Click on the link to view webcast of Ashford's County Councillor, Carol Coleman, paying tribute to residents of Ashford:-
http://www.surreycc.public-i.tv/site/player/pl_compact.php?a=38911&t=0&m=wm&l=en_GB#the_data_area
http://www.surreycc.public-i.tv/site/player/pl_compact.php?a=38911&t=0&m=wm&l=en_GB#the_data_area
Monday 28 June 2010
Ashford's Got Talent
Beth works for a charity called Cricket for Change. They use cricket to do good amongst communities of young people who, for whatever reason, are disadvantaged. Beth says "We believe that cricket can make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities; helping them to gain confidence, feel included and a bringing together people from different backgrounds. Two years ago I was lucky enough to be invited on a life-changing trip to Barbados, where we took 13 visually impaired cricketers to play against Barbados and the West Indies. For many on this trip it was the first time they had ever been abroad and this was their first taste of independence. From the success of this trip we have decided this year we can go one better. This July we are taking 13 visually impaired and 13 physical and learning difficulties players to play against the Courtney Walsh Foundation and the Jamaica National Team. With double the numbers going it means double the fundraising.All the young people and staff going have been doing events all over England fundraising for this fantastic trip. I am running a Charity Talent show at Ashford Cricket Club and would really love it if you could attend and help this cause. Entry is only £5 each and there will be a bbq and raffle. If you are unable to attend I urge you to still donate to my fundraising attempt at my just giving page http://www.justgiving.com/BethEvans1984 or you can give donations to me.Thanks for all your support and help and I look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday."
Thursday 24 June 2010
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust needs your help
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust needs your help – just one simple and easy action that could really make a difference.
We would like to recruit 150 new members of SECAmb by the end of June. That’s about a week away.
We need these new members so we reach our public membership target of 4,500 people in time for the next stage of our Foundation Trust application process. We are doing well – but your help could make all the difference.
Please help us by forwarding the link to our online membership form (below) to as many friends and family, colleagues and neighbours as you feel able to, and encouraging them to have an interest in their local NHS ambulance service. If you’re that way inclined, you could even put the link on Facebook or Twitter about us! If your partner, children, aunts and uncles aren’t already members and they live in the South East – please encourage them to join us.
This is the link to our membership form: http://www.nhs-membership.co.uk/seas
If you would prefer printed forms to send out or hand out to people, please let me know.
For more information about membership, please direct people to this page on our website: http://ysyc.secamb.nhs.uk/member.htm
Many thanks for taking the time to read this. Please do forward the link and encourage more people to get involved.
The more representative our membership is, the better we can understand what people need from us.
We would like to recruit 150 new members of SECAmb by the end of June. That’s about a week away.
We need these new members so we reach our public membership target of 4,500 people in time for the next stage of our Foundation Trust application process. We are doing well – but your help could make all the difference.
Please help us by forwarding the link to our online membership form (below) to as many friends and family, colleagues and neighbours as you feel able to, and encouraging them to have an interest in their local NHS ambulance service. If you’re that way inclined, you could even put the link on Facebook or Twitter about us! If your partner, children, aunts and uncles aren’t already members and they live in the South East – please encourage them to join us.
This is the link to our membership form: http://www.nhs-membership.co.uk/seas
If you would prefer printed forms to send out or hand out to people, please let me know.
For more information about membership, please direct people to this page on our website: http://ysyc.secamb.nhs.uk/member.htm
Many thanks for taking the time to read this. Please do forward the link and encourage more people to get involved.
The more representative our membership is, the better we can understand what people need from us.
