Oxted has two well used post office branches in Station Road East and Station Road West. These provide a service to the separate areas of Oxted, split by the railway line. The Post Office have annouced that as part of the plan to 'rationalise' the Post Office network in Surrey that they plan to close the Station Road East branch (located in Paydens).
Tandirdge District Council is opposing this move as the Station Road East branch is extremely popular and its closure would be very hard on local people, especially the elderly. It is also doubtful whether a single post office in Oxted would be sufficient to meet the needs of all residents and businesses in Oxted without significant inconvenience and excessive queues at busy times.
There is one bit of good news for residents of Oxted South and that is that the Post Office have confirmed that they plans keep open the Holland Branch on Pollards Oak road.
The Post Office's plans are subject to public consultation to ensure the views of local people are taken into account before any final decisions are made. The Surrey public consultation will last for six weeks ending on 10 March 2008. Views and comments on the proposed closure should be sent in writing to Gary Herbert, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM. Telephone 08457 22 33 44, e-mail consultation@postoffice.co.uk.
Thursday 31 January 2008
Wednesday 30 January 2008
Housing Committee - Govenment Guilty
We met tonight. We were united in our disgust at how the Labour Government operates with regards to to the funding of social housing. It is now apparent that the current fnancial settlement is a front to raise even more revenue for the Exchquer and has nothing to do with the provision of homes for those who need them most.
It appears the government has finally admitted that Housing Subsidy is nothing of the sort. In previous years the government sort to claim that areas like Tandridge which pay £3million plus a year to the Government in 'negative' subsidy were sharing the burden with more deprived areas - but it appears that that the Government has at last come clean. The whole of England pays a 'negative subsidy'. Council's across the land are paying this government a tax that could otherwise be providing affordable rented or owner-occupied accomodation and it all appears to be being raised by smoke and mirrors.
It appears the government has finally admitted that Housing Subsidy is nothing of the sort. In previous years the government sort to claim that areas like Tandridge which pay £3million plus a year to the Government in 'negative' subsidy were sharing the burden with more deprived areas - but it appears that that the Government has at last come clean. The whole of England pays a 'negative subsidy'. Council's across the land are paying this government a tax that could otherwise be providing affordable rented or owner-occupied accomodation and it all appears to be being raised by smoke and mirrors.
Full Council
I had intended to post following last Thursday's 'Full Council' Meeting but there wasn't much to report. The Lib Dems attacked our spending proposals on various fronts but when push came to shove also attacked us for raising charges on a mobile home site we operate even thought we are cheaper, even following the increases, than any other provider in the region was last year!
I think that was a warm up for next month's budget setting Council which I am looking forward to.
I think that was a warm up for next month's budget setting Council which I am looking forward to.
Wednesday 23 January 2008
Liberal 'Democrat'?
It is often hard to know where Lib Dems stand on issues when they have habit of adapting their policies to suit their opposition. However on one thing I thought they were consistent - especially as it is in the name of their party - and that was committed to the concept of democracy. But it appears that even this is flexible given that their new leader Nick Clegg has announced that they will oppose a popular vote on the European Constitution currently being debated by Parliament.
I would have thought that whatever their views on the merits of the treaty they would have been happy to put it to the public vote and then argue their case. But no, like the Labour Government they are too scared that the public would vote against the mass transference of even more powers to Brussels - I can't think why!
I would have thought that whatever their views on the merits of the treaty they would have been happy to put it to the public vote and then argue their case. But no, like the Labour Government they are too scared that the public would vote against the mass transference of even more powers to Brussels - I can't think why!
Monday 21 January 2008
How the Council Works- Group Meeting
We have a 'Full Council' meeting on Thursday night (of which there are around six a year), which as the title might suggest all Councillors attend. This is the council's ultimate policy setting and decision making body. Preceding each meeting the political groups (in our case Conservatives and Liberal Democrat ) meet amongst themselves to agree their positions for the meeting.
The Conservative meeting was tonight. As these are confidential sessions I cannot report what was said but I find them a very useful opportunity to catch up with what other councillors are doing and finding out what issues matter to residents in their wards. The transfer of knowledge from more experienced councillors (some of whom have been on the council for many years) to us newer boys and girls is vital if we are to benefit from the lessons they have learned and will hopefully help stop us from trying to reinvent the wheel.
