Author Archives: webknaphill

Alpha Hospitals Rose Lodge

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A planning application to permit Alpha Hospital group to build a care home on the site of the old Rose Lodge that stood between Redding Way and Barton Close has been approved. Last week the management team from Alpha ran a number of briefing sessions to explain to local people the hospitals plans for this new building. The KRA was invited and attended but we understand that one of these briefings was for residents who live close to the site and we would welcome any feedback from anyone who attended any of those meetings.

One of our concerns is with the disruption that will cause to residents in Barton Close during the construction period which could last at least six months. We have asked WBC if the larger deliveries of building material could be offloaded from Redding Way rather having very long vehicles trying to manoeuvre down Barton Close. We will add a note to our web site if we get any feedback both from residents or WBC on deliveries.

Lawson’s Fields and The Mound

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Following on from the hedgerows post here, we have more news.

In previous articles we have given details of the actions taken by the landowner or tenant to the boundaries of the fields and footpaths that surround The Priory Hospital. We are still monitoring developments in that part of Knaphill / Bisley. As reported elsewhere on our web Surrey County Council has placed a stop notice on anyone dumping or removing soil or hard core from the site and we wait to see what action SCC recommends with regards to the material that has already been dumped on one of the fields.

We have also raised questions on the protection given to ‘The Mound’. This is the wooded area between Chobham Road and The Priory, we must point out that this land is not owned by The Priory. We are given to understand that our questions on protection of ‘The Mound’ have been passed to the appropriate officers at County Hall; again we wait for a response. Finally we hope that one of our local Councillors can arrange a meeting with the new tenant so that we can report to him on the comments we have received from residents and give the tenant the opportunity to explain his long-term plans for the fields and ‘The Mound’.

Old library site SOLD!

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Yes folks, the old library site in Knaphill High Street has been sold by SCC to WBC for… affordable housing!

According to Woking Borough Council this offers a new lease of life and an opportunity to meet targets for housing, and isn’t it fortunate that the planning has already been approved…

Yet again Knaphill is having a development forced upon them without due consideration of the residents; this isn’t to say that we don’t want it, merely that no consideration or communication was given. It appears that WBC are determined to place affordable housing absolutely anywhere they can as long as it’s not on the doorstep of Woking town centre itself and irrespective of any infrastructure deficiencies.

There is a good note however, in that there will be a memorial garden (although no free standing edifice) created as a part of the development, due to start in summer 2013 and be completed by 2014. WBC has also attempted to acquire the derelict land behind Co-Op, presumably for an access road or additional housing, but the sale has been refused by the owner. This means that any access will have to be off the High Street, almost opposite the development at the old Clifton’s building.

Both councillor Melanie Whitehand and councillor Saj Hussain have pledged to achieving the ‘best and most pleasing development’ on this site which is good news. We have requested that plans go on display in the library for comment but no promises can be made as to whether this will happen or not.

Although the early tone of this article is a tad frustrated, it should be noted that having a memorial garden in the village centre will be exceptionally pleasing to most if not all residents and a derelict site being developed can only be good for the High Street.

Full release by WBC is here.

Police: Operation Candlelight

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Today (Monday, 22 October) sees the launch of Operation Candlelight, an initiative focusing on reducing dwelling burglaries in Surrey.

‘Are you on a burglar’s to-do list?’ is the message from Surrey Police during the two-month initiative which aims to help householders get in the mind of a burglar and understand what they look out for prior to committing the crime.

We traditionally see a rise in burglary offences over the autumn and winter months with the longer, darker nights and increased spending over the Christmas period. By encouraging residents to see their property from a burglar’s point of view, we hope to influence a long-term behavioural change and reduce burglary offences. As part of the initiative, Surrey Police will also be carrying out additional operational activities targeting high risk areas and known offenders.

Detective Superintendent Ray Blythe said: “With the clocks going back this Sunday (28 October) there is no better time to start thinking about your own house and what you can do to ensure it is not on a burglar’s to-do list.

“Simple steps like taking a minute to put your car and house keys out of sight or putting stickers on your windows letting people know your property is marked could be all it takes to make an opportunist burglar decide it is not worth their while targeting your property.

“Being burgled can have a hugely detrimental effect on the victim and we will not tolerate this kind of offence in our communities. Working with the public to reduce offences is just one part of this campaign; we will also be targeting those who are known to offend in the county.”