Friday 11 June 2010
Become a Councillor in Spelthorne
Become a Councillor!! If you feel strongly about improving your local community, you can stand as a councillor, if you live or work in the borough. Most candidates belong to a political party, but you can stand as an independent. In Spelthorne there are 39 councillors in 13 wards. A candidate nomination pack is available by contacting:-Electoral Services on 01784 446238 or email electoralservices@spelthorne.gov.uk or talk to me for more info.See more
Spelbound Victory Parade
Spelbound’s celebration parade through Spelthorne in an open top bus on Saturday 12 June. This will start at the Town Tree end of Church Road in Ashford (High Street) from 2pm before moving along Kingston Road (around 3.10pm), onto the Two Rivers Retail Park in Staines (around 3.20pm) and parking outside the front of Debenhams in Staines (around 3.30pm). The parade will end at the Council Offices in Knowle Green at around 4pm where the troupe will meet with the Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr John O’Hara.
Monday 7 June 2010
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Waste Consultation
How can we help you reduce your waste?
What would help you recycle more?
How should we deal with Surrey’s remaining waste?
We are reviewing our Plan for Waste Management in Surrey
and want you to help shape it
Take part in our public consultation between
17 May and 12 August 2010 and tell us your views
Visit www.surreywastepartnership.org.uk or call 03456 009 009
Your waste,
your views
Surrey waste partnership
Your councils working together
Fostering Fortnight
Next week (17 May) sees the start of Fostering Fortnight, a national campaign promoting the need to recruit more foster carers across the country.
In Surrey we always need more foster carers for the children in our care. From time to time we focus on specific groups and locations, depending on shortages or where there is a need to find carers for specific groups of children, such as: children with disabilities sibling groups 0-5 age group teenagers.
This fostering fortnight we are specifically targeting two locations - Guildford and Staines, where the number of children needing care outweighs the number of available carers. We are also focusing on two groups of children, teenagers and the 0-5 age group, for whom we are having particular difficulties finding suitable foster carers.
In Surrey we always need more foster carers for the children in our care. From time to time we focus on specific groups and locations, depending on shortages or where there is a need to find carers for specific groups of children, such as: children with disabilities sibling groups 0-5 age group teenagers.
This fostering fortnight we are specifically targeting two locations - Guildford and Staines, where the number of children needing care outweighs the number of available carers. We are also focusing on two groups of children, teenagers and the 0-5 age group, for whom we are having particular difficulties finding suitable foster carers.
Ashford Have your Say Event
This year’s Ashford “Have Your Say event” organized by Spelthorne Borough Council is on Thursday 17th June
Venue: Thomas Knyvett College, Stanwell Road, Ashford, TW15 3DU Time 7pm – 9pm
There will be opportunities to meet with local councillors, chat with partner agencies at their stands in the marketplace and hear presentations on a variety of topics. These will include the Police Restructure; a Fire Service presentation; an update from Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals; information around local regeneration projects including Stanwell New Start; planning matters; Strong Leader vs Mayor consultation as well as an open forum question and answer session.
Please come along and support this event, thank you
Venue: Thomas Knyvett College, Stanwell Road, Ashford, TW15 3DU Time 7pm – 9pm
There will be opportunities to meet with local councillors, chat with partner agencies at their stands in the marketplace and hear presentations on a variety of topics. These will include the Police Restructure; a Fire Service presentation; an update from Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals; information around local regeneration projects including Stanwell New Start; planning matters; Strong Leader vs Mayor consultation as well as an open forum question and answer session.
Please come along and support this event, thank you
Tuesday 27 April 2010
The EU and Local Government
Local councils and councillors operate within a framework of law made by central government and the European Union.
Local councillors' ability to make changes for the communities that elect them is often constrained by rules which originate from EU directives and which are frequently goldplated by central government civil servants in Whitehall.
The following are just some of the EU directives in force in the UK which affect local government, and shows how EU law now permeates many aspects of the work of local councils.
