Mole Valley District Council has issued the following update :
Leatherhead Leisure Centre Pool Closure
Due to technical issues, the swimming pool in Leatherhead Leisure Centre (currently operated by Fusion Lifestyle) will be closed this weekend 30 September / 1 October. We’re sorry about any inconvenience.
Comments from Leisure Centre users on Facebook
“Roll on the takeover. Its very disappointing at the moment which is a great shame as it was always such a lovely pool and leisure centre. I can’t wait to see what the new company can bring to the table.”
“the boiler can’t be restarted. Again. Has been closed most of the week.”
“The pool has been closed on and off for weeks is this a similar technical issue? I hope that we will get a refund for all the swims that have been cancelled?”
As reported last month, the Fusion provider will be leaving the Centre at the end of November and a new operator Better will run both Dorking and Leatherhead centres under a new contract. Whether Fusion will hand over a fully functioning centre at Leatherhead must be in some doubt.
The Council has served a schedule of Dilapidations to both Places Leisure who currently operate Dorking Sports Centre and Fusion Lifestyle who operate Leatherhead Leisure Centre. Negotiation meetings have been held with both operators and both have formally confirmed at these meetings that the agreed works will be carried out prior to the end of the contract. This will be carefully monitored throughout the mobilisation period.
Mobilisation Risks
The onward process from the proposed appointment of a Preferred Supplier involves entering into contract and then mobilisation. This involves the Council working with both the incumbent and incoming operators to ensure that the handover of the services goes as smoothly as possible. This will include the schedule of dilapidations, Staff Transfers (TUPE), Direct Debit transfers and communications. There are risks relating to each of these that the Council will manage in order to ensure that the new contract gets off to the best possible start.
The key risks identified as part of this project are reputational, operational and financial. Officers have ensured procurement rules and regulations are correctly followed in order to safeguard against the potential for a legal challenge. The Council has carried out due diligence appropriately to ensure the successful bidder is suitable and competent and to make certain that the Council’s reputation is not damaged by a poor-quality operator. This has been ensured through the Standard Questionnaire (SQ) process together with financial checks and analysis carried out by the Council’s finance team.
It’s now much easier to arrange an appointment or seek advice with one of the local GP practices, Molebridge, who have moved their website onto the new digital platform linked to the NHS App
We understand this is being funded for all GP practices to take up, as part of upgrading their telephony to digital and as a result ending the 8am scramble for appointments.
For those not using the NHS App on their phone, the service can be accessed from any computer in the same way for enquiries and repeat prescriptions and well as booking appointments.
Molebridge Practice, led by Dr Hilary Floyd, has also published a Newsletter and highlighted its recent ‘Good’ assessment by the Care Quality Commission.
Commenting on the CQC results, the Molebridge Practice says “This result is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone at the Practice and we could not be more proud of the team. A thank you also needs to go to patients who have stuck with us through the good times and the bad. It hasn’t been easy at times but we hope you see the difference.
Now, with a strong team and systems in place we are looking to grow and develop the Practice. We are one of the only local practices with the rooms and space to grow and we are actively looking to grow the number of patients registered with us. So, if you are happy with the service you receive, please share this news with friends and family who may be interested in joining as a patient.
To register with us takes no more than fifteen minutes and can be done via the NHS App or by completing a form on our website which can be found here: http://www.themolebridgepractice.nhs.uk We do also accept paper registration forms which can be found in either surgery.”
Other local practices in the Leatherhead Primary Care Network would be able to upgrade their telephony and websites in due course.
Unfortunately the other main practice in Leatherhead has been experiencing ongoing technical issues with its website and is currently reliant on telephony or callers into the surgery building for routine issues: Ashlea Medical Practice
“The system is down and online requests are suspended.
Unfortunately there is an ongoing issue with the current website provider that means the system is down and we cannot process your queries. If your query is urgent please ring 01372375666. Otherwise, please try again later. We apologise for the inconvenience and are working with the system suppliers and the local NHS commissioner to transition to a new provider as soon as we are able to. Thank you for your understanding”
We don’t doubt that a lot of work is going on behind the scenes to resolve the issuesAshlea are experiencingon this aspect of their practice.
