Last nights AGM saw the departure of Martin Dunham from his position as Chairman after 5 years dedicated service.

In his leaving comments, he thanked all those around him and had some particular words for members of the Committee, wishing us all a prosperous future. He said,

“I’ve found that you can start to stagnate in a role after about 3 years, so after 5 I have decided it’s time to step aside and let a fresh person take the reigns.

We have had a great few years together and in particular the Village Show which has been a huge success so I wish you all the best for the future”

While he has moved on from the Chairmans role, it’s not goodbye to Martin however as he wanted to stay on to help out where he can.

A new Chair

This does, of course, mean we have a vacancy! Any member interested in taking over as Chairperson should get in touch as soon as possible.

In the meantime, we have welcomed John Butler, KRA Treasurer, as temporary Chair. Although work commitments make this a short term arrangement, I’m confident John will perform a great role. All hail the Chairman!

Dr Thomas Fuller, creator of the petition, has updated us and says –

“I was very pleased with the positive response I received at the Council Executive, and they were all very sincere in wanting to tackle the problem. Melanie Whitehand had clearly done a great job in getting the Executive on board and willing to back a campaign to tackle the problem.

There was recognition that the problem across the Borough is now very bad and much more needs to be done to resolve it. Overall, it was great to see the Council listening and taking such positive action.”

His presentation to the council Executive is attached here

Update

As a signatory of the below petition, I recieved the following from WBC today:

“Thank you for submitting a petition to Woking Borough Council in relation to dog waste in Knaphill, received on 21 February 2012. The number of signatures received through the e-petition exceeds the threshold required for a petition to be referred to a meeting of the Executive. The petition will be debated at the next meeting of the Executive, to be held on Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 7.00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking. Dr Fuller, or his nominee, has been invited to attend the meeting to present the petition. The outcome of the Executive’s consideration will be published following the meeting. Petition information – http://petitions.woking.gov.uk/KnaphillDogWaste/“

So well Dr Fuller, we look forward to hearing the outcome!

——————————————————————————————————————————–

A Knaphill parents group has got to the last straw and set up an anti-fouling campaign to tackle a perceived increase in dog mess in the streets.

A petition has been created online by Dr Thomas Fuller to put pressure on the council to address the problem; Dr Fuller describes the petition –

“Dog waste is a serious problem in Knaphill, particularly around Sussex Road heading to the Lower and Junior schools, and in the walkway between Cavell Way and Brushfield Way. We want the Council to provide better facilities to help our children get to school more safely and to be able to play outdoors in areas which are now becoming out of bounds.

We would like the Council to consider measures such as more dog waste bins. Enforcement signs should be clearly posted in areas where they are not yet visible. Council wardens should patrol these areas more frequently and enforce the legal regulations on dog fouling.”

The aim is at least 100 signatories by the close of the petition on 21st February 2012, which will force a meeting of the council with the group.

Mrs Anna Fuller contacted the KRA –

“We have really done this as a last resort as we are fed up of cleaning dog poo off the children’s shoes, pushchair wheels and generally avoiding all the mess on the pavement on the way to school!

We want to put pressure on the council to provide more disposal facilities for dog-owners, improve signs and raise awareness of this growing problem. We want to make our local area a clean and safe environment for our children walking to school and playing outside.”

For those wanting to support the petition, more information and the petition itself can be found via this link – http://petitions.woking.gov.uk/KnaphillDogWaste/

9/7/12 The hosepipe ban has now been lifted.

Veolia Central water company has announced that there will be a hosepipe ban in effect from 5th April 2012; this means that you cannot use a hosepipe for a range of domestic, outdoor and recreational activities until further notice.

As we’re all supplied by this company now is a good time to check the water butts are connected up to the guttering etc so that should we get the prolonged summer or drought expected then you’ll still have a small way of watering the garden! The following is taken from the website, as applicable to Knaphill:

“Why is a ban necessary?
The South East of England is in a drought situation following two consecutive autumn and winter periods of below average rainfall. We have taken this decision after careful consideration of our current water resources, the long term weather prospects and the overall needs of the environment but with much regret for the inconvenience it may cause for our customers. This action has the support of the Environment Agency, Water UK, CCWater and other water companies in the South East.

My house is/is not metered, so does the restriction affect me?
Yes. All customers in the Veolia Water Central area have to abide by the ban.

Can I use a hosepipe from a private borehole, artificial lake, or a well?
The temporary use ban does not cover water from a private source, such as a private borehole, but we would very much encourage you to use water carefully at such an important time. You may not use a hosepipe from the mains to replenish stored water supplies.

A temporary use ban means you cannot use a hosepipe for a range of domestic, outdoor and recreational activities until further notice. This includes the following uses:

1. watering a garden using a hosepipe (except the watering of a field of play to be used for a national or international sporting event);
2. cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe;
3. watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe (except by persons who are registered disabled and/or are of extreme frailty, conditional in each case upon prior written approval and the terms and conditions set out in the Exceptions Policy published on our website. );
4. cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe;
5. filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool;
6. drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use;
7. filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe;
8. filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain;
9. cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe;
10. cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe; and
11. cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe.

A complete list of prohibited uses and exceptions is available on our website. Please click here Drought restrictions explained.

The term “hosepipe” is not itself defined but includes anything designed, adapted or used to serve the same purpose as a hosepipe. This means that garden sprinklers and irrigation systems, connected to the mains water supply, (including micro-irrigation, seep hoses, drip feed systems) are all considered to be hosepipes.

