A new Internet service based upon a fibre optic network

Nick Thomas has submitted this on the 'Contact us' page of our website. I am sure it will be of interest to you all:
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Hello,

I am shortly moving into Leatherhead and have been researching the provision of Internet services. BT have released a new Internet service based upon a fibre optic network which can deliver broadband speeds of up to 40Mb download and 10Mb upload. Unfortunately, the Leatherhead exchange has not been updated with this technology which could mean that Leatherhead residents miss out on this new service which costs no more than an equivalent Internet service.

I feel that residents should be aware of this and would be grateful if you could communicate to the readership of newsletters and the website that if they call BT on 0800 800 152 and request interest in 'Fibre Broadband' providing their home telephone number this should help to speed up the upgrade of the exchange. It should only take about 5 minutes and doesn't cost a penny and will help Leatherhead residents stay ahead of the game!

Thank you very much.

Nick Thomas.
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Public Art Project in Early Stages in Leatherhead - Have your say

Contributions to 106 Developer Funds have resulted in a £49000 budget for a Public Art Project to be located in or near the Leatherhead Town Centre. In fact, this money can only be used for Public Art. However, a very inclusive description has been used in defining the end project. For example, not only can a statue or other aesthetically beautiful object qualify for consideration but the presentation of a beautiful combination of landscape design incorporating art, nature and street furniture would be appropriate. Projects that are both utilitarian and beautiful, stimulating, or evocative are under consideration.

Do you have any ideas for Public Art. Please contact Cheryl Allen, member of the Public Art Committee and representative of the LRA to the LAP.

Click here to email Cheryl or phone her on (0137)2 370 091.

The deadline for submissions is 19th March. Selected projects will be presented at two public forums:

• 21st April at Park House 4 to 8 p.m.
• 24th April in the Swan Centre

Open Meeting - Monday, 1st March, in the Letherhead Institute at 7.00 pm

Agenda

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Minutes of meeting on 1st February

3. Matters Arising from the Minutes

4. PC Fran Davey and Neighbourhood Watch Leader, Alan Berridge:
Police update (with questions & answers) and introduction of No Cold Calling to Leatherhead.

5. Reports from sub Groups:
    a) Membership

    b) Planning

     c) Highways

6. Notice of the AGM on May 10th.

7. Any Other Business

Launch of Community Garden ‘Growing’ Nearer!

On Saturday February 6th local residents, service providers and an army of Rotarians joined forces to take one giant step closer to the completion of the Leatherhead Community Garden and Learning Centre.

At 10am, following the delivery of an avalanche of top soil, a team of local volunteers turned up to complete the raised beds which will see the local community growing their own organic vegetables collectively. The site will also be developed into a centre for learning on topics ranging from horticulture to cooking healthy meals. You can track the progress of the project by visiting www.leatherheadcommunitygarden.org.uk

The project is led by local residents and supported by Mole Valley District Council and a variety of other local agencies. Simon Woodhams, Chairman of the Community Garden and Learning Centre, said “I have been involved in this project from day one and it has been personally inspiring to see people from all walks of life get involved and make a difference in their local community. I am very grateful for the support we have received this week from the Rotarians and it was a great day for all involved”.

Councillor Janette Purkiss, Portfolio Holder for Community and Youth, said “This is a great project which contributes to many of the Council’s priorities around Encouraging Healthier Lifestyles, Creating a Better Environment and Reaching Every Community. I am delighted to see so many passionate and committed people coming together to really make a difference.”

The project team are constantly looking for more volunteers so if you are interested in gardening, healthy eating, community learning or transition towns in general, please get in touch by calling Simon Woodhams on 01372 361082 or email swoodhams.lcg@live.com

The Epsom Rotaract is aimed at 18-30 year olds that want to meet new people, make a difference in their local community and be part of a fulfilling, active club. With lots of members from different backgrounds and a jam-packed events diary, the club represents an exciting opportunity for anyone that wants to expand their horizons. If you would like to get involved with the Epsom Rotaract please go to www.epsomrotaract.org.uk or call / SMS the Membership and Publicity Officer on 07768 372 085.

Have your say25 March 2010, 7-9pmDorking Halls

We face major challenges on a scale not seen before. 



Many things will have to change in Surrey as a result of the recession, environmental concerns and the growing issue of how we will care for one another as we get older. 



Surrey County Council wants to know what you think, whatever your question, whatever your view. To make sure you have your say

, come to the public question time event, hosted by BBC Surrey’s ‘Drive Time’ presenter, Mark Carter and quiz the panellists from Surrey County Council, Surrey Police Authority, NHS Surrey, district and borough councils, the business and voluntary sectors. 



