Local resident submissions to the Elmbridge Borough ...€¦ · All best Wendy Shepherd -- ... The local station provides excellent access to London and ... fishing shop, estate agents

Local resident submissions to the Elmbridge Borough Council electoral review

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Hinds, Alex

From: on behalf of the hub - Wendy

Sent: 25 March 2015 17:05To: Hinds, AlexSubject: HINCHLEY WOOD ELMBRIDGE

Hi Alex I am writing to share that I am not at all supportive of Elmbridge Council removing Hinchley Wood as a ward. I have lived here with my family for 11 years and feel it is a distinct committee with its own character and needs. It does not feel democratic for the council to decide we do not warrant out own councillor anymore and to carve us in half and lump us with other wards who have their own needs and do not necessarily understand the particular issues we face in Hinchley Wood eg local retailers, railway and associated issues eg commuter parking, safety and protecting schooling for local children. I am against Hinchley Wood losing its councillors and feel this a politically motivated decision rather than one based on what is best for the borough or its finances as the wards being removed are ones with independent councilllors. The removal of them will make things much easier for the majority Conservative Councillors to have greater control. Thanks for taking the time to read this. All best Wendy Shepherd -- Wendy Smithers

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Jacqueline Signor

E-mail:

Organisation Name: Public

Comment text:

Fully support Hinchley Wood staying a coherent and independent ward. Hinchley Wood is a

community with its own local schools and shops. Preserving local communities should be an

important consideration when forming councils otherwise there is no voice and no association

for a community and ultimately no will to vote.

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Page 1 of 1Local Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal

30/03/2015https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/5096

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 26 March 2015 08:24To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Elmbridge boundary review

From: Peter Silk Sent: 25 March 2015 18:33 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge boundary review

My wife and I are writing to voice our concerns on the proposed carve‐up of Hinchley Wood ward

We believe it will destroy the strong vibrant Hinchley Wood community, with its shops and village character.

The HWRA with its two councillors, currently works well and effectively represents Hinchley Wood. So we therefore

believe that the correct solution is to keep Hinchley Wood as a two councillor ward.

This will result in electoral fairness for Hinchley Wood electors and will protect the interests and identities of the

community.

Yours sincerely

Peter & Yvonne Silk

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Derrick Simpson

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

I wish to oppose the plans to redraw the ward boundaries so that the ward of Hinchley Wood is

merged with neighbouring wards and disappears. I moved to Hinchley Wood in 1988 and found

a thriving community of self supporting and cooperative people with a real identity - much like

a village. As a cohesive community the residents of Hinchley Wood work together to maintain

the uniqueness of the area. The focus is around the memorial gardens, local shops, the church

and school. Together the residents took a stand against the opening of a drive-in fast food

restaurant (McDonalds) arguing their case about its detrimental effect on the traffic and

environment of the community. The residents hold locally organised fetes, scout days and

services. There is a strong residents association which pro-actively supports the community. All

of this will be lost if the community is merged into the neighbouring wards to become yet

another suburban sprawl. I cannot see the justification for effectively cutting Hinchley Wood into

two and breaking up one of the few truly strong communities within Elmbridge. Our two

councillors are effective and their independence from mainstream political parties on the council

underlines the uniqueness of the Hinchley Wood village community and approach. I urge that

the proposed ward boundary changes are not imposed on Hinchley Wood and the commission

recognises that Hinchley Wood should retain it's two councillors and its identity.

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Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Pauline Simpson

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

The proposed ward boundaries will destroy Hinchley Wood. Having lived in Hinchley Wood since

1988, I have been amazed and very pleased by the community atmosphere that it has, and

which is not common in many commuter areas. This community focuses on the shops and

Memorial Gardens and has many times shown that it is proud and very keen to maintain its

identity, initially when the whole community came together to fight off the threat of a

MacDonalds coming onto the area and more latterly when a school wished to build on green

belt land. There is a strong and vibrant Resident's Association and a strong church presence.

There are frequent events in the Memorial Gardens which are well supported from residents

across Hinchley Wood and are supported by our local Councillors. Hinchley Wood works well as

a single community, thinks as a single community and is a single community - it has one

identity. These proposals will not work for the residents across the area.

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 13 February 2015 11:45To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Electoral Review of Elbridge

From: Sue Kilpatrick Sent: 13 February 2015 11:39 To: Reviews@ Subject: Electoral Review of Elbridge Dear Sirs, My views on the electoral review of Elbridge are as follows:

I agree that the number of Elbridge Borough Councillors should be reduced by 12 to 48.

I agree that there should be one Ward relating to all of the Cobham & Downside Ward but extending to some of the Cobham Area currently covered by the Cobham & Fair mile Ward. I agree that the remainder of the Cobham Fair mile Ward should be merged with the Ward covering Upshot & Stoke d’Abernon.

I agree that the new Cobham Ward should be represented by three Ward Councillors and the new Oxshott & Stoke d’Abernon Ward should have three Ward Councillors, ‐ an overall loss of two Councillors.

I identify Cobham & Downside as my local community although there are close links with Stoke d’Abernon and Oxshott. The main shopping area, together with facilities such as the Library, are in Cobham. However, the mainline railway station is in Stoke d’Abernon – some 1.5miles away from the centre of Cobham.

I understand that although a part of the Cobham Fairmile Ward might merge with the Oxshott Ward, for all other purposes it will remain part of Cobham.

