WWF submit application for Brewery Road car park

WWF has submitted the anticipated application to build a new headquarters building on Brewery Road car park.  You can view the full details of the application here.  Please be aware that Public Access for Planning that holds planning applications has been updated and you may find the interface very different from your last visit. The facility to view documents from an application does not appear to work on Macs or Google Chrome browser. I have taken this up with the planning department and await their response. I have also noticed that my detaails, as a councillor for Horsell West are not showing up on applications.

You can give your views on WWF's application online or write to the Council. If you have a view please remember to have your say.

Sainsbury's Self Service Tills Encouraging Use of Plastic Bags?

I am growing increasingly frustrated with the operation of Sainsbury's self service tills which seems to be completely at odds with the store's policy to reduce plastic bag usage.

The tills give the option of using your own bag. Several times I have put down my bag, containing my purse, phone and other items in order to add a few purchases to the bag. The till refused to work, saying there was a problem with my bag and to ask staff for assistance. A member of staff then came over and pressed a few buttons and I was able to complete my purchases. At no time did a member of staff tell me the till didn't like me puttting a bag down that already contained other items. My husband pionted out the problem with other items in the bag so on my next visit I had an empty Sainsbury's reusable bag with one empty carrier inside. The till still refused to work.

This systems seems to promote the use of Sainsbury's branded plastic carrier bags which are prominently placed on the tills whilst the reusable bags are further away, out of reach.

I have written to Sainsbury's and asked why the operation of the self service tills is so much at odds with their policy to reduce plastic bag usage.  Specifically I have asked the store:

1. Why can't I add a few purchases from Sainsbury's to my handbag?
2. What if I do some shopping at other stores then call into Sainsbury's for some bread or milk. Why can't I add these items to my bag?
3. Why don't staff tell customers what is causing the problem so they are at least forewarned for their next visit?

I will update this post with the reply I receive from the store.

A Gold Plated Bridge for Woking?

Woking Council expect to spend up to £1 million pounds on a new bridge between Brewery Road Car Park and the town centre.  This new bridge will replace the wooden bridge which is in a state of disrepair (in my view mainly down to a lack of maintenance by the Council).

Since we learnt that WWF hoped to build a new headquarters on Brewery Road car park questions have been asked about who would pay for a new bridge and how much it would cost.  I have asked on two previous ocassions about the cost of the bridge and received no figure.  Suddenly the Council has told us it will be up to a million pounds!  Do they plan to build a gold plated bridge?

We are told the reason for the high cost is because the bridge will carry services across the canal.  These services could include Combined Heat and Power (CHP) with the pipes to carry heat requiring to be of a signifgicant size. The interesting thing is that WWF are yet to commit to using the CHP service offered by Woking!

Light up the night - Saturday 27 November

Horsell's canalside will be lit up on Saturday 27 November when a cavalcade of brightly decorated and illuminated boats make their way along the canal from the Lightbox to Bridge Barn.  This is a wonderful event, especially for children.  The boat owners make a real effort to decorate their boats and the effect of all the colourful boats and fairly lights is amazing.

Woking Council staff will also be on the canalside to promote 'Light up the Night' which encourages people to travel safely and feel comfortable when around Woking during the winter months.

The cavalcade starts at 4.30pm on the canalside by the Lightbox.  There is also the annual craft fair at the Lighbox earlier in the day.  Mince pies and mulled wine are to be served at the Lightbox as darkness falls (I assume you have to pay for those but its not clear in the information provided by the Council)

For full details of these events on Saturday 27 November click here.

I definitely recommend dropping by to see this event.

Neighbourhood Policing is here to stay

I was very pleased to get an assurance on the future of neighbourhood policing from Chief Inspector Mark Rowley of Surrey Police last night. 

Chief Inspector Rowley was part of a panel at the Surrey County Council "Have Your Say" event in Chertsey. I took the opportunity to praise the force for the importance placed on neighbourhood policing in recent years and to ask the Chief Inspector for reassurance that this would continue.  I pointed out the excellent service provided by PC Parish (pictured) in Horsell.

The Chief Inspector said that Surrey Police were committed to continuing community policing and despite a programme of reducing more senior officers was still recruiting new officers.  He explained that the force was losing back office staff and buildings but keeping police.

This is very good news for Horsell where having a dedicated local police officer has really made a difference to low level crime and anti-social behaviour in our village.

BBC Surrey Gets It Wrong

Big confusion over at BBC News Surrey this evening.  They report a spate of burglaries in Woking but state that they took place in Horsell.

In fact not one of the burglaries listed in the story took place in Horsell.  The roads mentioned are in Goldsworth Park, Kingfield, Old Woking and St Johns.

I have sent a message to the BBC asking them to correct their error.

UPDATE - Had a call from Peter Stewart, News Editor at BBC Surrey whilst I was out today. Caught up with him at the Surrey County Council Have Your Say event this evening.  He apologised for the incorrrect information on the website but said that it came direct from a Surrey Police press release! Site has now been updated so burglaries are correctly listed as being in Woking. Only thing is Woking is now described as a "village"!

Finally - a response from WWF

I finally got an update from WWF in response to my request for information on the new HQ plans for those unable to attend the consultation events.  They have directed me to their website which gives the "vision" of the new offices they want to build on Brewery Road car park.  They have also sent me two pictures which don't seem to show much more than the ones I took on my phone at the consultation.

If you do have more questions on the new headquarters you can send them to WWF at newhq@wwf.org.uk or send them to me at cllrann-marie@woking.gov.uk  I will be happy to help you get further answers or information from other WWF or Woking Council.

Latest Horsell West Planning Applications

Just one new application in Horsell West this week.

PLAN/2010/1035
Application for a ground floor side extension and single storey rear extension at 3 Whopshott Avenue, Horsell.

Halloween Attack in Horsell

Just seen a worrying story on the BBC News site about an attack in Horsell on Sunday night.  A young man was punched, kicked and robbed of his mobile phone by a group of three men when walking along Brewery Cut / Footpath 19a.  The group ran towards Brewery Road after the attack.

The attack took place around 11pm.  The attackers are described as being in their "late teens to early twenties and of medium build" .One of the three attackers was a litttle taller than the others and was "wearing a white mask similiar to the one in the horror film Scream". He carried a white plastic bag.  A second attacker was of "mixed race or Asian appearance with black gelled hair".  He was wearing a black hooded jacket and a "black bandana with a light-coloured pattern over his nose and mouth".

Did you see the group on Sunday night or do you know who they are?  Please get in touch with Surrey Police if you have any information.  You can call Surrrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference WK/10/7866 or if you prefer you can contact Crimestoppers without giving your details and at no cost on 0800 555 111.

Full details are on the Surrey Police website.

Gathering views on WWF's plans for Brewery Road Car Park

I have set up a poll on the blog to gather views on WWF's plans for a new headquarters building on Brewery Road car park.  Please cast your vote on the poll which you will find at the top of the web page on the right hand side. Please leave your comments on the plans in response to this post.