For further information and/or to book a FREE place and submit a question please visit: www.surreycc.gov.uk/haveyoursayevent

Battery Recycling Hits the High Streets

From 1st Feb 2010, you should just be able to take your old batteries back to the supermarket.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/batteryrecycling-law-in-force-1885170.html

Source: Independent & BBC

Update: here is the Sainsbury's battery bin in Leatherhead - blink & you'll miss it

Open Meeting - Monday,1st February, in the Letherhead Institute at 7.00 pm

Agenda

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Minutes of meeting on 4th January

3. Matters Arising from the Minutes

4. "Security in the Home" -
   presentation by James Lewis (Buchannan and Curwen)

5. Reports from sub Groups

   a) Membership

   b) Planning

    c) Highways

6. New Decision Making Arrangements at Mole Valley District Council

7. Any Other Business

Press: Ashtead & Leather Local Article

Leatherhead, blue, yellow and (faded) brick red!

The good news first: several kingfishers have been seen on the River Mole between the Town Bridge and Thorncroft Bridge. This welcome piece of information was given out at the Leatherhead Residents’ Association social evening last Monday. There had been a lot of worry over these birds while the River Path and an adjacent office block were being built.

Sometime in the New Year, however, many of the town’s roads are due for yellow paint, some for a considerable amount of yellow paint. In some cases this will be extremely welcome – the Epsom Road must be an example of this, but in other cases many residents are unhappy with the proposals. However, the numbers actually writing in to object were not sufficient for the council to alter the plans. Conversely, it was noted that even when virtually the whole road wrote in to request one plan, because it was not one of the council’s recommended solutions, it was not accepted. It will be very interesting, on Day 1, to see how quickly the other, neighbouring roads fill up. Homelands, Fortyfoot, Melvinshaw, Daymerslea Ridge, Oaks Close all look set to receive unprecedented numbers of early visitors. Being early will be the key factor in obtaining a free parking place; after 6.30 am it will almost certainly be impossible. Residents of Kingston Road, Park Rise and Windfield are going to have to be extremely careful and remove their cars during the “Forbidden Hour” or they are likely to find summonses attached the windscreens of their own cars right outside their own homes.

Lastly, hopes for a third lane the whole length of Station Approach between the bridges have been dashed. This would have involved the dismantling of the old staircase access and a costly road widening scheme. Instead, just the scaffolding is to be removed revealing the old brick retaining wall.

C. Brown of the Leatherhead Residents’ Association

NEW DECISION MAKING ARRANGEMENTS AT MOLE VALLEY DISTRICT COUNCIL

You may have already seen the Council's webpage and replied:
www.molevalley.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=8193

If you have not, I apologize for not posting this much sooner. It seems to have got overlooked in the holiday period and the bad weather. We have, however, kindly been allowed until 4th February to submit observations; you should email leaderormayor@molevalley.gov.uk.

Also this will be discussed at our meeting on Monday, 1st February, at 7.00 pm in the Letherhead Institute.

The position may be summarized thus:

The Council currently operates a Leader and Cabinet Executive, but according to the requirements of the Local Government Public Involvement in Health Act 2007), the Council will be required to change its Executive decision making process from May 2011.

The Council can opt for one of two models:

* Leader and Executive Cabinet

* Directly Elected Mayor and Cabinet

Under both models the Leader/Mayor would hold responsibility for all Executive functions and be elected or appointed for a 4 year term (subject to the end of their term of office). He/she would appoint Councillors to a Cabinet and have the option to delegate decision making powers to the Cabinet as a whole or individual Councillors and Officers. The Council would continue to approve the budget, Council policy and set Council Tax levels.

The key difference is how they are appointed and removed from office.

* The directly elected Mayor would not be a Councillor, but chosen in a separate election and would be elected for a four year term.

* The Leader would be a Councillor, elected in the regular local elections and appointed as Leader by the other Councillors (“the Council”). The Council would retain powers to remove the Leader from office in certain circumstances.

The arrangements for decision making in relation to regulatory functions (e.g. licensing, planning) are not Executive responsibilities and will remain unchanged.

The Council must opt for one of the above models by December 2010, for implementation after the next local elections in May 2011.

Currently the LRA Committee favours the directly elected Mayor model.

PUBLIC EXHIBITION

LEATHERHEAD CONSERVATION AREA

What is the future of the Leatherhead Conservation Area?
Should its boundaries change?
What is special and should be conserved?

