A representative of Esher Fire Station will give a talk on home fire risk checks and arson. This will be followed by a police Neighbourhood Panel Meeting, run by PC Katie Kennedy who will brief us on current police matters as she sees them. This is your chance to make the police aware of what you perceive to be specific problems.

Agenda
1. Agree minutes of last year’s meeting and take matters arising
2. Chairman’s report
3. Financial report
4. Election of officers
These four items are the compulsory formalised items of the AGM and it is hoped that they can be completed quickly.

There will then follow an open discussion on other current issues:

1. SCC street light replacement programme
2. State of the roads
3. The Long Ditton map – copies available for sale
4. Any other matters raised by those present

Our Elmbridge and Surrey councillors will be present – your chance to ask them questions!

Refreshments will be served after the meeting.

Road Representatives
The Road Representative is the point of contact for the residents represented. A strong network of Representatives is essential to the successful operation of the Association. We cannot operate effectively on your behalf unless you have your own Road Rep! If your road is not represented and you think you can help then please call Mark Herbert, Vice Chairman, on 020 8398 6037.

The Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership is warning traders about a growing problem within the borough – theft of equipment from vehicles parked at properties being renovated. The thefts are primarily taking place during the day while workers are busy inside the properties.
The Partnership advises that, whenever possible, any tools required should be taken into the property rather than left in the vehicle and taken out only when needed.  Other tips:

• Lock your vehicle and keep the keys with you whenever you leave it, even if only for a few minutes
• Fit and use an alarm system
• Security mark all your tools so they can be identified
• Consider where and how you park your vehicle. Reversing into a driveway will make the rear doors less accessible; parking alongside a wall, hedge or other vehicle will prevent access to the side of your vehicle and reduce the opportunity for a forced entry

Many trades people now remove items when parking vehicles overnight so the thieves are starting to target them at their place of work. Policy Community Support Officers are handing out warning flyers and the Partnerhip has requested Check-a-Trade to issue reminders to their members.  However, it’s not just local builders who will be affected so everyone who employs a tradesperson can do their part by reminding those who are working for them that added security measures need to be considered.

Peter Kipps, pkipps@elmbridge.gov.uk, tel. 01372 474399

Surrey County Council (SCC) is replacing all lighting in Surrey with eco-efficient white lights involving the replacement of most of the lamp columns in the county. (Full details including FAQ can be found on the SCC web site www.surreycc.gov.uk – roads/roads maintenance/street lights links.)

The replacement programme has already started in parts of Surrey and will start in Elmbridge in October.  If you live in a road with old cast iron ‘swan neck’ lights they will be replaced by modern  lights with straight columns unless your road takes action to have swan neck design columns or other more expensive alternatives ordered instead.

If you require further information please contact Mark Herbert on 020 8398 6037.

Articles have appeared in the Surrey Advertiser and can be read via the following links:
http://bit.ly/Residents_in_street_light_protest

http://bit.ly/Bright_Future_for_Campaigners

http://bit.ly/Lights_on_for_lamppost_appeal