Latest Horsell West Planning Applications

A bumper crop of applications as we move into November.  Click on the link to go direct to the full details of the application on Public Access for Planning. You can view plans, elevations, photographs and the full application documents and submit your own comments directly through the site

PLAN/2010/0991
Oak House in Ridgeway is the site of an application to build two detached houses, of 1.5 storeys high and with 3 bedrooms.  This is the third application for this back garden development.  Previous applications in 2007 and 2008 were refused by the planning committee with this decision confirmed by Planning Inspectors on appeal.  Local residents are particularly concerned that this proposed development is out of keeping with the area.  Ridgeway is an "urban area of special residential character".

PLAN/2010/0937
Application to retain a garage at 20 Grobars Avenue.

PLAN/2010/0979
Elmbury in Bury Lane is the subject of an application to erect a two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and front porch.

PLAN/2010/0969
Hamlyns, acccountants, at 98 High Street Horsell seek advertisement consent for the installation of 1 x non-illuminated fascia sign and 1 x externally illuminated sign.  This is one sign on a side wall of the property and a sign at the front.  It appears to be an updating of existing signage.

PLAN/2010/0970
Application at 5 Church Close for first floor extension, two storey rear extension, two storey side extension with integral garage to form a two storey property.  Planning permisssion was previoulsy given in January 2010 for "Alterations and extensions to the property to form a two storey property with integral garage and single storey rear extension.".

PLAN/2010/0975
Application at 14 Claydon Road for a single storey side extension.

PLAN/2010/0990
Application for the erection of a two storey side extension with dormer roof extension and single storey rear extension at 12 Rosehill Avenue.

PLAN/2010/0954
There is an application for a single storey rear conservatory at 26 Lych Way.

Police action on speeding in Horsell

Walking down Brewery Road yesterday whilst my younger daughter practiced her bike riding skills (we've recently removed the stabilisers) I was a little concerned to see a group of police officers at the entrance to Horsell Park. "Has somebody done something wrong?" asked my daughter. Before I could respond our local neighbourhood officer for Horsell PC Josh Parish detached himself from the group and came over to speak to me.

It turned out that PC Parish had assembled the resources to carry out speed enforcement across Horsell. The team had just finished work on Brewery Road and were moving on to Chobham Road and Woodham Road, another team had covered the High Street. Most of these areas are places where I often walk or cycle and there are regular occurrences of speeding vehicles. I have also been involved in Speedwatch at some of these locations. I mentioned to PC Parish that I had recently seen two cars overtaking a third car that was keeping to the speed limit on Brewery Road.

PC Parish told me that a number of tickets were handed out and some warnings given. He also mentioned that the team had not been popular.

I'm delighted to see this police work taking place. Speedwatch is helpful at slowing traffic speeds in the local area but actual enforcement by the police sends a much stronger message to speeding drivers.

"Mouse of Woking" goes for his maiden

As noted by the abrasive Quentin Letts in the Daily Mail this week our local MP has finally made his first speech in parliament. It has taken him five months to reach this momentous ocassion and he is the last of the 147 Tory MPs to break his duck. Mr Letts describes dear Jonty as the "mouse of Woking" and "Parliament's shyest flower".

As is customary the speech was non-controversial and about the constituency. Several points were rather amusing. He paid tribute to his predecessor Mr Malins and his sporting prowess (apparently he once played against the All Blacks). However golf is more his sport nowadays. Jonty seems to think our former MP will be back in Woking to play golf. I would have thought he is more likely to stay in the rather leafier Reigate, where he lived throughout his tenure as MP for Woking, to play his golf.

Jonty also referred to HG Wells who lived in Woking for several years and set his novel War of the Worlds in the town. He appears to miss the irony that Woking is destroyed by the invading Martians in the story. Continuing the Wells theme he refers to the Martian statue in the town centre. It is pretty obvious he is new to Woking, and still as far as I know, lives in Blackheath, south of Guildford. His Tory colleagues on the Council were none too happy about the expenditure on the Martian statue and used its commissioning as a stick with which to beat the Lib Dems several years ago.

Update 2 November

Just read an interesting item on maiden speeches by the 2010 intake over at epolitix.  It seems our local MP was the last of all 227 of new MPs to make his speech.  All but four of the new boys and girls spoke to the House for the first time before the summer recess.  Jonty spoke 156 days afer the first new MP made his maiden.

Information outside Consultation Events

I am trying to find out from WWF what information is available to those who have not been able to attend any of the consultation events. I was disappointed to discover at the consultation events that there was no information to take away. I asked WWF, via Woking Council, what information they could provide for those unable to attend a consultation event and got an email address in response. If you do have comments that you would like to send to WWF you can use this address newhq@wwf.org.uk but it doesn’t tell you a lot about the application! I sent an email to this address and asked what information WWF could to provide to those interested. This was now over a week ago and I am still awaiting a response.

Views from WWF Consultation

As well as attending the councillor briefing on WWF's plans for Brewery Road car park I went along to one of the public consultation events. The evening consisted of a chance to view plans and a model (although there appeared to be less information than that shown to councillors) and a presentation from WWF and their architects followed by questions. The event was reasonably well attended, there were around forty people for the presentation. WWF took plenty of time to answer questions.

I highlight below the issues I heard raised at the meeting I attended and other issues reported to me from the other consultation sessions.

Height and mass of the building
Although the building looks much better than that proposed by Surrey County Council it is still a large building on the site and will be taller than the houses on one side and the Kingswood Court flats on the other side of the car park.

Access
Access across the site could be an issue. Raising a headquarters building above the car park will mean a new bridge. Woking Council will pay for the new bridge (why WWF could not have been persuaded to pay I do not know). This new bridge will have steps, similar to the current set-up, by the canal. There will be a long ramp for pedestrians, prams, wheelchairs and cyclists; running along about two thirds of the car park. There will also be a lift. The lift is likely to have a capacity of around 15 persons and will also accommodate buggies and wheelchairs.

Parking Spaces
Most, but not all parking spaces will be retained. Around 30 spaces are likely to be lost. WWF will have only a handful of spaces on site with staff permits issued for ‘town centre’ car parks and much encouragement of sustainable travel. A drop off facility will be retained close to the car park entrance.

Coach Parking
There will be no coach parking on site – it seems WBC has agreed this with WWF but this was the first time I had heard of this. The proposed Surrey County Council building was to include coach parking. I am very unhappy that this requirement has been removed and that councillors were not informed. Brewery Road is the only location close to the town centre where coaches can park. It is key for dropping off customers for the New Victoria Theatre. There is nowhere coaches can park by the theatre. This is also an issue for mini-buses, often used by the disabled and vans which may be driven by stall holders for the regular or visiting markets or tradesmen working at town centre businesses.