Yours faithfully, Mrs Susan Kilpatrick, OBE

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Hinds, Alex

From: Tony Smith Sent: 29 March 2015 19:26To: Reviews@Subject: Don't carve up Hinchley Wood ward

To whom it may concern, This is to inform you of our opposition to the planned changes to the ward boundaries. We want to save our identity and the character of Hinchley Wood as a ward. Hinchley Wood is its own distinct community, with its own shops, its village centre, and its own community events around that characteristic hub of the centre of our community. Each of us are proud of the community we live in and support the activities that make the environment what it is, such as the church, involvement with our own Scouts/Guides, the different sports, the running and cultivation of the allotments, and volunteer work that help to identify who we are. Hinchley Wood is where we live and all its amenities are precision to us such as the vets, the thriving business environment from independent coffee shops that can sit along side popular commercial enterprises and the personal facilities which add to a social cohesion. Each of the wards around us have their own different character and each must be preserved and maintained and encourage. I run round and through the different wards that make up our area and enjoy the diversity and nature and the character of each. This proposal flies in the face of the statutory criteria which state that ward boundaries should reflect the interests and identities of local communities. Please leave the ward of Hinchley Wood as it is and let it continue to be the place that it deserves to be. Thank you. Tony Smith

Hinchley Wood (and proud of it ).

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 27 March 2015 14:34To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Hinchley Wood Ward - Boundary Review

Importance: High

From: Katy Sutcliffe Sent: 27 March 2015 08:36 To: Reviews@ Subject: Hinchley Wood Ward - Boundary Review Importance: High To Alan Hinds and the Boundary Review Panel I have been a resident of Hinchley Wood for almost 13 years and strongly object to the proposed changes to the ward of Hinchley Wood being split and absorbed into Long Ditton and Weston Green. These proposed changes would totally ignore the unique identities of these three distinct villages. Hinchley Wood is a vibrant community with a strong village life and unique identity. It offers two fabulous schools for local children, St Christopher's church which also acts as the hub of the community hosting many groups and clubs for local residents. We have our wonderful varied village shops in Hinchley Wood with a number of independent stores, including a wine bar which are all well used by the local residents. The Memorial Gardens host multiple annual fairs and the Remembrance Day Service ‐ all of which are well supported by the local community. The local station provides excellent access to London and out to Guildford with good bus services to Esher, Kingston and Roehampton. The area is surround by commons offering easy access to green, open spaces for walking and exercise in a natural environment. The local sports field and recreation ground are also well utilised. Each of the three villages of Hinchley Wood, Weston Green and Long Ditton have their own individual identities and communities. As villages the sensible option would seem to be to have two councillors for each of these wards. I hope that my comments are taken into account during the review process. With best regards Katherine Sutcliffe

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Hinds, Alex

From: Thompson, Margaret Sent: 30 March 2015 16:34To: Reviews@Subject: Elmbridge boundary review

Dear Sir,

I am writing to state my reasons on why I believe that Hinchley Wood should remain a coherent and independent ward.

Community

HInchley Wood benefits from many characteristics which defines it’s strong sense of community.

Memorial Gardens: Situated in the heart of the village the Memorial Gardens provide a definite focal point for the community. The gardens are surrounded by shops and are next to Hinchley Wood railway station. Several events are held on the green, including the autumn traders fair, the scouts and guides spring fairs and the Remembrance Day service in November.

Shops: The village centre has a whole range of thriving independent shops, including 2 coffee shops, a baker, a butcher, greengrocer, chemist, hardware shop, Post Office, Budgens store, beauty salon, vet, doctors surgery, newsagents, electrical store, fishing shop, estate agents etc.

Hinchley Wood Residents Association: The Association has been in existence since 1932 and has a long successful history of having championed local issues pertinent to the needs of Hinchley Wood residents. HWRA is a solid entity within the community structure and were it not to exist, representation would be diluted and residents would not be represented as efficiently or with as much tenacity as they are entitled to expect.

St Christopher’s Church: The Church is very much a focal point for worship and community in Hinchley Wood. In addition to being a place for worship, the Church provides the ‘community hub’. Both the church and church hall are used extensively for a broad range of community activities.

Transport: Hinchley Wood station is at the centre of the village with trains running regularly from Guildford to Waterloo; the K3 bus service runs from Esher to Roehampton, passing through Surbiton (with further transport links), Kingston town centre and Kingston Hospital.

Community Magazine: There is a new community magazine, recently launched by St. Christopher’s church and delivered to every household in Hinchley Wood. Anyone can contribute items to the magazine and it is designed to encourage people to ‘get involved in their community’ and generate a sense of ‘belonging’; people are kept informed, thus reducing the sense of isolation felt by so many today.

Activities: My family are very involved in community life through the church, HWRA, local activities and we also have an allotment. The fact that the links are so strong encourages us and many of our friends to keep building and working within our community thus continuing to create a safe and happy neighbourhood that people are proud to belong to and where people matter and are not forgotten.

The splitting up of the ward and the consequential loss of identity would make it almost impossible to continue with this work in the future. In its current state as a ‘discrete ward’ it is possible to make bids for funds and put forward ideas for improvements, as a community. This focus would disappear if the boundaries were to change and the area would be swallowed up with no central focus.

I have looked at the boundary map and believe a more practical solution would be to re-think the boundary line by splitting Thames Ditton and join that area with Long Dittion and Weston Green. Thames Ditton ward is more fragmented and does not have such a tight knit community. It is therefore more naturally aligned with the two neighbouring wards mentioned.

