Fran furore

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Small update 25/8/12

After asking a few questions, we have been informed that there will be no change at the start of the new term and that Fran will still be able to use here lollipop! Obviously we don’t have all the details but this is a peculiar situation with little in the way of consultation having taken place.

The county councillors have also been contacted and asked:

1. If there has been a change in policy then it should have been raised at the SCC Local Committee and discussed.
2. If there is a change then I will raise it at the next SCC Local Committee as an urgent question.
3. Pointed out about problem of cars jumping lights and cyclists mounting the pavement.
4. If the issue is a question of insuring Fran for stepping into the road, what is the cost and if it is felt to be dangerous for Fran what about the danger to the kids.

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Residents are shocked and concerned for the future safety of their children by a sudden move by Surrey County Council. David Faulkner has been in touch to make everyone aware of just how much upset this will cause.

Fran Hall, long time lollipop lady at the Garibaldi traffic lights junction is be releived of her lollipop and instructed not to venture into the road with the children. David sent us this article –

On our children’s first day at Knaphill School, the lollipop lady asked them their names. We introduced ourselves, too.

“And what’s your name?” we enquired.

“I’m Fran,” she said.

So we were to join the thousands (no exaggeration) of Knaphillians who have been escorted across the Garibaldi junction at school time. We were to learn, like all our predecessors, that Fran would know the names of every child who crossed there, and address them all personally as they did so.

Fran Hall is a Knaphill institution. There are parents who bring their children to school whom Fran escorted and protected when they were children. When someone in the village dies, Fran can recount their children’s names.

So why would the county council now tell her that from September she can no longer use her ‘lollipop’ and only press the button? Even when the green man shows, she will not be allowed to step into the road, because she will not be insured if a car hits her.

I can’t avoid thinking that this is the thin end of the wedge. The traffic lights have been at the junction of the High Street and Chobham Road for sixteen years. When they were put in, Fran’s position was reviewed. She was deemed too valuable to be made redundant.

I can’t see that anything has changed, except the possibility that Fran may be being lined up as the next victim of spending cuts.

What has changed is increased traffic. And what doesn’t change is the number of motorists who jump the red. Just installing an infra-red sensor won’t alter that.

Along with many other parents, I am therefore concerned that the safety of our children is under question if the school crossing patrol is either withdrawn or her powers reduced.

What can we do? Some of us have started a campaign. You can go to two places for the information.

Go to our website, Fran Fans, for campaign details and articles. And join our Facebook page for updates.

Remember: keeping Fran means keeping our children safe.

Questions have immediately been raised as to why this has happened at this time when the traffic lights have been in operation for many years. So what is going on at SCC and why has this happened? As David mentions on the campaign website – contact the councillors and SCC to get the answers and hopefully have the lollipop back in action.

 

From Hedgerows to barbed wire, Knaphill’s changing landscape

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There is an important piece of green belt that separates urban Knaphill from Bisley and a favourite walk for local people. Over the past few weeks the landscape in this part of Knaphill has gone through major change, change that in our opinion has destroyed the pleasing landscape. Although all the land is privately owned it has been enjoyed by generations of families from both Knaphill and Bisley and now their access has been limited and the views destroyed. Iain Wakeford, local historian published a guide entitled ‘KNAPHILL, A SELF-GUIDED HERITAGE WALK’ This walk takes in footpath 11 which joins Chobham Road with Kiln Lane. The following is a quote from Iain’s book:

‘Cross Chobham Road at the junction with Warbury Lane and walk along the lane to the point where it becomes a one-way road. On your left, beside the entrance to Ringstone Farm, is a footpath. Take this path, up the hill, until you see a stile on your right. Cross the stile (or walk around the side, by the tree) and enter the filed. Walk along the side of the field with the hedge on your right, until you reach the bottom corner where you find one of the worst stiles on the walk! It might not look too difficult from this angle, but wait until you try to get down the other side! Continue along the path at the bottom of the field until you reach the gate and stile that takes you into Kiln Lane.’

This section of the walk can also be started at the Priory Hospital where if you walk down the main drive the footpath is on your right at the rear of the main building. The footpath between the Priory Hospital and Warbury Lane had tall hedges either side which met over your head giving the image, in the summer, of walking through a green tunnel. The section from the Priory to the footpath into the field has seen that green tunnel destroyed. On crossing the stile into the first field (behind Ringstone Farm) you can only walk in a straight line along the official footpath. The two fields through which footpath 11 goes have had their hedgerows removed and a number of mature trees felled. The two field have been opened up into one large field and the hedgerows replaced by barbed wire fencing.