Car park lighting
How will the car park under the proposed WWF headquarters be lit? Of course Brewery Road was totally refurbished at a cost of £750,000 just a few years ago. This work included improved lighting, sufficient to meet the “Safer car parks standard”. When asked how the car parking would be lit, given it would be under the building, the WWF team referred to low level lighting, probably movement activated. All very good in environmental terms but not for personal safety. People like to see who and what is in a car park before they walk into it, not once they are in there. It will be interesting to see how this is resolved.

Canal – funding for enhancements / improvements
A member of the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society asked about funding for canal enhancements or improvements. This seemed to be something to which WWF had given little thought, but they did say they were open to proposals from local groups. I will be pushing Woking Council and WWF for a substantial contribution to the canal if the building goes ahead.

The effect on local business interests
Several people raised concerns about the effect of a new WWF headquarters on local business interests and the Methodist Church. Access to the theatre, particularly for those arriving by coach was one concern and access to the Lighbox, particularly during the construction phasem was another. There were concerns about parking for those using Trinity either for worship, or to attend events, would park. I am especially concerned to understand if there has been any specific consultation with these local groups.

First sight of WWF plans for Brewery Road

Had my first sight of WWF's plans for Brewery Road car park tonight. Quite a few changes from earlier suggestions. Car parking is retained, as required by WBC. The new headquarters building is on stilts above the current car park. The building is 14m high and two storey. There is a curved roof and the design appears open with a fabric of natural materials.

My initial thoughts are that is is much better than other proposals for Brewery Road car park but it is a large building, taking up pretty much the whole site, car parking will all be under the building (thought it will be open to the side) and there could be access issues.

The building will connect to a new bridge over the canal (replacing the existing bridge). There will be access to the bridge from steps or a lift at the 'drop off' area and a ramp between the building and the canal. I have questions about the capacity of the lift at busy times, operating hours for the lift, support for lift problems and alternatives if the lift is out of action.

A 'drop off' facility for those driving people to or from the car park is provided. There appears to be no facility for coach parking.

I'll be going along to at least one of the consultation events over the next couple of days to listen to WWF's presentation and hear what residents thinks of the plans. I previously posted full details of the events.

Seeing the plans for Brewery Road

As an elected councillor I get a 'private' viewing of WWF's plans for Brewery Road car park tonight. WWF and their architects will be setting up in one of WBC's meeting rooms this evening. This is an opportunity for councillors to see what the environmental charity proposes to build on the Horsell car park site.

The wider public are invited to see the plans on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week when they will be on display at the HG Wells Suite in the centre of Woking. WWF will have their plans on display between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday 19 October. This will include a presentation on the plans between 7pm and 7.45pm. There will be two opportunities to see the plans on Wednesday. Either between 2pm and 4pm, which will include a presentation of the plans between 2.30pm and 3.15pm or between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

Anyone can attend these consultation events. There is no need to book a place just go along to HG Wells.

I am still awaiting a response from WWF on what arrangements are being made for those who would like to participate in the consultation but are not able to attend the events on Monday or Tuesday.

After my viewing tonight I will post some information to help inform those who are able to attend one of the events so they know what to expect and give at least some details to those who are unable to attend.

Better Late than Never

I am pleased to be able to say that there is finally a little more publicity for the WWF consultation events. WWF are consulting residents on plans for a new HQ building on Brewery Road car park.

WWF is front page news in this week's Woking News and Mail and the Council has now put news of the consultation on its website. Whilst listing the dates and times of the events the Council website does not state that there will be a presentation on the plans at one of the evening sessions and the afternoon session. See my earlier post here for full event details.

I am also told, having chased it up, see below, that A4 posters are to go up around the area.

All a bit late in the day given the events are less than a week away but better late than never.

I have been asked what provision is being made for those who are interested to see WWF's plans but who are unable to attend any of the consultation sessions. I am following this up with WWF and will post information as soon as I have it.

Call this consultation?

I am very unhappy with the lack of publicity from WWF for their forthcoming consultation on plans for a new HQ building on Brewery Road car park. To date we have had only a very small item in the local paper and a public notice in the same paper. I wrote about this last week.

There are so many other ways in which WWF could have informed residents that this consultation was taking place. Noticeboards in Horsell Village, at Wheatsheaf Common and on the bridge to Brewery Road car park could have carried posters. An item on the council web site would have been seen by many residents. WWF have contact details from their initial consulation. Nothing has been sent to those who attended that event. Immediate neighbours to the site (which includes me) have had nothing.

What is the point of consulting if you don't tell people that you are doing it?

I would not have gone to university

I went to university in the mid 80’s. At this time the North West, where I grew up, had yet to recover from the recession of 1980-1 and Thatcher’s onslaught on the region’s traditional manufacturing industries. The miner’s strike was in full swing when my degree course started in 1984. Youth unemployment was so high that since the late 70’s young people leaving school at 16 had been ‘encouraged’ onto YOP (Youth Opportunity Programme). This programme entailed a period of training on a minimal wage with the hope it would lead to full employment for young people. Most ‘trainees’ on the scheme felt they were just used as cheap labour. I recall hearing of friends and their siblings who finished their YOP one week only to be replaced by a new trainee the following week.

Conscious of the employment situation and the importance of work experience I chose an unusual degree course. I studied History and Politics at Brunel University. Brunel was unique at that time in offering a “thin sandwich” course to all students. This meant my course was four years long but for the first three years I was at university between October and March and then had periods of (usually) paid work experience from April to September. Having this ‘guaranteed’ work as part of my course meant I did not have to worry about returning home and searching for work in the summer holidays. I felt this gave me both the chance to learn about the world of work and secure some income for the following academic year.

Back home my parents made enough to get by, just. There was no money for extras. I was the first person in my family ever to go to university. The whole experience was a mystery, a closed world. I was concerned about how I would live. Debt was a big issue. Although we had no money we did not borrow money. The thought of a debt of £21,000 (even adjusted to 1980’s levels) in fees plus living costs would have been a great disincentive to my university career. I think I may have been pressured to go and find a job rather than run up this sort of debt.

Thinking ahead I worry about those of lower or middle income families who aspire to go to one of the ‘better’ universities. How much will Oxford and Cambridge and Bristol and Durham and St Andrews want to charge in fees? How much will it cost to study medicine or veterinary science? Will the choice of university and course be determined by cost not by academic ability or interest?

I am sick and tired of politicians making promises and then breaking them. Liberal Democrat MPs committed to oppose tuition fees before the last election. I fully agreed with that commitment. I thought that as Liberal Democrats we had principles. Now it seems we are just the same as Labour who brought in tuition fees in 1998, having committed not to do this. What is the difference!

I applaud those Liberal Democrat MPs who have already come out as opposing any increase in tuition fees. I believe there are around 30 to date. I hope there are many more to come.
I have a message to Vince and Nick. Liberal Democrats said NO to tuition fees and we meant NO to tuition fees. We have campaigned on it. We have gained votes from this pledge. We cannot overturn all that we have said in the past. NO increase in tuition fees.

