The Annual General Meeting of our Association
took place on 11 March 2004. The Chairman, Miles Macleod, welcomed
some 40 residents to the meeting, held in the Church Hall,
Christ the Prince of Peace Church, Portmore Way, at 7.30pm. Elmbridge Borough Councillors Graham Winton, Tim Crowther and John Bartlett were also present. Members of the Committee were introduced to the meeting and the Chair reiterated the aims of the association: local heritage, quality of life and community.
Current Concerns
In summarising a busy year the Chair spoke of the issues which had been addressed, some of which continue as ongoing concerns. These include the future of Bull Dogs’ Island and continued planning applications for Stretton Lodge. Parking problems around St George’s College Junior School on Thames Street remain, but there is good will to work towards solutions.
There was considerable discussion of the plans for the new Walton Bridge and junction. Most residents felt that the current design would lead to a big increase in traffic along Walton Lane and into Weybridge. There was unanimous support for a Public Enquiry into the proposed design.
Finances
Frank Johnston, Treasurer, gave a brief report, indicating a current balance in the accounts of £681, with a deficit since the last AGM. The meeting voted to raise the annual subscription from £3 to £5 per household, from 2005. Frank spoke of the guide, produced to advise residents how to object to planning applications, which is available for purchase at £2.50 to members.
Election of the Committee
The following were elected to the committee for the year 2004-5:
Miles Macleod, Chair
Pat Scholey, Secretary
Frank Johnstone, Treasurer
John Phillips, Tricia Scott, Godfrey Turner and Ian Bonnett
Future Activities
Jim Corrall, the newly elected Chair of Neighbourhood Watch thanked the outgoing Chair Ted Hammond. There are 54 separate watches in Weybridge, run by residents and supported by Police and Local Authority. This is a low crime area generally but there is graffiti and vandalism. Signs can be purchased showing that an area has a watch and there is a financial incentive re insurance premiums.
Conservation Area Status
Councillor John Bartlett addressed the meeting on this topic. There are new measures by Government to involve people in conservation as all councils find it difficult to recruit Conservation Officers. Old buildings can be protected and parts of old Weybridge, like Radnor Road, are eminently suitable for conservation status. Some training will be offered to allow local people to take part in pursuing these matters. This is a new initiative and the meeting responded with considerable interest, particularly as it could help deter planning applications for inappropriate new developments.
Traffic
There was a wish to pursue a 20mph limit along Thames Street, but there was thought to be a problem of enforcement, and reluctance by police to address local traffic issues. Residents can contact Chris Smith, Surrey County Council Transport Director on 01372 832 524,
chris.smith@surreycc.gov.uk.
Residents’ Parking
Areas around Waitrose are troubled by parking problems. It seems that store staff are not allowed to park in the car park. Cllr Graham Winton pointed out that a few years ago residents had not wanted residents-only parking, and there needs to be agreement among residents for this to be moved forward.
Antisocial behaviour
Desborough Island has been much improved but is still subject to fly tipping, which is being addressed by the Environment Agency. It was felt that more could be done to prevent litter along the river by regular cleaning, provision of litterbins and dog litterbins. Some residents felt that the success of CCTV in the town centre may have moved antisocial behaviour to new areas. There has been damage to at least one car on Thames Street, and it was suggested that this should always be notified to the Community Police Officer.
The Chairman thanked residents for attending and participating fully in a very lively and wide-ranging discussion. The meeting finished at 9.30pm and refreshments were served.