We accept that the land is privately owned and was/is agricultural land but surely the owner should have some respect for the landscape and beauty of this part of the green belt brings to the area. There is legislation to protect hedgerows but officials argue that the hedgerows are not of sufficient importance to be protected. One important point argued by Council Officials is that the hedgerow has to have been in place for at least thirty years to be considered as being important. We do know that the tenant sought permission to fence in the public footpath and that this was granted but did he have to remove so much plant life from around the whole site? The whole site being the four fields that go around three sides of The Priory. Footpath 11 comes to an end at Kiln Lane, an historic route for people walking to and from Bisley Church. If you walk down Kin Lane towards Bagshot Road you will find the hedgerow on your left as been replaced by a mound of earth.

Woking Borough Council, especially the Ward Councillors, have shown little interest in the destruction of so many mature tree and yards of hedgerow, this on its own is disappointing. The damage has been done and it is down to Council officials to decide if the landowner has operated within the law or not. What is important is that the trees and hedgerows left are protected especially areas like ‘The Mound’ and Hangmoor Copse.

Brookwood update

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Roads, schools, health cover and the Brookwoood Farm Development

In July 2011 Woking Borough Council published their draft Core Strategy, this document is the blueprint for how the Council plan to develop the Borough over the next 15 years.

On 6th September 2011 the KRA were invited to meet with Council Officers to offer comments on the draft. At that meeting we raised two major issues in connection with the Councils planned development of Brookwood Farm; the congestion on Bagshot Road (A322) and the lack of school places in the local primary schools. Although the Council Officers pointed out that WBC were not responsible for either roads or schools, they were the responsibility of the Count Council we take every opportunity to remind them of our concerns.

I offer this background information because when the planning application comes before the Councils Planning Committee the Planning Officer will argue that in recommending acceptance they are only carrying out the plans included in the Core Strategy.

Roads: – There is still major disagreement between the County Authority and Cala Homes over the effectiveness of the traffic management plans that Cala have put forward as mitigation for what will be a significant increase in traffic joining the A322 at Redding Way junction. The data shows that the proposed new crossroads at Redding Way will have to operate at above its design capacity from the conclusion of the house building. Brookwood Crossroads is already having to operate above its design capacity and residents know what problems that brings with regular queuing. How can this be seen as ‘good planning’. The proposed traffic management system is unproven but there is one way that Cala Homes and their engineers could prove that the system will work by installing the traffic management system before they start to build the new estate. In fact WBC’s Core Strategy states that in some cases it may be necessary for infrastructure changes to be put into place before development commences.

Schools: – Surrey County Council has confirmed that there is little room to increase the size of either Knaphill Lower School or Knaphill School and that the Authority are looking for a site for a new school. The Government, in their new Planning Policy Framework, state that there should be a primary school within walking distance of any major development. In this case there is a school within walking distance of Brookwood Farm but it is oversubscribed. Surely Woking Borough Council will check that there are concrete plans in place for a new school before granting any planning permission for development on Brookwood Farm and that money has been made available to build that school.

Health cover: – One area that, so far as we know, WBC have not carried out any investigation is the issue of GP and NHS dentist coverage. The two nearest surgeries to Brookwood Farm are The Vyne, Knaphill and Pirbright. Both surgeries are limiting new families joining their lists and therefore the question that has to be answered is where will the new families have to go get prompt good health care?

 

There are other issues that the kRA investigating and we plan to keep residents up to date with information as soon as we obtain it. I will conclude this report with another quote from the Councils Core Strategy;

‘The Council will work in partnership with infrastructure service providers and developers to ensure that the infrastructure needed to support development is provided in a timely manner to meet the needs of the community’.

For the KRA the community means the current residents of Knaphill and from what we have seen to date the Council are in a closer partnership with the developer that it is with service providers like the County Council.

 

Phil Stubbs.

New streetlights for the county

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Councillor Melanie Whitehand has let us know of a streetlight replacement scheme across Surrey. In the email it says –

“Surrey County Council (SCC) are replacing all street lights across the County. 

Street lights in Conservation Areas require further consideration as street furniture contributes to the character and setting.
 
All street lights in Conservation Areas have been reviewed, many are standard lights, but some are Victorian lanterns or swan necked.
SCC have advised that in Conservation Areas around 75% of replacement lights will be in a traditional style (a picture is included in the attachment.)
 
If Skanska who are installing the lights find a street light which is an outstanding specimen, they will contact Geoff McManus.
He will then email the relevant Ward Councillor and the Corporate Management Group for any comments on the replacement street light.
 