A week of sad losses

This week I have heard of several deaths, each of which has made me feel rather sad. These were not deaths of relations or even close friends, just people, one of whom I never even met, who touched my life in some small way.

The first sad news came on Monday when I heard that the husband of Woking county councillor Elizabeth Compton had died suddenly. I had only met Mrs Compton on a few occasions but she often referred to her husband in discussions. I saw them together at a meeting earlier in the year and it was obvious they were a devoted couple. I understand that Mr Compton‘s death was totally unexpected. It must be so difficult to lose somebody in that way and my thoughts are with Mrs Compton.

Sad news part two came on Tuesday when I learnt that former local reporter Eileen Whatmore had died. I knew Eileen as the reporter from The Informer, but she had a long history with newspapers in the area. Eileen was always helpful and friendly, if a little exasperated when I sent her Word attachments she couldn’t read on her old Mac system at The Informer! Reading the news on the getsurrey website today I learned that this was also a sudden death. Eileen worked until she was 74, just two years ago. She once revealed to me that issues with her pension led her to work long beyond the usual retirement age but she always seemed to be enjoying her work. I particularly appreciated her help in arranging photographers and writing articles to publicise issues in Horsell. I last saw her earlier in the year, during the campaign for the General Election. She will be sadly missed.

The third piece of sad news started when I read a Facebook post on Monday. I learnt that a friend’s brother was missing. I got to know this lady because our daughters became friends at school. I never met her brother Darryn but his son, cousin of my daughter’s friend, often stayed with her family. My daughter knew the son well and I met him several times. The family live in Stroud and Darryn had last been seen there on Friday afternoon. When he didn’t return home his family thought he may have headed to Woking where he had previously lived for 30 years. I was glad to help spread the message that he was missing and ask people to look out for him via my Facebook page and through Twitter. Sadly I learnt yesterday that his body had been found. As this story unfolded I learnt of a “smiley” family man who, along with his wife, entertained children at parties and events. He was the same age as me and leaves behind a wife, a son just a couple of years older than my elder daughter, his sister and mother, a niece and a nephew that I know of, plus I am sure many more relations and friends. My thoughts are with all who knew him.

I’m not really sure where this post is going but I guess my point is that each of these people was peripheral to my life but I feel sad about each loss. For the first it was the thought of a partner left behind, on the second it was that Eileen’s life ended so soon after her retirement and for the third it was the loss of life at a young age and the great loss to so many. I suppose the other point is that each played a big part in and contributed to their community. Mr Compton supported his wife’s work as a county councillor, Eileen knew and was known throughout the Woking area and Darryn was known in his local area as an entertainer.

Each death brought a little sadness to my weeek.

WWF Announce Consultation Dates

WWF has announced when it will consult residents on its plans for Brewery Road Car Park. Events will take place at the HG Wells centre in Woking as follows

Tuesday 19 October

6.30 pm to 8.30pm with a presentation between 7pm and 7.45pm

Wednesday 20 October

2pm to 4pm with a presentation between 2.30pm and 3.15pm

and 6.30pm to 8.30pm

The events are pitched as an opportunity to see the "concept design" of what it would appear WWF want to call the "Living Planet Centre".

Please do try and get along to one of these sessions and find out what WWF are planning. I am interested to hear your views. Do you think this is acceptable development for the car park? Would you like to see changes to the plans? Or would you rather the car park stays as it is?

Consultation Concerns

I first heard about the consultation dates earlier this week, with dates only, no times. The next information I had was from an 'In Brief' item in the News and Mail. This contained only the session times. Turning to the notices at the end of the paper I found a very small notice by WWF - taking up a column just one eigth of a page wide. Hardly mass advertising of the events. There is, as yet, no information on the Council website. I have asked council officers to confirm how these events will be promoted.

Planning Application Round Up

Very few planning applications in recent weeks. Here is a round up.

PLAN/2010/0944
A single storey side extension and a first floor extenson over the existing garage for Asha in Horsell Park.

PLAN/2010/0931
Crombie, 30 Thornash Road is seeking a Certificate of Lawful Development for a single storey side extension.

PLAN/2010/0893
Coxhill Farm in Deep Pool Lane is seeking a Certificate of Lawful Development for a two storey rear extension and single storey extensions to north and south elevations. There was previously an application to demolish the existing property on this site and build a new property. This was withdrawn. This is an application to make these changes to the property without the need to submit a full planning application.

PLAN/2010/0798
Application for a single storey rear extension at 18 Tresta Walk.

PLAN/2010/0864
Another single storey rear extension, this one is at 40 Horsell Park Close.

PLAN/2010/0885
Oak Cottage in South Road are seeking to add a single storey rear conservatory to the property.

An application at 90-92 High Street to convert office space to four one bedroom flats has been refused.

New cycle crossing of Victoria Way

Crossing over Victoria Way in a rush to work this morning I saw a site notice. I got chance to have a look on the way home. It is an application for a cycle crossing of Victoria Way. The plan emanates from Surrey County Council. The detail is not clear but I think the plan is for a separate crossing for cyclists. The notice says the plans can be seen at the WBC offices but I can't see where there are to be found online. A search of applications for both wards that meet at the road - Horsell West and Goldsworth East produces no relevant application and the Surrey CC site only seems to have applications for mineral extraction. The Cycle Woking website has details of a new crossing of the canal in the Hermitage area but nothing about this plan.

I will continue my search and report back when I have full details of this plan.

UPDATE
Shortly after posting this I received the plans for the crossing in the post. As a councillor for the area I was notified directly. This still doesn't answer my issue that it is not easy for local residents to access this information. Why can't such plans go on to the Internet as for planning applications.

I was also made aware by a colleague that as this is the County Council the notice is effectively a "traffic order" not an application and so they will go ahead and build the crossing unless there is a legal objection. In fact work has now begun to clear the bushes and other plants near to the Council offices in preparation for the crosssing.

I have no reason to object to the crossing. A separate cycle crossing makes sense and gives both pedestrians and cyclists more room. I am just unhappy about the process and Surrey's lack of consultation with local people.

Missing Bus Information

Further to my piece on changes to buses running through Horsell that were not communicated to passengers another SCC failure in communication has come to my notice.

One of the buses that serves Woking High has been dropped, another has a new number and one has a different departure time. None of these changes were advised to the school before the new term started this week. The school only learnt of the changes through reports from students and parents.

Is it really so difficult to tell people what is going on Surrey?

Planning Applications 9 September 2010

Can't believe that Thursday has come around again. Time for the weekly update of planning applications.

Just two this week - one householder application and a Council application.

PLAN/2010/0799
Elwood, Waldens Road, Horsell
Summary description has this as "erection of a replacement dwelling" but looking at the detail of the application it describes two storey side extensions and internal reworking. The property is a relatively small bungalow so it maybe that the planners feel this is effectively a new dwelling. I have queried with the planning officer and will update this post when I have more information.
UPDATE - planning officer has told me that as little of original property will remain and it is two storey extensin to bungalow this is classed as 'erection of replacement dwelling'.