From the Department of Health and Social Care announcement in August 2023:
Patients at all general practices across England will soon benefit from new digital phone lines designed to make booking GP appointments easier.
Backed by a £240 million investment, more than 1,000 practices have signed up to make the switch from analogue systems – which can leave patients on hold and struggling to book an appointment – to modern, easy-to-use digital telephones designed to make sure people can receive the care they need when they need it.
It is expected every practice in the country will have the new system in place by the end of this financial year, helping put an end to the 8am rush – a key pillar of the Prime Minister’s primary care recovery plan to improve patient access to care.
Patients will be able to contact their general practice more easily and quickly – and find out exactly how their request will be handled on the day they call, rather than being told to call back later, as the government and NHS England deliver on the promises made in the primary care recovery plan announced in May. If their need is urgent, they will be assessed and given appointments on the same day. If it is not urgent, appointments should be offered within 2 weeks, or patients will be referred to NHS 111 or a local pharmacy.
The upgraded system will bring an end to the engaged tone, see care navigators direct calls to the right professional, and the use of online systems will provide more options and help those who prefer to call to get through.
Local mum, Lucy, has decided to get her toddler vaccinated against flu this winter.
After receiving a text from her GP inviting him for a vaccine during September, she booked a slot online.
Lucy works for the NHS and was reassured by her nurse and doctor colleagues that getting the flu vaccine will help protect her son against flu and serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Lucy, from Surrey, said:
I remember when a friend asked if I was planning to get my son vaccinated against flu I knew I wanted some more information before deciding.
My first concern was whether it was safe for him and I had other questions including why he should get a vaccine when he’s so fit and healthy.
I spoke with a colleague who’s a doctor and she reassured me that she understood where I was coming from.
She told me about the medical research that has been carried out and how it all shows that the flu vaccine is safe for children.
No injection is needed and the vaccine is given as a painless nasal spray.
She didn’t put any pressure on me or rush me into deciding, she suggested I look at the NHS parent information leaflet to find answers to common questions about the flu vaccine and children.
It mentions possible side effects like a runny nose, headache, feeling tired and going off food but thankfully we’ve not had any of these apart from the usual runny nose most toddlers have at this time of year!
After getting the facts about how safe the flu vaccine is and about the health risks of catching flu, it didn’t take me long to make up my mind.
Getting the vaccination will help protect him, his grandparents and our family and friends from getting flu.
It also reduces the chance I’d have to take time off work to look after him if he was unwell with flu.
So when I received a text from my GP offering him a flu vaccination I booked an appointment straight away.
I was surprised just how easy the whole process was.
After I got the text, booking the appointment online took less than a minute and the nasal spray was so quick and pain-free.
It’s really important for me to help my son learn how to look after his health and understand interactions with healthcare professionals.
The nurse was so friendly and explained everything and even made the process fun, so we were both relaxed and comfortable.
Dr Anita Raina, Horley GP said:
6,000 under 5s ended up in hospital because of flu.
The child flu vaccine reduces your child’s chance of needing hospital care for flu by around two thirds and helps prevent it spreading among vulnerable family and friends.
The vaccine is usually given as a quick and painless spray up the nose.
Book your 2 or 3 year old’s vaccine at their GP surgery or, if your child is of school age, make sure to look out for and sign their consent form.
Get your child vaccinated against flu. Get winter strong.
Both the local authorities covering Leatherhead are currently running surveys on their priorities. Which we understand is perhaps a new or revised requirement.
Hopefully some of the priorities of the County Council on streets and public realm will correspond with those of the District on development of key sites in Leatherhead.
🚨What do you want Surrey County Council to prioritise for the next 5 years? -Better health and ensuring wellbeing of all Surrey residents -Reinvigorating town centres and your high streets
Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) Invites Community Input on Draft Council Strategy for 2024 to 2028
Residents, businesses and other interested parties have until 5 November 2023 to have their say on the proposed Draft Council Strategy and can get involved by filling in the consultation survey.
Councillor Stephen Cooksey, Leader of Mole Valley District Council said: “We are pleased to announce the launch of our public consultation on the Draft Council Strategy, which will outline our vision and priorities for Mole Valley for five years, from 2024 to 2028.