Waste and Recycling Costs: The Recycling of Hazardous Waste Directive 91/689/EEC is resulting in the need for massive investments in new recycling technologies. This, together with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2003/108/EC, is leading to higher disposal costs which are being passed on to council taxpayers. The Landfill Directive 99/31/EC means that local councils must reduce landfill waste by half of 1995 levels by 2013 or face fines of up to £180 million per year, leading some councils to move to fortnightly bin collections. The Audit Commission estimates EU waste law could add £30 to each council tax bill. The European Commission recently suggested reducing landfill waste through building more incinerators despite local concerns over their cost and damage to the environment.
Local councillors' ability to make changes for the communities that elect them is often constrained by rules which originate from EU directives and which are frequently goldplated by central government civil servants in Whitehall.
The following are just some of the EU directives in force in the UK which affect local government, and shows how EU law now permeates many aspects of the work of local councils.
Waste and Recycling Costs: The Recycling of Hazardous Waste Directive 91/689/EEC is resulting in the need for massive investments in new recycling technologies. This, together with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2003/108/EC, is leading to higher disposal costs which are being passed on to council taxpayers. The Landfill Directive 99/31/EC means that local councils must reduce landfill waste by half of 1995 levels by 2013 or face fines of up to £180 million per year, leading some councils to move to fortnightly bin collections. The Audit Commission estimates EU waste law could add £30 to each council tax bill. The European Commission recently suggested reducing landfill waste through building more incinerators despite local concerns over their cost and damage to the environment.
Monday 26 April 2010
Surrey Green Steps
To help Surrey businesses become legally compliant in dealing with business waste., the county council has developed a new online environmental toolkit, Surrey Green Steps, which has just gone live. click here. Green Steps aims to help businesses take steps towards becoming greener and smarter about dealing with their waste and improving environmental credentials. It includes databases to search for recycling sites and collection services, as well as case studies of businesses who have seen improvements from adopting greener practices and a link to a carbon footprinter. There is also the option for businesses to create their own individual Environmental Management System (EMS) to improve their company’s green credentials through an online training tool. The url for the toolkit is www.surreygreensteps.com
The Environment Agency will also offer businesses in the county a postcard giving details on Green Steps when they visit them.
The Environment Agency will also offer businesses in the county a postcard giving details on Green Steps when they visit them.
Sunday 18 April 2010
May Sugery
The May councillor surgery in Ashford Library will be on Saturday 1st May from 11am to 12noon. Borough Councillor George Trussler will attend with me.
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Transport for Surrey Conference
Help shape the future of transport for Surrey.
Date Thursday 25 March 2010Venue County Hall, Kingston
Time 9.15-15.40 Registration starts at 9.15 and the first session at 10.00 sharp
With keynote address by SIR DAVID ROWLANDS
Other speakers and workshops include
BAA, Allan Gregory, Director of Surface Access
Transport for London, Mike Keegan, Transport Strategy Manager
Freight Transport Association, Gordon Telling, Head of Policy for London, SE and East of England
Government Office for the South East (GOSE), David Cooper: Where’s the money coming from?
South West Trains, Phil Dominey: Adopt A Station
Stagecoach, Andrew Dyer: Goldline’s first birthday, does quality work?
Spelthorne Borough Council, Sandy Muirhead: Help shape Surrey’s climate change strategy
Woking Borough Council & Surrey County Council, Ellie Guttridge & Paul Fishwick: Cycle Woking: A success story
Rural Transport Forum, Marcus Dodé: Buses for rural non mainstream users
Surrey's Transport Coordination Centre, Matthew Winnett: Coordinating transport needs in the community
Surrey County Council, Fiona Lowe: Surrey’s infrastructure facts and figures
Surrey Police, Rachel Tills, Drive Smart: Surrey’s antisocial driving campaign
Surrey Travel, Tim Brown & Abi Fielder, Surrey’s new traffic information website
Surrey County Council, Katie Dawkins: Travel planning training for young people and adults with special needs
Purpose of conference:
To raise awareness of current transport issues
To raise awareness of possible solutions, however radical
To challenge, and inspire debate
Share views, opinions, good ideas and success stories
To engage partners in Transport for Surrey Partnership decisions e.g. Surrey’s Transport Plan
Show success through partnership working
To raise awareness of current transport issues
To raise awareness of possible solutions, however radical
To challenge, and inspire debate
Share views, opinions, good ideas and success stories
To engage partners in Transport for Surrey Partnership decisions e.g. Surrey’s Transport Plan
Show success through partnership working
Conference topic areas:
We rely on our road and transport networks and have high expectations of them
We must reduce our carbon emissions
Money is scarce
How should we plan for Surrey's future transport?