You can dramatically reduce the chances of being burgled by taking just a few simple measures:

Never leave door or car keys, wallets or handbags within reach of a letterbox, door or window.
Make your house look occupied when nobody is home by using an automatic timer to switch interior lights on and off.
Set your burglar alarm whenever you leave your home. If you don’t have an alarm, we recommend you get one fitted.
Always close your windows when you are out, and ensure French windows and patio doors are secure.
Dispose of packaging carefully. Empty boxes left outside can advertise to thieves what they can find inside.
Going away? Cancel milk, newspaper and other regular deliveries and ask a friend or local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to keep an eye on your home.
Mark your valuables with a property marking product and place signs and stickers around your home, making it clear that your property is marked. Photograph your valuables and keep a description of them.
Always secure your shed and garage and don’t leave ladders or other tools outside which could help a burglar gain access to your house.

If you need to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us on

Email: 13180@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 101

15 High Street – TESCO

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Tesco KnaphillAfter we published in Knaphill News, the rumours have been doing the rounds and today we have had a confirmation that it will be Tesco, not Sainsbury’s taking over the old Clifton’s site in Knaphill High Street.

After all the palaver they’re having in Chobham with this company, I wonder just how well we’ll get along?

Fuller story here – http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2122456_tesco_makes_move_for_knaphill_high_street_site

Police update: NW update 28/9/12

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Friday 28th of September 2012 – Tuesday 9th of October 2012

 

In Your Area

 

I have to report that in the last week the following crime/crimes occurred in or near to your area.

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6060 – Between the hours of 20:00 and 22:50 on Saturday the 6th of October 2012 a property in WEST HILL CLOSE, BROOKWOOD was subject to a BURGLARY.

 

At the time of writing it is unclear how entry was gained to the property. Once in the offender/offenders then managed to steal cash.

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6061 – Between the hours of 15:30 and 23:00 on Saturday the 6th of October 2012 a property in LARCHWOOD ROAD, KNAPHILL was subject to a BURGLARY.

 

During this period the offender/offenders have gained entry to the unoccupied property by forcing open a rear window. Once in they then managed to steal jewellery and a bank book.

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6073 – Between the hours of 16:00 on Saturday the 6th of October and 11:00 on Sunday the 7th of October 2012 a property in CONNAUGHT ROAD, BROOKWOOD was subject to a BURGLARY.

 

During this period the offender/offenders have gained entry to the unoccupied property by smashing the glass in a rear door. At the time of writing it is unclear what was stolen.

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6087 – Between the hours of 12:00 on Friday the 5th of October and 08:30 on Monday the 8th of October 2012 a property in HERMITAGE ROAD, KNAPHILL was subject to a BURGLARY.

 

During this period the offender/offenders have gained entry to the unoccupied property by smashing the glass in a rear patio door. Once in they then managed to search the property but it would appear that nothing was stolen.

 

 

The majority of burglaries that are committed occur at the rear of properties. For this reason it is important to deter access into your back gardens. Gates should be closed and locked at all times when not in direct use. Deter the scaling of gates and fences by adding trellis to the tops of them.

Make sure all tools are placed out of sight in a secure place so that they cannot be used by an offender to break into your home.

Please make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked when not in direct use. Please don’t think that because you are only popping out for a moment that it won’t happen to you!

Consider the installation of an intruder alarm in your home. Any alarm installed should ideally conform to standard BS EN 50131 and should be fitted by a company that is NSI (National Security Inspectorate) or SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) approved. Details of such companies can be found at www.nsi.org.uk or www.ssaib.co.uk

 

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6074 – Between the hours of 12:30 and 12:35 on Sunday the 7th of October 2012 a vehicle parked in WOKING CREMATORIUM, KNAPHILL was broken into.

 

During this time the offender/offenders gained entry to the vehicle by smashing a window. Once in they managed to steal a handbag containing cash, bank cards and personal items.

 

Please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle and always lock it, even if you are only leaving it unattended for a few minutes. It only takes a few seconds for an offender to seize an opportunity.

 

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6100 – Between Monday the 1st of October and Monday the 8th of October 2012 a property in ALMA CLOSE, KNAPHILL was subject to an ATTEMPT NON DWELLING BURGLARY.

 

During this time the offender/offenders attempted to gain access to a garden shed. No entry was gained and nothing was stolen.

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6102 – Between Monday the 24th of September and Monday the 8th of October 2012 a property in ANCHOR HILL, KNAPHILL was subject to a NON DWELLING BURGLARY.

