Local Residents with Surnames Beginning L-R

Local resident submissions to the Elmbridge Borough Council electoral review

This PDF document contains submissions local residents with surnames beginning L-R.

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 26 March 2015 08:25 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Elmbridge boundary review

-----Original Message----- From: Laurence Lando Sent: 25 March 2015 18:25 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge boundary review

To whom it may concern.

Our family has grown up in Hinchley Wood since May 1973. A true community, that has exhibited the quintessential suburban village environment. The area has evolved, but retained the special quality that makes the statement that 'home is where the heart is', in this case Hinchley Wood is our home.

I have worked as a dental surgeon for over 42 years and my wife is Chairman of a local activity centre for the elderly.

The 'village' has a doctor, dentist, pharmacy, vet, a good choice of local independent shops. We have scouts and many other social groups that identify with Hinchley Wood as their raison d'être.

The question has to be asked. We have an identity that many can only dream about, please don't rob us of this precious gift.

Dr and Mrs Laurence Lando

Sent from my iPad

Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 23 March 2015 08:33 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Hinchley Wood Boundary Changes

-----Original Message----- From: Gloria Leach Sent: 22 March 2015 13:55 To: Reviews@ Subject: Hinchley Wood Boundary Changes

We are people of 87yrs and 74yrs. Over the years Hinchley Wood has developed into a society where people are aware of each other. We are against joining Long Ditton or Weston Green. We want to keep our identity, so that now we may need support or help our councillor will act especially for Hinchley Wood on our behalf.

Derrick & Gloria Leach

Sent from my iPad

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Bernie Levins Sent: 28 March 2015 12:12 To: Reviews@ Subject: Proposals to merge Hinchley Wood ward

Importance: High

To whoever it may concern,

I would like to raise my strong objection to the changes proposed with regard to Hinchley Wood and the proposal to merge it with adjacent wards.

Hinchley Wood is a strong, thriving community. We have our own schools, railway station, shops and a church. There is also a wide and diverse range of active community groups.

I personally have found that our local councillors have been highly proactive in looking after the community’s interests. They take a genuine and detailed interest in the wellbeing of this ward. Merging Hinchley Wood with either Long Ditton or Westonn Gree would severely undermine the sense of community that has been growing and prospering since the area began to develop in the thirties.

Both Long Ditton and Weston Green have their own characteristics which should not be diluted. In this era of ‘big is best’ I genuinely believe that the proposed merger would bring no advantage to the local citizens whatsoever and indeed would be retrograde step.

With this in mind I urge you to reconsider these ill‐founded proposals

Yours

Bernard Levins

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Mary-Anne Levins Sent: 28 March 2015 10:27 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge boundary review

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to you to object to the proposed changes to the boundary demarcating Hinchley Wood. Hinchley Wood is a vibrant community with a heart in the local shops and restaurants, many events on the Memorial square which define it as a community and a local church bwhich a hu for the community. We moved to Hinchley Wood some 14 years ago and were struck by the village and community feel. People in Hinchley Wood work together through the Scouts and the church as well as the local schools to deliver a strong sense of community. There is no natural affiliation to Long Ditton or Weston Green as they hold their own identities. We would like to remain represented by our own Councillors and would propose that Hinchley Wood, Long Ditton and Weston Green should become 3 x 2 Councillor Wards.

Yours faithfully,

Mary‐Anne Levins

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Sent: 28 March 2015 17:33 To: Reviews@ Subject: boundary changes Elmbridge Borough Council

Sir

I was delighted to read that the boundary changes are to be made to Elmbridge Borough Council resulting in less Councillors.

I am very concerned to learn that there is some suggestion that Whiteley Village should be moved into Weybridge. As a resident within Whiteley Village I find this suggestion incomprehensible - all residents here are elderly and Hersham is the natural destination for both shopping and the Day Centre. Many people have no cars and can walk into Hersham and rarely, if ever, go to Weybridge.

The geography is such that Weybridge is completely separated from Whiteley Village by Seven Hills Road - I cannot see any prospect of Councillors in Weybridge ever connecting with Whiteley Village, the distance is unrealistic. At the present time we are well-served by our Hersham Councillors and even have a polling station in Whiteley Village. Without it many people would be unable to vote as they have no transport.

I trust that you will take note of my concerns.

Yours

June Libby

2 Hinds, Alex

From: NORMAN LOVE Sent: 31 March 2015 17:44 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: Hinchley Wood Ward Boundaries

Having just returned from holiday I understand I have until today to register my objection to the proposed changes to Ward boundaries. Having read the letters already submitted by St Christopher's & the HWRA I wish to concur with all the comments raised in them & therefore do not support the proposed changes.

Norman & Patricia Love

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 26 March 2015 09:37 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Electoral Review of Elmbridge Borough Council

From: John Mapplebeck Sent: 26 March 2015 09:09 To: Reviews@ Subject: Electoral Review of Elmbridge Borough Council

Sir,

I am writing to object to the proposal to merge EBC’s Hinchley Wood ward with either of the contiguous wards of Long Ditton or Weston Green on the basis that such a combination would not reflect the distinct interests and identities of any of these communities.

EBC consists of the larger towns of Esher, Walton and Weybridge and several smaller and quite distinct communities such as Hinchey Wood. Through my past community work with the North Surry Mediation Group and Esher CAB I know that Council executives and Councillors are very much aware that priorities can easily be dominated by the interests of the large towns who are represented by many more councillors.

The aim of your review has 2 objectives:- - to ensure that each Councillor represents roughly the same number of voters - and that the ward boundaries reflect the interests and identities of the local communities.

Hinchley Wood has 2 Councillors for approximately 4,000 residents.

This community, built largely in the 1930’s, has always been represented by the HW Residents Association Councillors who have done an amazing job in many ways but 3 fairly recent incidents stand out – denying McDonalds a burger outlet on the A 309; denying Surbiton High School’s proposed sports hall development on ‘greenbelt’ land; coordinating the local support in response to the huge fire at Gibson Court (over 60’s residents home).

Without HWRA Councillors to represent the special interests of the HW community I very much doubt that we could have successfully resisted McDonalds and Surbiton High School; in the latter case the EBC Planning Committee passed the plans!

Hinchley Wood has a distinct identity – it may be ‘uniform’ in terms of buildings but geographically it has distinct road and rail boundaries and from a community perspective it has different and important social aspects – it has a thriving village centre, church, scout group and other societies.