Yours faithfully,

Margaret Thompson

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Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Roger Thompson

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

We have just learned of Council's desire to split Hinchley Wood between Thames Ditton and Long Ditton. Of the three wards Hinchley Wood is the only one which has all the characteristics and infrastructure of a genuinely discrete conmmunity. It is centred around the village green which is surrounded by a very diverse range of shoppping outlets; a doctors, a dentist and an osteopaths; an Indian restaurant,a wine bar and a Costa coffee, a railway station and bus stops and so on. It is in facy a superb community cente. Within walking distance are the local chuch whuch uses both its hall and the main church buidlings as community hubs and very successful primary and secondary schools. There are a wide range of local clubs and organisations and the whole gamut of female and male scouting provision.It is true that Hinchley Wood has only a short history but the fact that much of the area was built in a very short time has lead to the rapid and durable growth of an extremely strong residents assovciation which has very wide support in the area and is regarded by most as a genuine voice for local people. Himchley Wood residents in the past worked hard and with a united front to oppose the introduction of a Macdonalds outlet. So successful were they in achieving what was then a unique victroy that they were contacted not just by people from the UK but from other countries on how to oppose unwelcome commercial introductions. Such a struggle serves to reinforce a local community identity and preserve its values in a changing world. We would not like to see our neighbour wards go either and are sure that a more rational and sympathetic solution can be found with perhaps a small expansion in Hinchley wWood to justify the number of councillors it has and appropriate changes to our neighbours. We must repeat,however, that in terms of local coherent infra structure and communityidentity Hinchley Wood is by far the strongest of the three local wards. We are very suprised at the nature of the submission by the council and question the rationale behind it and have some doubts bout the motives of those who have put this suggestion forward. A strong group of independent local people is not always the most welcome thing to some councils. We strongly urge you to visit the area and talk to the people of the ward to gain a picture of the nature of our community. Margaret and Roger Thompson

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Hinds, Alex

From: Neville Thurlbeck Sent: 29 March 2015 12:50To: Reviews@Subject: OBJECTIONS TO CARVING UP HINCHLEY WOOD WARD

Neville Thurlbeck

Dear Sir, I write to place on record my objections to the proposal to split the ward. Hinchley Wood has its own strong and historic identity. It is why I moved here with my family in 2002. We have our own church, St Christopher's, which I attend weekly and I am a member of the PCC here also. There is a very strong community spirit which is in growth, not decline. I fear the proposals will weaken these bonds of community. The memorial gardens and the shops in the village are a focal point for village interaction and commerce and are superior to much in the neighbouring areas. To blend our identity into the two neighbouring wards, would weaken this identity and weaken our ability to protect it. It is for these reasons why I must state my total opposition to these plans. Your faithfully, Neville Thurlbeck

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 20 March 2015 17:25To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Proposal to Divide up Hinchley Wood's Ward Boundaries - Please dont!

From: Tess Townsend Sent: 20 March 2015 17:11 To: Reviews@ Subject: Proposal to Divide up Hinchley Wood's Ward Boundaries - Please dont! Review officer (Elmbridge) Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd floor Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Dear Sirs, Under recent proposals which Elmbridge Borough Council have submitted to the Local Government Boundary Commission, it seems Hinchley Wood ward is in danger of being divided up between Long Ditton and Weston Green, and I believe the voice of Hinchley Wood on the Council would be severely compromised if this were to happen. The ward boundaries should reflect the interests and identities of their local communities but this proposed change would destroy the representation of the distinct community that is Hinchley Wood. We have our own shopping area and a beautiful Memorial Garden which are supported by residents and provide an area in which the community meet and share their lives. There is a lovely little coffee shop where I regularly meet with other locals and also bring friends into the area to meet up with me. I am registered at our local doctor and my pets at the local vets. My takeaways of choice are the local indian restaurant and the fish and chip man on Tuesdays. The village has a vibrant church community, Scouts and Guides groups, local sports, a set of allotments, and a host of other voluntary work takes place here. We do not have a local public house and yet, despite this, you can see that we have plenty of places to meet, all of which are supported by the locals. I therefore urge you not change the ward boundaries to divide up our little community but instead recognise that Hinchley Wood is a place in its own right and deserves to retain its own ward status and have its own voice at Elmbridge Borough Council to represent its own issues. Sincerely, Tess Townsend

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This message has been sent from the office of ............................................................................ Tess Townsend

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Hinds, Alex

From: RENE TURNER Sent: 30 March 2015 08:49To: Reviews@Subject: My concerns about the proposed changes to merge Long Ditton or Weston Green

‘wards’,

Mrs L Turner

24‐03‐2015

Review officer (Elmbridge) Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd floor Layden House 76‐86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG

To the Elmbridge Review Officer,

Please read and acknowledge my concerns about the proposed changes to merge Long Ditton or Weston Green ‘wards’, with the Hinchley Wood ‘ward’. This in my opinion would be detrimental to the current coherent and independent Hinchley Wood ward community.

I have lived in Hinchley Wood since the age of seven, I am now in my forty’s. One of the reasons I enjoy living here is the sense that I belong to a small yet robust, independent and caring community. I attended Hinchley Wood primary and secondary school, as has my daughter, who started the secondary school this year.

Hinchley Wood is in my opinion ‘small’ but ‘mighty’ and has the following defining characteristics which make it a successful independent community;

I consider the Memorial Gardens as the ‘hub’ of the community; it is a central space which is used diversely. It is surrounded by shops and community facilities. This small area has , a Doctor and Dental surgery, a post office, a butches and bakers, a barbers and hairdressers, restaurants and café’s everything a community needs.

Every year my husband, daughter and I have an active role in the Hinchley Wood fete which is held in the Memorial Gardens. Residents, Hinchley Wood primary school, local police, local shop owners, Guides, Brownies and Scouts, St Christopher’s church and the Hinchley

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Wood Resident Association all join together to enjoy a day of fun. The focus is to celebrate the community as a community. Each year this fete advertises and in this context supports many the of local charitable groups who have stalls promoting what support is available for those who live in Hinchley Wood, this event demonstrates the strong sense of ‘community’ and ‘care’ within this ward.

