, any pothole less than 40mm deep and assessed as needing repair should be repaired within 28 days.  Any holes reported by members of the public are visited by the May Guerney contractors or Ian, if assessed as needing repair the hole area is sprayed orange and the same criteria above applied. The most effective way to report a pothole is the pothole online or in the case of emergencies by calling SCC on 0300 200 1003.

I raised my concerns over the quality of pothole repair with both Ian and Richard Bolton, SCC Highways. It is clearly an issue, the extreme winter conditions have resulted in more ‘temporary’ repairs, there was an approx 50% increase between Jan and April 2012 and Jan- April 2013 with over 7,500 reported defects per month. I will continue to press SCC on quality of the service May Gurney provides. (Additional reading on this subject: Environment & Transport Select Committee, 7th February 2013 & SCC Cabinet meeting, 26ht March 2013, Item 10).

SCC is responsible for maintaining highway verges and hedges, however, no budget has been set aside for this. There is an expectation that the councillor will use some of their £5000 Community improvement fund to pay for this work. Ian explained that given the lack of budget for cutting, SCC has no option but to issue enforcement notices to households where their trees and bushes cause a problem on highways and footpaths.

Visited Derby Road where the section outside St Bartholomew’s primary school is in a very bad state. The road is currently unadopted and SCC has no legal obligation to maintain the road.  All properties with a frontage are legally obliged to maintain the road to a good standard. St Bartholmew’s is the main frontager. I share the concern of the school that it does not seem logical for a Local Authority school that has seen a growing pupil population to use its precious financial resources to pay to fill potholes so that its children can get to school safely. Winter maintenance and gritting is another issue that needs to be addressed. I intend to press for SCC to improve the state of this section of Derby Road.

Friday, May 24th, 2013

Continued dialogue between Lower Street/Shepherds Hill residents and SCC over railings.  Have secured agreement from SCC for planting where residents request on Shepherds Hill, and have obtained agreement from SCC to consider providing planters on Lower Street.  My goal is to work with the residents to find ways to improve their streets despite the new railings.

Contacted SCC Estates department to understand the legal implications/SCC responsibility for safety in Derby Road situation where children cross from SCC pavement to Local Authority school.

Arranged to meet with representative of Transition Town Farnham at Transition Town Haslemere Green Drinks on June 6th, Royal Oak pub to discuss their successful Green Ways Cycle Route project.

Parking

Residents in the roads receiving Residents’ Permits have been sent this letter (Part 1 & Part 2).

There will be no parking items on the Local Committee agenda until December 2013 in the parking review. Changes in Weydown Road will be reviewed at this time apart from access protection markings which could go ahead before December.

Next update

Next update will be in two weeks.