The objectives of the review argue that Councillors should represent an equal number of residents – at ‘2,000 each’ the HWRA Councillors represent more residents than Councillors in other wards.

Breaking up Hinchley Wood and/or combining it with Long Ditton or Weston Green would definitely NOT serve the interests of the local residents.

Please listen to the community.

Yours faithfully

1 John Mapplebeck

2 Hinds, Alex

From: John Maughan Sent: 31 March 2015 19:45 To: Reviews@ Subject: Boundary Commission Review - Hinchley Wood

To the Review Officer (Elmbridge)

I object to Hinchley Wood ward being absorbed into the Weston Green and the Long Ditton wards on the following grounds:

1. The following defining factors make Hinchley Wood a distinct community: a. Best local shopping area for the residents of Hinchley Wood to meet in the village centre b. Memorial Gardens used for holding many local community events e.g. Christmas carols, Remembrance services, Fun Days, Scouts & Guides events etc. c. St Christopher’s Church use as another hub for community events. d. Local coffee shops and restaurant in the village used for celebrations and gatherings e. The primary school where children local to Hinchley Wood first meet in their formative years making lifetime friendships

The above well all be lost if combined with Weston Green and the Long Ditton wards

2. The new electoral arrangements will not promote effective and convenient local government because for many years Hinchley Wood has been represented by local councillors who fully understand the needs and aspirations of the Hinchley Wood residents.

Regards

John Maughan

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Sent: 31 March 2015 19:50 To: Reviews@ Subject: Boundary Commission Review - Hinchley Wood

To the Review Officer (Elmbridge)

I object to Hinchley Wood ward being absorbed into the Weston Green and the Long Ditton wards on the following grounds:

The above will all be lost if combined with Weston Green and the Long Ditton wards

Yours faithfully

Margaret Maughan

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Mcdonald, Camilla Sent: 29 March 2015 10:59 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: Proposed Boundary changes

Dear Sirs,

As a resident of Hinchley Wood Esher I would like to register my strong concern about your proposed boundary changes. I hereby register a strong NO Vote to these changes.

Particular reference to the fact that  The distinctive character of some villages and communities will be lost

Additionally I see that  Elmbridge has an above average number of pensioners both in total and living alone

 The population and electorate has increased by over 10% since 2000

 The EBC submission ignores the role of parish councils

 Councillors work load will increase further still with a reduction in councillors to 48

Hinchley Wood is a strong and vibrant community which is focussed on the shops just by the cross roads of the A309, Manor Road North and Manor Road South. EBC’s proposed boundary changes effectively split the community of Hinchley Wood in half right across its centre. We believe that there is sufficient justification to keep Hinchley Wood ward as a single community. Effective representation for Hinchley Wood currently works well with two councillors and therefore we 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.

I am firmly in the say no to these changes camp.

Your sincerely, Camilla

Camilla McDonald

This message (including any attachments) may contain confidential, proprietary, privileged and/or private information. The information is intended to be for the use of the individual or entity designated above. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender immediately, and delete the message and any attachments. Any disclosure, reproduction, distribution or other use of this message or any attachments by an individual or entity other than the intended recipient is prohibited.

1 Hinds, Alex

From: M.J.Mcdonald Sent: 30 March 2015 10:42 To: Hinds, Alex; [email protected] Subject: Elmbridge Borough Council Proposed Boundary change

Dear Sirs

I am writing to object to the proposed Boundary Changes affecting Hinchley Wood within Elmbridge Borough Council.

Hinchley Wood is a unique area of Elmbridge and very much has its own identity which is expressed physically by the vibrant shopping area around the square in Hinchley Wood which contains many local businesses staffed by local Hinchley Wood residents and serving a customer base which is wider than just Hinchley Wood. There is a great pressure on housing within Hinchley Wood as the area is rightly seen as a very desirable place to live. Some of the reasons for this attraction are the fact that Hinchley Wood has its own unique blend of local residents who volunteer to maintain the wide ranging local church activities, the local beaver, cub, brownie, girl guide and scouting groups. Additionally local parents are keen to support their children at the local football and rugby clubs (open to both sexes). Both Weston Green and Long Ditton have similar groupings. In addition Hinchley Wood has a 2 excellent schools and strong neighbourhood ties (Residents Associations, local support groups etc) which are again focused around the physical expression of the Hinchley Wood square. I fail to see in these times of economic belt tightening what the economic benefits of these proposed changes are. They seem more to be instigated on a political level which will not serve the local community in any way, shape or form. Yours Faithfully

M.J.McDonald

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Bill McLaughlin Sent: 26 March 2015 16:06 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: Hinchley Wood boundary

Dear Mr Hines,

I would like register my protest at the planned boundary changes that will effectively split Hinchley Wood in two. I feel that we need to keep its. As one with our own councillor who will voice any subjects appertaining to our community. I would be obliged if you could take my objection into account when a final decision is taken.

Thank you for your kind attention and anticipate a favourable decision.

Yours sincerely,

William McLaughlin

Sent from Bill's iPhone

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 31 March 2015 08:58 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Boundaries

From: Sent: 30 March 2015 19:19 To: Reviews@ Subject: Boundaries

I am writing to oppose the boundary changes that have been proposed in Hinchley Wood. Hinchley Wood is an area in its own right, with many positive features, carving us up and dividing us between 2 other areas will have no positive impact on the residents at all. I would like you to reconsider these proposals. Kind regards Rachel McMullan

Sent from Windows Mail

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 31 March 2015 14:24 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Response to the Boundary Commission's consultation on Elmbridge Borough Council's submission from a Hersham resident

From: ESM Sent: 31 March 2015 14:04 To: Reviews@ Subject: Response to the Boundary Commission's consultation on Elmbridge Borough Council's submission from a Hersham resident

Dear Sirs,

I am writing further to my objection to the reduction of the number of councillors in Elmbridge of 21st February 2015, see my original complaint below; having since attended the full council meeting to discuss their plans and map for the redrawing and renaming of the wards in Elmbridge on 16th March 2015 where the Conservative administration, who have an overall majority, voted for their new ward plan and after some discussion, the renaming of the wards.

It is my understanding that Boundary Commission requires that councils size their wards such that each ward has approximately the same number of electorate; the new ward plan complies with this as too does it provide for three councillors per ward. However, the Boundary Commission also says that this should not be at the expense of community identity whereas; the new Elmbridge ward plan breaks up many communities.