 

During this time the offender/offenders gained access to a garden shed and stole a mini motor and petrol powered model cars.

 

 

Outbuildings should be locked at all times. Large valuable items should be placed out of view and chained up to other items or a secure anchor point within the outbuilding. Items could also be property marked via engraving or painting your house number and postcode onto them. A record of their serial number should also be kept and registered onto a national property database, visit www.immobilise.com for further information.

 

Card cloning device prompts warning to cash point users


Crime Reference WK/12/5966 – Between the hours of 19:45 and 20:25 on Saturday the 29th of September 2012 a device placed on a cash machine at Barclays Bank in Old Woking Road, West Byfleet, was used to steal a bank card.

 

During this time the victim went to use the machine but due to the device their bank card was not returned. They later checked with their bank to find that several hundred pounds had subsequently been withdrawn from their account.

Last year, police in Woking warned of a cash point scam involving the “Lebanese Loop” a system involving a piece of magnetic tape inserted into the slot which retains the card when the victim tries to use it. Similar scams may involve attaching a sticker to the ATM providing “instructions” for the unsuspecting cardholder, advising them to re-enter their PIN number should their card get stuck. Alternatively, a suspect could be standing behind in the queue advising them to re-enter the PIN number – obtaining the victim’s details.

There are steps you can take to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of card cloning:

  • Check the machine to see if there is anything stuck to it or anything looks unusual about it. If there is, do not use the machine – report it to the police or bank immediately.
  • Do not let anyone see you input your PIN. Use your free hand to cover the PIN pad to prevent anyone seeing your PIN as you key it in.
  • If you are interrupted or distracted by anyone when using an ATM, cancel the transaction and try to recover the card.
  • If the machine does not return your card, report it immediately to your card issuer.
  • If you discover you have been the victim of card fraud, report it to your bank or building society straightaway.
  • A number of initiatives are in place to counter card fraud, including siting ATMs in well-lit locations and installing CCTV cameras to deter fraudulent activity. The banking industry is also liasing with ATM suppliers to enhance technical solutions available for ATM owners to prevent cash machine fraud.

 

 

If you feel that you have witnessed any incident that may relate to the above crime/crimes please call 101 quoting the relevant crime number.

 

Can you please circulate the details of the crimes to the members of your watch if you think it will be of value. Remember that if you have elderly or vulnerable residents in your road this information may frighten them so be careful how you deliver this message.

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Mark Saunders

Crime Prevention Design Advisor

Woking Borough

 

Email: 13180@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 101

Your opinion results 2012

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Some of you will recall a survey on the front page asking for your opinion on the KRA and activities. The survey ran for two months and ended on August 31st. The results have been presented to the committee and are now here for you, with some commentary from us. I should note that although given the option of leaving names for follow up communication, all respondents remained anonymous so we have had to ‘interpret’ a few replies!

Results

Overall there were 7 respondents. We accept this is low but it was not unexpected and had anticipated that in the main it would be critics that felt the need to have their say which we welcomed and gave us the opportunity to learn grievances. The survey had these 9 questions:

1 Do you think the KRA act in the best interests of the village?
2 Is the KRA approachable?
3 Is the KRA easy to contact or get in touch with?
4 Does the KRA listen to your concerns when you get in contact?
5 Having looked through the website, knaphill.org, what would you like to see added, removed or improved? Please be as specific as possible
6 What are we NOT doing that you would like us to do? Please be as specific as possible
7 What is your opinion on this statement – ‘The KRA is politically minded’
8 What ARE we doing that you would prefer we didn’t? Please be as specific as possible
9 Are there any other comments you wish to make regarding the Knaphill Residents’ Association?

 

Below are the statistical replies (questions 1-4 and 7) followed by the written responses; not all respondents left written responses.

 

Q5. Having looked through the website, knaphill.org, what would you like to see added, removed or improved? Please be as specific as possible

Answer 1: more up to date
Answer 2: memory lane type posts, KRA must look forward
Answer 3: layout
Answer 4: It would be good to have a forum area

KRA response –

The look and feel of a website is very much a personal preference and the KRA website, we hope, strikes a good balance of being easily read and in being able to find information. There is little likelihood of a forum area due to maintenance in terms of time on the volunteers but we will constantly look at how to best present articles and the layout of the site.