My husband, daughter and I also attend the annual Service of Remembrance where the local residents, counsellors, Guides, Scouts, Brownies, school children and St Christopher’s Church join together in the Memorial Gardens. The Remembrance Service is very emotive and moving and the Memorial Gardens hold a sense of meaning and belonging to each and every one there.

The Christmas Carol service provides the opportunity for Hinchley Wood to sing and celebrate together again in the Memorial Gardens, the central space which holds a sense of meaning and belonging to each and every one there.

The Hinchley Wood Resident Association acts as the communities advocate and guide. They are our voice and in my opinion there locality is essential as it is what enables them to understand the community they serve, because they live alongside us. The community’s best interest is their primary interest. For those who don’t drive or own a computer their accessibility is definitely a key strength providing face to face support.

I can see no personal or community gain for the merging of wards because I feel a part of the existing coherent and independent ‘small but mighty’ Hinchley Wood community Ward.

Yours Sincerely

Mrs Laura Turner

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Hinds, Alex

From: Maz Usher Sent: 27 March 2015 21:33To: Reviews@Cc: Jon UsherSubject: Elmbridge Council boundary review

Dear Sir/Madam,

As Hinchley Wood residents, we are rather concerned by the proposed change of the ward boundaries inElmbridge. The current proposal would split our village in two, which could have disastrous consequences for our village and its community spirit.

We feel that Hinchley Wood should be a ward in it’s own right, ensuring that there is a councillor thatreflects the views of our community, rather than someone that has just had half of our village tagged ontothe edge of their ward, leaving Hinchley Wood without adequate representation.

We are concerned about the long-term impact that this could have on our community, which is justbeginning to blossom. We have a very defined village centre, unlike Long Ditton & Weston Green. Itaccommodates many amenities such as a train station, GP surgery, vets, butcher, baker, grocer, post office& a whole variety of shops. At the heart of this is the Memorial Gardens where a number of communitybased events takes place such as the Hinchley Wood fun day. There are now 2 coffee shops, which providemeeting places for our community – Georgie’s hosts “Girls at Georgie’s”, an evening of chat/debate overcoffee/wine, facilitated by members of the St Christopher’s congregation. It is also where our estate(Medina Avenue, Heathside & Harefield) meet for a monthly coffee morning & on a smaller scale, the“Medina Mums” (mums from the same collection of roads) use this to meet up & get to know one another& support each other through the steep learning curve that is parenting. These friendships will continue intoschool years as our children move into primary & secondary education at the Hinchley Wood schools.

We are both members of the congregation of St Christopher’s, which over the last few years, has become avibrant community hub. The church hall provides space, not only for worship, but also for yoga, pilates,zumba, toddlers stay & play, tea dances, balls, messy church, a nursery, polling station and more. St Christopher’s has also just brought out “Hinchley Wood”, a community magazine which celebrates thenews and views from around the village. This is just another example of our blossoming community spirit.

There is a fear that with this carving up of Hinchley Wood, the Diocese will close St Christopher’s if it is nolonger in a village with it’s own councillor but is instead in a ward with another church. Might the plot thenbe sold, Hinchley Wood would be left with no large indoor space in which to host sizeable events or classes. This would be a huge loss to the community that we, as a village, are working so hard to build up.

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Will the boundary move also have an affect on the school catchment areas? Our primary school is alreadydifficult to get in to but could this make it even harder.

Hinchley Wood is a close-knit village with a growing community spirit. It must remain as a ward, with acouncillor that represents the views of the villagers.

Yours sincerely,

Jon & Maz Usher

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Hinds, Alex

From: Gill Vickers Sent: 28 March 2015 08:29To: Reviews@Subject: Proposed Boundary Changes For Hinchley Wood

27th March 2015

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing with regard to the proposed boundary changes in Elmbridge, Surrey in particular with those

concerning Hinchley Wood.

Our village of Hinchley Wood is a thriving community with its own identity. It has a wide range and diversity of

shops which mean that residents don't actually have to travel outside our village for anything; this is especially

important for our elderly inhabitants. People actually visit Hinchley Wood to buy from our well‐known

butcher's, baker's and ironmonger's. Costa Coffee recently opened a shop here which means that Hinchley

Wood is clearly seen by others outside the area as a hub. We have Memorial Gardens in the village centre

where carol singing, fetes and memorial services take place. We have our own vet's, doctors' and dentist's

surgery which have developed to become part of our community. There is a thriving primary and senior school

located in Hinchley Wood, plus St.Christopher's church, a very vibrant part of the community which apart from

being used for the usual church business is also the venue for visiting choirs, quizzes, Weight Watchers, yoga,

dance and zumba classes. Hinchley Wood has its own station with the most helpful person, Kevin working in

the ticket office who obviously enjoys working in our community. We also have our own oversubscribed

allotment society which provides a service to the community of Hinchley Wood and as membership secretary,

is one I'm proud to be part of.

Hinchley Wood has 3865 registered voters who regularly return a Residents Association candidate in the local

elections, proving that Hinchley Wood residents believe that a Residents Association candidate can best serve

their community rather than someone from another area or from one of the of the major parties. Perhaps I'm

being cynical but this may be why Hinchley Wood has been chosen to be carved up ‐ less Resident Association

councillors on the Council would ensure that one of the major parties has less opposition to any of their

proposals.

Weston Green has a far smaller number of registered voters (2787) and cannot be described as a village by any

stretch of the imagination. It is just a pretty area with a pub, church and duck pond!

Long Ditton does not really have a village centre but simply a parade of shops; there is no station nor

senior school.

I fully understand the financial need to reduce the number of councillors representing residents on the

council, but fail to understand the reasoning as to why Hinchley Wood has been chosen as the ward to be

carved up. Weston Green would be a far more logical choice. Surrey County Council's Flagship Priorities for

2014/2015 were to create vibrant, thriving and unique communities. By destroying Hinchley Wood as an

independent ward they will have failed in their mission.