How can we resolve conflicting issues?
Where will the money come from and how much of it will there be?
How radical will the solutions have to be?
What successes can we learn from and repeat?
What further opportunities for are there for partnership working?
Surrey's next Transport Plan is under development, help us get it right
Delegates
Include representatives of health, education, heritage, rail, bus, air and community transport, access groups, businesses, residents, voluntary sector, public utilities, rural interests, Police, local, regional and central Government
We rely on our road and transport networks and have high expectations of them
We must reduce our carbon emissions
Money is scarce
How should we plan for Surrey's future transport?
How can we resolve conflicting issues?
Where will the money come from and how much of it will there be?
How radical will the solutions have to be?
What successes can we learn from and repeat?
What further opportunities for are there for partnership working?
Surrey's next Transport Plan is under development, help us get it right
Delegates
Include representatives of health, education, heritage, rail, bus, air and community transport, access groups, businesses, residents, voluntary sector, public utilities, rural interests, Police, local, regional and central Government
To apply for a place email tfspartnership@surreycc.gov.uk
Business Continuity Awareness Week 2010 at Surrey County Council
The annual Business Continuity Awareness Week is taking place from 22nd-26th March 2010.
Business Continuity Awareness Week is led by the Business Continuity Institute; it aims to show the growing importance of Business Continuity Management (BCM) as an integral management tool and raise awareness amongst colleagues and customers.
Business Continuity Awareness Week is an opportunity for me to raise awareness about Surrey County Council’s business continuity programme and to promote the value of business continuity to business and voluntary organisations in the area.
As an elected Member, I have a very important role to play with regard to business continuity. Firstly, it is important that I hold Surrey County Council accountable for its business continuity planning to ensure that the council can continue to deliver essential services to the people of Surrey in the event of a disruptive incident.
Surrey County Council is a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and as such has a statutory duty to have tried and tested business continuity plans in place.
Secondly, I can play a key role in encouraging local businesses and community or voluntary organisations to develop their own business continuity plan.
· Learn more about business continuity – visit the websites detailed below for further information
Surrey Continuity – http://www.surreycontinuity.org/
The Business Continuity Institute – http://www.thebci.org/
Continuity Central – http://www.continuitycentral.com/
Continuity Forum – http://www.continuityforum.org/
Or alternatively, email SCC on sccemt@surreycc.gov.uk
Business Continuity Awareness Week is led by the Business Continuity Institute; it aims to show the growing importance of Business Continuity Management (BCM) as an integral management tool and raise awareness amongst colleagues and customers.
Business Continuity Awareness Week is an opportunity for me to raise awareness about Surrey County Council’s business continuity programme and to promote the value of business continuity to business and voluntary organisations in the area.
As an elected Member, I have a very important role to play with regard to business continuity. Firstly, it is important that I hold Surrey County Council accountable for its business continuity planning to ensure that the council can continue to deliver essential services to the people of Surrey in the event of a disruptive incident.
Surrey County Council is a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and as such has a statutory duty to have tried and tested business continuity plans in place.
Secondly, I can play a key role in encouraging local businesses and community or voluntary organisations to develop their own business continuity plan.
