Surrey Heath News
Future 4 Fairgrounds: I was very grateful for the opportunity to speak to Joannie Peak from Future 4 Fairgrounds earlier this month, and you can find out more about my trip and the Showmen community here.
Citizens Advice Bureau: Great to speak with Nigel and Kate from Citizens Advice in mid-July - they provide such a vital service in Surrey Heath. I was also extremely pleased to hear from Mateo - who was offered a work placement at Citizens Advice through the Government's Kickstart scheme - about the campaigns he has been working on, including an online tool that helps people to recognize and report internet scams.
Frimley Integrated Health and Care Partnership: Really enjoyed chatting to the Independent Chair of the Partnership, the delightful Andrew Lloyd, earlier this month. I was very interested to hear his thoughts on the partnership's boundaries which I shall relay to the Health Secretary, and I look forward to catching up with him again.
Holly Lodge Primary School visit: I loved visiting Holly Lodge in Ash Vale on 9th July. It is a truly fantastic school with such happy and energetic pupils. My huge thanks go out to Headteacher Cheryl Dancer for a wonderful tour. I was especially impressed by the school's library, and with how well they have targeted their Sports Premium funding.
Hogs Back Brewery: I hugely appreciated the chance to visit Hogs Back Brewery and speak to Managing Director, Rupert Thompson, about how the company has overcome the many challenges brought on by the pandemic. The business has innovated brilliantly, and it was wonderful to see so many customers using their new drive-through service.
West End Bowls Club: I always love visiting West End Bowls Club and enjoyed a quick game. You can read more about the club and its plans for the future here.
Network Rail catch-up: In late June I had a really positive catch-up with Andrew Haines and John Halsall at Network Rail about the progress they are making towards securing funding that will help make Ash Vale Train Station step-free and accessible to all - fingers crossed for some further good news soon. Also pleased to learn Network Rail is continuing to investigate and review ways by which journey times from Surrey Heath to London can be improved.
HGV Chobham update: I am hugely encouraged by the progress being made on this issue, both at a local and national level. You can read my recent update following my meeting with Carole Mancini, Cllr Richard Tear and David Curl from Surrey Highways, here.
M3/A322 congestion update: Further to our meeting at the end of June, Cllrs Rebecca Jennings-Evans, Richard Tear and I have been pressing Highways England for more action. You can read our recent letters to Surrey County Council and Highways England here.
HSBC Camberley: In June, I received a letter from HSBC outlining its plans to convert its Camberley branch to a counterless ‘Digital Service Branch’. I know that many people including the vulnerable and elderly in Camberley have reservations about their access to banking, and it is vital that those who need full counter service continue to receive it. Following a letter to the Chief Executive of HSBC, Ian Stuart, I have received a response which you can read here. I will, of course, continue to press on this issue.
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