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HOPES HIGH THAT DIRT PATH WILL BE UPGRADED

The Transport and Parking Advisory Committee has taken on a number of projects. It was formed as part of the Claygate: The Way Forward initiative and is now an advising Claygate Parish Council’s Environment, Highways and Transport Committee. It is a volunteer body that is drawing on the findings of the village-wide survey to improve transport and parking in Claygate. These are some of its projects:

Paths/Pavements/Footways: One member of the Transport and Parking Advisory Committee has been working hard with Elmbridge Borough Council to redevelop the pathway across Hare Lane Green opposite The Swan on Hare Lane. While this is outside Claygate and sits in Esher ward, upgrading the existing dirt path to its original pathway improves access to the village from the Littleworth Common/Esher railway station direction. We hope to have some progress later this year when the weather improves.

Some pavements and paths in the village are not in a great condition, with uneven surfaces, cracks and tree roots common. The group plans to undertake a survey of pavements and pathways to see where work is needed and, with the Parish Council’s support, liaise with Surrey County Council and Elmbridge Borough Council to make improvements.

Road Safety: The Transport and Parking Advisory Committee has been working with residents of Red Lane and Surrey County Councillor Mark Sugden to introduce vehicle-activated signs – road signs triggered by the speed of a vehicle – as part of efforts to address excessive speed on this road.

Parking and Car Parks: Working alongside the Shops and Businesses Advisory Committee and Elmbridge Borough Council, the transport group has helped to secure 30 minutes of free parking in both Torrington Lodge and Hare Lane car parks. It is also lobbying Elmbridge to improve the signage for the village car parks, to encourage use and increase awareness of the free parking period. These improvements should help to alleviate congestion on The Parade and reduce the level of illegal parking on double yellow lines on Hare Lane near the Co-op.

The group is also working with the Parish Council in discussions with South Western Railway over improving signage at the station car park, and addressing some of the issues with parking at the station end of The Parade. All ideas and contributions are welcome and the group is keen to hear from those wishing to be involved. Please get in touch with the Advisory Committee via the Parish Clerk at clerk@claygateparishcouncil.gov.uk