PLAN/2010/0820
Application to retain the recycling centre at Kestrel Way for the next two years. Permission for this small site on Kestrel Way seems to come up for renewal every couple of years.

Update on Horsell Scouts and Guides

Attended the WBC Executive tonight where an "enabling" paper was presented on future funding for community facilities including new accommodation for Horsell Scouts and Guides. The paper envisaged using money made from Wolsey Place shopping centre (now owned by WBC) to fund these local community projects. Some concerns were raised, including by me, about whether the funds from Wolsey Place could be guaranteed in the future. I also asked about how projects would be assessed for funding, what criteria would be most important and about timescales. Didn't really get any satisfactory answers on these questions. On timing I was told by the Leader of the Executive that it was "the beginning of a journey".

The Executive supported the paper and council officers will now progress feasability reports on each of the projects.

New home for Horsell Scouts & Guides?

Horsell Scouts and Guides has been fundraising for what seems like forever for a new headquarters. The existing building, which is used by the scouts and guides themselves, Young World pre-school and the Karen Clarke dance school needs much on-going maintenance. The group is now reaching the stage where it may have enough to match any funding it can source from grants and it has looked into the funds available from various sources, including Woking Council.

Woking Council has discussed plans with the group and a paper is going to this week's council Executive meeting with proposals as to how the Council might potentially provide funds in the future for Horsell Scouts and Guides and other voluntary groups across Woking, including Horsell Village Hall, sports facilities in Alpha Road and Goldsworth Park and community facilities in Byfleet, Old Woking and St Johns. In summary the paper suggests that money generated from the Council's ownership of Wolsey Place may be used in future to help fund improvements to local community facilities. It is also suggested that this money could be supplanted by subscription from local individuals and businesses.

This matter goes before Woking's Conservative executive on Thursday. I don't have a vote on it but I can say a few words. I am interested to hear your views on this. You can email me at cllrann-marie.barker@woking.gov.uk

Buses and Car Parks

I returned from holiday to a message from a resident very concerned about changes in bus timetables last week and the lack of information from either Surrey or the bus companies on this matter. Some bus times have changed and other routes have been removed completely. It seems a small number of residents were told of the changes by bus drivers in the preceding week but many were not and waited vainly at bus stops. I am told that new timetables are available at Woking library.

I was aware that changes may be made following the first stage of Surrey's bus "consultation" but certainly had no idea this was to take place last week. I will seek further information from Surrey on Monday.

A short walk across Brewery Road car park early Saturday evening and I thought I was back in Cornwall. There was so much sand in the car park I thought I had been transported to a beach car park. The sand was in the far corner of the car park, where coaches used to park and near the drop off area by the bridge to the town centre. The cause of the sand appears to be holes dug, and neatly filled in the car park. I can only guess that the "holes" are test pits dug by WWF to investigate the land. I recall that Surrey carried out a similar exercise prior to their aborted move to the car park. It would have been nice to have been told about the work and a good idea to get the contractors to clear up when the work was finished. I will contact the neighbourhood officer on Monday about getting the mess cleared up.

Latest Horsell West Planning Applications

Still very quiet on the planning application front. I've just returned from a week in a sunny Cornwall so two weeks of applications combined follow. This still only means 3 applications. As ever click on the link to go direct to the full details of the application. You can commit directly on the application, send an email with your views or write a letter.

The application for the church site on Meadway Drive, close to the junction with the High Street, has been withdrawn. I am sure there will be a further application on this site and will look out for this application.

PLAN/2010/0802
Flagstones Horsell Vale
Extension at side and rear of property, part single and part two storey. This is an amendment to an application permitted in October 2009. An amendment to the 2009 application was refused planning permission earlier this year.

PLAN/2010/0797
Dennington Ridgeway
Erection of a car port in front of existing garage.

PLAN/2010/0825
Dumgoyne Bullbeggars Lane
Erection of detached single garage / store to rear garden.

Latest Update - Littlewick Road

Finally managed to get an answer from Surrey County Council about the roadworks in Littlewick Road. Gave up on county officers and went to the general helpline. Staff were very helpful. "Rob" who answered the phone obviously looked on the same web site page I searched, to no avail. However he then spoke to a colleague in Highways and put me through to her for an answer.

I don't recall the name of the person in Highways but she explained that a hole had been found in the road with a cavity underneath. The County Council had to investigate what had caused the hole. A utility was suspected but this had to be explored. After investigation there was no conclusive evidence of what had caused the hole so it will be fixed by County Council contractors. This should now be done in the next two weeks.

Latest Horsell West Planning Appplications

Still quiet on the planning application front here in Horsell. There have been two new applications in the past week. One is for an extension in Morton Road and the other for a demolition and new building on the outer edges of Horsell at Deep Pool Lane. As you will see below this site has a Chobham address but it is part of Horsell West ward and in the Woking BC area.

To view more details of each application and to submit your views click on the application number below. You can also submit a view by email (the officer dealing with the case is detaailed on each application) or write to the Planning Department at Woking BC, referencing the planning application number.

If there are local concerns about an application and ten or more objections are received a complainant is entitled to put their case before the planning committee.

PLAN/2010/0769
Coxhill Farm, Deep Pool Lane, Chobham
Erection of a two storey dwelling and garage following demolition of the existing dwelling on site.

PLAN/2010/0766
Woodlands, Morton Road, Horsell
Erection of part two storey side and rear extension and single storey side and rear extension.

Good news on Horsell Way Mast

I received some great news on the Horsell Way mast yesterday. Tyco Electronics, agent for Vodafone and 02, informed councillors that they are to "further investigate the Kestrel Way site as their preferred option". Tyco say that "the Horsell Way site will not be pursued any further at this time".

This means that 02 will look to put up a mast near Kestrel Way, on Horsell Common Preservation Society (HCPS) land. The site is removed both physically and visibly from homes, schools and businesses. It is a site that has had a good degree of public support.

There was much effort to promote this site at the time of the original Horsell Way mast application , but to no avail. It is a real step forward that 02 are now seriously considering this location. I understand 02 plan to meet Woking BC representatives at the site in the near future.

I will continue to keep residents informed on progress.

CAB Cuts

I am very worried to hear about likely cuts in both staff and services at Woking Citizens Advice Bureau.

Woking Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) provides a range of valuable services to local people. Through a small number of employees and an army of volunteers they offer legal advice, support on housing issues, help on claiming benefits, support on debt issues, employment problems, relationship issues, consumer rights, discrimination and more.

Contrary to popular belief CAB is not funded by government. It is a charitable organisation which relies on grants and donations. Woking CAB is not receiving its anticipated level of funding in the coming year and so it is looking at both cutting services and losing paid employees.

I visited the local CAB earlier this year with parliamentary candidate Rosie Sharpley and South East region MEP Sharon Bowles. We heard from Hazel Craig-Waller about the range of services provided and the number of residents helped by the CAB.

