Campaign to create a Community Council for Hersham – petition submitted
By HRA Admin | March 18, 2018
The campaign to create a Community Council for Hersham received a significant boost early in March 2018 when an official petition was submitted by the campaign group and was accepted by Elmbridge Borough Council. The number of signatures on the petition easily exceeded 7.5% of electorate which triggers a legal obligation for Elmbridge to carry out a review. The campaigners report that the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the proposals clearly shows that there is clearly a lot of support for the proposal. For more detailed information about the Community Council which explains what it is, and why it would be beneficial for Hersham, see the following website: Hersham Community Council Website
At our committee meeting on 1 March (the first day of spring?!) it was decided that the sunflower competition will be repeated again this year. More information and publicity to follow – but the rules and prize categories will be the same as previous years. So, if you are interested see details of the 2017 competition and flyer which you can access here:
See information from last year here: – http://www.hershamresidents.info/blog/?p=1049
Subsequent note – many thanks to all concerned – a great event which could be built on in future years. The HRA committee in January decided that ‘we should plan for a similar event in December 2018.’
It should be made clear that this is a joint community initiative depending substantially on the efforts of our Elmbridge councillors, the Watermans, Waitrose, local schools, those helping raising funds for local charities etc.
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Come and meet the Mayor of Elmbridge at 4.30 for mulled wine and mince pies in the Waterman’s Arms function room – there will also be some traditional Christmas carols and a charity draw for Walton and Hersham Foodbank. You can make a donation for the draw at the Watermans or in Hersham Green Shopping Centre during Saturday afternoon.
Before all that – from 2.00 – 4.30 there will be a children’s craft event in the function room at the Watermans. Do come along and support this with your children or perhaps grandchildren.
Also note from 11.00 – 12.00 there will be carols in the shopping centre and the Hersham Hounds are meeting on the green at 12.00 – click on the flyer below for more details.
The HRA response to this consultation which closed on 11 December, is available here. The HRA was opposed to the parliamentary boundary changes proposed in this consultation which would split the village and result in key Hersham organisations being located in different constituencies.
The commission acknowledged the HRA’s response and stated that all the views received will be considered before they make their final recommendations to Parliament in September 2018. They state that all comments received during the consultation will be published on their website at the end of the review.
For more background see our previous post
Please see our winter 2017 newsletter which has been sent to HRA members.
It is now being circulated more widely to promote a community Christmas gathering on the 16th December which is open to all. We also hope the newsletter will help raise awareness about CIL applications for grant money which is explained on page 3, local groups /voluntary organisations and similar in Hersham should consider applying!
See the newsletter for more information and updates.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) applications
Elmbridge Borough Council has recently issued guidance which says that applications are expected from not for profit organisation and community groups.
Applications should show wider community benefit for things which will, for example, improve transport, footpaths, open spaces, sporting facilities or public buildings.
The Council are inviting applications from now until 19th January 2018
for advice on the EBC website see:-
http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/planning/cil-funding/
Background
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding comes from a building development charge. There is currently a substantial amount of CIL money available following the ex-Rydens School, and Lidl developments.
Hersham and its organisations need to recognise an opportunity and take the initiative. It’s a rare thing for grants to be available, and it would be a shame if Hersham doesn’t make the most of it.
To help raise awareness our next newsletter will be circulated to relevant organisations in Hersham who might wish to apply.
On the 26th October our oldest member was 100. Andrew Sturgis is a tireless HRA member and supporter of the local community. His energy and enthusiasm continues to be is an inspiration!
Proposals for parliamentary boundary changes would mean a division between constituencies running through Hersham, and our village being represented by 2 different MPs.
Have your say; the Parliamentary Boundary Commission is currently consulting on these proposals and comments are due by December 11th.
Please copy any comments to us at info@hershamresidents.info before the 11th December so we can reflect your views in an HRA response.
The winners of this years competition are as follows:
The cash prize for the Tallest Sunflower at a very impressive 3 meters and 58 cms – went to a grower at 247 Hersham Road.
The best front garden display was at 105 Burwood Road and the grower received a very well deserved £25 Squires voucher.
The £25 Squires voucher prize for the flower nearest to a random height (selected on the day before judging)s went to the grower of a 1.7 meter specimen in a front garden in Thrupps Avenue.
The prizes for the road with the greatest number of sunflowers this year went to Burwood Road.
[more photos to be added to this post shortly]
An HRA communication to Elmbridge Borough Council concerning the village hall closure can be downloaded here. The HRA understands from the response that the Council had no option but to close the Hall in light of safety concerns – and that all options going forward will be reviewed in September. It has also been clarified that any proposals arising are to be subject to general consultation, and that the consultation process would include the HRA.
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