Surrey Heath News
Windlesham Pram Race: It was great to see so many brave the rain on Boxing Day to take part in the Race, and it was a huge pleasure to volunteer as a marshal. It was wonderful to meet so many of the enthusiastic competitors and spectators, all taking part for a great cause.
Christmas Card Competition: At the end of September, I invited all the Primary Schools in Surrey Heath to submit pupils' entries. As you can imagine, the judges had a very difficult task in choosing the winners. Group 1 winner was Ruby, in Year 2 of South Camberley Primary and Nursery School, and Group 2 winner was Sofia, in Year 3 of Lyndhurst School. You can read more here, and I was delighted to visit their schools in January to present both of them with Parliament-themed prizes.
Burglaries: At the beginning of January, I met Bob Darkens, Surrey Heath’s Neighbourhood Commander, to discuss policing in the Borough and the challenges that officers are facing. I know that residents are greatly concerned by recent burglaries, and I wish to assure everyone that the Police are working incredibly hard to catch the criminals responsible. There are certain practical things that residents can do to help deter burglars, and you will find useful tips and advice on measures to help keep your home safe here. I know that many of you are already looking out for each other, your neighbours, so if you notice any suspicious activity, please report it at once to Surrey Police.
Rail Services: South Western Railway (SWR) has a new Managing Director, Mark Hopwood, and we met last week to discuss his plans to improve the service for my constituents. I am anxious to secure all the improvements we need, and I will be meeting Network Rail this week to learn more about what should be done.
Planning applications: It is ever more important that we protect our green spaces and the Green Belt, and that is why I am extremely pleased that development plans for both Chapel Lane in Bagshot and Fenns Lane in West End have been rejected by the Planning Applications Committee at Surrey Heath Borough Council.
Planning Consultation: Guildford Borough Council has produced a Draft Strategic Development Framework Supplementary Planning Document, which includes land to the South of Ash and Tongham. The consultation is open until midday on Monday 24 February, and to find more information and to submit your views, please visit this website.
Heathrow: Better transport connections are desperately needed in order to reduce congestion along the M3, especially as the Airport wishes to expand. I have been backing calls for a new fast bus service from Surrey Heath to Heathrow Airport, and I met the Chief Executive, John Holland-Kaye, to press for such a scheme to be adopted. I shall, of course, report back when I have news.
Gove's Business Breakfast Club: I held my first Business Breakfast of the year in early January at Windlesham Golf Club, and it was fantastic to have almost 80 guests. I hold four Breakfasts a year in Surrey Heath to strengthen ties with the local business community and Councillors, and if you would like to join or find out more information, please email me.
Rough Sleeping Initiative: The Government has announced funding to provide local support for those living on the streets, and I am pleased to report that the provisional 2020/21 funding allocation for Surrey Heath Borough Council is £82,600, and for Guildford Borough Council it is £300,470. I know that a great deal of work is being done to help those in need, particularly by brilliant charities, such as the Hope Hub in Camberley, and this funding will help to achieve our aim of ending rough sleeping by the end of this Parliament.
Local Conservative Team: I recently held a meeting with local Councillors, and we discussed how to deal with unsuitable over-developments, tackling congestion, improving traffic safety, supporting our precious NHS and fighting crime. If there is a local issue that you wish to raise with me, please get in touch.
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