Our consultation, running from Monday 25 September to Sunday 5 November 2023, will enable us to gather valuable feedback from the community. This is an important opportunity for residents, businesses and anyone else who has an interest in our beautiful district to actively participate in decision-making, ensuring that our next Council Strategy is in alignment with their needs and aspirations.
“We’re eager to hear your thoughts and ideas, as your input will help us shape the direction of our community’s future. Together, we can help to ensure that Mole Valley continues to thrive and evolve, focusing on priorities that are important to our people during the five-year life of the strategy.
“It is quick and easy to get involved and you have until Sunday 5 November to review theDraft Council Strategy and have your say through the feedback survey either on our website, or by collecting printed copies from selected locations across the district. Residents can also request a hard copy of the consultation document by calling 01306 885001.
“The consultation will be widely advertised, through banners, posters, social media and digital advertising. You can stay up to date with the latest updates related to the Draft Council
Strategy consultation by visiting our website and following us on social media
Leatherhead RA still comment on applications and can be contacted via website. At its May 2023 committee the Chairman repeated that she still intends to retire by October. LRA may be disbanded if new volunteers are not found.
Development Management Committee – applications decided by councillors with recommendations from officers:
MVDC are defending their decision to refuse development on Green Belt in Leatherhead, with the developer seeking to persuade the Government inspector to grant permission. The application is speculative on the basis it was not a site included in the draft MVDC Local Plan for possible development. The location of the site is edge of town outside the built up area.
MO/2022/1619 – Land south of Headley Road, Leatherhead, Surrey
The application and documents can be viewed at:MO/2022/1619
The recommended way to keep informed of any applications that may affect you is to sign up to e-alerts
Only a relatively narrow group of very immediate neighbours are otherwise notified.
For some major applications the applicant will hold pre-application engagement with the community, often on a virtual basis under recent restrictions.
Comments on applications can be made by either by making a comment via MVDC website or by an email to planning@molevalley.gov.uk giving your name, address/postcode and the application reference eg MO/2023/xxxx
Comments on social media, facebook etc are not valid and unlikely to be read by the Council or applicant, and hold no value in the process at all.
It is best to comment on issues that are ‘planning considerations’ eg. design, layout, height, density, scale of development, loss of amenity, privacy, trees etc. For larger scale applications issues around drainage, parking, EV charging, proportion of ‘affordable’ housing, cycle facilities, infrastructure contributions are the kind of comments likely to be given some weight in the decision.
Many applications are now ‘permitted development’ eg office and shop conversions to residential and will not normally be refused unless there are flaws or restrictions. The Government is increasingly deregulating aspects of the system to make it easier for housing to be created to meet its targets. Extra floors on buildings are increasingly easy to add. There are no longer rules on the number of types of business in a town centre, the street can be full of cafes or hairdressers if the landlords and business operators agree.
Currently MVDC is assessing new applications against its Local Plan 2000 and Core Strategy a few years later. But it is required to update this plan www.futuremolevalley.org and this may be adopted with Government approval during 2023. The draft Local Plan includes major brownfield redevelopment sites in Leatherhead town centre in MVDC ownership eg. Swan Centre, Bull Hill, Claire & James House which are subject to commercial arrangements between MVDC and development partners currently being concluded. MVDC is also required by Government to have a 5 year supply of approved applications for new housing. So applications can be difficult to refuse if they otherwise tick the boxes the Government has set.
Local councillors are available to be contacted if you have concerns about a planning application. 2023/4 one of the Leatherhead North councillors sits on the Development Management Committee which considers some of the more significant applications, and those that have significant objections. They can also consider bringing an application to the committee which would otherwise be decided by the expert planning officers. (Two other Leatherhead councillors are substitutes on the committee)
The councillors on the committee have to keep an open mind on an application until the committee has considered it. They must avoid being predetermined. But they can listen to views to help them make a decision.
Those councillors who are not on the committee can ask to speak at it and generally can take a more active view against or for an application at an earlier stage.
