Dear Members
First a piece of news regarding our L.R.A. We are pleased to confirm that former Mole Valley Councillor, Metin Huseyin, has accepted an offer to join the Board of Leatherhead Residents’ Association, subject to ratification by Members at the next AGM (likely to be in September or October).
Meanwhile, a variety of meetings and decisions have taken place this month, the full effect of which is not likely to be felt until next year.
1. The most dramatic of these was, in my opinion, on 24th July when the various local Residents’ Associations were invited to meet with the Leret Partnership. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the traffic problems that are likely to arise on the roads surrounding the Park (notably Station Road) when the development proposed for the Park (known as Bull Hill) comes to fruition. We had not had such a meeting before, and I did sense a certain feeling of unease among the developers.
The invitees did not hold back on their concerns that these already heavily trafficked roads will not be able to cope with the extra traffic generated by the development, particularly in the case of Station Road. It already has eight drive-ways seeking to enter/exit on to the road and to these will be added the principal vehicular access to the site, including to the huge multi-storey car park. It was suggested that the 450 flats would generate more walkers than drivers but given that every car is likely to make a difference, their impact cannot be ignored.
2. The Government is running a “Community Governance Review” (CGR) which is specifically designed to ascertain what administrative bodies will be needed by communities in the future. Some parishes, for example, have grown so much that it is thought that they might prefer to consider themselves a town and thus need a Town Council.
3. A change which is likely to affect Leatherhead is the application by the owner of Ashcombe House on The Crescent to convert it into 25 flats. The most problematic aspect of this proposal is whether the out of hours public parking behind the building will be retained.
4. Local cycling and walking infrastructure plans (=LCWIP) which you may have heard of in connection with a path from Leatherhead to Bookham, is still being discussed in earnest, even though there are quite a few difficulties to be overcome. Eventually, it is hoped that such a path will extend to Epsom.
5. One of our members is finding it extremely difficult to get out from his house to any of our surrounding villages or towns. He said that years ago there used to be a “Help your Neighbour scheme” but he could not find it now. However, one of our Directors reminded us all that the Mole Valley Care Transport Scheme (or “Connect”) can provide just such a service. The online address is www.molevalleyconnect.org.uk
6. And now for a community event to take place on (Bank Holiday) Monday, 25th August 2025 in the Forty Foot Road Recreation Ground. It is a Leatherhead Lions Fun Day and will include a Dog Show, a bus ride and other attractions.
7. I have just received a letter from <kirstenjohnson451@gmail.com> who tells me that the noise from over-powered, noisy motorbikes is once again disturbing the peace in Mickleham and other nearby places. She and others affected would like to see a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering the road between the Givons Grove and Denbies roundabouts plus a trial of acoustic cameras near the Burford Bridge roundabout.
Kirsten needs 800 signatures from the MV area or within the county of Surrey.
Contact: https://www.change.org/p/request-for-pspos-and-acoustic-cameras-in-mole-valley
And now, I just need to remind you about our next LRA meeting on Monday 4th August in the Leatherhead Methodist Church where Mr. Michael Herrity will be talking about our Leatherhead Allotments between Barnett Wood Lane and Bypass Road and his hopes and plans for their future.
With best wishes
Caroline Brown (Chairman)