In Hersham where I live we had Hersham North and Hersham South which apparently have a projected electorate of 10,366 whereas the new Hersham Village ward will have 6,390 with the rest of Hersham being moved to Rydens, Cobham and Esher & Hersham Riverside wards. Much was said about this at the council meeting by the opposition who also presented an alternative Elmbridge ward plan that apparently kept many of the Elmbridge communities together but did so at the expense, in a couple of wards only having two councillors, the administration rejected this proposal as their overriding aim is to apparently have three councillors in every ward irrespective if it means breaking up communities.

Hersham is by no means the only ward affected by the council’s proposals, adjoining Hersham we have Molesey which was long ago split into Molesey East and Molesey West and this is shown on maps and traffic signs. You will see from the Council’s new ward plan that Molesey is no longer East & West but was proposed to be North and South but the meeting voted for this to be changed to Molesey Riverside and Molesey. East and West have their own strong community identity and for the sake of saving a mere £0.04p per month per elector they are seeking to break up communities which I find unacceptable and I hope you will find in favour of all those objecting to these proposals and reject the Elmbridge submission to the reduction in the number of councillors.

Adjoining Hersham is also the St Georges Hill ward, under the new ward map this ward has been obliterated and has been merged into a new ward to be called Weybridge and Brooklands, whilst the councillors for St Georges Hill at the council meeting are part of the opposition and the Brooklands area has Conservative councillors the administration won this name change on a vote by their overall majority.

1 There are many other communities that are being similarly broken up as you can see by comparing the existing and proposed ward maps.

From my perspective as a resident of Hersham who has lived here for over 50 years these proposals are unacceptable. I appreciate that the council had a consultation as to whether we wished to keep the existing by thirds voting arrangement or adopt a full council election, but no mention was made in this consultation that keeping the voting by thirds would mean the complete re-drawing of the Elmbridge ward map. Personally, I am in favour of voting by thirds as it gives the electorate the opportunity to vote each year for some of their councillors however, not at the expense of losing community identity. I urge you to reject the Elmbridge Borough Council proposal to reduce the number of councillors.

I ask you to also note that Elmbridge Council have, from my perspective, done their very best at providing extremely limited information on their website about this consultation and, the information they have provided is misleading in the extreme, take for instance the new ward map, the only version of this map that is available on their website is in black and white with both the existing proposed and originally proposed ward boundaries all shown as black lines so, it is impossible for anyone viewing this map to work out what ward their property is actually in. See: http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/documents/detail.htm?pk_document=26683 In addition, the meeting’s agenda proposed a range of new ward names for several wards with other wards having no suggested names altogether. See: http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/documents/detail.htm?pk_document=26684 Subsequent to that meeting, as of 29th March, no meeting minutes have been posted and no additional information has appeared on your website so unless (informed) members of the public actually attended this council meeting and/or have had personal discussions with their councillors, the public at large have no idea what is being proposed for you to consider.

You ask as part of this consultation for us to propose alternatives. Other than my main wish to keep Hersham and the other communities intact, my proposal is, if a re-drawing of the boundaries is deemed to be necessary then, they should be done with a circle around each communities centre for the initial circa 6,000 electoral population and an outer circle that adjoins neighbouring communities so its circle shape follows the existing natural boundaries like railway lines, rivers and trunk roads as well as merging into the adjoining community boundaries. The new proposed Hersham Village ward will have the centre of Hersham in the very corner of the ward with notable landmarks like Hersham Library, Hersham Golf Course and Hersham railway station all lost to neighbouring wards.

Lastly, following my original objection, I wrote individually to all six of the Hersham Councillors and specifically asked them whether their work load as councillors had increased or decreased since they took office and/or the last Electoral Commission review. Not one of them was able to specifically answer this question as apparently none of them, who responded, have kept records of the time they expend on council business. Therefore for Elmbridge Council to claim in their submission to the Boundary Commission that their councillors’ workload has decreased since the last Electoral Commission review is misleading to say the least. In addition, one of the Hersham councillors, John O’Reilly, is the council leader and I re-iterate that even he did not know or at least did not want to answer the question when he replied to me so; I take the inference of this to mean that his workload has actually increased.

Original Objection of February 2015.

I am writing as a resident of the Hersham North Ward, member and former officer of the Hersham Village Society and member of the Hersham Residents Association.

I have studied the proposals and submissions made by our council and the Residents Associations.

2 I have also looked at the September 1998 report from the Local Government Commission for England in which it said for Hersham in paragraph 41: "As part of our draft recommendations, we proposed that the number of councillors serving each of the two wards in Hersham remain unchanged but that 257 electors be transferred from Hersham South ward into Hersham North ward. Under our draft recommendations, the number of electors per councillor in our revised Hersham North and Hersham South wards would be 2 per cent below and 5 per cent above the borough average respectively (5 per cent below and 1 per cent below by 2002)."

Since that report was written the population of Hersham has increased so that whilst previously its electorate population per councillor was slightly below the Elmbridge Average it is now nearer to the average for both Elmbridge and many of the other councils identified in the submissions.

The arguments put forward by the council in favour of this proposed reduction in the number of Elmbridge, and therefore Hersham, Councillors have, in my opinion, a poor foundation as many of the reductions in service and council staff has lead to more time being expended by our councillors in sorting out complaints. Whereas the council are trying to suggest the opposite is the situation and have completely omitted in their proposal to show the workload on the existing councillors. This increase in councillor workload is mainly because the council has farmed out its services to companies without proper controls being put in place and/or administered. The staff and departments that used to administer these services are no longer in existence so when a resident tries to make a complaint to the council they end up going round and round in circles and then resort to their councillor for help. The councillor then equally has to spend an unnecessary amount of time in having the matter resolved due to the lack of council staff and more importantly council staff who have the required responsibility.

I appreciate that this consultation appears to be mainly about the change in electoral ward boundaries and it just invites us to re-draw the map to make changes. I was under the impression that Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) were/are proposing radial boundary changes for Hersham with Hersham itself being dramatically shrunk and the North and South wards merged and likewise the number of councillors reduced. No such changes are shown on either this consultation map or the map of ward boundaries in the EBC submission so I conclude that this has been abandoned. Councillor Chris Sadler makes the point in his submission that the council has tried several times to re-draw the ward maps to reflect the proposed reduction in the number of councillors and this has not been successful. The question then has to be asked as to how this proposed reduction is made to the number of individual ward councillors as; no reference appears to have been made to this in the EBC submission.