Yours Faithfully

Gill Vickers

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 31 March 2015 08:58To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Elmbridge Electoral review - ward boundaries

From: Bill Vickers Sent: 30 March 2015 19:04 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge Electoral review - ward boundaries Dear Messrs LBGCE I am writing with regard to the Electoral Review which is currently underway for Elmbridge BC. General I have read the relevant parts of the submissions regarding the reduction of councillors from 60 to 48 and apart from repositioning Elmbridge on the league table of population to Councillors I can see no logical or economic rationale for going forward with this proposal (unless of course their is a performance advantage to be shared by the other Surrey councils) Within the submission from Elmbridge the documents actually show the time spent by councillors on EBC business has actually increased since 2011/2012 which hardly predicates a reduction in resources! It should also be noted that EBC has achieved several excellent recognition awards for which the BC is proud - the main one being for Customer Service Excellence, an award which has only been achieved by the very few! Surely this indicates at least a hint of best practise within EBC which is in danger of being thrown out in favour of an insignificant economic benefit (£50K) and a repositioning on the league table! Hinchley Wood Ward Within the EBC submission to the LGBCE it clearly states that “... the 8 villages and communities of Claygate, Hersham, Hinchley Wood, Long Ditton, Thames Ditton, Oatlands, Oxshott and Stoke D’Abernon, which are all distinctive in character” and “The Borough recognises these towns and villages as distinct communities…” and "….Members strongly associate with the distinct communities of the Borough in the context of the guidance produced by the Commission.” So, that being the case why did the EBC propose at the 16th March council meeting that ward boundaries be redrawn in such a fashion that Hinchley Wood disappears and is split between Weston Green and Long Ditton. There is absolutely no logic to this proposal - Hinchley wood is a village and discreet community in its own right, in fact far more so than Weston Green or Long Ditton in that it has a complete and independent infra structure that supports the residents and sets it apart as a strong and thriving centre of community. Hinchley Wood is quite self-sufficient which is so important for the elderly residents and it also attracts shoppers from neighbouring areas to our famous butchers, bakers and hardware store - these are complemented by Budgens, a green grocer, post office, newsagents, dry cleaners, restaurant, two coffee shops and lots more. We have Memorial Gardens in the centre of the village where all sorts of community activities happen from Carol singing to fetes to memorial services. Aside from that there is a well known and thriving primary and senior school, plus St.Christopher's church, a very vibrant part of the community which apart from being used for the usual church business is also the venue for visiting choirs, quizzes, Weight Watchers, yoga, dance and zumba classes. We also have our Lynwood Allotment Society (oversubscribed) and last but not least our very own railway station. The strength of this community spirit is manifest in the Hinchley Wood Residents Association which has represented the community of Hinchley Wood on Esher District Council from 1932, with 2 seats from 1933 to 1974 when Elmbridge Borough Council was created. It then held all 3 seats until 2000 when the Boundary Commission gave 30% of our ward to Long Ditton. At present Hinchley Wood has the highest number of electorate per councillor in Elmbridge and is larger than Weston Green by over 1,000 people.

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So why would anyone want to break this up when it’s a great example of EBC vision in practise! Logic doesn’t support the proposals in any way so we're left with one of two reasons for this recommendation - it’s either a mistake/error of judgement or politically motivated. I would appreciate your comments and look forward to hearing of a logical outcome. Yours faithfully William J Vickers

A confident and cohesive community with a thriving local economy and cherished environment served by quality public services delivered cost effectively.’

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Hinds, Alex

From:Sent: 31 March 2015 14:54To: Hinds, AlexCc:Subject: Suggested Changes to Ward boundariesAttachments: 150322 - Ward boundries note.docx

Hi Alex Further to the below Ward boundary changes I fully agree with the comments raised by St Christophers Church that surely it would a more practical option would be to have 2 council representatives for the 3 areas rather than 3 representatives for 2 wards.

Best Regards Mr S Wakefield Suggested Changes to Ward boundaries Hinchley Wood as an Elmbridge Borough Ward could cease to exist from 2016. The current administration at the Council has asked The Boundary Commission to reduce the size of the Council from 60 to 48 Councillors. This will mean 16x 3 Councillor Wards. To achieve this goal Hinchley Wood Ward is to be divided between Long Ditton and Weston Green, in which case you would be represented by Councillors who do not live in Hinchley Wood.

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Hinds, Alex


From: James Walker Sent: 30 March 2015 21:44 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge boundary review

Proposal to split Hinchley Wood into two adjoining wards. I object to this as it will reduce local democracy such that it could be represented by councillors with no connection to the local community compared wit the past when the ward has had dedicated councillors who always strove to achieve the best for their electorate. As a resident of Hinchley Wood for over 40years I have experienced the extent to which it forms a vibrant community with local services such as a comprehensive shopping area comprising a variety of small shops able to supply most of people’s needs and a bus service to get to larger shopping areas for a few needs. It has its own station with frequent trains to London and Guildford. The road system enables quick connection to the motorway network. With flats for older people near the shopping area and transport facilities it is an ideal community in which to live and retire and as such should be continued as a unit . in the shopping area there are doctor’s, dentist and vet’s surgeries. For the younger generation there are scout and guide groups and in addition a very go ahead church. Thus Hinchley Wood is very much a village community with facilities of which to be proud. Much will be lost if the proposals are adopted. Equally the two wards adjacent with which it is proposed to merge Hinchley Wood are in themselves village communities and the proposal will do nothing to enhance the wellbeing of any community. While living in Hinchley Wood My late wife and I have taken part in many voluntary activities both in Hinchley Wood and Elmbridge Borough. Please take my views into consideration in reaching your final decision as it would be a shame to lose the community spirit existing in Hinchley Wood. Yours sincerely J.H.Walker

