Current priorities and concerns ------ in no specific order

Are you a Local Elmbridge Business

As Chairman of the Elmbridge Business Network I am delighted to inform you that at the Cabinet it was agreed, final details and full council to confirm, that all Elmbridge Businesses can apply for a reduced parking permit for their employees. Details can be found on the council web-site, however joining the Elmbridge Business Network is free and they would be happy to assist you in getting your reduced permits. You may also consult with your local business group as they will be able to assist as well if you are a member. I know many areas are already collecting company names interested so do not miss out, parking can be as low as £1.30 per day depending on numbers. I am happy to take calls if you would like more information, however the web-site gives you all the information.you will need to make your decision.

Terrace Road Car Park

All three local councillors for Walton North supported local residents and businesses in gaining a 'stop' on the progress to put in Parking Charges in this 21 space car park. As a member of the Cabinet I found that I could not support the original plan for this car park, passed years before by the previous administration. I did believe that all main car parks should have parking charges. I could not support this car park charging. A car park with 21 spaces, having no controlled parking in adjoining roads would simply drive shoppers out of the car park and into residents roads. The cost of implementing charges just did not add up - cost of machines, signage, wardens to control. At the Cabinet meeting I requested the Portfolio Holder Cllr David Archer to reconsider pointing out the costs etc. just did not 'add up'. The Cabinet voted to hold all orders to progress charging. Terrace Road Car Park remains FREE

Parking in Walton

I will continue to support those residents in Walton who will benefit from a Parking Scheme in the centre of Walton as long as they wish me to!

Elmbridge Community Fishing Academy

In late 2009 I help set up a Youth Engagement Scheme for the young people of Elmbridge between the ages of 8 to 16 years. With Grant Funding from both the Criminal Justice Scheme and Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership the Elmbridge Community Fishing Academy was started. With help from Apps Court Fisheries supplying both the Academy Lake and professional coaching, Apps Court Farm for supply their classroom/club house. The scheme is open to all official organisations putting forward a young peoples name to join this scheme to assist in building self-esteem, leadership skills, environment awareness, community values all through the sport of Angling. If you know someone who this scheme could help please contact me as I have continued to support this scheme as their secretary: Rachael Lake 07903 313125 or e-mail rachaellake@aol.com

Sanctuary Scheme

The Sanctuary Scheme continues to help victims of Domestic Abuse by supplying a secure area in their own homes free of charge to these people. I will continue to support funding for this most valued service.

Ansell Hall, Fieldcommon

I will continue to lobby and support the re-opening of Ansell Hall in Fieldcommon to the public when Surrey County Council's lease runs out in July 2010. It was hoped that Elmbridge Housing Trust would have progressed further in the redevelopment of the area and that the promise of a Community Hall would have been well on its way. Sadly to my knowledge this has not happened, I will continue to speak out that a partnership to open the hall for everyones use is high on my priorities. Had the local cty cllr for Walton informed EBC or the local councillors that Surrey were interested in renting this hall we would have possibly been able to secure community use. Sadly he simply informed SCC that the hall was not available and unsuitable for their needs, which now we know was not correct. I was made aware of this from a Surrey Officer after the closure!

Council Tax

For 3 out of 4 years the Council Tax for Elmbridge residents under a Conservative Administration has been set at zero. I will continue to seek best value for residents to retain a low council tax and retain front line services. I appreciate that services may need to change in the way they are delivered, however they must continue for our residents. Surrey is poorly funded by Government!

Neighbourhood Watch/Community Group

Every two weeks Walton North Neighbourhood Watch member Denise Field has a free coffee morning in the Magpie Pub in Terrace Road, Walton. Denise extents an invitation to anyone wishing to participate to contact her on: 01932 219169 local councillors often attend along with other outside bodies (Surrey Police) to speak to local residents and hear their comments both good and bad!

Elmbridge Community Partnership/Safety Partnership

As a Cabinet member on Elmbridge Borough Council with a Portfolio for Community Development I am a member on both of these extremely good partnerships. Other members include: SCC, Surrey Health Authority, Surrey Police Authority, PCT, Surrey Police, Elmbridge Housing Trust, Surrey Fire & Rescue. The joint working of these two partnerships bring a great deal of value to the residents of Elmbridge. For more details please log onto their web-sites.

Walton North Police Panel - Have your say!

Each area of Elmbridge has its own Police Panel, published on the Surrey Police Web-site, at this meeting where your local councillors also attend you can vote on your priority for the coming months to your local police officers. Councillors than at the end of this meeting remain for residents wishing to speak to them. Please go, everyone should feed into the local priority for their area. ~Councillors, all of us, 3 in Walton North, are keen to hear your views.

Walton Councillors Surgery - 1st Saturday in each month (excluding January). 10am till noon. Walton Library, all welcome.

Elmbridge Business Network - Elmbridge Community Loyalty Card

During March 2010 a partnership between EBC and EBN launched the Elmbridge Community Loyalty Card. Free for businesses to join, each business extends a special offer to Elmbridge residents who have a More Card. Currently there are over 10,000 cards in Elmbridge where residents use them for discounted prices at our Leisure Facilities. Now you get MORE, details can be found on the EBN web-site as well as EBC web-site.

If you wish to speak to me please do not hesitate to contact me (see details on Contact page)

I was elected as Chairman of Elmbridge Business Network in March 2010 after being vice-chairman for 2 years.

Planning

Recently residents of Dunsmore Road sent a petition to EBC as BP had put in for planning permission to build a 3 metre high metal fence at the rear of their homes. As a local councillor and a member of the North Area Planning Committee I was not aware of this petition until the council received it. At the planning meeting I looked at all the information provided me for a decision. The officers recommended an approval, I felt I was unhappy with this prison type fencing within yards of peoples homes, 3 metre in the Green Belt I found in this case unacceptable and put forward for refusal. I continue to work with local Dunsmore Road residents to assist them in finding a solution to this problem.

Planning issues can be confusing, if you have concerns please do contact me.