· Learn more about business continuity – visit the websites detailed below for further information
Surrey Continuity – http://www.surreycontinuity.org/
The Business Continuity Institute – http://www.thebci.org/
Continuity Central – http://www.continuitycentral.com/
Continuity Forum – http://www.continuityforum.org/
Or alternatively, email SCC on sccemt@surreycc.gov.uk
Sunday 14 March 2010
Regular Surgery
The regular surgery in Ashford Library for April has had to be moved as it will be the Easter holiday weekend. It will now be on Saturday 1st May from 11 to 12 noon, and Borough Councilor George Trussler will be attending with me.
Monday 22 February 2010
Funding Surgery - Community Foundation for Surrey
Want to find out about potential funding
opportunities for your group?
You are invited to a
Funding Surgery
for community groups
Wednesday 24th February 2010
from 10.00am
at Ashford Community Association
The Centre, Woodthorpe Road, TW15 3NJ
Aimed at voluntary and community groups which are meeting
a priority need within local communities
To book a one-to-one slot to discuss your group’s funding needs
and seek guidance on the funding opportunities available
via the Community Foundation for Surrey
please contact:
Laura Thurlow or Emma Wolfe
Programme Manager / Grants Officer, Community Foundation for Surrey
on 01483 409230
or email laura@communityfoundationsurrey.org.uk
We look forward to hearing from you
Wednesday 3 February 2010
Trimming of Trees by residents
If you have been unable to get Surrey County Council to carry out tree works adjacent to your property, see below the advice of SCC's Senior Asset Planning
Manager (Arboriculture):
Customers are entitled under common law to cut parts of trees that trespass
over their boundary regardless of who owns them. Some trees have special
status and may not be worked on without permission from the Town Planning
Authority under Tree Protection rules. Most Highway Authority trees are not
protected by the Local Planning Authority.
So residents can cut what they like if it overhangs, but we ask them to
have due regard for the trees form and future vitality and not to cut
everything off just because they can. This rule applies up to the boundary
only and not 1mm beyond over highway land at which point the act of cutting
can be claimed by us as criminal damage to public property.
Customers should use an Arboricultural Association approved contractor who
can be found at: www.trees.org.uk
Customers in Spelthorne need to send the specification supplied by above
contractor for approval to roderick.johnson@surreycc.gov.uk
If approved the customer will receive confirmation that they may go ahead
with the work.
Works will not be approved over highway land unless an AA approved
contractor is used, but they can use who they like to work over their own
land because of insurance liabilities. All AA contractors are properly
trained and insured.
In some circumstances work may be approved to a whole tree such as crown
thinning if they wish but it is very seldom that crown reduction is
approved due to implications on tree future management / maintenance as
well as the effect on tree structure shape and form.
Manager (Arboriculture):
Customers are entitled under common law to cut parts of trees that trespass
over their boundary regardless of who owns them. Some trees have special
status and may not be worked on without permission from the Town Planning
Authority under Tree Protection rules. Most Highway Authority trees are not
protected by the Local Planning Authority.
So residents can cut what they like if it overhangs, but we ask them to
have due regard for the trees form and future vitality and not to cut
everything off just because they can. This rule applies up to the boundary
only and not 1mm beyond over highway land at which point the act of cutting
can be claimed by us as criminal damage to public property.
Customers should use an Arboricultural Association approved contractor who
can be found at: www.trees.org.uk
Customers in Spelthorne need to send the specification supplied by above
contractor for approval to roderick.johnson@surreycc.gov.uk
If approved the customer will receive confirmation that they may go ahead
with the work.
Works will not be approved over highway land unless an AA approved
contractor is used, but they can use who they like to work over their own
land because of insurance liabilities. All AA contractors are properly
trained and insured.
In some circumstances work may be approved to a whole tree such as crown
thinning if they wish but it is very seldom that crown reduction is
approved due to implications on tree future management / maintenance as
well as the effect on tree structure shape and form.