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Brian Wallace

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

I have just heard that a change in the Elmbridge District is being planned for Hinchley Wood to

become part of another local ward, thereby losing it's own Elmbridge councillors ! I totally

disagree with such a plan as Hinchley Wood Residents Association has represented its residents

faithfully and successfully for so long. I have lived in Hinchley Wood for nearly 20 years and

one of the reasons for coming here in the first place was to be sure of a community which pulls

together ! That sense of community spirit will be lost forever if our voting ward becomes

merged with another. People in this ward need to be sure that their opinions will be taken into

account by the central council of Elmbridge and that won't happen if Hinchley Wood residents

are denied distinct and discrete voting opportunities of their own. Please therefore do NOT go

ahead with the proposed change !

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Hinds, Alex

From: TIMOTHY WARD >Sent: 29 March 2015 15:02To: Reviews@Subject: Elmbridge Council ( Surrey)

Dear Sir

I have been informed via our local Residents Association in Hinchley Wood that it has been suggested that our village will be split thereby significantly weakening our voice on Elmbridge Council. I deplore the Councils suggestion for the following reasons:

a)we have lived in Hinchley Wood on and off for the past 35 years and keep returning because of its vibrant nature, community spirit and the provision of all our needs.

b)Our children attended the local schools of which now there are 2Nurseries, a primary school which is due to expand to a 3 form entry, a senior school with a sixth form and a recently re-opened private school currently catering for the younger age range.

c) Additional facilities for children and young people in general are the play area with swings, slides etc which our grandchildren use and the football pitches which are in constant use over the weekends for both practise sessions and matches.

d)Our children also attended St Christophers Church, located adjacent to the schools mentioned above. The Church supports many activities and not only of a religious nature as we attend quiz evenings, line dancing, blood donor sessions and fund raising activities to name a few. This is now known as the Hinchley Wood Community Hub.

e)Our children also attended the Hinchley Wood Scouting and Guiding groups both working their way through what are now known as the Beavers, Cubs and then Scouts and for our daughter, Rainbows, Brownies and then Guides. The Brownie group has flourished over the years and now supports 3 separate groups in Hinchley Wood. These groups meet in designated premises in Hinchley Wood.

f)Hinchley Wood has a comprehensive range of shops centred around the Memorial Gardens adjacent to the train station. These are all small independent shops apart from a small Budgens and a recently opened Costa Coffee shop. The shops contribute to the community feel as all everyday needs can be met by the baker, butcher and fishmonger, greengrocer, newsagents, hardware, chemist, hairdresser and barber. It is surely a testament to the vibrancy of the neighbourhood that there are no empty shops and no charity shops! We visit the shops every day and sometimes enjoy a coffee and cake in the independent coffee and wine bar.

g)Hinchley Wood also has a doctors surgery, a NHS dentist, a chiropody clinic and a physiotherapy centre, all of which we utilise. Again these are sited around the Memorial Gardens.

Every September, we have a Hinchley Wood Fun Day which is held in the Memorial Gardens. This comprises of a range of stalls, activities for the children, food , bring and buy and a raffle. This is such a successful event that residents of other local areas attend. Our ward is also supported by Road Representatives whose voluntary role is to take residents views/issues to the local Councillors, keep the residents of their road up to date with developments and generally add to the feeling of cohesiveness which Hinchley Wood so successfully achieves.

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As a further testament to the idea that Hinchley Wood has its own identity with facilities for all generations is the fact that we also have a Residential Home, Retirement Homes and Sheltered Accommodation and all these residents are within a 5 minute walk of the shops and welfare facilities.

Hinchley Wood is geographically a well defined area with all the amenities and facilities which any resident of any age requires. The local bus runs centrally through the village enabling easy access to our nearest large town, Kingston upon Thames, in 15 minutes. In addition, the railway station, again adjacent to the Memorial Gardens offers quick access to London or in the opposite direction, Guildford.

I hope that I have demonstrated how Hinchley Wood is a clearly identifiable area with its own sense of belonging and coherency. We have already 'lost' some of our ward and it would be shameful if the remainder of the village were to be split so that we no longer enjoyed a cohesive voice on the local Council.

Yours faithfully

Christine Ward

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Maureen & George Wernham

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

re Hinchley Wood ward. We have been living in the same house for nearly 58 years. When we

moved in and joined the Residents Association we were very pleased to hear about their

policies past and future. They have fought and won many decisions that affected us here and

we don't want to see such a good group being divided up. The Association was one of the first

in the country and has a very high membership with our own councillors, especially being non

political. This makes it much easier to communicate with the council and they keep us updated

on all important issues that may affect our area. Why is it necessary to split up our ward to

reduce the number of councillors? We enjoy living in Hinchley Wood as it, even now, still has a

village feel to it and the Association keeps us united.

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Hinds, Alex


From: Sean Whitman Sent: 31 March 2015 08:52 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge boundary review To Whom it may concern

My family and I moved to Hinchley Wood a year ago. One of major attractions for us was the village feel and the close community feel that exists. Hinchley Wood also has a some historical importance dating back to the 1930's it would be a real shame to dilute this heritage. We strongly appose the breakup of the Hinchley Wood ward and hope that those making the decisions take this into careful consideration. Yours Faithfully Sean and Moira Whitman

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Hinds, Alex

From: RODNEY WHITTAKER Sent: 25 March 2015 17:45To: Hinds, AlexSubject: Hinchley Wood

Dear Mr Hinds, I write to protest against the proposed division of Hinchley Wood into 2 parts for representation on the Elmbridge Borough Council. Is not sole representation since 1932 by Hinchley Wood Residents' Association councillors on EBC and its predecessors truly remarkable? And does that not speak volumes for the cohesion of this community? I urge you to take into account all the many points made by the HWRA in its submission, and to conclude that confirming the proposed new ward boundaries would be the wrong course. Yours truly, Rodney Whittaker

(28 years a resident here).

