Supporting Surrey through the economic downturn

Supporting Surrey through the economic downturn. Surrey County Council has launched a new online resource, Supporting Surrey, to help the county through the economic downturn.Aimed at residents and local businesses this new feature of the council’s website has been designed to help families, individuals and businesses and can be found at www.surreycc.gov.uk/supportingsurrey.The new web pages include information on housing issues, budgeting, accessing benefits, redundancy, how you can help support your local community and much more. This information will be updated frequently over the coming weeks and the council will also be asking local people what information they would like to see on the site.Nick Skellett, Leader of the Council, said, “The impact of the credit crunch is being felt throughout our community and we are taking action to help support those affected. “This online one-stop-shop provides an important resource for individuals and businesses and will be further developed in response to feedback from our residents. “In these difficult times we can all support Surrey’s businesses by using local companies and tradesmen where possible. There is information on the site about our Buy With Confidence scheme which supports the local economy and lists companies that have been vetted and approved by Surrey Trading Standards.”

Heathrow Airport Expansion

Up at 6.30 am to catch the 7.11 to Waterloo, in the pouring rain. Should I walk the 15 mins to College Green (opposite the Houses of Parliament) or catch the Jubilee Line to Westminster, and then just a short walk. No brainer really. Get on the tube for the 2 min ride to Westminster, but, alas, the train won't start. The announcement promises it will be fixed, but then another announcement says, sorry, but the train will have to be taken out of service. So, a dash to College Green, in the rain, to arrive over 15 mins late for the 8am demonstration against Heathrow Airport Expansion. 57 red balloons to represent the 57 Labour MP's who may vote against Gordon Browns plans to destroy a community in Sipson, to the north of Heathrow. The Conservative and Lib Dem parties along with the Greens and others are against the expansion. I join in the protest song, vote NO to airport expansion, then the small crowd breaks up at 8.30am to go back to where we came, which is all over London and the suburbs, as Airport Expansion will not only affect the residents of the village that would be destroyed, but a large area of London and its suburbs, where the quality of life will be destroyed by the constant noise and pollution created by air travel. Was it worth it, YES, we have to stand up for what we believe to be right, even if those around us say, what's the point, the Government will do whatever it is that they want anyway. We pay the government, so it’s about time they listened to us, and did what we want.

Flooding

Most of Spelthorne is at risk of Flooding. To find out if your property is at risk, and to find out how to protect your family and property, come and see me at my monthly surgery in Ashford Library, where I can give you free information and advice. Help can also be found on the Spelthorne Borough Council website "spelthorne.go.uk" or from the environment agency website, or by ringing them on 0845 988 1188.

SURGERY

My next surgery is on Saturday 7th February at 11am to 12 noon, in Ashford Library, Church Road, Ashford.

Benefit Checks for the over 60's

Surrey County Council and The Pension Service have joined up to offer older people and their carers a free and confidential benefits check.
The Pension Service will undertake a full benefit check and offer support in filling in claims forms.
Whatever your income or circumstances there may be extra cash benefits that you can claim.
Come and see me at my surgery in Ashford Library on the first Saturday of every month for an application form.