We are asking our customers to be sensible about using water around the home (see examples in the garden and home sections below). A temporary use ban helps to reduce the demand for water and it also raises awareness of the drought.

We have created a dedicated website www.veoliawater.co.uk/drought to host useful information for both commercial and domestic customers.”

Woking Borough Council’s advice on saving water can be found here.

Well it had to start sooner or later! Gladly, the work to Knaphill High Street is due to begin and will run from 23rd – 28th March inclusive and will entail road closures so make sure you know some alternate routes as it’s going to get busy out there!

The High Street will be closed from 0930-1630 during these 5 days and work will extend from the junction with Chobham Road all along the High Street and 50m into Lower Guildford Road.

Local Woking Charity Walk the Walk is holding another event in Battersea this July to raise awareness of breast cancer; their press release says:

Organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, this wonderful family challenge will be returning to Battersea Park on Sunday 1^st July 2012, following the success of The SunWalk London 2011 when a fantastic £250,000 was raised for vital breast cancer causes.

People can choose to complete a Half Marathon, 10k or 5k and what makes this challenge special is that anybody can do it no matter their fitness levels and abilities. Walk the Walk is offering one free child place for every adult that enters, so there really is no excuse not to get the whole family involved!!

Walk the Walk events are infamous for the spectacle of thousands of breast cancer fundraisers Power Walking through the streets of London and Edinburgh at The MoonWalks in brightly decorated bras …….. The SunWalk London is no different! In true Walk the Walk style all participants aged 13 and over, will be wearing brightly decorated bras… with the theme of “Tropical” the charity are looking forward to some exciting and exotic creations.

Nina Barough, founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk Worldwide says

“The SunWalk London is more than just a Power Walking challenge… Battersea Park will be filled with music and entertainment for all the family ensuring that everyone has a fabulous experience! So, even if you have never taken part in anything like this before, take this opportunity to sign up to the challenge and help make a difference. You can raise money and awareness for vital breast cancer causes, get fit, have fun, and even sing your socks off, all at the same time….get down to the beach at Battersea Park for the greatest show of the summer!”

Want to take part?There are three ways to enter…

1. Online entries are available at www.walkthewalk.org

2. Download an entry form from www.walkthewalk.org

3. Pick up an entry form in a store near you and send it back to us – visit www.walkthewalk.org for details

About The SunWalks:

• Entrants get a choice of distances; 5k, 10k of Half Marathon
• There are minimum age restrictions for The SunWalks:
• Half marathon: minimum age of 13 years on challenge day
• 10k: minimum age of six years on challenge day
• 5k: no age restriction age 0 – 100yrs.
• Applicants are asked to raise a minimum of £100. Applicants under the age of 13 are asked to raise what they can
• Everyone who takes part is given information on how to get fit, raise money and raise awareness of breast cancer, and advice on decorating their bra!
• Entrance fees: Adults: £27.50 and children: £15
• All participants over 13 receive a pack including a bra to decorate
• Children under the age of 13 do not receive a bra.

About Walk the Walk

• Nina Barough is the founder and Chief Executive of the grant making breast cancer charity Walk the Walk Worldwide

• Walk the Walk has so far raised funds in excess of £75 million for vital breast cancer causes

• Last year Walk the Walk worked within just 20% of all the money raised, making 80% of total fundraising available for grants

• HRH Prince Charles is the Official Patron of Walk the Walk Worldwide

• Harriet Thorpe is the official Ambassador of Walk the Walk.

• For more information on Walk the Walk Worldwide, go to www.walkthewalk.org or write to Walk the Walk Worldwide, 6 Genesis Business Park, Albert Drive, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5RW

Holy Trinity Church in Chobham Road is the Anglican parish church in the community of Knaphill.

You will be very welcome to join us at our Sunday Morning Worship at 9.30am.
Please bring the whole family, as we have youth and children’s activities not only during service times but also throughout the week.

For further information about our church family and service times, please go to www.knaphillchurch.co.uk

Update:

Boards have now been erected on site placing the land up for sale, stating “The permitted outline planning proposes scheme up to 10 units, configured as 4 x 4 beds, 3 x 3 beds and 3 x 2 beds, with an attractive and mature feature oak located to the rear of the site.”

6-1-2012

Planning has been ruled in favour of development of the site at 31-33 Broadway in Knaphill.

The land is owned by Surrey Primary Health Trust and they sought planning permission to build 10 houses on the site with access direct onto the Broadway. This is the land between Griffiths (Men’s Wear and school outfitters) and the side road to The Vyne and public car park. The application was lost at local level but Surrey PHT appealed and the Planning Inspectorate has just ruled in favour of the developer. One of the major concerns with this development was the fact that the entrance was so close to the junction for the Vyne which is where the buses have to turn when going to or from Sainsbury’s.

Highways Authority raise no objections yet again
A key point that did not assist the resident’s case was that Surrey Highways Authority had raised no objections to the scheme. The Inspector added that she was content that any concerns around highway safety could be dealt with by the imposition of suitable conditions. Exactly what ‘imposition of suitable conditions’ means is anyones guess and we now wait for the detailed plans to be developed.

This also raises the question of whether Surrey Highways ever actually consider any case put before them before rubber stamping; they have now shown in two cases (Clifton’s site development and Almond Villas) they have no interest in presenting clear reasoning of their decisions or investigations in their duties to the highway adequately.