The EBC submission shows that the expected saving to the council is in the order of 50K, this is a tiny drop in ocean of the EBC finances and annual expenditure and poses the question that it has to be a politically motivated proposal as only the Conservative councillors voted for it. In addition, the EBC submission also suggests that additional lots of 6K can be saved from this councillor reduction. Whereas it is only the EBC Cabinet members and the chairman of the Overview committee that currently receive this ‘special responsibility allowance’. The Cabinet consists of one councillor for each of the nine main council functions plus the leader. Therefore if any reduction in the cabinet is made any one or more of the council’s main functions will be under-represented which cannot be good for accountability.

I urge you to conclude that it is for the best of the electorate in Elmbridge if the number of councillors remains at 60 and there are no ward boundary changes other than those similar to the previous 1998 tweaks to iron out any slight imbalance in the electorate per ward councillor.

Edward Meryon

Hm:

-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 21 February 2015 17:27 To: Subject: Consultation Response Received

Thank you for your submission and participating in our consultation. Your submission has been received and will be considered by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

Please note that this stage of the review is a public consultation. The Commission places great importance on ensuring openness and transparency in the way it deals with all representations. Full copies of all representations received will be made available for public inspection at our offices (by appointment), and at those of the respective local authority. They will also be available for viewing on the Commission’s website, at www.lgbce.org.uk.

These will be published shortly after this stage of the consultation closes.

We remove all personal identifiers of individuals such as personal postal or email addresses, signatures or personal phone numbers from your submission before it is made public. However, we do not remove names. If you do not want all or any part of your response or name made public, please state this clearly in writing to us (email/letter) and we will endeavour to respect your wish. Any such request should explain why confidentiality is necessary, but all information in responses may be subject to publication or disclosure as required by law (in particular under the Freedom of Information Act 2000).

We will let you know if and when a new phase of consultation for this review opens.

If you wish to contact the Local Government Boundary Commission for England you can do so in the following ways:

By post: Local Government Boundary Commission for England Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG

By phone: 020 7664 8534

By email: [email protected]

To view our website please visit – www.lgbce.org.uk

It would help us if you would take a few minutes to answer a few questions about your experience of how we dealt with you. How are we doing? - Visit the link below to give us your views: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YKW2SQV

4 Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 31 March 2015 14:24 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Response to the Boundary Commission's consultation on Elmbridge Borough Council's submission from a Hersham resident

From: ESM Sent: 31 March 2015 14:04 To: Reviews@ Subject: Response to the Boundary Commission's consultation on Elmbridge Borough Council's submission from a Hersham resident

Dear Sirs,

1 There are many other communities that are being similarly broken up as you can see by comparing the existing and proposed ward maps.

Original Objection of February 2015.

I am writing as a resident of the Hersham North Ward, member and former officer of the Hersham Village Society and member of the Hersham Residents Association.

I have studied the proposals and submissions made by our council and the Residents Associations.

-----Original Message----- From: Sent: 21 February 2015 17:27 To: Subject: Consultation Response Received

Thank you for your submission and participating in our consultation. Your submission has been received and will be considered by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

These will be published shortly after this stage of the consultation closes.

We will let you know if and when a new phase of consultation for this review opens.

If you wish to contact the Local Government Boundary Commission for England you can do so in the following ways:

By post: Local Government Boundary Commission for England Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG

By phone: 020 7664 8534

By email: [email protected]

To view our website please visit – www.lgbce.org.uk

4 Local Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal Page 1 of 1

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Bryn Morgan

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

To whom it may concern, I right to you regarding the proposal to eradicate Hinchley Wood Ward and amalgamate it into either Weston Green or Long Ditton. I was surprised to learn of this from signage erected around the community - having received no communication from the council, the Local Government Boundary Commission (whatever on earth that is) or any other source. In support of that, the only source of information about this change appears to be Hinchley Wood Residents Association...which may not be impartial, but in the face of complete dearth of other information, is what I'll go on. Please note my complete rejection of this proposal - for the following reasons: There is no resident benefit for amalgamating with a smaller (Weston Green) or non-associated (Long Ditton) ward. There is a well established community ethos, geography and support system centred around the Hinchely Wood village square and Memorial Garden, with regular and well supported events throughout the year (Summer Festival, Remembrance Services, Scouting events, etc...). There are established transport links, centred around the Hinchley Wood Train Station There are established geographic boundaries around Hinchley Wood - bearing no relations to the two other wards. As a daily user of the services provided by local retailers, many proudly and justifiably associated with their location in Hinchley Wood, I'm very concerned as to whether they would continue to be ongoing business concern without the community focus on the Memorial Garden, village square, train station and sports facilities. As a member of the St Christopher's Church fellowship and being very supportive of the role the church hall has become as a community hub in Hinchley Wood, it is important to note the long, and established, traditions this church has played, and continues to play, in the local culture, day to day events and holidays. Finally, the underhand and undemocratic way this proposal has been handled is an embarrassment to the traditions of democracy in the UK - the lack of communications, open debate and clear bureaucratic mis-management and 'make work' is something for which you should all hang your head in shame. Sincerely, A Hinchley Wood Resident

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https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/5114 30/03/2015 Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 23 March 2015 08:32 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Elmbridge boundary review

From: Paul Mornati Sent: 22 March 2015 20:39 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge boundary review

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to submit an objection to the current proposals which effect the Hinchley Wood ward.

My family and I moved to Hinchley Wood just over 2 and a half years ago. We have children that attend Hinchley Wood Primary School and are regularly involved in helping/supporting local events.

I object to the current boundary proposals. Events in the memorial gardens, St Christopher's church and the schools show the Hinchley wood community spirit. It would be a great shame to see the Hinchley Wood community carved up.

We, as a family, support the village shops and also benefit from the local facilities (Doctors, Vets etc..). I attend all residents association meetings; these give people that live in the village the chance to discuss and give a voice to the people to resolve any local issues.

I would therefore appreciate if you could register our objection during the consultation. Mr & Mrs Mornati Hillmont Road

Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 27 March 2015 14:33 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Hinchley Wood Boundary Changes.

From: nicole murray Sent: 27 March 2015 10:49 To: Reviews@ Subject: Hinchley Wood Boundary Changes.

Dear sir / madam of the Boundary Commission,

We are residents and active members of the community of Hinchley Wood, with children who attend the local school as well as local clubs (Beavers, Cubs, football, rugby etc including membership of the allotment association). We would like to raise our concerns regarding the proposal to revise the size and composition of wards in Elmbridge.