The County have advised that the installations will take place in the next 2-3 months.
 
There is more information in the attached report.
 
Please contact me if you would like further information, or Geoff McManus (geoff.mcmanus@woking.gov.uk or 01483 743707.)
 
If it is regarding installation of street lights email Skanska: surreylightingservices@skanska.co.uk
 
The contact at SCC is Paul Smith paul.smith@surreycc.gov.uk or ring 07500 040480.
 
Best wishes
 
Claire Beaumont
Senior Planning Policy Projects Officer
Woking Borough Council
 
Tel:    01483 743267


The new lights will look something like this in conservation areas

Police: update

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Release of Distraction Burglar
 
An offender known for previous distraction burglaries across the Woking area is due to be released this week. She is described as a white female, aged 30, medium build, 5ft 7 in height, black shoulder length hair and talks with a southern accent. She has been known to con her way into the homes of elderly residents by pretending she is pregnant and needs the toilet or a glass of water, she has had her purse stolen and needs to use the phone, her car has broken down and needs water for the radiator. Once in the homes she then steals cash and jewellery. It has also been known for her to work with an unidentified male.
Please do not let anyone into your home unless you are expecting them. If you are unsure, ask them to wait outside while you call a friend or neighbour to assist you. If you have elderly or vulnerable members of the community in your road keep an eye out for them and let them know you are willing to help them if they experience such incidents.

Please find below your weekly Neighbourhood Watch Crime Bulletin.

 

Friday the 3rd of August 2012 – Thursday the 9th of August 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/12/4697 – Between the hours of 17:20 and 17:25 on Sunday the 5th of August 2012 a vehicle parked on the driveway of a property in CONNAUGHT ROAD, BROOKWOOD had items stolen from it.

 

During this time the offender/offenders gained entry to the vehicle as the window may have been left open. Once in they managed to steal a sat nav and cash.

 

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/12/4713 – At approximately 11:56 on Tuesday the 7th of August 2012 a property in GUILDFORD ROAD, KNAPHILL was subject to a BURGLARY.

 

During this time the offender/offenders gained access to the unoccupied property by forcing open the rear doors. Once in they then managed to jewellery, electrical items and a number of silver items. During the incident a witness saw two males placing boxes into a vehicle near to the scene. The first male was described as white, aged 35 to 40, shaved head, pale complexion, slim build, wearing a dark coloured t-shirt. The second male is described as white, aged 35 to 40, shaved head, pale complexion, slim build. The vehicle they got into is thought to be a silver Volkswagen saloon.

 

 

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.

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/12/4749 – Between the hours of 12:00 and 12:30 on Wednesday the 8th of August 2012 a vehicle parked in GREENWOOD ROAD, KNAPHILL had its registration plates stolen.

 

Criminals will often steal vehicle registration plates to place on their own vehicles in order to carry out other criminal activities in an attempt to go undetected. Protect your registration plates by securing them to your vehicle with tamper proof screws and bolts. Visit www.safe-plates.co.uk for further information.

 

 

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

Man shot in Oak Tree Road

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According to BBC News, a man was shot in Oak Tree Road, Knaphill, by police armed response. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-18994167

This is taken from the BBC news site –

A man who was shot by police officers in Woking is being treated in hospital.

According to Surrey Police, an armed unit was sent to Oak Tree Road, in Knaphill, just after 22:00 BST on Wednesday.

This followed reports a man in his 40s was armed and intended to hurt himself and others. He was shot at the scene.

Some nearby residents were evacuated after concerns an explosive device was planted at the address, however a bomb disposal team found nothing.

The man is being treated at St George’s Hospital, in Tooting, south London, though police have not revealed the extent of his injuries.

Another man in his 30s was arrested and remains in custody. Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Officers reported that a firearm was discovered at the scene but it has not yet been examined.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

 

 

Dog Show results

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Despite the wet weather resulting in a change of location for the dog show ring and a reduced program of classes, the first dog show at the 2012 Knaphill Village Show was a great success with 37 entries over 5 classes.

 A morning downpour subsided to just lighter showers and dogs and owners started to register for the first class, due to commence at 3pm. Rosettes were awarded to first, second and third place winners, with the first placed also being given a box of Oscar treats.

 The first class – Most Handsome Dog – was won by Milo, an attractive Dalmation. The second class – Prettiest Bitch – attracted more entries and judge Pat Knowles had a hard job deciding on her “top three”. First place was eventually awarded to a Black Labrador. Several special commendation medals were also awarded in this class due to the high standard of entries, one of which was awarded to Belle, the most senior of the bitches.