With regard to Memory Lane and looking forward, we have found that these articles are especially well received and as we have so few submissions we will not be stopping them but would actively encourage people to read about the history of their area. History provides the basis of moving forward. With regard to moving forward we have created several projects which we hope will benefit the village once we have projects leads come forward.

Q6. What are we NOT doing that you would like us to do? Please be as specific as possible

Answer 1: We need visibility of the KRAs actions
Answer 2: Get the council to look after Knaphill, the roads are rubbish, the verges parks etc are either not cut or left with cut grass laying around. Pavements are shocking, the park has the most rubbish play area the woods have been vandalised It is really a travesty ! Our village should be pride of place
Answer 3: As a local paid up trade member I feel that a clique of businesses get first call on any business involvement.
Answer 4: Improving the appearance of the village
Answer 5: be inclusive

KRA response –

We’re always concerned to be doing as much as we can for the village. Whereas we are all volunteers, there are activities that we do and meetings that take place so we shall endeavour to place minutes of these meetings on the website in the near future.

We are unsure as to what the ‘be inclusive’ comment refers to. We are as inclusive as possible! We aren’t in the habit of press-ganging people into service but do always ask for people to become involved, be a part of the KRA and help the village.

Answer 3 above is of concern to some on the committee. We have no business clique that we’re aware of and will work with and promote any business in the village, for example through ‘Business Focus’ features in the magazine. Any business advertising is warmly received and allows the magazine to continue. We welcome the involvement of any and all businesses in the village and are more than happy to discuss this more if anyone wants to get in touch.

With regard to answers 2 & 4, we have absolutely no influence over the council, either local or county. Whereas we agree that the infrastructure is in need of attention and are aghast at how bad it gets sometimes, in terms of actual ‘power’ to do anything it is minimal. Sad but true. What we can do and what we do do is raise issues to the borough and county councillors, MP Jonathon Lord and any official bodies either by meetings, photographic evidence, relating issues to regulatory governance and by trying to hold the officials to account. Knaphill is a big area and it is incumbent on all residents to raise issues to relevant bodies such as the council, we’re happy if you want to do it through us but if we don’t know about it we can’t do anything at all; we realise this is not what some people may want to hear but we can’t strongarm the council to do anything, as much as we may want to.

Q8. What ARE we doing that you would prefer we didn’t? Please be as specific as possible

Answer 1: Charging
Answer 2: As my previous statement regarding local business pointed towards a clique businesses should not be included in a residents organisation as businesses by there nature will always look for a pay-off for any involvment they make. cynical but true these days.
Answer 3: Stop being political and start looking after our village

KRA response –

I’m sure many will have heard this before – we’re not a political body. We do have to ‘play the game’ at times however due to the nature of people and bodies involved, in short, politicians. If you deal with anything council related you must be able to engage in their terms. That is the extent of our politics but we will make no apologies for getting down and dirty with the politicians if it helps the village out and improves the infrastructure.

With regard to charging we have little option but to charge a small amount for membership. It is a voluntary act to join the KRA and we appreciate every single one of you. The money allows us to have a start point for the village show and free magazine magazine, the remainder (a large percentage) being made up via advertising or generous donations. Don’t forget you don’t have to be a member to help out. With regard to the business involvement, the businesses ‘pay-off’ is any result from their investment in advertising. We have no influence over this but do greatly appreciate any business that chooses to support us in our activities in the village. Again, we are very welcoming of any further opinions on this!

Q9. Are there any other comments you wish to make regarding the Knaphill Residents’ Association?

Answer 1: Stop patting yourselves on the back and do what you set yourselves up to do….

KRA response –

Ouch. One answer and it was a shot across the bows indeed! We aren’t entirely sure of the intent of the comment but have tried to interpret it as best we can. The residents’ association was set up for the village, to represent the village when we can and more information can be seen here. On that page are a few achievements that we have a right to be proud of; the list is not exhaustive and much more has been achieved than has been reported. We do what we can with exceptionally limited resource and often invite people to join in and help with what’s important to them. Again, we do what we can and do it voluntarily and unpaid in our own spare time for the village where we live. We do it because we care about getting involved and doing something for Knaphill.

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That’s the end of the results folks, why not let us know your thoughts? We shall be running the survey annually to get your ongoing views of the Knaphill Residents’ Association. Thank you for your time.