We feel very strongly, that reducing the number of councillors will be to the detriment of Hinchley Wood, as this would mean we would lose the dedicated Hinchley Wood councillor representation that we have had thus far and who have supported us in a number of different projects.

We urge you not to change the boundaries or reduce the number of councillors for our community of Hinchley Wood.

Please contact us if you require any further information.

Yours faithfully,

Nicole Murray and Tim Bodinnar

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 24 March 2015 15:17 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Elmbridge boundary review

-----Original Message----- From: Jen Myers Sent: 24 March 2015 15:15 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge boundary review

Dear Sir,

We are totally against the proposal to divide up Hinchley Wood by way of the proposed Boundary Changes

Since the 1930's Hinchley Wood has been an independent thriving community that rallies together as a Community e.g - we fought MacDonald's together and won and now have the benefit of a beautiful Independent Retirement Complex which is located at the Heart of the village. The people moving into these apartments love the availability of our Doctors, Dentists, local shops, memorial gardens and Church. Due to the loyalty of our Councillors we were able to stop Surbiton High School from building an enormous inappropriate Sports Complex on Green Belt Land.

There is now way to list all the advantages of living in this wonderful community where we call ourselves residents of Hinchley Wood - not Thames Ditton or Weston Green.

We as a Community regularly use our Memorial Gardens for Community events and it is lovely to see the local people band together to support the local clubs and businesses.

Our shops are second to none. We have all available products her in our Community - Butchers, Bakers, Hardware Shop, Supermarket, Hairdresser, etc. We have direct links to London, Kingston, the hospital and our local Volunteers work to keep our Community together.

Please leave our Community as it is and leave Hinchley Wood as a separate entity as it always has been and was developed as such from day one.

Yours sincerely

Mr. and Mrs R.J.Myers

Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 31 March 2015 08:56 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Boundary Commission Review

-----Original Message----- From: John Olding Sent: 30 March 2015 20:49 To: Reviews@ Subject: Boundary Commission Review

Dear Sirs,

As a Hinchley Wood resident I object to being to being disenfranchised by loosing our voice on the council. We are fortunate in having Janet Turner as our councillor and she has done a wonderful job. We have a distinct identity and it is wrong to ignore us. To join us with the residents of Weston Green is not in the interests of our community.

Yours Faithfully

John Olding

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Hinds, Alex

From: harvinder panesar Sent: 28 March 2015 12:15 To: Reviews@ Subject: Proposal to amalgamate Hichley Wood with other local areas

Dear Sirs,

I would like to voice in the strongest possible terms my objection to the proposal to do away with the Hinchley Wood councillors and amalgamate local areas under a single umbrella. I am an assistant Scout leader at 1st Hinchley Wood Scouts which is a thriving and expanding local Scout group which provides the young local community with opportunities to get involved in a myriad of character building activities and gives them skills for life, as well as allowing them to get involved in the wider community. Many of these children grow up and come back to contribute to the Scout group and make Hinchley Wood a thriving, pleasant area to live in. The Hinchley Wood councillors have been a strong advocate of our group over the years, giving us a voice so that, for instance we could acquire the land adjacent to our hut. I fear that with the loss of our councillors, our local issues will no longer be a priority and this will be a sad loss for the entire Hinchley Wood area. I am anxious that our councillors are retained and that the needs of Hinchley Wood are carefully considered before coming to any decision.

Yours Sincerely Dr H.Panesar

1 Local Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal Page 1 of 1

Elmbridge District

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Name: Colin Park

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Hinchly Wood is thriving and developing community which has a heart around its central shopping and garden area. Over the years Hinchley Wood has changed as the demands on the area has grown through new housing developments and it's having good a strong local representation which have controlled this development ensuring Hinchley Wood is a great place to live Taking away our representation will take away our voice and our ability to be progressive at our pace. The railway station at the centre of the village is called Hinchley Wood not Weston Green or Long Ditton,

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https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/5125 31/03/2015 Hinds, Alex

From: Lisa Peyton Sent: 31 March 2015 22:58 To: Reviews@ Subject: Save Hinchley Wood

Dear Sir

I am very concerned that Elmbridge B.C., as part of a scheme to reduce the number of local councillors, is proposing to revise local boundaries and erase Hinchley Wood.

Hinchley Wood has a strong community and a separate identity, with its own church, primary and secondary schools, football training ground, playground, village shops, Memorial Garden and railway station. It is unthinkable that this thriving community is chopped up to facilitate a reduction in the number of councillors.

We moved here over ten years ago, being attracted to the local amenities, the safe environment in which to bring up our children and the strong local community. Our children attend the primary school, are enthusiastic members of the local Hinchley Wood Guides and Beaver packs and many of their and our friends live within Hinchley Wood. We are active helpers and fundraisers for the Beavers, the Guides and the local school and are also active in the Hinchley Wood Residents Association, which works hard to protect the character of the local environment.

This proposal means that this significant area would become split and marginalised as part of Long Ditton and Weston Green and would lose the benefit of dedicated Hinchley Wood councillor representation to speak and lobby for the interests of Hinchley Wood residents.

It could also result in failure to secure community benefits such as those recently gained with support of our local councillors for transfer of land adjacent to the Scout/Guide HQ for their dedicated use and also for significant financial grant aid to enable enhancement of facilities at St. Christopher’s Church for ongoing development as a community hub.

I understand the population of Hinchley Wood falls short of that necessary to achieve the Boundary Commissions preferred elector ratio for a 3 councillor ward, however their remit permits for deviation from this to achieve better reflection of interests/identities of local communities. Accordingly, there seems to be justification for retention of the existing format of 2 councillors for Hinchley Wood, particularly as this would reasonably satisfy the elector/councillor ratio that is being targeted.

On this basis, I strongly urge you to retain Hinchley Wood's representation as a distinct electoral ward on Elmbridge B.C.

Yours faithfully

Lisa Peyton

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Andy P Sent: 31 March 2015 22:47 To: Reviews@; Peyton Lisa Subject: Elmbridge Boundary Commission Review

Dear Sirs

As residents of Hinchley Wood, my wife and I both feel strongly that Hinchley Wood should retain its representation as a district electoral ward on Elmbridge Borough Council.