The Conservative meeting was tonight. As these are confidential sessions I cannot report what was said but I find them a very useful opportunity to catch up with what other councillors are doing and finding out what issues matter to residents in their wards. The transfer of knowledge from more experienced councillors (some of whom have been on the council for many years) to us newer boys and girls is vital if we are to benefit from the lessons they have learned and will hopefully help stop us from trying to reinvent the wheel.
Sunday 20 January 2008
Roads - Change of Approach
I would say that the topic that elicits the most complaints is not anti-social behaviour, nor planning permission but roads. Residents are fed up with pot holes and poor quality surfaces. So I now hope that a decision last week by Surrey County Council’s Executive to agree a new strategy to prioritise and tackle highway maintenance will be a breakthrough in dealing more successfully with these issues.
Surrey is facing a backlog of work being tackled in the face of less funding from central government for road works. In 2007-08 funding for roads from from Gordon Brown's government was just 18% of the total planned spending on roads. This means Surrey got just £154 per resident – the national average in England was £426 each - and Manchester got a whopping £719, more than four times Surrey’s funding.
To try to to make the best of a challenging situation this the county council is apparently changing the way they treat roads to balance spending across remedial and preventative work. At the moment the council rates roads across Surrey as green, amber or red with green being in good condition and red in needing significant repairs. Following this weeks decision 60% of any available funds will be spent on dealing with the worst ‘red’ roads and 40% for remedial work on those roads that are just starting to decline to make sure they don’t become ‘red’ roads. In addition, the County Council has agreed a set of criteria that will prioritise which roads to improve first. These criteria don’t just include the condition of the road. They also consider whether it is a priority for the public and their County Councillors. These criteria will now be applied to the roads identified as in need of repair.
So what does this mean for us locally. Hopefully it means that Pope's Lane will now get the attention it deserves. This issue has now been dragging on since early 2006 and an end is not yet in sight. Given the new emphasis on the public's (and their County Councillor's) priorities I would suggest that residents contact the County Council on 08456 009 009 and also their County Councillor to impress upon them what they feel needs repairing urgently.
Surrey is facing a backlog of work being tackled in the face of less funding from central government for road works. In 2007-08 funding for roads from from Gordon Brown's government was just 18% of the total planned spending on roads. This means Surrey got just £154 per resident – the national average in England was £426 each - and Manchester got a whopping £719, more than four times Surrey’s funding.
To try to to make the best of a challenging situation this the county council is apparently changing the way they treat roads to balance spending across remedial and preventative work. At the moment the council rates roads across Surrey as green, amber or red with green being in good condition and red in needing significant repairs. Following this weeks decision 60% of any available funds will be spent on dealing with the worst ‘red’ roads and 40% for remedial work on those roads that are just starting to decline to make sure they don’t become ‘red’ roads. In addition, the County Council has agreed a set of criteria that will prioritise which roads to improve first. These criteria don’t just include the condition of the road. They also consider whether it is a priority for the public and their County Councillors. These criteria will now be applied to the roads identified as in need of repair.
So what does this mean for us locally. Hopefully it means that Pope's Lane will now get the attention it deserves. This issue has now been dragging on since early 2006 and an end is not yet in sight. Given the new emphasis on the public's (and their County Councillor's) priorities I would suggest that residents contact the County Council on 08456 009 009 and also their County Councillor to impress upon them what they feel needs repairing urgently.
Friday 18 January 2008
Rain Rain Go Away
It has been a very soggy week or so and the forecast seems to be for that to continue. With rain comes blocked drains and with blocked drains flooding. While I have not yet heard of any floods affecting peoples homes in Oxted South, the pooling of water in the usual places, such as at the bottom of the footpath crossing Hurst Green, is making it tricky for pedestrians to negotiate their way through the puddles without getting wet feet.
However, something can be done. Blocked drains can be reported to Surrey County Council on 08456 009 009 or by using the form on the County Council website. Any resident who actually experiences flooding in their home should call that number and stress that it is an emergency.
However, something can be done. Blocked drains can be reported to Surrey County Council on 08456 009 009 or by using the form on the County Council website. Any resident who actually experiences flooding in their home should call that number and stress that it is an emergency.
Wednesday 16 January 2008
'An Incompetence'
If this is how the Prime Minister refers to a member of his Cabinet what are the rest of us to think?
The fact that he feels it is better to go on record saying that about Peter Hain speaks volumes about the quality of some of his Ministers. Surely we are deserving of Ministers who are both competent and honest. Failing to meet either test should merit the loss of office.