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 31 March 2015 08:56To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Proposed ward boundary changes for Hinchley Wood, Elmbridge

From: Whittington Daniella Sent: 30 March 2015 21:26 To: Reviews@ Subject: Proposed ward boundary changes for Hinchley Wood, Elmbridge To whom it may concern, Re: Proposed ward boundary changes for Hinchley Wood, Elmbridge I would like to express my views on the proposed changes to the ward boundaries in Elmbridge. As a resident of Hinchley Wood, I am particularly concerned as to how this will affect what it is a very active community. We have a very strong Residents Association with two dedicated councillors who robustly represent our community. Hinchley Wood has a strong community identity with Hinchley Wood Primary School, Hinchley Wood Secondary School, St Christopher's Church and the village shops being at its heart. We also have our own Scout and Guide groups, of which both my children attend, who contribute hugely to the Hinchley Wood community by holding regular fundraising events in the centre of the village at the Memorial Gardens. The Hinchley Wood Residents' Association also holds an annual fun day in the village for the benefit of the local community. We do not identify ourselves as being part of Long Ditton or Weston Green and feel that these changes would, in essence, split our community in half and therefore make us a minority in those wards. We feel that we should have a strong voice in what happens to our community and therefore consider that we should remain a separate ward with our own councillors. Thank you for taking the time to consider our views. Yours sincerely Daniella Whittington

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Dave and Janet Wilkinson

E-mail:

Postcode:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

We are dismayed by the LGBCE's plans to remove the heart of Hinchley Wood. We live in

, one of the original roads built in the 1930s when Hinchley Wood began.

Hinchley Wood has a vibrant village community, with its memorial gardens, local independent

shops, doctor’s surgery. church and schools. To remove all the proposed area may seem to

make sense on paper but it is illogical to take the heart out of our community. Hinchley Wood

has a very active residents’ association, and its local councillors have represented our area

since the start of our village. They have continued to represent the best interests of our

residents. We cannot see how the re-drawn boundaries would enable councillors to represent

residents as well as we are at the moment, especially given that HWRA councillors live in the

area. How could someone living in a different area have the same commitment to Hinchley

Wood residents? We ask that these plans are reconsidered.

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Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Alex Willson

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

I would challenge splitting the Hinchley Wood ward as it is a very cohesive area in my view, cemented by the area around the station, the school(s) catchment area, the parish of St.Christophers Church, the residents association, the fairs and fetes on the green by the shops, etc. whilst I support reducing the number of councillors, I hope that it is not politically motivated to divide the community so that the residents association councillor is essentially squeezed out of being elected.

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Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Emma Willson

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

I disagree with splitting hinchley wood ward across long ditton and Weston green. Hinchley

wood should not be split at all- it has a distinct community, village centre and schools that it

fulfils criteria for having a distinct ward. This includes having distinct issues and interests that

need to be considered such as main roads, green belt and train station. A better option could

be to combine Weston green and hinchley wood as whole.

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 23 March 2015 16:59To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Hinchley Wood ward

-----Original Message----- From: Sarah Wilton Sent: 23 March 2015 16:28 To: Reviews@ Subject: Hinchley Wood ward As a long-time resident of Hinchley Wood, I feel strongly that Hinchley Wood should remain a separate and distinct electoral ward on Elmbridge Borough Council. Should the current proposals go through, the voice of the residents and community of Hinchley Wood on the Council will be significantly weakened. Although the Boundary Commission's 'preferred' electoral ratio is for 3-councillor wards, their remit does permit deviations in the case of long established strong and clearly defined communities, such as Hinchley Wood. Hinchley Wood is a long established, distinct and vibrant community in which very many activities and groups are focussed on the church, care of the elderly, scouts and girl guides and the excellent schools and friendly village shops. Hinchley Wood is also distinctive in that it has its own busy railway station, which carries the main line from Waterloo to Guildford with frequent useful stops en route. In addition London Transport's K3 provides a rapid link to Kingston Town and Hospital - essential for non-drivers. Reducing the number of ward councillors in these hard times with less government (rate and tax payers') monies to local councils seems sensible. If reduction in the number of councillors is essential, then why not add a section of Long Ditton electors to boost the Hinchley Wood electorate up to the Boundary Commission's 'preferences'? The remainder of Long Ditton could then easily be added to Weston Green. In my humble opinion, the Elmbridge Borough Council's 'submitted' proposals would only serve to effectively split up 3 existing and satisfactory communities, causing extreme confusion and great inconvenience. I strongly object to the proposals to reduce the voice and representation of Hinchley Wood residents. Yours faithfully Jenny Wilton (Mrs)

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Hinds, Alex

From: Woodward, Howard Sent: 30 March 2015 18:08To: Hinds, AlexSubject: Re: Proposed changes to boundary wardsAttachments: ATT00001.txt

Dear Alex, I am writing to express my deepest concerns regarding the planned changes to ward boundaries. I have recently moved to Hinchley Wood and one of the attractions of the area is its neighbourly feel and tight knit community. I am anxious that this will be destroyed if the planning goes ahead. Splitting a community in the way suggested will cause a breakdown in the very nature of what first attracted to me to live in the area. Furthermore, Hinchley Wood will lose its sense of identity which is so important to an area; right now it benefits from its relatively small size and village feel and that makes it such a sought after and lovely place to live. This needs to be protected and our community needs to be upheld. Regards Howard Woodward Sent from my iPad

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Graham Woolgar

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

See attached document

Uploaded Documents:

Download



This is a response to the Boundary Commission's consultation on changes to Elmbridge Borough Council.