Tuesday 2 February 2010
Voluntary Action in Spelthorne
invites you to help us celebrate our
GRAND LAUNCH
of the
The VAIS Shop
Voluntary Action in Spelthorne (VAIS) is opening its own ‘shop’ to promote and encourage participation in voluntary and community activities within the borough. VAIS ‘shoppers’ will be able to browse our wide range of volunteering opportunities, whilst local organisations will have the opportunity to showcase their activities to the public.
The Grand Launch
We are delighted to be joined by Cllr. Isobel Napper, who will conduct the official opening of the shop. A presentation will be given by VAIS Chief Officer, Elizabeth Moore. Refreshments will be served.
Time: 11am
Date: Wednesday, 10th February 2009
Place: Elmsleigh Centre, Unit 25
(opposite Matalan, next to Superdrug)
For further details, please contact Elizabeth Moore on 01784 446358.
GRAND LAUNCH
of the
The VAIS Shop
Voluntary Action in Spelthorne (VAIS) is opening its own ‘shop’ to promote and encourage participation in voluntary and community activities within the borough. VAIS ‘shoppers’ will be able to browse our wide range of volunteering opportunities, whilst local organisations will have the opportunity to showcase their activities to the public.
The Grand Launch
We are delighted to be joined by Cllr. Isobel Napper, who will conduct the official opening of the shop. A presentation will be given by VAIS Chief Officer, Elizabeth Moore. Refreshments will be served.
Time: 11am
Date: Wednesday, 10th February 2009
Place: Elmsleigh Centre, Unit 25
(opposite Matalan, next to Superdrug)
For further details, please contact Elizabeth Moore on 01784 446358.
February Surgery
My next surgery is on Saturday 6th February from 10am to noon in Ashford Library, with Kwasi Kwarteng, the new parliamentary candidate for Spelthorne. Please do come along and say hello.
Get Out Of Australia
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd - Australia ! ;Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians'. 'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'. 'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!' 'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture...' 'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.' 'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.''If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'
Sunday 24 January 2010
Emergency Action to Protect Children from Sunbeds
Malignant melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer - is now the most common cancer in young people (aged 15-34). There is clear evidence of a link between sunbed use and skin cancer. Yet we know that children and young people often gain easy and unsupervised access to sunbeds.
Julie Morgan MP is championing a new Bill to protect young people from sunbeds. This important issue is due to be discussed in Parliament on Friday 29 January - but if too few MPs turn up the Bill won't pass. Please email your MP today to tell them to go along to vote in favour of these measures and to sign a parliamentary petition supporting the Bill.
Julie Morgan MP is championing a new Bill to protect young people from sunbeds. This important issue is due to be discussed in Parliament on Friday 29 January - but if too few MPs turn up the Bill won't pass. Please email your MP today to tell them to go along to vote in favour of these measures and to sign a parliamentary petition supporting the Bill.
Friday 22 January 2010
Becoming a Councillor - 27th Jan
Becoming a Councillor: 27th Jan If you’re thinking of becoming a Conservative Councillor, and making a real difference to the quality of residents’ daily lives, come along at 6:30pm on Wednesday 27th January 2010, at Victoria Hall, Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH. The principal speaker will be Caroline Spelman MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and refreshments will be available. Register your attendance for this meeting by emailing: info@localleadership.gov.uk
Sunday 17 January 2010
“Have Your Say” - an event for Surrey residents
The challenges we face in Surrey over the next few years are so far-reaching that it is vital we understand our residents’ thinking on a whole range of issues.
Residents know what the burning issues are in our communities, so I’m asking for your support to help kick-off this important debate organised by the Surrey Strategic Partnership.
What’s so special about Surrey? What do you value? What makes your blood boil? What needs to change?
Our high-profile “Have Your Say” event will take place on Thursday 25 March at Dorking Halls (7-9pm). This is an unrivalled opportunity for people to ask questions directly of a panel of civic and community leaders about the issues dear to their hearts. Questions can be submitted online beforehand or asked on the night.