The fact that he feels it is better to go on record saying that about Peter Hain speaks volumes about the quality of some of his Ministers. Surely we are deserving of Ministers who are both competent and honest. Failing to meet either test should merit the loss of office.
Sunday 13 January 2008
Time
Or lack of it. I was going to write about the US election or the London Mayoral election (both instances where personality rather than party are likely to deciding factors). I also thought about commenting on yet another opinion poll which illustrates the public perception that Gordon Brown's government is directionless and failing deliver.
However I have run out of time this weekend. As my aim is to blog at least twice a week (more often if possible) so I will try and post again in the next couple of days. I am currently chasing up on when the poor road surface on Popes Lane will be rectified - so hopefully more news on this soon.
However I have run out of time this weekend. As my aim is to blog at least twice a week (more often if possible) so I will try and post again in the next couple of days. I am currently chasing up on when the poor road surface on Popes Lane will be rectified - so hopefully more news on this soon.
Friday 11 January 2008
Green and Sustainable
Its not often I agree with anything this government does but yesterday's announcement on the future of Nuclear energy is one of those occasions.
A new generation of Nuclear power plants will be key tools in tackling both climate change and energy security.
The green credentials of nuclear have been attacked in the past for good reason, but with today's priority being the reduction of CO2 emissions (nuclear plants produce near to zero in steady state) and with waste products in this generation of nuclear plants being only some 10% of the past then Nuclear really seems the green option.
Sure, how best to permanently store the waste is still an unresolved issue but better focus on that in the medium term than continue to pump greenhouse gasses out today.
I even agree that this is a target for a streamlined planning process - decisions on this need to be taken rapidly. The communities that will be affected need to have a full input into the process. But the decision on where to locate them should be taken on sound planning grounds not on who can shout loudest. Equally the idea of placing them next to existing plants seems sensible. Power stations unlike house are primarily national not local infrastructure so it is correct that national government makes the decisions.
Another important reason for going Nuclear is energy uncertainty in this uncertain world. Oil prices continue to trade at around $100 per barrel driven largely by the huge demand from China and India. This demand is likely just to increase increasing cost. But perhaps more pertinently most Oil and Gas is sourced from the more unstable regions of the former Soviet Republics and Middle Eastern states. Within the last couple of years we saw what the impact was of Russia turning off the gas pipeline to the Ukraine and into Western Europe,however briefly.
For all these reasons we need a Nuclear future and my only criticism of yesterday's statement is that the Government has taken so long to get to this point.
A new generation of Nuclear power plants will be key tools in tackling both climate change and energy security.
The green credentials of nuclear have been attacked in the past for good reason, but with today's priority being the reduction of CO2 emissions (nuclear plants produce near to zero in steady state) and with waste products in this generation of nuclear plants being only some 10% of the past then Nuclear really seems the green option.
Sure, how best to permanently store the waste is still an unresolved issue but better focus on that in the medium term than continue to pump greenhouse gasses out today.
I even agree that this is a target for a streamlined planning process - decisions on this need to be taken rapidly. The communities that will be affected need to have a full input into the process. But the decision on where to locate them should be taken on sound planning grounds not on who can shout loudest. Equally the idea of placing them next to existing plants seems sensible. Power stations unlike house are primarily national not local infrastructure so it is correct that national government makes the decisions.
Another important reason for going Nuclear is energy uncertainty in this uncertain world. Oil prices continue to trade at around $100 per barrel driven largely by the huge demand from China and India. This demand is likely just to increase increasing cost. But perhaps more pertinently most Oil and Gas is sourced from the more unstable regions of the former Soviet Republics and Middle Eastern states. Within the last couple of years we saw what the impact was of Russia turning off the gas pipeline to the Ukraine and into Western Europe,however briefly.
For all these reasons we need a Nuclear future and my only criticism of yesterday's statement is that the Government has taken so long to get to this point.
Sunday 6 January 2008
NHS Yes
A close family member was taken into St Peter's hospital in Chertsey seriously ill on Friday. Having seen the professionalism and courtesy with which he has been treated I am absolutely sure he is receiving the best possible care and would like to pay tribute to the dedication and skill of the paramedics, doctors and nurses who have and continue to care for him.
I am very aware that in my post on Tuesday I was critical of how the NHS was run. My view of the scale of mismanagement at Trust level and of the constant tinkering by central government is unchanged , but that criticism is no way a reflection of the hard work and compassion of the vast majority of the NHS's medical and support staff.