We are having an

Open Day
On Saturday 16th January
From 10.00 am to 4.30 pm

View proposals from the draft Leatherhead Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan
and tell us what you think.
There will be opportunities to discuss proposals with Council staff and comment on the proposals

Come and see us at
The Library, The Letherhead Institute
67 High Street, Leatherhead

The draft document will be available to view on-line at www.molevalley.gov.uk and comments can be left on-line until Monday 8th February 2010

Open Meeting – 4th January 2010

Agenda

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Minutes of meeting on 2nd November

3. Matters Arising from the Minutes

4. Presentation on the Leatherhead-Triel twinning
by Paula Hancock.

5. Reports from sub Groups

a) Membership

    b) Planning

    c) Highways

6. Any Other Business

Christmas & New Year Pharmacy opening times

Christmas Day : Friday 25 December 2009

12:00->13:00 - Ruxley Pharmacy,2 Ruxley Lane,Ewell, KT19 0JA Tel: 020 8393 2094

11:30->12:30 - Michael Frith,40 South Street, Dorking, RH4 2HQ. Tel: 01306 882728

12:00->13:00 - M & R Townsend, 1 Western Parade, Woodhatch, Reigate, RH2 8AU Tel: 01737 244926

13:00->14:00 - T H Dolman, 9 Linkfield Corner, Redhill, RH1 1BD Tel: 01737 761444

Boxing Day: Monday 28th December 2009

11:00->12:00 - Grove Pharmacy, 4 Grove Corner,Lowershott,Bookham, KT23 4LP,Tel: 01372 453293

10:00->17:00 - Boots Pharmacy, 57 The Ashley Centre, Epsom, KT18 5DB Tel: 01372 724423

9:00->18:00 - Sainsbury Pharmacy, Kiln Lane, Epsom, KT17 1EQ Tel: 01372 729318

9:00->17:30 - Boots the Chemist, 11 Swan Court, Leatherhead, KT22 8AN Tel: 01372 372751

10:00->16:00 - Boots the Chemist 34-36 High Street, Reigate, RH2 9AT Tel: 01737 242833

New Years Day: Friday 1st January 2010

10:00->17:00: Boots Pharmacy, 57 The Ashley Centre,Epsom, KT18 5DB Tel: 01372 724423

9:00->18:00: Sainsbury Pharmacy Kiln Lane Epsom, KT17 1EQ Tel: 01372 729318

10:00->16:00: Boots the Chemist 34-36 High Street, Reigate, RH2 9AT Tel: 01737 242833

Meetings: December and January

Monday, 7th December 2009
At 7.00pm in Room G6 of the Letherhead Institute:
All members are invited to our Christmas Social.

Monday, 4th January 2010
At 7.00pm in Room G6 of the Letherhead Institute:
Paula Hancock will give a presentation on the Triel-Leatherhead twinning.

Press: Ashtead & Leatherhead Local

Summary:

In this months article, a Committee member writes about:

• the Expansion of the LRA
• The Leatherhead Conservation Areas
• Neighbourhood Watch

The Leatherhead Residents Association (LRA)

As a residents’ association the LRA could be described as the ‘New Kids on the Block.’ Although we know that many of our members have been actively working for the betterment of Leatherhead for very many years, we are aware that we are in our early stages of development as a residents’ association. Luckily we are surrounded by some of the best and most active residents’ association in the country. Ashtead, Bookham and Fetcham have reason to be proud of their excellence in serving their members. We have made no secret of the fact that we have looked to emulate these wonderful groups. When asked, our neighbours have freely shared their experience and advice. By studying the constitutions of these groups we learned that simplicity was the key. Although our own constitution is modeled more closely to a constitution with links to the Civic Trust, it is streamlined like that of our neighbours. The large memberships of each of the local residents associations is enviable. Our membership committee is mainly based on the road steward system of Bookham. We know that hard work by a dedicated team of volunteers is a major factor in achieving large numbers. Paula Sabine has organised our most recent membership drive that resulted in thousands or membership forms and newsletters being distributed in a matter of days. This was done by our own dedicated team of volunteers. As we continue to aspire to the strength and large membership of other local residents’ associations we are encouraged as Leatherhead residents continue to join weekly. A cordial welcome to our new members who are invited to our open meetings at the Letherhead Institute on the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m.

Neighbourhood Watch and LRA work together

We think our members will be very happy to hear that we are forging a close link with
Neighbourhood Watch. Both Neighbourhood Watch and the LRA have common goals of making Leatherhead a safer and better place to live. With common aims it makes sense to share the leg work as well. To this end Alan Berridge, the MVDC Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, and our own road stewards and volunteers have leafleted selected streets that have proven more difficult to reach. Neighbourhood Watch needs volunteers to drop police reports on crime and safety into the letters boxes of their neighbours once a month. There is no financial obligation. The LRA needs a large, active membership. With our very affordable subscription fee (£2 annually or £5 for 3 years) this provides for an inexpensive team working to communicate with all and being there when a helping hand is required.
We look forward to Alan Berridge’s campaign to bring ‘NO COLD CALLING’ to Leatherhead. Some of us were disappointed when Leatherhead was not included in the last campaign which brought Ashtead, Bookham and Fetcham on board. In the new year we will be hearing more about this campaign that is closely linked with Trading Standards.