We fear that by falling within two new boundary zones, significant areas of Hinchley Wood, would become minority areas of the wards to which it's proposed they're allocated and lose the benefit of dedicated Hinchley Wood councillor representation to speak and lobby for our interests. This could result in failure in receiving valuable community benefits such as those which have been recently gained by our local councillors in relation to land adjacent to our Scout/Guide HQ and our local church, St. Christopher's.

We note that the Boundary Commission is not legally bound to recommend 48 councillors for Elmbridge. And we note that the Commission is able to move away from a 3 member ward if it believes an alternative arrangement would better reflect the interests and identities of local communities.

We would urge the Commission to appreciate the interests and identity of our local community, which has valuable community groups, local shopping/service facilities, transport links, church parish areas, and communication links. Also to be considered are our natural boundaries created by the roads and railways. Consideration of these factors demonstrates that Hinchley Wood is a distinct community apart from Weston Green and Long Ditton.

We appreciate that Hinchley Wood's population falls short of that necessary to achieve the Commission's preferred elector ratio for a 3 councillor ward, however, we understand that the Commission is permitted to deviate from this to achieve better reflection of interests/identities of local communities. We feel that there is justification to retain 2 councillors for Hinchley Wood, particularly as this would reasonably satisfy the elector/councillor ratio being targetted.

Please help save Hinchley Wood.

With kind regards.

Mr and Mrs. A. Peyton

Sent from my Xperia™ tablet

29th March, 2015

Review Officer, (Elmbridge) Leyden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG

Dear Sir,

I wish to register my strong opposition to the proposal by Elmbridge Council to abolish Hinchley Wood Ward by transferring one half of the Ward to Long Ditton and the other half to Weston Green.

The Community of Hinchley Wood dates back to the early 1930’s, when it was formed from the settlement around the Filling Station on the A3 Kingston ByPass. It rapidly increased with the acquisition in the mid 1930’s of its own railway station, shopping centre, church and school. The Community is closely held together by its own Residents Association, which puts forward its own candidates to represent Hinchley Wood Residents on the local council. At every local election held since its creation the Residents Association candidate has been elected (with a large majority). During the 1990’s I was one of the Councillors representing Hinchley Wood Ward on the local Council, serving during part of this period as Chairman of Town Planning.

The proposed abolition of the Ward would be achieved by the transfer of the railway station and shopping centre to Weston Green and the transfer of the Church and Schools into Long Ditton . (Long Ditton already has its own church and schools.)

I had understood that one of the aims of the Boundary Commission was to strengthen communities, not destroy them and I therefore hope that the Borough Council’s proposals will be rejected.

Yours faithfully,

Norman Phillips

Local Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal Page 1 of 1

Elmbridge District

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Name: Terry Pipe

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I consider that dividing the current Hinchley Wood ward between Long Ditton and Weston Green wards would not be beneificial to the needs of Hinchley Wood. Having lived in Long Ditton for several years before moving to Hinchley Wood, I have noticed that the needs of the two areas are quite distinct. In the twenty years that I have lived in Hinchley Wood, our councillors have fought hard to maintain the character of the village. The area by the station with its thriving shops and local businesses is the result of many years of campaigning by local people and the support we have received from our hard-working councillors from the Hinchley Wood Residents Association. An example is the hard-won battle against McDonalds who wanted to open a drive- thru burger restaurant and the campaign against Sainsbury's who wanted to open a shop here that would have been in direct competition with local businesses. Hinchley Wood has its own character with its own church, scout group and thriving community. There are constant demands that threaten to encroach on the facilities that we all use and enjoy and our local councillors are in a unique position to galvanise support for the issues that the local residents consider important and the current system works well. As the old saying goes: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

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https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/5070 23/03/2015 Local Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal Page 1 of 1

Elmbridge District

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Name: Nicholas and Allison Plaut

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We strongly object to the proposed amalgamation of Hinchley Wood with Long Ditton and Weston Green Wards. It has no obvious affiliation with either of these two. Hinchley Wood is a uniquely individual area with its own distinctive character. We have our own railway station, well used shops and services, and beautifully maintained memorial gardens which are frequently used by the local people for a variety of activities. It is completely apolitical in its representation and we see no reason why the change should be imposed simply, it appears, at the behest of one faction on the Council. Is it not a legal requirement that ward boundaries must reflect the interests and identities of local communities? The amalgamation is completely unnecessary and detrimental to the neighbourhood.

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https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/5078 26/03/2015 Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 31 March 2015 08:58 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Elmbridge - Hinchley Wood Ward Boundary division objection

From: Judi Pollington Sent: 30 March 2015 20:09 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge - Hinchley Wood Ward Boundary division objection

Good evening please find below my objection for the division of the Hinchley Wood Ward boundary:

I am writing to register my objection to the forthcoming proposal to divide the ward of Hinchley Wood between Long Ditton and Weston Green. My family and I have lived in Hinchley Wood for 25 years, our children were born and raised here and we have always had a very strong sense of community. All 3 of our children were christened in St Christopher’s Church Hinchley Wood and we have attended and supported a variety of events in the Memorial Gardens and frequented the shops in the village for many years. We use all the local facilities from the vets to the health centre. We have campaigned on several occasions for our community to remain as true to its roots as possible, seeing off the likes of McDonalds and displaying a true sense of determination with an unquestioning solidarity against the fast food giant. It is this community spirit and moral that on occasions has put Hinchley Wood on the map and we would be very upset to be swallowed up by another ward, loose our independent voice on the council and effectively be wiped out.

Yours faithfully.

Judi Pollington

1 Local Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal Page 1 of 1

Elmbridge District

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Name: David Preece

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I do not think there is any good to be gained out of changing the number of councillors in Elmbridge. I feel that this would simply increase the workload for those 48 remaining and make things far worse. I would be most unhappy if my post code was changed into the Long Ditton Ward. It seems ridiculous that being only a few hundred yards from the Hinchley Wood primary and secondary schools, and all the shops and facilities of the village, we would be moved into a different council ward. I find the whole suggestion change for change sake with very few, if any advantages. I strongly support the points made the Residents' Association, and strongly object to the proposal to change the make up of Elmbridge Council. Sincerely yours D G Preece

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https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/5133 01/04/2015

Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 23 March 2015 08:32 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Hinchley Wood Boundary Proposal

From: Caren Rawlinson [ Sent: 22 March 2015 20:22 To: Reviews@ Subject: Fwd: Hinchley Wood Boundary Proposal

Begin forwarded message:

From: Caren Rawlinson Date: March 22, 2015 8:17:17 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Hinchley Wood Boundary Proposal

My children are in terrible distress as they think that Hinchley Wood will simply disappear from the map if you are to go ahead and remove our councillors and have us swallowed and divided by Long Ditton and Weston Green wards. How will Hinchley Wood Guides exist without representation? What will happen to our Memorial Days and Carols and other such community events that are supported by our councillors. And Hinchley Wood Residents Association? There is too much at stake for the community of Hinchley Wood to loose verses Elmbridge Council simply trying to cut us off their budget. It's a disgraceful suggestion and has caused much upset within the community. The Rawlinson family of , Hinchley Wood, oppose this proposal.