Cuts to the CAB, especially in the current economic climate, will be hard felt. Just at a time when the service is most needed it may need to cut back on its vital services.

Planning Applications 14 August 2010

Latest new planning applications in Horsell West, as of this week. Still a quiet period. The three applications added this week all relate to residential extensions.

First one up is an application for a two storey rear extension in Bury Lane. Check out the full details at PLAN/2010/0694/HOU.

And the next one is also for an extension, this time it is both a single and two storey rear extension and a single storey front porch in Heather Close. Full details at PLAN/2010/0730/HOU.

The third application is one listed last week (see below) in Holyoake Crescent. The application has changed so rather than a full planning application it is an "application for a certificate of proposed lawful development". Again this is an extension, single storey, at the rear of the existing property.

BriefUpdates

Unexplained Roadworks
I've just been asked about the roadworks in Littlewick Road in Horsell. Apparently there have been roadworks on this road for around two weeks - but no sign of any work. I had a look at Surrey County Council's web based list of works but there is nothing there about Littlewick Road. I have contacted Surrey County Council to ask what is happening.

Phone Mast
Still no phone mast application I am pleased to say but vigilance continues and I am on the lookout for anything happening on this.

Arthur's Bridge / Well Lane Junction with Lockfield Drive
I am still awaiting information from the County Council on what has happened since my question to the Local Committee about safety at the Arthurs Bridge / Well Lane junction with Lockfield Drive.

A Credit Union for Woking

Delighted to hear news this week that progress is being made on the Surrey Save Credit Union. The Credit Union will offer a savings and loan service to residents across Surrey, including Woking. The Union will be run by volunteers and offer banking services to those who may have difficulty accessing traditional banks.

The Credit Union has taken a long time to come together but hopes to start offering services next year.

Woking Borough and other local councils have supported the scheme but sadly Surrey County Council have offered little to the Credit Union.

Latest Planning Applications

Just two planning applications for Horsell West this week. No mast application yet but one plan that is likely to cause concern.

The first is for the erection of an extension in Holyoake Avenue. A previous application was withdrawn so I am guessing that this is a revised application, maybe following advice from planning officers. Planning application reference PLAN/2010/0695/HOU. The deadline for public comments is not clear on this application. I will update the post when I have that information.

The second application may raise some comment. It is for the site of the Gospel Hall, the single storey hall at the High Street end of Meadway Drive. The site was put up for sale several months ago when the religious group who met there decided to centre their meetings elsewhere in the county, closer to where most of their membership live. The site was sold by auction and an application has now been made to demolish the hall and erect a three storey building containing five flats, each with two bedrooms.

My initial thought was that the height of the buidling was out of keeping with other properties in the area. The surrounding area is a mix of two storey houses and shops with flats above. However on looking at the plans I see that the applicant is proposing a building that appears to be styled to fit in with the houses nearby.

My second thought was parking. Four spaces are proposed at the site. With five flats, each with two bedrooms and the potential for residents to be young people sharing this could mean one person per bedroom so potentially ten vehicles. If couples occupied each room it could mean as many as twenty vehicles. Local roads can't cope with the extra cars. This is a particularly heavily parked road, especially along the section between the High Street and South Close. It gets especially busy at school drop off and pick up time. The site also seems rather small for this building. What do you think? Planning application reference PLAN/2010/0700. The deadline for public comments is 19 August, but in practice comments will be accepted up until the time when the application is considered.

Given the public interest that this application is likely to generate and my concerns on parking at the site in particular I have asked that the application goes before the planning committee.

You can submit your comments on any planning application to Woking Borough Council at the Public Access to Planning website. I would also be interested to hear your views on any planning application. Email me at cllrann-marie.barker@woking.gov.uk

Look out for mast applications

A week and a half into the school summer holidays and I am keeping my eyes and ears wide open for any mast applications. After the pre-consultation on adding to the Horsell Way mast I am concerned that a full appplication may be submitted over the holiday period. Councillors receive a weekly email update of planning applications received and decided. I check this thoroughly each week. I also, particularly at this time of year, check the "Public Access for Planning" website which contains all applications. You can get the latest on planning applications yourself by clicking on the link.

Arthur's Bridge / Well Lane Junction awaiting information

The "Casualty Reduction Working Group" which was to consider the Arthur's Bridge / Well Lane junction with Lockfield Drive met on 21 July. I have still had no feedback from that meeting. Today I searched Surrey County Council's website for details of the group or its meetings but found nothing. I have now sent a query to Surrey asking what was the outcome of the meeting. I will post a further update when I hear from this meeting and get the full accident figures for the junction.

Update on Arthur's Bridge / Well Lane Junction

Since I last posted on this accident hotspot a few weeks ago there has been another accident and I received an answer to my question to Surrey's Local Committee.

In response to my question at the Local Committee I was told that the Safety Review I had asked for could only be done for new junctions. Despite the poor safety record at this junction it seems a Safety Review will not be considered. The County Council did agree to put the matter to another committee concerned with road safety. I haven't had any feedback from that meeting.

When I sought further action I was told that the County Council can't legislate for poor driving. I think this rather misses the point.

Whilst I was considering next steps to improve safety at this dangerous junction I drove right into an accident last Sunday. I was heading for Morrisons supermarket on Sunday afternoon. As I approached the top of Arthur's Bridge Road I became aware of a resident trying to pull out of his drive and another vehicle waiting to make the left turn towards Lockfield Drive. I drove around a parked car and edged into a space. It was then that I realised the traffic wasn't moving onto Lockfield Drive. In the middle of the junction, heading for a right turn onto Lockfield Drive there was a car with the driver's side badly dented. To the left of the junction was another car which I assume had hit the first car. Police were on the seen and directing traffic. Drivers coming out of Arthur's Bridge had to turn left onto Lockfield Drive.

I have seen no information about this accident since Sunday. I hope this means that no serious injury was suffered. This does pose the question as to how many non-injury accidents there may have been at the junction. I have written to the police to see if they have the answer.

Martyrs Lane recycling site is to close for redevelopment from 12 July. It will remain closed for 22 weeks. This means no local recycling site for Horsell residents until after Christmas.

Benefits of the redevelopment will be:

+ Easier, step free access to the recycling containers
+ Separate entrances for the public and HGVs to help reduce queuing
+ More parking – increasing from 20 to 45 spaces

Whilst the site is closed the alternatives are Slyfield in Guildford and Lyne, near Chertsey. Both alternative sites are a similar distance away from Horsell. Lyne is 4.5 miles away from Martyrs Lane, a total of 7 miles from the centre of Horsell village. Slyfield is 7 miles from Martrys Lane and 6 miles from Horsell Village.

In order to cope with the heaviest demand summer months the two alternative sites will stay open until 7.30pm every evening until the end of September.