Conservation Area Appraisal

About 3 years ago the Leatherhead Society Committee (now incorporated as the LRA) had the opportunity to meet with the Head of Planning of the MVDC. Planning Committee Member, Richard Eckersley, boldly ask if Leatherhead could have a Conservation Area Appraisal. At that time, we were told that such a study was not forthcoming. Well things change and how wise Richard was to foresee such a need. The LRA has recently been asked to comment on the appraisal format. The MVDC has commissioned consultants, Forum Heritage Services, to draft the conservation area appraisal and a management plan for the Leatherhead Conservation Area. All those people who live or work in the Leatherhead Conservation Area will be ask to fill in a questionnaire. Completed questionnaires should be returned by Monday the 14th of December. They can be posted to the Council or returned to the Help Shop at 25-29 High Street, Leatherhead.

Best wishes for a happy and peaceful holiday season. Submitted by Cheryl Allen

Two Hundred More Police Constables for Surrey

Information we would like to share with you.

We would like to share a message from our Chief Constable with you, which relates to potential changes at Surrey Police you may have heard through the local media.

Message from Surrey Police Chief Constable, Mark Rowley.

Surrey Police is developing plans to put large numbers of frontline police officers on the streets of Surrey, focused on tackling vital issues which mean the most to the public, such as anti-social behaviour and organised crime gangs. Our planning is at a very early stage, and Surrey Police Authority will be asked to agree interim plans on December 10 before more detailed work takes place.

I am very keen that as many local people as possible are made aware of our plans from myself, rather than through reporting in the local media, which is likely to only give an interpretation of our plans hence this email for your information.

In summary, we want to:

* Create up to 200 new police constable posts to improve the service we deliver. There will be more officers working in neighbourhood policing teams tackling anti-social behaviour, and more officers tackling cross border criminality and organised crime groups.
* There will be a greater range of places to meet neighbourhood policing teams (e.g. from libraries, shopping centres, council offices).
* We want to locate some of our neighbourhood policing teams within borough and district council offices to ensure a better overall service to the public in tackling local problems.
* We will be exploring replacing a number of police stations with better ways to access our services. Many of our police stations are old, costly to maintain and not particularly accessible to the vast majority of local communities - borne out by very low numbers of people visiting them. Instead we will provide a range of more accessible ways to meet your neighbourhood policing team.
* In order to invest in 200 additional constables we will be reducing the number of senior managers within Surrey Police and replace costly old police buildings with a range of better ways to access our services. It also ensures we are a financially sustainable force essential to ensure the best possible use of public money.

It will take a number of months to make the changes, and we want to work with communities to review the best way of meeting and engaging with neighbourhood policing teams. This is about providing people with an easy way to access policing services; whether it is over the phone, online or within their local community.

I have attached our press release, so you can see the facts from the Force directly.

Yours sincerely

Mark Rowley
Chief Constable
Surrey Police

Nice Weather for some

Epsom Road - great planning

No sooner than the new road surface is applied then along come contractors, dig it up, add some temporary traffic lights & then clear off for the weekend. Obviously, not an emergency repair. Perhaps the new surface was too smooth for Surrey roads and so potholes need to be applied retrospectively.

Open Meetings

The minutes of the meeting on Monday, 2nd November 2009, are now available from the drop-down menu on our Meetings page.

Future Meetings:

• Monday, 7th December 2009: Christmas Social


• Monday, 4th January 2010: Paula Hamilton will give a presentation on the Leatherhead-Triel Twinning.

Leathehead Community Garden

The Leatherhead Community Garden project is now up and running. Details of the project can be found on their website: www.leatherheadcommunitygarden.org.uk . If you want to learn more about organic growing then this is the place.

There are working parties every Saturday in October, November and December (excluding Christmas). All the work parties will start at 9am and finish around 3pm. Helpers are free to come along at anytime during these hours.

Topaz Musical Theatre presents Mainly Music Hall

We are a local singing ensemble. We have performed at the Leatherhead Day Centre as well as other venues around Mole Valley and beyond. From the proceeds of our shows we have donated substantial sums to charity.

Topaz Musical Theatre presents

Mainly Music Hall

Saturday 7 November 2.30 and 7.30pm
Fetcham Village Hall

Friday 13 November/Saturday 14th 7.30pm
Cobham Village Hall

Matinee £6 Evenings £9.50(includes a drink and light
refreshments)

BOX Office 01372 458163

From our proceeds this year we support Marie Curie Cancer
Care and Rainbow Trust Childrens Charity