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Storm Fionn

Severe weather is again forecast for our region this evening, into tomorrow morning, Thursday 18th January.
Anyone experiencing a power cut should:
· Call 105 to report power cuts and damage to the electricity network, or 0800 3163 105 (from a corded phone or mobile phone if you have no power)
· Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk for the latest updates
· Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut and type in your postcode to view the live power cut map
· Tweet @ukpowernetworks to report a power cut or to receive updates.

You are advised to stay clear of power lines and report damaged power lines immediately by calling 105 free from either a landline or a mobile phone. If you see electricity lines that are down or causing significant risk to the public you should call 999.

@UKPowerNetworks has extra staff on hand 24/7 to deal with the impact of #stormFionn
Call 105 to report a powercut and visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut for the latest updates

Do you, or someone you know, need extra support during a power cut?
@UKPowerNetworks provides free services to vulnerable customers. Visit ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority for more information #stormFionn

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Lights will stay on until 1am rather than midnight from Thursday 23rd November 2017

Liberal democrat county councillors today welcomed the decision by conservative-run surrey county council to amend its unpopular street lighting policy. The policy, which was introduced in 2016 and early 2017, saw thousands of street lights turned off across the county without any consultation with the residents affected. The change of policy means that lights will stay on until 1am rather than midnight from Thursday 23rd November 2017.

Cllr Stephen Cooksey, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Highways & Environment said :

“The Conservative policy on street lighting in Surrey has been badly thought through, poorly implemented and is inconsistent. Whilst I welcome this small change in policy, this whole mess could have been avoided if they had consulted with residents before the changes were made and in an open and transparent fashion, so that amendments to the proposals suggested by residents could have been taken on board. Instead we have a piecemeal policy which has gradually unravelled over the year, and for which this Conservative administration owes Surrey residents an apology”.

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Disappointment as Tory cuts hit Community Recycling Centres across Surrey

(The opening times of the Witley site, one of five “strategic” sites, is not affected)

September 27, 2017 10:52 AM

Surrey tips

Liberal Democrat county councillors in Surrey have expressed their disappointment following a decision today by the Conservative Cabinet to slash the opening hours of Community Recycling Centres across the county and increase charges for residents.

The decision will see Community Recycling Centres close for an extra 20 days a week, as well as an end to the free daily allowance. The Cabinet decision follows a petition handed in by Liberal Democrat campaigners of 3,245 signatures, plus an enormous response to the county council’s own consultation of 13,637 people.

Cllr Stephen Cooksey, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, said:

“I addressed the Conservative Cabinet today, in order to object to these ill thought out proposals and to hold the Conservatives to account for their decisions. I recognise the difficult financial position that central government has imposed on the County Council but just 3 months ago, in June, the Cabinet were out campaigning for that government’s return and must therefore carry equal responsibility for the refusal of that government to ensure adequate funding for this Council to maintain services to its residents.

“CRC’S were a success story – they provided residents with a helpful and convenient method of disposing of waste; they helped Councils to improve their waste collections; they made a major contribution to improving our environment and they were a significant deterrent to fly tipping.

“I believe, as do the majority of my residents, that the remaining package including the increased charges and closure days are self-defeating and unacceptable and am fearful that the reduced waste collections will lead to damage to the environment and increased fly tipping. Surrey residents deserve so much better than this.”

NOTES

– The Cabinet decision can be found here:

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?MId=5110&x=1

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Congratulations to Claire Marshall

Congratulations to Claire Marshall for being awarded the:
Neighbour Award (Eagle Radio’s Local Heroes 2017)
It was Claire Marshall who won this award for all the hard work and effort she has pumped into her local community in Farncombe.
She set up an action group to combat anti-social behaviour on the Northbourne Estate, as well as numerous local events, family days and community clean ups.
On top of this, she also runs a weekly youth club and volunteers with the GoGodalming youth canoe club.
https://youtu.be/7WOCQnZ8d0Q

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Drop-in surgery

My next drop-in surgery for Godalming North will be held on Saturday October 14th, 11:00 am to midday, in the Church Room of St John’s Church, Farncombe.

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Annual Day Trip to Worthing

I’ve been involved in supporting this annual Godalming coach trip, organised by Churches Together since 1996. It was a ‘Grand Day Out’ despite the weather!


From left to right: Gillian Martin; Gwen Wheatman; Derick Randell; Jackie Tickner; Penny Rivers; Pam Powell; Barbara Stokes.

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Cuts Hurt!

Today I wrote to the Surrey Advertiser:

In your newspaper last week, you featured the closure by Waverley of the public toilets in Farncombe and Godalming. I would like to commend Steve Cosser and the members of Farncombe Initiative and their mission to keep them open and I am pleased to add my voice, along with all those who have contacted me, to theirs.

The current severe budget cuts to essential local services made by Conservative-led councils at Waverley and Surrey are hurting us. Councillors who voted for these deep cuts know what public services cost, but they do not comprehend what the services are worth. We need good quality services – street lighting, decent roads and pavements, effective waste disposal, reliable education and health services. Most recently, we have been reminded just how much we rely on our police and fire services. These public servants are more than essential, they are vital.

All cuts hurt. Austerity as a policy has failed us and the costs will be high to repair the wounds to our society.

We have seen the havoc cause by deregulation followed by outsourcing of services. Something has gone badly wrong with the provision of services in our country, we must rise to the challenge and build a better way of life that is fair for all.