Agenda for Meeting on Monday, 7th March at 7.30 pm in the Letherhead Institute

1. Apologies

2. Ratification of Minutes of 10th January & 7th February

3. Matters arising from the Minutes of 7th February

4. North Leatherhead Community Group -
   presentation by guest speaker, Simon Woodhams, North Leatherhead Project Worker

5. Reports from sub-groups.
   (a) Membership
    (b) Environment
   (c) Planning
   (d) Highways

6. AGM & Newsletter

7. AOB

Home security cold callers warning

Surrey Police and local Trading Standards are warning residents to be wary of cold callers who initially make contact by phone, claiming they work with local agencies to provide home security systems. 

In the past few weeks, a number of residents across the county have reported receiving a cold call about home security and the caller then tries to sell home security products or offers them a free burglar alarm.

During the call it is implied that the company is, either working directly with the local authorities including the police, or undertaking research on their behalf. Some have also claimed to guarantee a police response to any alarm activation. The caller will often say that the alarm is free but fails to mention the installation charge and ongoing maintenance agreement.  Please note that these companies are not local to Surrey and do not have any specific local knowledge.

Surrey Police is not working in conjunction with any private home security company and we do not endorse particular products. Surrey Trading Standards Service is now investigating the companies involved.

If you are considering installing an intruder alarm system, you can obtain independent home security advice from your local Crime Reduction Advisor, PC 1836 Mike Bessent, by calling Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.

Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (e.g. a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.

Leatherhead Town Centre Environmental Enhancements

Mole Valley District Council and Surrey County Council are considering a range of projects that would be of benefit to Leatherhead town centre.

The projects are intended to support the vitality of the town and improve access and convenience for customers of the many shops, restaurants and businesses. Funding is available to start the process, but both councils are also looking towards the future and the preparation of an action plan or infrastructure plan.

A public consultation has taken place to gauge reaction to priorities for the town and how these priorities might be implemented. The first stage was the circulation of a questionnaire in the autumn of 2010 and a business survey. The results of both surveys are available as downloads from this page.

The second stage was an exhibition mounted at the end of January suggesting what the main priorities should be in the short term. The exhibition is also downloadable from this page. http://www.molevalley.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=11577

Comments made during the exhibition will be available shortly. Additional comments are welcome and can be made up until 28th February.  A report of this final stage of the consultation with recommendations for future work will be prepared for the County Council's Local Committee on 3rd March and Mole Valley District Council's Executive on 5th April. 

The email address for additional comments is ldf@molevalley.gov.uk and should be marked for the attention of Rod Shaw. 

Making it in Mole Valley

This spring residents in North Leatherhead are invited to get involved in a series of workshops run by professional craft-makers as part of the Making Surrey community project. The project is being organised by Mole Valley District Council and is funded by Arts Partnership Surrey and The National Lottery. 

Residents will get the chance to come together, have fun and get creative through workshops, in which they will explore how to solve issues ranging from anti-social behaviour to littering and fly tipping.

During the project, which will run until Christmas time, the craft-makers will take up residency in Leatherhead alongside the community.  

There will be opportunities for aspiring or established local artists to develop their skills and volunteer for future community development projects. 

There will also be apprenticeships aimed at residents who wish to specialise in community engagement work, with the craft-makers as mentors. 

Councillor Vivienne Michael, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing and Customer Service, said: “The Making Surrey project is a wonderful way for residents to come together to explore ways of solving problems within their community. The Council is proud to be a part of it; it’s a new and exciting way to engage with our residents.”      
    

Workshops will take place in North Leatherhead and involve different community groups, including the new Leatherhead Community Garden at West Hill School. More details will be announced soon. 

Seven other Surrey councils are involved in Making Surrey, and are running similar activities for their communities.

In Mole Valley the project is being organised by the Partnerships and Community Development team.

Ends

Media contacts for further information:               

Sally Horsburgh

Communications & Marketing Officer

Customer Services & Partnerships

Tel:  01306 879269

Email: sally.horsburgh@molevalley.gov.uk