UKASH vouchers scam

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Police warn of scam involving UKASH vouchers

Also, please see update below this article

Police in Surrey are warning members of the public to be on their guard against a recent scam which is circulating throughout Guildford, Surrey Heath and Woking. Since April 2011 officers have received sixteen complaints about loan companies cold calling members of the public offering them loans.

As part of the scam, the victims are requested to purchase UKASH vouchers before the loan is authorised and the money put into the victims’ bank accounts. However, the loan never materialises but the UKASH vouchers are used by the loan company. In the cases that Surrey Police have been investigating, the amount of money handed over to the loan companies has ranged from £85 to £1,800.

DC Stuart Pittaway who is investigating these crimes said: “We want to raise awareness of this, and similar, scams to prevent anyone else being conned out of handing over large sums of money. The victims are usually contacted by phone and a variety of excuses are used to get the victims to part with more and more money. We have also been informed of similar scams where the victims have been told they are eligible for either PPI claim backs or tax refunds. No reputable company would require you to pay up front for these services, especially the tax office.”

UKASH is a legitimate company that lets you use cash to pay online by exchanging notes/coins for a voucher. Members of the public can hand over cash at any outlet that sells UKASH in exchange for a voucher. They can then use that voucher at any number of websites that accept UKASH. People use the vouchers as a way of controlling their spending as you can only use up to the value of your voucher. It is also a way of staying private when using your money online.

Giving UKASH vouchers to someone you don’t know or a merchant that is not approved by UKASH puts you at risk of losing your money. The best way to protect yourself from being a victim of fraud is to be aware of these scams and to treat your UKASH vouchers as cash. Transactions cannot be reversed so only give the voucher code to approved UKASH merchants.

 

11th Oct 2012 Kerry-Rose O’Donnell of INGMedia has been in touch on behalf of UKASH –

I wanted to get in touch on behalf of Ukash after the “Police warn of scam involving UKASH vouchers” article that was published on 4 October, 2012: https://knaphill.org/2012/10/ukash-vouchers-scam/#.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for clarifying Ukash as a legitimate company and outlining some of the key benefits of our e-payment system. At Ukash we are aware that scammers are targeting people to defraud their money and we are actively working with the authorities to close them down.

In this case, we would like to offer some additional advice to consumers:

Do let me know if you would like any more information or to speak with a representative of Ukash directly.

 

Brookwood Farm, September update

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The first piece of information in this update is to state that the application from Cala Homes to build on Brookwood Farm has yet to reach the agenda of the Planning Committee. In planning terms it is still under consideration by the Planning team. This does not mean that the Residents’ Association have been standing still.

We know that at some stage Woking Borough Council will approve a plan to build on the old farm land, the size and shape of that development is not known. What we do know is that irrespective of the size of the development the new residents will need access to services such as schools, GP’s and dentists and there is the whole question of the state of traffic on the Bagshot Road. If the proposed plan is given the green light there will be over 100 cars trying to get onto the Bagshot Road from the new estate during the two hours 0700 to 0900. How will this assist drivers trying to get through the traffic lights at the Brookwood Crossroads? The figures on new traffic levels are not our figures but those produced by the County Council and accepted by Cala Homes.

A major concern is that the majority of services listed above are not the responsibility of Woking Borough Council but either the County Council or the NHS. Woking Council is only judged on the number of new homes they build and we can see from recent local newspaper headlines there is pressure on Councillors to agree to planning applications that come before them.

Given the Residents’ Associations concern with the infrastructure and services we wrote to key members of Surrey County Council and our MP. That letter is attached to this report. We await a response from those members of the County Council to whom we wrote.

If you have any questions or comments in connection with the proposed development please feel free to add those comments to our web site.

 

 

 

Drains in Broadway

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UPDATE:

Wonders will never cease! Workmen have arrived to install a fix to the drains in the form of additional gulleys, approximately located outside 48 Broadway. Shame it was too wet early in the day for the workers to start, some might see this as ironic maybe… Temporary traffic lights are in place.

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Are the blocked drains in Broadway about to be fixed?!

We’ve contacted all the water companies in the area to find out exactly who has responsibility for the drainage (have you ever tried to get a direct answer to this? It’s easier getting someone on the moon!) and have been categorically told it is the responsibility of Thames Water.

They have raised the work request to inspect the site and a technician should be looking at the problem very soon indeed – they say within 8 hours! Not days or weeks but hours. I can only hope they see what we do every time it rains – they’re blocked!

 

Lets see if they are cleared and the problem of flooding in the road is sorted…