Template:Courier-MAR-25-6

RANGERS MEAN STREETS SHOULD STAY SMARTER

The streets of Claygate are almost free of weeds and looking much smarter than they were a few months ago. The Environment, Highways and Transport Committee had raised the unkempt appearance of the village’s roads with Surrey County Council through the latter half of last year and received the explanation that Claygate had “fallen out” of Surrey’s weed-spraying roster early in the season, and was therefore attended to later than planned.

With this issue successfully resolved, it is hoped future problems will be avoided by Surrey’s formation of a group called “Roadside Rangers” who, on the recommendation of a Surrey County Councillor, will undertake roadside restoration. Residents who are aware of any stretch of road needing attention can contact the Parish Clerk, or County Councillor Mark Sugden at Mark.Sugden@surreycc.gov.uk

TRAVEL AND ROAD SAFETY

More than 290 zones have been identified throughout Surrey for the possible introduction of 20mph speed limits as well as other proposals to promote active travel and improve road safety. One zone covers all of Claygate, except for land to the west of the railway line and the Ruxley estate, making it potentially eligible for a largely government-funded Local Street Improvements project.

But because government funding for these projects is linked closely to the imposition of 20mph limits, and because a significant majority of those who responded to last year’s Residents’ Survey was not in favour of a blanket 20mph limit across Claygate, the Parish Council will not be pushing to take part and will instead seek other ways to improve travel and safety in Claygate.

This decision was taken following a mee􀀣ng held by Surrey County Council’s Local Street Improvements Project Team last month and a􀀶ended by three Parish Councillors and one member of the Parish Council’s Transport and Parking Advisory Committee. The Parish Council decided to work with Elmbridge Borough Council in seeking opportunities for putting in place the street and road safety improvements recommended in the Claygate: The Way Forward report.

OTHER ISSUES

Dropping the kerb on the south-west corner of The Parade: The kerb at the end of the pavement in the Parade nearest the station is almost double the height of most kerbs, and a severe obstacle to wheelchair users and those with wheeled luggage or unsteady on their feet. It has taken some time, but the Committee has identified that, strangely, South Western Railway owns the parcel of land. Parish Councillors have begun discussions in the hope of finding a remedy. Also being debated are the issues of illegal parking around the entrance to the station, and signage to the station car park.

Tree Surgery on Meadow Road Island: The Environment, Highways and Transport Committee worked with a local resident to execute, and pay for, necessary tree surgery work on the island.

A Community Garden for Claygate: The Committee’s approaches to The Crown Estate about two plots of land on Coverts Road were not fruitful. Instead, the idea of a community garden is being pursued with BT, the leaseholder of the Exchange site in Hare Lane. New bench in The Parade: Work on this is progressing. A favoured location is outside the pharmacy.

Removing the “Bubble Gum” signs on The Parade: The Committee was approached by a number of residents a􀀴er the pavements in The Parade were cleared of bubble gum, asking why a number of brightly coloured signs had appeared. It was a condition of the funding for the gum clearance that the warning signs remain in place for six months a􀀴er the work was finished. We shall be asking for them to be removed in May.

Developing an Ac􀀮on Plan: Councillors have been working with Elmbridge Borough Council to develop Action Plans for the two advisory committees, formed as part of the Claygate: The Way Forward project, that now assist the Environment, Highways and Transport Committee. We will publish these as soon as possible. The work of the two advisory committees is covered in separate articles on Page 7.

Church Road Crossing: Work on this is progressing and funding is in place.

“Fix My Street” app: The Committee recommends this new mobile phone app, recently adopted by Surrey County Council to enable residents to report almost any defect on local streets. The Parish Council believes this is a very effective tool and encourages residents to use it, especially in reporting of potholes, defective road markings, white lines, etc. Visit tellus.surreycc.gov.uk

Overhanging Trees and Shrubs: Residents are reminded of the needs of others for access to the full width of pavements and to cut back hedges and shrubs where they cause obstruc􀀣on or hindrance to fellow villagers. Residents can report such issues to Surrey County Council, using its website or the “Fix My Street” app.