The improvements sound very welcome. It is disappointing that the site has to be closed for such a long period. This redevelopment has been talked about for some time and it was originally thought that the site would be able to remain open during the work. I do hope that the redevelopment leaves to an improved system that reduces queues into and around the site. The last time the site was changed several years ago it led actually increased queues.

Horsell Way Mast Rears Its Ugly Head

Barely a month back into representing Horsell West and I came home to a letter I did not want to receive. The communication was from a company representing Vodafone. They were writing as a 'pre-consultation' on plans to share an existing phone mast in Horsell Way with 02. This would involve a larger mast, with antennae and more ground equipment.

Long-standing residents will recall the lengthy campaign fought by local people to reject Horsell Way as a mast site. There was a huge response from residents to an initial pre-application consultation, to the planning application (which was rejected by Woking Council) and to request that Vodafone’s appeal went to a public inquiry. The public case was very strongly put at public inquiry. Despite all of this the application was allowed on appeal. Now Vodafone are back and looking to add to resident' misery.

On receipt of the letter I immediately notified immediate neighbours, those involved in the previous application and Horsell Residents Association about the consultation. A local resident circulated details to those in the closest parts of High Street, including Cromar Court; Horsell Way and Nursery Close.

I have also spoken with the person from the Council who was very much involved in the previous application.

Our response points out to the mobile operators that there is an alternative site, provided by Horsell Common Preservation Society, in a location outside what is considered the 'danger zone' and urging Vodafone and 02 to use this site which can accommodate a number of operators.

I will continue to work with the Council to encourage operators to move to the new site. We must now be on the lookout for the inevitable planning application that is likely to follow this consultation. Going by previous mast appplications it is likely to be submitted in late July or in August. Operators like to wait until much of the population are away on holiday, presumably in the hope the application will not be noticed.

Blog Updates

You may have noticed a whole swathe of blog posts in the last day. I have been having intermittent problems with my wireless connection on my laptop for the last few weeks. This has meant that when I get time to use the computer it takes so long to tackle other matters such as resident emails and research for meetings I haven't been able to post blogs. I had them all written off-line but not loaded.

I am pleased to say that the problem with the connection is hopefully resolved and my blogs will immediately go online in future.

Concerns about key Horsell junction

I was very concerned to learn of a traffic accident at the junction of Arthurs’ Bridge Road / Well Lane and Lockfield Drive this week. Several people were injured when a car travelling along Lockfield Drive hit another car turning onto Lockfield Drive. The injured included a toddler who suffered serious facial injuries and was airlifted to St George’s Hospital at Tooting.

I experienced some bad driving at that junction just the other day. I came up Arthur’s Bridge to turn right onto Lockfield Drive with one car in front of me and another one behind. For some reason the driver in front of me slowed and put on his hazard lights as the lights changed. I followed slowly behind but was aware of the driver behind me getting impatient, even before the horn he sounded his horn. The car in front finally got moving and went through the pedestrian lights on Lockfield Drive just before they turned to amber. I got there just as the lights turned amber and stopped. The car behind me, which I think it is quite likely had turned right against a red light, raced up into the outer lane and straight through the pedestrian light that was by now turning red.

History

The junction of Arthurs’s Bridge Road with Well Lane and Lockfield Drive has long created local debate. Take a step back more than 10 years to 1998/9 when the closure of this junction was a big local issue. The police had decreed this was a dangerous junction and Woking, which at that time was responsible for highways in the borough, concurred and put up temporary barriers preventing right turns. At this time there were no lights controlling the junction but there were pedestrian crossing lights, as now, on Lockfield Drive.

The closure of the junction led to much protest, residents were concerned about longer journeys and particularly about having to go through the town centre at busy times to travel to the west, especially to Guildford. Others, primarily those living along Well Lane and Arthurs Bridge and roads off, thought the closure would reduce traffic down their roads, and welcomed the closure.

Despite resident’s protests Woking Council was unwilling to re-open the junction and installing traffic lights was seen as a costly solution. The temporary barriers which initially blocked the road, were made permanent and the debate continued.

Eventually funding was agreed for a light controlled junction. Further delays followed due to budgetary pressure but a light controlled junction was finally installed.

The new junction caused further issues. There were concerns about how the traffic and pedestrian lights synchronised. Parents taking their children to Goldsworth School were very worried about safety. Their concerns included the proximity of the two sets of lights and the short interchange between each phase of the lights.

Former county councillor John Doran worked with residents to review the light sequence. Residents petitioned to have the road narrowed to one lane. The light sequence was improved but no the road remained unchanged.

Moving Forward

This latest accident revives all the previous concerns. It is prescient that Surrey’s Local Committee for Woking meets next week. I have submitted a question to the meeting, requesting a safety review of the junction.

If you saw the accident please contact Surrey Police who are seeking witnesses

Budget Reaction

I don’t like the additional 2.5% on VAT. It’s pretty galling to think that a fifth of any purchase (with notable exceptions such as books, children’s clothes and cold food) is going straight to the government. Compared to an increase in tax, once we get an increase in VAT, its not likely to go down again. However apparently this level of VAT puts on a par with many of our European neighbours.

There are worrying cuts planned for the future, with talk of 25% cuts in key departments including the Home Office and Education. Only the health service and overseas aid are protected. These cuts threaten our schools and police service. Most of the costs in a school are the teachers. Could this mean a quarter fewer teachers. Maybe a reduction in teaching assistants? I am a governor at a local infant school which has been at the leading edge of high staffing levels, using teaching assistants to complement trained teachers. The teaching assistants are not used to replace teachers they are part of a team in each class. The loss of this valuable resource would have a significant impact on an ‘outstanding’ school.

My reaction to the budget led me to question what Liberal Democrats want from the coalition and how both the party and the country can gain from this form of governance? A detailed coalition agreement sets down what each party agreed to in order to form the coalition. The Liberal Democrats achieved government commitments for a referendum on a fairer voting system, taking those earning under £10,000 out of the tax system (the budget has at least made a start on this objective), a pupil premium to assist disadvantaged pupils and restoration of the link between pensions and earnings.

I can’t be totally happy with the budget. I have concerns about further cuts to come. I am reassured that with or without Liberal Democrat support the Conservatives were likely to have increased VAT. Being part of the coalition means the Liberal Democrats can get some policies through and can restrict or restrain some Conservative policies.

The end of free swimming?

It is a real disappointment that our new government has dropped the free swimming scheme that was due to run until March 2011. The scheme provided for free swimming for young and older people. My two children both benefitted from the scheme. Users had to sign up to the scheme and were issued with a card to show on each visit to the pool. Initially signing up was free of charge, but more recently a £2 charge was introduced (presumably to cover the cost of administration and the card itself). Until this scheme came in it was getting very expensive just to take two children swimming. I’m sure the actual cost can be quite prohibitive for those with bigger families. My older daughter can now head to the pool by herself and a free swim was a great way of keeping her occupied and exercised at weekends and in the holidays. She loves swimming and it was one more way of keeping her away from the computer.