 Class three followed – the Child and Dog “Biscuit and Spoon Race”. A smaller entry list this time but well won by Joshua with Rosie, a German Shepherd. Joshua’s brother Joseph had already done well in the previous class receiving one of the special commendations. The fourth class – Best Sausage Catcher – was heralded in by a sudden shower and a couple of entrants missed it as a result, but a very nimble Golden Lab did not miss any of the sausages in its three throws and secured winning spot.

 The final class of the day – The Dog the Judge Would Most Like To Take Home – was won by Charlie a very cute, young Irish Terrier.

Brookwood Farm update 23rd July

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Very little new to report since amended plans were added to the planning application web pages. The application is not listed for discussion at this week’s Planning Committee meeting and therefore the earliest the planning application can be put before the Council’s Planning Committee is September 4th.

I was recently reading Guidelines produced for Councillors and Planning Officers and found the following words in the introduction.

Good planning stimulates growth and promotes innovation. It helps to translate goals for healthier communities, higher employment, better housing, reduced congestion, educational attainment, safe and sustainable communities into action through well-designed medical centres, offices, universities, homes, roads and other facilities vital to achieving them.

Key words for this application are better housing, reduced congestion, educational attainment, sustainable communities and well-designed medical centres. We know that the plans will increase the level of congestion and Surrey County Council have not accepted the proposed traffic management system proposed by Cala Homes will substantially improve the problem on the Bagshot Road (A322). Everyone knows that there are inadequate primary school places in this part of Surrey and in a few years there will be significant pressure on secondary school places. If the County wanted to build new schools where is the available land to accommodate them?

In observing the Planning Committee one remedy accepted by the Council for inadequate facilities such as schools, medical services, social housing is for the developer to agree a level of payment. Given the reasons outlined above this should not be an acceptable solution in the case of this application from Cala Homes.

From the initial publication of the proposed Development Plan for the next 15 years the KRA have been very clear in our position that the proposed size of the development on Brookwood Farm is too large for that site, the road network and the services available in the area.

We will continue to monitor developments and keep the pressure on Councillors and our local MP.

Another new shop!

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Updated 24/7/12

Vince from the Cutting Room has been in touch with some extra information on the new salon –

“A new, fresh unisex salon offering professional services, an excellent range of products and customer satisfaction. Dedicated to excellance and hard work whilst providing a creative and enjoyable atmosphere.

We maintain a friendly working environment which respects diversity and all ideas and techniques.
The Cutting Room team is fully qualfied and highly skilled. We are looking forward to cutting, colouring, styling, perming and setting your hair to perfection.
We are excited to be introducing Kevin Murphy products which are forever Sulphate and Paraben free. The products are made from renewable and sustainble resources whenever possible, Using pure essential oil, plant extracts and natural antioxidants. Kevin Murphy are members of PETA the largest animal rights organisation in the world (Cruelty Free) companies.

The staff are highly experienced with a combined 48 years in the industry.  Vince (Director) has 15 years experience in cutting/styling men & womens hair.  With a wealth of knowledge in different techniques.  He has always worked in the Woking area.  Kelly (Style Director) has 25 years experience and has an MCE (master of colour) level.  Karenza has 8 years experience.  She is creative in colour work and cutting/styling hair.  Chantell (Junior Stylist) has just completed her NVQ 2, and is a very keen member of the team, gaining knowledge from our experts daily.

Please call The Cutting Room on 01483 488440 to book an appointment or check out our website for all our promotions www.thecuttingroomknaphill.co.uk“

5/7/12

Well shiver me timbers, it never rains but it pours! We have another new shop opening Knaphill!  Anchor Hill will soon see the opening of The Cutting Room, a hairdressers describing themselves as

 

A new, Fresh salon offering professional services, An excellent range of products and customer satifation.

The opening week, starting17th July will have a promotional offer of 50% off all services and they recommend you book now! You can contact The Cutting Room on 01483 488440 and http://www.thecuttingroomknaphill.co.uk

Some people may observe the number of hairdressers within the village, I haven’t counted them myself but they are a welcome sight to empty stores. We have raised the issue of saturation with Cllr Melanie Whitehand with regard to takeaways and after a short debate at the Local Council meeting, it have been given permission to be debated at a Full Council meeting later in the year. The motion is ‘To have a saturation level placed on the number of ‘Take-Away’ establishments within a certain radius’, I wonder if people think it should be broadened to ANY type of business in order to prevent excessive numbers of any one type?