Dear Members
I do apologise for the lateness of this Bulletin. So many things crossed my path that I kept on having to start again! I will start with the problems on Church Street.
These occurred just over a week ago when drivers were exiting the shops in Church Street by driving into and up the High Street, despite this being banned between 10.30 and 18.00. This led to a very close call between a pedestrian and a car. However, I think, most of the problems have now been solved. The “no access” sign is clearly visible, and the red plastic “fencing” around the gas works has been repositioned. So now there should be no unwelcome surprises for shoppers using the High Street. Forecast to last for ten weeks, the gas repairs should apparently be complete by the middle of March.
My next item concerns the future plans of Transform Leatherhead. The developers, the Leret Partnership, are holding a “Forum” meeting on Wednesday 12th February at 7.00pm in the Leatherhead Theatre where they will reveal their revised proposals for this project. These follow on from the public consultation that took place last year into their previous proposals. All are welcome to attend, and I would urge as many residents as possible to do so, as the eventual form of this project will define the Town for the next 50 years or more. It is therefore essential that as many residents as possible understand what is proposed and are in a position to make their views known when these are sought.
Improvements that should NOT need meetings and consultations are the steps down from the bridge on Waterway Road to the river and the path from there under the railway bridge. The steps have no handrail and are frequently covered by (slippery) leaves. The path is ankle deep in mud, especially in rainy weather. The interesting and unexpected mural under the bridge is effectively invisible. How can we ever promote our River Walk while it is dangerous and extremely muddy to use it?.
And now another rather long standing problem regarding the (former) School Site at the junction of the Kingston Road and Aperdele Road. As many people know, a Planning Application has been lodged seeking consent for a Care Home. Some local residents believe that this land might have been designated as a “Village Green” back in the 60s and question, therefore, whether it is capable of development now. Others feel that, if it were to be developed it would be more in the spirit of requirements and location if it were used to provide facilities for young people.
Similarly, one cannot but hope that a comprehensive plan can be drawn up for the “Bridge,” a white cemented building not far from The Hub but incorporating diseased cement called RAAC. So many uses could be suggested for a redeveloped building: a training ground for aspiring young electricians, builders, plumbers, computer operatives and so on. Perhaps even a Band or a dancing school. In other words, another branch of something like Nescot but much nearer home and more accessible for local students. There is even space at the back which could be used for some organised, outside sport.
Moving now to one of our neighbours, I understand that, sadly, the Chair of the Ashtead Residents Association has had to suddenly withdraw because of health problems. However, the email address of chairman@ashteadresidents.org.uk should still reach him.
Still on the topic of health, I must tell you that I, too, am in line for some major operative work which will prevent my continuing as Chairman after the end of April. We are looking for a replacement. It is interesting work, but you do need to be fit, computer savvy and have the use of a car! We are still looking! An ideal new Chairman would be someone who, first and foremost is genuinely interested in our ancient town but is also not fazed by meetings and Minutes! We have a small team of Directors, but there would be room for more if the new Chairman had interested friends.
Finally, I would like to tell you about some very heartening work in various fields being performed by volunteers in our area who are members of the Leatherhead Rotary Club. This Club does not have one single beneficiary, rather each member of the Team supports a different charity. The first such item this year is a Bingo Evening on Saturday 8th February at, and in aid of, Trinity School, Woodville Road, KT22 7YBP. It starts at 7.30 pm, costs £5 to get in and there are cash prizes, but bring your own food and drink. Tickets and info from Simon Edmands on 07753 821964 or leatherheadrotary@gmail.com
One of the more well-known charities that the Rotary Club works with is the British Heart Foundation. They are one of the very few charities that will accept electrical goods, as they are able to have them Safety Tested before selling them on. If you have surplus electrical goods, their nearest branch is in Reigate with a smaller one in Epsom.
I do hope that I will see as many of you as possible at the “Forum” meeting on Wednesday 12th February and we will be having an LRA meeting to discuss what has been revealed within a week or two thereafter – exact date to be confirmed.
With very best wishes,
Caroline (Brown)
Chairman