Secretary's Notes

July 2007

Councillors had other Borough commitments which meant they were unable to attend this meeting.

Recent planning applications were discussed by the committee:

• The development on Richards Fields has 'gone to appeal' following the planning committees' decision to turn down the most recent application
• The derelict empty shop at Poole Road has undergone a 'make over' thanks to action by WERRA and local Councillors to encourage the owners to get repair work done. It will provide a 'base' for a Taxi firm (as before)

General concerns about developments on the flood plain were voiced especially as these 'new builds' required substantial foundations which could affect the water table and divert the course of water flowing underground with the potential for flooding.

The Environment Agency are consulted over many planning applications but as yet has not found it necessary to object to applications on these grounds in our two wards.

Matters raised by committee members for the attention of Councillors were:

• Confirmation of permission for developments
• The need to get the Dog waste bins emptied more frequently particularly those place along the Bonesgate and Hogsmill Rivers - popular dog walking areas
• Flooding at the access to Horton Country Park opposite the garage at the end of Ruxley Lane
• Amis Avenue Closure - Would residents be formally notified of this?

With so many forms of communication available now, requests for information or action by the Councillors from the committee have already been conveyed to them and are currently being dealt with.

The next meeting of WERRA is on Wednesday 5th September at 7.30pm in the Webber Hall which is adjacent to All Saints Church Fulford/Church Roads, West Ewell.

The newsletter will be out shortly and available to read on this website.

February 2007

Despite the very cold weather there was a very good turn out of committee members and councillors. Amongst some of the items raised and considered were the following.

Problems with the repair and maintenance of lighting particularly in West Ewell Ward: Some defects had been previously reported to the Contact centre at the Town Hall and referred to Surrey County Council however no action had resulted.

The following day Cllr Clive Smitheram spoke to the relevant and told him that such defects were contributing to anti-social behaviour and there were issues around public safety. He was told that a replacement standard had been ordered to resolve one problem and that this and the repairs mentioned would be dealt with.

The loss of the flowering trees in West Ewell ward: Trees had been cut down as a result of disease, whilst 2 by the bus bay at Green Lanes planted earlier this year had failed to thrive due to the hot summer, another tree had been demolished by a removal van.

Councillor Jean Steer has already written to the Tree Officer, Jeremy Young, asking for a written response as to what will be done with regard to providing replacements and when this will be done.

Damaged fencing at Revere in Chessington Road on approach to Ewell West Station

Cllr Carol Jay will find out who is responsible for the repair and maintenance of this boundary fence which needs to be undertaken asap for safety and aesthetic reasons.

Road maintenance: Increasing concerns that Surrey County Council has failed to maintain our roads since it took over this area of responsibility from the Borough Council in 2002. Pot holes and poor road surfaces (Longmead Road being cited as being particularly bad) were a problem for cyclists. Reference was also made to Chessington Road where following pipe and cable laying in 2005 resurfacing had been promised.

Cllr Jan Mason (RA Surrey County Councillor) confirmed that Chessington Road was scheduled for resurfacing this year.

Litter problem: An increased amount of litter particular on Watersedge had been reported to ward Councillors.

A meeting was arranged with officers and ward Councillors and a tour of the estate undertaken as a result a thorough cleanse of the estate was undertaken by the Operational Service. In other areas in the two wards road gullies have been cleaned where parking allowed and the pavements swept.

Winter 2005

At the request of the committee I have requested action be taken to replace the bus shelter at the Hook Road, roundabout in Chessington Road to provide better and safer access to it for all residents. This has been agreed and a more accessible version should be in place soon.

I will be developing a 'Welcome to your Residents Association' leaflet for distribution to new residents early next year. It will provide information about WERRA and how to contact your local R.A. Councillors. Many new residents will be unfamiliar with the concept of Residents' Associations and what an important place they have, through our Councillors, within the Borough Council. Hopefully this will go some way in informing people. What information would you like to receive about the Residents' Association and your local Borough Council?

We are pleased to welcome Sheila Martin as a co-opted member of the committee. Sheila has been a regular attender at WERRA meetings over the last 4 months and is keen to be more involved. If you are interested in serving the needs of the residents of your local community then come along to one of our meetings and see what goes on. Congratulations to WERRA's Advertising Manager, Colin Parker on his marriage to Steph on September 17th! If you would like to advertise in the magazine please contact Colin who would be pleased to talk things through with you.

2006 marks a special anniversary in this Residents' Association. As you will see from our logo we were founded in 1956. We will be looking at ways of celebrating this and I would be grateful for your help. Back in 1956 West Ewell and Ruxley formed 1 big ward, so, were you living here then? Perhaps you moved here in 1956 or were born here that year? What was West Ewell like? Perhaps you have some pictures. You may have even been a founder member of the Residents' Association! I would love to hear from you about your memories of West Ewell so please contact me by letter, phone or e-mail.

The annual seasonal 'Thank you' to road stewards and helpers will be held on Friday Dec 9th.