I have to confess to having less knowledge of how useful the scheme was for older people but I can imagine it was of great benefit to those on a fixed income. One less thing to pay for is always welcome.

I’m particularly unhappy that the scheme is set to end in July, just as the school holidays begin. Several years ago, during a brief period of Lib Dem control of Woking Council, we were keen to provide free swimming, although just for school holiday periods. The scheme was trialled over an Easter holiday and was popular. Local police figures showed a drop in anti-social behaviour during that holiday period, Hardly conclusive I know but I do firmly believe that offering young people some positive activity to fill their time with, that is accessible to all, can play a part in reducing less desirable behaviour.

I note that Liberal Democrats in Three Rivers, Hertfordshire are keeping the free swimming scheme running, at least to the end of the school holidays. Wouldn’t it be great if Woking Council could do the same?

Fox Concerns

I was concerned to hear about the presumed fox attack on twin baby sisters in North London recently. We have a large fox population in Horsell. I frequently see foxes running into the woods near my home and late at night or early in the morning I see foxes all over the village.

A few years ago I was asked about the fox population by residents of Waldens Park Road. They had seen a number of foxes around and were concerned about the safety of their children. I contacted Woking Council and they provided a very useful booklet about foxes which I passed on to the residents and posted on my Window on Woking site. You can find the booklet here http://www.woking.gov.uk/planning/envhealthservice/pest/otherprotectedspeciesandfoxes/urbanfox

Fast forward to 2010 and I have been contacted by a concerned resident, worried about foxes living vey near to her home, in the light of the attacks on the baby twins. I have passed on the booklet details but I have also written to Woking Council asking what additional measures they are proposing in the light of the weekend’s events and actions being considered by both London boroughs and the Mayor of London.

Golden Farewell to Humfrey

I see our former MP Humfrey Malins has received a ‘resettlement grant’ of £54,000 after standing down as an MP at the general election.

I can understand that it is appropriate to pay a resettlement grant to those MPs who lose their seats at an election. It would seem particularly necessary for those who may have moved to, or lived in their constituency and who may now need to relocate in order to find alternative employment. This does not apply to Mr Malins. He never took it upon himself to live among the people he represented here in Woking and he stood down by choice. I believe he continued his ‘other job’ as a crown court recorder throughout his parliamentary career. On this basis I fail to understand why he should receive this huge amount of money. One assumes he his life will continue as before, he’ll just be doing one less job.

Maybe Humfrey would like to make a parting gift to Woking from his windfall – a donation to the local hospice would be a popular choice. Alternatively he could give the £50,000 to George Osborne to help plug the hole in the country’s finances.

Next steps

So, after all the hard work of the campaign, I am delighted to be Horsell West's new representative on Woking Borough Council. Now the real work starts ...

There are three main strands that I will focus on in the coming weeks

Getting Informed
I need to be up to data on current Council issues, my role as a councillor and the issues that my predecessor (Richard Sanderson) has been dealing with in Horsell. I was a councillor between 2004 and 2008 so this gives me some advantage over a 'virgin' councillor but I am sure I still have much to learn over the coming weeks and months. We have an informal meeting of Lib Dem councillors this weekend, I am attending an induction for all new councillors early next week and Richard and I will get together for a briefing session later in the week.

Finding my role on the Council
All councillors attend full council meetings and need to work with the rest of the group to decide which committees they should sit on. For the group running the Council several members need to serve on the Executive which runs the Council and sets policy direction. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee casts a critical eye over Council decisions. Then there are two essential committees with regulatory powers - Planning and Licensing. Planning is the committee that residents are most likely to have encountered. Planning applications go before the committee for everything from a household extension to a major new development. Licensing looks after all licensed premises, pubs and bars, late night opening of restaurants and cafes. Finally the Standards Committee is responsible for ensuring high standards of conduct among councillors and looks at any legislation involving standards, as they relate to the borough council and the Appeals committee deals with appeals on homelessness.

I need to find my role, one that will best represent Horsell and use my existing knowledge and experience. I was Vice-Chair of an Overview and Scrutiny Committee (there used to be several) and Chair of Licensing Committee during my previous time on the Council. However, planning matters are important and I should maybe consider this committee. Richard Sanderson was on the committte in the past.

Listening to residents and setting priorities
The previous two strands are important and necessary, but most important of all is taking forward your priorities. I would like to work with the County Council to improve road safety. I will push again for real, effective traffic calming in Brewery Road; measure to slow traffc in South Road, tackling parking in the village centre, dealing with commuter parking. I will follow closely plans for a WWF HQ on Brewery Road car park and raise resident's serious concerns. I'd like to see more youth provision in the village.

But what about you? What are your priorities? What do you think I should be doing in the coming weeks and months. Please comment on here or send me an email, drop me a line or telephone. All my details are available from the Council but for now use my personal email annmarie.barker@gmail.com as it will take a while for me to be set up on council systems.

Once I have all your ideas I will post on here, letting you know what I will be working on, in the short, medium and long term. I will then report back on progress. I look foward to hearing from you.

Elected - Thank you very much everybody

I was honoured and delighted to be elected the new councillor for Horsell West in the early hours of Friday morning. As ever Horsell was very close between Liberal Democrats and Conservatives. Just 47 votes separated me from the Conservative candidate. UKIP came in a whisker ahead of Labour. The final results was

Ann-Marie Barker 1852
Conservative 1805
UKIP 245
Labour 217

Thank you to everybody for all your votes. Of course the General Election pushed up the turnout but I do feel very humbled that more than 1800 Horsell residents gave me their support.

A huge thank you to my team, particularly Richard Sanderson and his wife Sarah. Richard has represented Horsell as a councillor for more than a quarter of a century and Sarah has been behind him all the way. I hope I can carry on Richard's good work over the coming four years. I wish Richard well in his 'retirement' . Big thanks are also due to John Doran, former Horsell county councillor, who has been a stalwart of Horsell campaigns over a number of years. Rob Payne, as ever, did a wonderful job getting our poster boards up, and promptly down again. Margot and John Craig were always there to lend a hand. Many others played their part, helping us to deliver literature, canvass and prepare material. Thank you to everybody. It couldn't have been done without you.

Would you vote Labservative?

As support for the Lib Dems increases in this election it is interesting to see the reaction of the two old parties "Labservative".

Here in Woking the Tory and Labour candidates have been agreeing with each other at the hustings. They agree to such an extent that the Conservatives quoted the Labour candidate, extensively, in a recent piece of literature.

I heard recently of a hustings in Hampshire, where, when asked which party they would support in a hung parliament the Labservative candidates said each other.

These two old parties really seem to be so concerned to preserve the old system, that's the one where they take it in turns to run the country and Lib Dems and other smaller parties get a few seats. Labservatives know it may be a few elections to wait, but eventually it will come around to their turn again. Neither of the old parties wants the Lib Dems to upset their cosy life.