I object to the way the consultation page leads the public away from the main issue. It states:

"The Commission has also announced that it is minded to recommend that the council should have 48

councillors in the future: twelve fewer than the current arrangements." It invites constituents to take part in

re-drawing ward boundaries on a map.

The main issue which should be considered is whether there should be any reduction in the number of

councillors. No explanation of the Commission's wish to implement such a change is given. People's

attention is drawn away, to a task which is very unlikely to be tackled by any layman, but in any case is

beside the main point. I think the Commission should change the page to ask Elmbridge constituents if they

want to see a reduction in the number of councillors or not. Then the Commission can be "minded" in a way

wish reflects the democratic wishes of the Elmbridge electorate.

Good councillors spend a lot of time on their work. That is why retired people, or those who are well off

enough that their time is their own, often make good councillors. But do we want councils made up largely

of retirees and the rich? We need to encourage a regime where ordinary working people can commit to being

a councillor without being overwhelmed if they try and do the job thoroughly.

Councillors have a constant struggle, in terms of their duty to represent their constituents' interests, as

opposed to the interests and objectives of officers, which often do not coincide. The less councillor hours

available, the less this struggle is less likely to be successful. Reducing the number of Councillors is almost

certain to mean that less councillor hours will be available to properly provide representation for all

Elmbridge constituents whatever issues and problems they are facing.

Good councillors already spend a great deal of time on council business. However, not all councillors do so.

Reducing the number of councillors will not make councillors who currently put little effort into their job do

any more work. It will just fall to those already overworked to do even more.

I am very pleased to live in a borough which has had over an extended period (in the past) a "Residents' "

administration. As things stand, there is still a good chance that such an administration might be reinstated

but not if the Commission mucks about by randomly reducing the number of councillors in this borough. It

seems very likely that the political party which initiated this request for change calculates that it will be to

their electoral advantage. Attempting to gain such advantage should be discouraged by the Commission by

its refusing to countenance it.

What measures do you have to show that councillors represent larger constituencies as well as they do

smaller ones? Such an idea flies in the face of logic.

In summary, reducing the number of councillors will reduce the quality of local democracy in Elmbridge.

21/2/2015

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Graham Woolgar

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

It is not clear to me that my document has been uploaded. Consequently I have also copied its

text in below. This is a response to the Boundary Commission's consultation on changes to

Elmbridge Borough Council. I object to the way the consultation page leads the public away

from the main issue. It states: "The Commission has also announced that it is minded to

recommend that the council should have 48 councillors in the future: twelve fewer than the

current arrangements." It invites constituents to take part in re-drawing ward boundaries on a

map. The main issue which should be considered is whether there should be any reduction in

the number of councillors. No explanation of the Commission's wish to implement such a

change is given. People's attention is drawn away, to a task which is very unlikely to be tackled

by any layman, but in any case is beside the main point. I think the Commission should change

the page to ask Elmbridge constituents if they want to see a reduction in the number of

councillors or not. Then the Commission can be "minded" in a way wish reflects the democratic

wishes of the Elmbridge electorate. Good councillors spend a lot of time on their work. That is

why retired people, or those who are well off enough that their time is their own, often make

good councillors. But do we want councils made up largely of retirees and the rich? We need to

encourage a regime where ordinary working people can commit to being a councillor without

being overwhelmed if they try and do the job thoroughly. Councillors have a constant struggle,

in terms of their duty to represent their constituents' interests, as opposed to the interests and

objectives of officers, which often do not coincide. The less councillor hours available, the less

this struggle is less likely to be successful. Reducing the number of Councillors is almost certain

to mean that less councillor hours will be available to properly provide representation for all

Elmbridge constituents whatever issues and problems they are facing. Good councillors already

spend a great deal of time on council business. However, not all councillors do so. Reducing the

number of councillors will not make councillors who currently put little effort into their job do

any more work. It will just fall to those already overworked to do even more. I am very

pleased to live in a borough which has had over an extended period (in the past) a "Residents'

" administration. As things stand, there is still a good chance that such an administration might

be reinstated but not if the Commission mucks about by randomly reducing the number of

councillors in this borough. It seems very likely that the political party which initiated this

request for change calculates that it will be to their electoral advantage. Attempting to gain

such advantage should be discouraged by the Commission by its refusing to countenance it.

What measures do you have to show that councillors represent larger constituencies as well as

they do smaller ones? Such an idea flies in the face of logic. In summary, reducing the number

of councillors will reduce the quality of local democracy in Elmbridge. 21/2/2015

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Hinds, Alex

From: imina_wylde <Sent: 29 March 2015 22:28To: Reviews@Subject: Elmbridge boundary review

To the Review board: I strongly object to the carving up of the Hinchley Wood Ward. Hinchley Wood has more to offer than either Long Ditton or Weston Green. The church, lead by Reverend John Krobenberg does a great deal of community work. Hinchley Wood has a great parade of shops with cafes, a butcher, green grocer, tackle shop, estate agents, restaurant, dry cleaner, chemists, hairdresser, vets and GP. Hinchley Wood has it's own train station. Schooling: Not only does Hinchley Wood have a (soon to be) three form intake primary school, but also has an outstanding secondary school both bearing the name Hinchley Wood. Surely the above points prove that we have to keep our own identity of Hinchley Wood and need to keep our parliamentary representation. I look forward to hearing from you on these points. Best wishes, Imina Wylde Sent from Samsung Mobile