Mrs Caren Rawlinson

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Debra Rayner Sent: 30 March 2015 12:21 To: Reviews@ Subject: Boundary changes to Hinchley Wood

Dear Sir/Madam

I urge you to re‐think to the proposed boundary changes which will split Hinchley Wood between two other areas.

Hinchley Wood is a distinct local community with its own 1st Hinchley Wood Scout group, Hinchley Wood Primary School, Hinchley Wood Secondary School, St Christopher’s Church as well as coffee shops, bakery, hardware store and numerous other shops clustered around the memorial gardens in ‘the village’. I understand the need to reduce the number of councillors but to split a lovely and thriving area which its strong local community does not seem to be the best way.

I am sure with the immense brain‐power behind the decision making a more sympathetic way forward can be found.

Regards Debra Rayner

Local Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal Page 1 of 1

Elmbridge District

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Name: Heather Richards

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I object to the removal of Hinchley Wood Ward as part of your new proposed boundaries. Hinchley Wood is a vibrant and active community, at the centre of which is St Christopher's Church. The removal of the Hinchley Wood Ward I believe would negatively impact the community & church.

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https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/5113 30/03/2015 Hinds, Alex

From: Sue Riggs Sent: 29 March 2015 12:45 To: Reviews@ Subject: Council ward boundaries for Elmbridge

To: The Review Officer (Elmbridge) Local Government Boundary Commission for England

I have lived in Hinchley Wood for over 22 years and am very concerned that the proposed council ward boundaries for Elmbridge Borough Council fail to recognise the strong community identity of Hinchley Wood.

Hinchley Wood has a focal point around the Memorial Gardens area where events take place. The nearby railway station is used extensively and the local small shops are very popular. I frequently use the local shops and regularly meet friends at the coffee shop.

I have a child at Hinchley Wood secondary school and another who was at the school but has now moved on to university. Both children made local friends and the school is very much part of the community, for example giving concerts for local older people.

St Christopher’s Church also holds various events for the community and I attend a yoga class in the church hall.

My husband has an allotment off Manor Road South and the allotment association also links local people.

The Hinchley Wood Residents’ Association keeps people informed about local matters with regular newsletters and a website.

Last year I spoke and presented written evidence at the Public Enquiry to defend the Green Belt in Hinchley Wood which raised much local support. Our Hinchley Wood councillors were of huge value with their extensive local knowledge and their experience of planning regulations and the Green Belt was saved. A few years ago, the community got together to successfully oppose a planning application from a fast food restaurant which would have changed the character of Hinchley Wood.

Hinchley Wood is a strong community and I think that the council ward boundaries should recognise this. It is important to have councillors who understand the history and identity of Hinchley Wood, so please continue to give Hinchley Wood its own representation on Elmbridge Borough Council.

From: Susan Riggs

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Elmbridge District

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Name: Peter Ritchley

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As a long-term resident of Hinchley Wood I wish to register my objection to the proposal to merge the Hinchley Wood ward into the neighbouring wards. Hinchley Wood has a distinct identity of its own and this should be recognised. There is a railway station, a significant local shopping parade, a church with its own community hall, a large and successful school plus an active Residents Association that has been in existence for decades. The area is one where the housing is very similar - mainly detached 1930s or 1950s traditional brick houses. It is therefore a community that is quite distinct from Long Ditton or Weston Green for example. It is well represented by the existing local counsellors and I see no valid reason to subsume it into adjacent wards which are quite different in their make up.

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https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/5103 30/03/2015 Hinds, Alex

From: Paul Robert Sent: 31 March 2015 14:10 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: Proposed boundary changes

I have just been made aware that there is a proposed boundary change to split Hinchley Wood in two with one half being attached to Long Ditton and the other half going to Weston Green if this is true then i wish to lodge my concerns and objection. Hinchley Wood is a strong, self-contained community that should have its own representation on the local council.

I don't believe our community would be served well by diluting its standing by this split.

Yours sincerely

P Robert

Local Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal Page 1 of 1

Elmbridge District

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Name: Sue Rodger

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I understand that the consultation is indicating that Hinchley Wood Ward part of Elmbridge BC will cease to exist. Hinchley Wood Ward will be split between Long Ditton and Weston Green Wards. Hinchley Wood has its own distinct village centre, Schools and Church. The railway separates us from Weston Green. There are Girlguiding and Scouting units which are specific to Hinchley Wood, these units have received significant support from the local Hinchley Wood Councillors and we are concerned that being absorbed into the other wards we will lose our identity and support of Councillors' as Long Ditton or Weston Green councillors' will be likely to be stretched with demands from their original wards. Long Ditton ward would now cover schools in Long Ditton and Hinchley Wood. Elmbridge BC has proposed to reduce to 48 councillors from 60. However the Boundary Commission is minded to ensure that wards represent the interests of the local community that exist and Hinchley Wood has a district identity which would be lost if these boundary changes went ahead. In conclusion Hinchley Wood should be retained as a ward with its two councillors to preserve the identity of this distinct community.

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https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/5121 31/03/2015

Girlguiding Hinchley Wood

29th March 2015

Proposed Boundary Changes

Dear Boundary Commission

Proposals have been submitted by Elmbridge B.C. to the Boundary Commission for a reduction in the size of the council from 60 to 48 councillors. To achieve this it is proposed to reduce the number of wards within the Elmbridge boundary and that all wards should have 3 councillor member composition. Under these proposals the Hinchley Wood ward would disappear, being split, a major part being absorbed into Weston Green and the remainder going to Long Ditton. The inevitable consequence is that we would lose dedicated Hinchley Wood councillor representation on the council. Our Hinchley Scout & Guide Groups have been fortunate across the years to have full support and backing from our local councillors who have shown interest and involvement with our Groups. Without their help we most probably would not have secured all the ground / facilities/equipment that we enjoy today, the most recent example being the transfer of ground in front of our HQ to ownership of our Groups which was achieved thanks to their help. We are concerned that should the proposed changes be implemented then the loss of dedicated Hinchley Wood representation could result in our interests being subordinated due to the increased burden on councillors and conflict with Weston Green/Long Ditton demands. .