Councillors work on planning tends to be less political than other activities and they do not vote on party lines in the same way as other business, usually. It is not the case that the party forming the administration (currently Lib Dem) or the professional planning officers support the applications being listed, or promote them. They have to consider what landowners and developers put forward. In much the same way it is not straightforward for the council to make landowners use their land for new development if they don’t want to.
Latest information from Surrey Police in and around Leatherhead – including Saturday’s construction site fire which is deemed non-suspicious.
We also understand from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service who handed the site back to the contractor midday Sunday, “Unfortunately, due to the extent of the fire, and following advise from a building surveyor, the contractors will now be making arrangements for the building to be demolished.”
Mole Valley Beat Bulletin Tuesday 26th September 2023
Crime prevention advice:
Our advice offers best practice for you to follow alongside practical crime prevention methods: from basic hints and tips to more detailed strategies.
Saturday 23/09 tools stolen from storage container Lower Road Bookham
Between 23/09 and 24/09 two mountain bikes stolen from a shed Downs View Dorking.
Theft:
Thursday 21/09 Theft of pick-up truck from forecourt of property in Harriotts Lane Ashtead.
Between 15/09 and 22/09 lock up at address broken into and tools stolen from farm location Horsham Rd Beare Green.
Thursday 21/09 Theft of Ifor Williams trailer Punchbowl Lane Dorking.
Between 16/09 and 24/09 car parked on drive broken into and items stolen Old Road Buckland.
Other:
Saturday 23/09 Fire in large dwelling under construction Downs Lane Leatherhead. Non-suspicious.
Surrey Road Safe
Group of bikers were stopped in Dorking on Sunday by #VanguardRST. Education was given to the whole group due to the manner of riding as they were seen to speed and undertake. In addition, 2x s59 issued and 2x number plate offences, so FPNs issued. #VulnerableRoadUserWeek
Surrey Road Safe
Cyclist stopped at Boxhill after deciding the best place to overtake a fellow cyclist was into the path of an unmarked #VanguardRST car.
Words of advice were given to the cyclist who was very apologetic.
#VulnerableRoadUserWeek
If you’re thinking of investing in crypto it is important not to rely on personal testimonies or celebrity endorsements as they could be fake.
Most cryptocurrencies aren’t regulated by the FCA which means they’re not protected by the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
It’s important that you do your research and proceed with caution before making investments.
Voters in Effingham, Ripley, Ockham, Wisley, East Clandon & the Horsleys get to elect a new Surrey County Councillor October 19th.
The by-election has attracted a strong field of experienced candidates, in a seat that was gained by the Residents for Guildford and Villages group (R4GV) at the 2021 SCC elections from the Conservatives.
Wisley airfield
This may be due to local factors, such as the large scale housing development proposed in Effingham and at Ockham (Wisley airfield), but also as the area will be in the marginal Parliamentary constituency of Guildford at the next General Election.
The Conservative MP Angela Richardson has a majority of 3,337 on the current boundaries, with the Liberal Democrats second (they also held the otherwise Conservative held seat 2001-05).
In recent local elections in the area, 2023, the R4GV group held Guildford borough council seats in the Horsley/Clandon ward many parts of which are included in the Horsley SCC division. Effingham ward was held by the Lib Dems.
There are no candidates from the Green Party, the Peace Party who sometimes stand in the Guildford area, the Reform Party, Ukip, or the True and Fair Party. Nor from the Guildford Green Belt Group (who have the three GBC councillors in Send & Lovelace ward which includes Ripley, Wisley and Ockham).
The Guildford MP Angela Richardson introduced the Conservative candidate, Alex Stewart-Clark as “the only candidate to both live in and run a business in the area.” However the nomination statement says his address is in Elmbridge (rural parts are quite near to Ockham and Wisley).He did stand unsuccessfully in Send & Lovelace ward in May’s GBC election. But his previous political campaigns have been for the Scottish Parliament and the Glenrothes constituency at the 2015 General Election where he appears to have been based at the time. His business interests appear to be in commercial property and the timber and fencing industry including three in Ripley and another at Cobham and are long-standing.