Residents know what the burning issues are in our communities, so I’m asking for your support to help kick-off this important debate organised by the Surrey Strategic Partnership.
What’s so special about Surrey? What do you value? What makes your blood boil? What needs to change?
Our high-profile “Have Your Say” event will take place on Thursday 25 March at Dorking Halls (7-9pm). This is an unrivalled opportunity for people to ask questions directly of a panel of civic and community leaders about the issues dear to their hearts. Questions can be submitted online beforehand or asked on the night.
You can help determine what topics are covered. Is anti-social behaviour getting worse? What about our schools? What do the Olympics mean for Surrey? Recycling is great but what about the maggots? How do we protect the green belt and have houses for young families?
To register to attend visit: www.surreycc.gov.uk/haveyoursayevent email: haveyoursay@surreycc.gov.uk or by calling: 0208 541 8507
Thursday 14 January 2010
Slip Sliding Away
The extremely tough weather conditions currently experienced throughout the UK have brought many complaints of a lack of gritting on roads and paths. Many have accused local councils of failing to grit roads altogether, but is this due to a lack of grit or actually a legal necessity? (David Bywater reports). A steady increase in personal injury claims over the past decade means that the gritting process is now a legal minefield, and councils often find that it is more detrimental for them to grit the roads than leave them as they are. The councils owe a duty as an employer to several thousand employees under a number of regulations, but the duties owed to a far greater number of people, namely the public, is governed by other duties which are actually lower than those owed to employees, so by not gritting, councils may actually minimise the risk of litigation brought against them. As an example, one council was advised that it would not be covered by its insurers if its' employees suffered accidents whilst spreading grit or salt. The suggestion was to only use a mechanical gritter, which may explain why many councils now only spread salt on roads, with councils stating that they do not have machines to grit pavements, yet should an employee slip on a pavement whilst gritting, their claim for compensation is very likely to be successful. (david.bywater@weightmans.com)
Brooklands College, Good News
We have just heard the good news that Brooklands College will NOT now be closing, and that A levels will continue to be offered. It seems that the old college building will be refurbished, and that the students will move back into that to be taught. This is good news all round, for the students and the residents that wanted the old building kept. We now need to persuade students to put their names down for courses at the Ashford Campus, who would have been put off by hearing that the college would close, obviously if numbers drop, that will be another challenge for the college.
Wednesday 6 January 2010
Additional Surgery in January
I am holding an additional surgery in Ashford Library on Saturday 16th January from 10am to 12 noon. I will be joined by Michael McMannus from 10 to 11am and by Therese Coffey from 11am to noon, and from noon to 1pm by Lynne Hack. Three of our six candidates for the open primary being held at Kempton Park on Friday 22nd January from 6.30pm. Please do come along to meet the candidates, find out how to register to vote at the open primary, or to discuss any issues that you have. We look forward to seeing you there.
Friday 1 January 2010
First Surgery of 2010
Happy New Year to all.
Please do come and say hello at my first surgery on 2010 at Ashford Library on Saturday 2nd January 2010 from 10 am to 12 noon, where I will be joined by Katy Bourne, http://www.katybourne.com/, one of our six Conservative Parliamentary Candidates for Spelthorne. You will be able to find out how you can get involved in choosing the new Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Spelthorne, how to attend the open primary, which is to be held on the 22nd January at Kempton Park Racecourse in Sunbury, and discuss any issues that you have. I look forward to seeing you there.
Please do come and say hello at my first surgery on 2010 at Ashford Library on Saturday 2nd January 2010 from 10 am to 12 noon, where I will be joined by Katy Bourne, http://www.katybourne.com/, one of our six Conservative Parliamentary Candidates for Spelthorne. You will be able to find out how you can get involved in choosing the new Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Spelthorne, how to attend the open primary, which is to be held on the 22nd January at Kempton Park Racecourse in Sunbury, and discuss any issues that you have. I look forward to seeing you there.
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