I am very aware that in my post on Tuesday I was critical of how the NHS was run. My view of the scale of mismanagement at Trust level and of the constant tinkering by central government is unchanged , but that criticism is no way a reflection of the hard work and compassion of the vast majority of the NHS's medical and support staff.
Tuesday 1 January 2008
2008
Happy New Year to all readers of this blog.
I thought I would start the year by setting out ten of the issues - five national and five local - that I expect to figure prominently in the year ahead. (I have ignored the big global challenges of the threats from terrorism and global warming)
Nationally
As we celebrate 60 years of the NHS a system where vital medical care is freely available at the point of need remains a cornerstone of modern society, but why given the colossal amounts of our taxes the Government spent on them are hospitals like East Surrey so badly run, which is clearly illustrated by their having to close the A&E department at the busiest times of year.
We need to end the state monopoly of education provision. Luckily most schools in Tandridge are good, but when schools like Oxted are so popular that children are being squeezed out parents need to be able to have a realistic alternative to busing their children for miles each day.
The first role of Government is to protect the rule of law. We need a prisons policy that works to protect society and rehabilitate offenders, and not facilitate the early release of violent criminals because poor planning has led to prisons being full.
Better targeted benefits are needed to remove social failure not reinforce it. Effective measures are needed to promote aspiration and opportunity in pockets of deprivation where hope is gone and generations spend their whole lives on benefits.
With this current Government more controlling than any since the second world war, the desire for power to be returned to individuals and local communities highlighting that the best decisions are taken by local people for local people.
Locally
Environment - In Oxted South, after its successful start in October we have the first full year of a weekly recycling collection to look forward to and the assurance that weekly rubbish collections will continue.
Road Safety - Following approval in December by the County Council's local committee, a new pavement and parking restrictions will by implemented by the junction of Mill Lane and Hurst Green Road to curb the current dangerous parking and give safer access to pedestrians.
Tandridge District Council Elections will take place in May. On the back of the high satisfaction ratings given by residents of Tandridge in a national survey the Conservative Administration will hope to strengthen control. In Oxted South we will be looking to reelect a Conservative Councillor.
Planning - Local councillors will be looking to ensure that all planning developments contribute to the maintenance and strengthening of local infrastructure and that inappropriate development is resisted..
The police, Tandridge and Surrey County councils and local people will all continue to work together to crack down on anti social behaviour in the locality.
I thought I would start the year by setting out ten of the issues - five national and five local - that I expect to figure prominently in the year ahead. (I have ignored the big global challenges of the threats from terrorism and global warming)
Nationally
As we celebrate 60 years of the NHS a system where vital medical care is freely available at the point of need remains a cornerstone of modern society, but why given the colossal amounts of our taxes the Government spent on them are hospitals like East Surrey so badly run, which is clearly illustrated by their having to close the A&E department at the busiest times of year.
We need to end the state monopoly of education provision. Luckily most schools in Tandridge are good, but when schools like Oxted are so popular that children are being squeezed out parents need to be able to have a realistic alternative to busing their children for miles each day.
The first role of Government is to protect the rule of law. We need a prisons policy that works to protect society and rehabilitate offenders, and not facilitate the early release of violent criminals because poor planning has led to prisons being full.
Better targeted benefits are needed to remove social failure not reinforce it. Effective measures are needed to promote aspiration and opportunity in pockets of deprivation where hope is gone and generations spend their whole lives on benefits.
With this current Government more controlling than any since the second world war, the desire for power to be returned to individuals and local communities highlighting that the best decisions are taken by local people for local people.
Locally
Environment - In Oxted South, after its successful start in October we have the first full year of a weekly recycling collection to look forward to and the assurance that weekly rubbish collections will continue.
Road Safety - Following approval in December by the County Council's local committee, a new pavement and parking restrictions will by implemented by the junction of Mill Lane and Hurst Green Road to curb the current dangerous parking and give safer access to pedestrians.
Tandridge District Council Elections will take place in May. On the back of the high satisfaction ratings given by residents of Tandridge in a national survey the Conservative Administration will hope to strengthen control. In Oxted South we will be looking to reelect a Conservative Councillor.
Planning - Local councillors will be looking to ensure that all planning developments contribute to the maintenance and strengthening of local infrastructure and that inappropriate development is resisted..
The police, Tandridge and Surrey County councils and local people will all continue to work together to crack down on anti social behaviour in the locality.
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