Fantastic team out knocking doors in support of our excellent candidate Alexander Stewart-Clarke in #TheHorsleys Surrey County Council by-election. The only candidate to both live in and run a business in the area. pic.twitter.com/t5Bn22YzCw
“Dennis has a real passion for Guildford where he has lived for over 40 years….Among the roles he has held at GBC are Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee and member of the Planning Committee. For the last year, Dennis has also had the privilege of serving as Guildford’s Mayor.”
And a familiar Lib Dem face to Mole Valley residents is standing again in the Horsleys for SCC having come a strong second there in 2017. He was also the Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate in the last three elections when the area re-elected Sir Paul Beresford as part of the outgoing Mole Valley Parliamentary seat.
“I am very sorry indeed that my old friend Colin Cross has decided to stand down as county councillor for the Horsleys.
I have always regarded Colin as a political kindred spirit: passionate, thoughtful and fundamentally liberal. And his local knowledge is second to none.
We worked hand in hand in the Lovelace by-election in 2014, which Colin won by a landslide
And the county council elections in 2017 when Colin and Liz Hogger in turn helped me achieve 38% of the vote in the Horsleys, paving the way for Colin’s win in 2021.
And we worked closely together on local campaigns, in particular opposing the Conservatives’ Local Plan, the Wisley development, and their appalling decision to close Ripley School.
Even after he joined R4GV, Colin continued to support me personally, for example in parliamentary campaigns including the 2019 general election. And I was personally delighted when he won the Horsleys county seat in 2021.
Colin will be a hard act to follow.
Lib Dem Zöe Franklin is their Guildford Parliamentary candidate:
Enjoying the glorious weather today with a day of delivery and speaking to residents in Ripley with Paul Kennedy and the Guildford Lib Dem team. #HorsleysByElection
On a busy weekend in Leatherhead for our Fire and Rescue Service, the athletic and not so athletic among us might like to show our appreciation by entering or sponsorship of those taking part in our local Fire Station’s charity 10 kilometre run in November:
LEATHERHEAD FIRE STATION CHARITY 10K 2023
SUNDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2023
The Leatherhead Fire Station 10K is organised by the fire fighters of Red Watch, and aided by many colleagues and other marshals. It is a scenic but undulating route with spectacular views. At the end there will be Trish & Tracy’s famous Tea and Cake stall, which is not to be missed and by then you will deserve it! This is a charity event, raising funds for several local charities, which are close to the hearts of the Red Watch Team. It has a very friendly, community feel to it, so don’t miss out, enter now!
Update from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service 9.15am Sunday :
On Saturday 23 September at 1804hrs, Surrey Fire and Rescue received a call to Naome Acres, Downs Lane, Leatherhead KT22 8JW with reports of black smoke issuing from the roof of the premises.
Joint Fire Control (JFC) initially mobilised 2 fire engines and an aerial appliance with the first crews arriving in 8 minutes, which is within our standard response time for critical incidents.
On arrival the initial crews were faced with a rapidly developing fire in a large premises, under construction, approximately 30m* 40m consisting of 3 floors, further resources were mobilised at the request of the initial incident commander leading to 8 fire engines, 1 aerial appliance, 2 waters carriers and a hose layer being deployed at the incident to bring the fire under control. This was a multi-agency incident with Surrey Police and Southeast Coast Ambulance Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) also in attendance supporting SFRS. The incident was scaled down with crews remaining in attendance throughout the night, we are still in attendance at this time.
Saturday evening 23 September
Household water supply in parts of south Leatherhead has been impacted by an 8 pump fire in a mansion property in the Downs Lane area off the Dorking Road. SES Water has confirmed the amount of water drawn off to bring the fire under control is the reason for the interruption of the supply. They are on site near the Parish Church about a mile from the fire location.
Due to a fire, some customers in Leatherhead (KT22) may be experiencing low water supply or pressure for the next few hours.
No supply or low pressure – Downs Lane, Leatherhead KT22
Due to a fire in the local area, some customers in the KT22 area may be experiencing supply interruptions or low pressure for the next few hours.
We’re sorry for the inconvenience this is causing but we hope to get this resolved as quickly as possible.Updated 21.30 on Saturday 23rd September 2023
Leatherhead Living 