Sue Rodger Dittons District Commissioner

Hinds, Alex

From: Roney Rosario Sent: 31 March 2015 23:41 To: Reviews@ Cc: Subject: Elmbridge boundary review

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

31/03/2015

Dear Boundary Commission Members

I would like express my full support for Hinchley Wood to remain a coherent and independent ward as it always use to be.

Hinchley wood has its own facilities and services that serves the needs of the local community in all its aspects.

The current proposal will not serve the local community interests and have a negative impact on its identity.

I would therefore ask you kindly to reject this proposal

Kind regards

Roney Rosario

1 Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, Heather Sent: 23 March 2015 10:37 To: Hinds, Alex Subject: FW: Elmbridge boundary review

From: peter rush Sent: 23 March 2015 10:26 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge boundary review

This has been sent by email as I was not sure that it had uploaded correctly

Local resident no affiliations!

Hinchley Wood to be solely represented by a Councillor for Weston Green

As very long term residents of Hinchley Wood we wish to express our concern at the proposed “break-up” of our Village. We are not part of Weston Green by whom the Elmbridge Council wishes us to be represented.

Most people in this ward use Hinchley Wood Station, Hinchley Wood Shops, Children go to HW School, many attend St Christopher’s Church in HW.

At present we also vote at St. Christopher’s Church within easy walking distance for the majority. Are we going to have to go further to vote?

We are divided from Weston Green by the busy Portsmouth Road, the Main Line Railway and quite a large swathe of common land. Would any councillors elected for Weston Green really have our interests at heart compared with his own area? We doubt it, as their priority would and should be to the residents of Weston Green. If anything, Weston Green seems geographically more a part of Thames Ditton than HW does of Weston Green.

Furthermore, the notification of the proposed plans has only emerged from Elmbridge Council during the last week. This communication was made by

1 Elmbridge to our local Residents Association representative who has managed to provide a series of relevant information in the shape of small notices pinned to trees and posts at the ends of the various roads in the area. We saw one yesterday for the first time and have until March 31st to make representation. It would appear that the local council were content to keep the whole thing quiet as several people I spoke to today were unaware of the proposal and therefore unable to register their dislike of the scheme. I would guess that over 50% of the local residents in HW fall into the same category and this as a result will further reduce the number of objections to the proposed plan!!!!!!!

Finally, the reason for the whole action is to reduce the number of local councillors by 12 members. I understand each one costs the Council £4000, so effectively a saving of £50,000. They will no doubt squander far more than this in trying to implement the whole process.

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2 Local Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal Page 1 of 1

Elmbridge District

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Name: peter rush

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Comment text:

Hinchley Wood to be solely represented by a Councillor for Weston Green As very long term residents of Hinchley Wood we wish to express our concern at the proposed “break-up” of our Village. We are not part of Weston Green by whom the Elmbridge Council wishes us to be represented. Most people in this ward use Hinchley Wood Station, Hinchley Wood Shops, Children go to HW School, many attend St Christopher’s Church in HW. At present we also vote at St. Christopher’s Church within easy walking distance for the majority. Are we going to have to go further to vote? We are divided from Weston Green by the busy Portsmouth Road, the Main Line Railway and quite a large swathe of common land. Would any councillors elected for Weston Green really have our interests at heart compared with his own area? We doubt it, as their priority would and should be to the residents of Weston Green. If anything, Weston Green seems geographically more a part of Thames Ditton than HW does of Weston Green. Furthermore, the notification of the proposed plans has only emerged from Elmbridge Council during the last week. This communication was made by Elmbridge to our local Residents Association representative who has managed to provide a series of relevant information in the shape of small notices pinned to trees and posts at the ends of the various roads in the area. We saw one yesterday for the first time and have until March 31st to make representation. It would appear that the local council were content to keep the whole thing quiet as several people I spoke to today were unaware of the proposal and therefore unable to register their dislike of the scheme. I would guess that over 50% of the local residents in HW fall into the same category and this as a result will further reduce the number of objections to the proposed plan!!!!!!! Finally, the reason for the whole action is to reduce the number of local councillors by 12 members. I understand each one costs the Council £4000, so effectively a saving of £50,000. They will no doubt squander far more than this in trying to implement the whole process.

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https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/5071 23/03/2015

This submission is presented for consideration by the Boundary Commission in its review of the make up of Elmbridge in Surrey. It differs from that submitted by Elbridge Borough Council.

Hinchley Wood has been established since the 1930s as a distinct village in its own right and has been represented as such on what was initially Esher Urban District Council and what is now Elmbridge Borough Council. Its distinctiveness was recognised by the Church of England when it was designated as its own parish in 1959.

I fully respect that the Commission has a challenging role to maintain equilibrium from an electoral viewpoint and to contribute to the effective operation of bodies with responsibility for local government. To this end I support the desire to reduce the number of councillors. However, the Commission is also required, as far as possible, to try to ensure that electoral wards and boundaries reflect the interests and identities of the communities that make up the Borough.

Hinchley Wood is a distinct shopping centre, has its own parish, its own station, its own residents association and its own Scouting group. If implemented, the proposed new boundaries will divide the community where I live in a rather haphazard pattern and Hinchley Wood will disappear electorally. It will lose its distinct voice in local government. It is acknowledged that today Hinchley Wood’s population is not large enough to merit three councillors. However, the village’s population has grown in recent years and a two council representation meets the required ratio of electors to councillors. The Commission’s remit does allow for retaining two councillors where this better represents the interest and identities of the community represented.

The Commission is no doubt aware that the proposal put forward by Elmbridge Borough Council was passed by a very small majority of those voting and by less than 40% of all the councillors. Whilst the political make up should not be an influencing factor, it should be noted that Hinchley Wood is currently represented by Residents Association councillors, i.e. they are independent of the national political parties. The disappearance of Hinchley Wood in one way threatens to disenfranchise its members.

In summary, I submit that, whilst the reduction of the numbers of Councillors elected to Elmbridge Borough Council is to be welcomed, achieving this through the ‘elimination’ of Hinchley Wood fails to recognise the interests and identity of the village.

Thank you.

Julian Rye 22nd March 2015