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

Walton Playhouse

I am delighted that I was able to support this amazing facility for Walton in a recent vote to spend Capital Funding to refurbish this building.

Walton OLD Library Building.

You love it, or you think it should be pulled down? I have heard it all, however as an entrance to Walton this is a great building, falling down and empty.

I am very keen to support this building as part of Walton's Heritage, but I do believe that a new purpose build rear to this building facade is the best, financial way to go. If you have your own views please let me know. I see a Hub for Community Services, our volunteer organisations etc. even maybe the police. To refurbish this building I think is a good idea.

Keep Our Roads Open

Working with facade during the winter to keep our main roads open. The signs are that our Winters are not going to get any better. The BBC with Cty Cllr for Highways Ian Lake as they check out the stock in Merrow for the forthcoming winter!

My Top Concern

Money, what our grant from Government will be and how we all work together to produce the best for Elmbridge businesses and residents. Elmbridge having been quoted nationally as the best place to live to weather this financial storm. My promise to you, I will work to keep your council tax as low as possible and deliver the best service I can to residents. Times are going to be hard in the next few years but something must be done as we cannot go along as there is just not the money to do so. Just because a service is delivered differently does not mean we will loose the service. I will always let you know what the facts are!

Elmbridge Borough Council has voted to freeze their council tax for another year - Great News for all of us, no increase on this part of our bill for 2011. This is the 4th time in 5 years that Elmbridge Conservative Administration has frozen Council Tax.

Are you a Local Elmbridge Business

As Chairman of the Elmbridge Business Network I am delighted 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.

Are you a Business in Weybridge?

Recently the Elmbridge Business Network organised a first meeting of Weybridge based businesses. A steering group will be meeting, supported by the Chairman (me)of the EBN. It is hoped that this group will form a permanent Business Group for the future of Weybridge Businesses working together for the benefit of all Weybridge both business and residents. If you have not been contacted please contact me via my Contact Page details.

UPDATE: WOW (Weybridge Organisations Working) is open for membership, costed at £120.00 per year. What do you get for your money? Already planned is a Summer Treasure Trail (for both Adults and Children I understand). Meeting and Networking events with Speakers to help in business, and thinking of the future a Christmas plan.

I will be happy to forward all your details if you are a Weybridge Business and interested to increase 'footfall', network and generally promote your business and Weybridge. I understand a web-page is being constructed: www.WOW-Weybridge.com however until then please do not hesitate to contact me. 07903 313125 or rachaellake@aol.com As the Chairman of Elmbridge Business Network helping Weybridge develop a Business Group is one of our priorities for 2011.

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 SPACES NOW AVAILABLE.

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.

Elmbridge Community Partnership

As the Chairman of Elmbridge Business Network I am a member of the Elmbridge Community Partnership. Other members include: SCC, Surrey Health Authority, Surrey Police Authority, PCT, Surrey Police, Elmbridge Housing Trust, Surrey Fire & Rescue. The joint working of these partnerships bring a great deal of value to the residents of Elmbridge. For more details please log onto the web site.

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.

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 BOP 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 Sub 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.