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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Donna Holt, who chairs Claygate Parish Council, looks back on a turbulent year – but has high hopes for a brighter future

The past year has taken some strange twists and turns: I’ve had a rollercoaster of a Parish Council ride since being elected last May. And what that ride confirms is that Claygate is an incredibly special place, a community where people care and are committed. It needs to be cherished as a place where we should not be frightened of change if it continues to preserve that “specialness”.

The challenge of the Marks and Spencer proposal has dominated: a village meeting was organised by Claygate Parish Council, and Elmbridge Borough Council was encouraged to work more closely with both the Parish Council and Claygate Village Association (CVA) to define a way forward and vision for Claygate. The Parish Council fielded hundreds of emails, consulted with Elmbridge, and challenged all parties concerned. The CVA played a significant role and used its considerable people resources to produce an excellent website and galvanise the help of a large number of residents.

The Parish Council, the CVA, and residents, working together, secured a consultation which kicks off in the spring, with a CVA survey, announced in this newsletter (Pages 1 and 2), informing that discussion. Parish Councillors are collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that it has a positive outcome for Claygate.

source: Claygate Courier, March 2024 issue, page 4

I must also address the serious topic of the Elmbridge hearing in November which found that two Parish Councillors bullied Sally Harman, our former clerk. It is a matter of great regret to me that this happened. We have reported it in this edition (see Page 5) as it is an event that has affected both the former clerk and the Parish Council and cannot be ignored or glossed over.

In addition, I respectfully apologise to Sally for all she was subjected to and wish her every good wish in her new role as Chief County Officer at the Surrey Association of Local Councils. I now hope that the Parish Council can put this difficult matter behind us and move forward in a new spirit of collaboration – which I am already beginning to see.

source: Claygate Courier, March 2024 issue, page 4

Despite these challenges, we are starting to execute the strategy agreed last September. This includes: a battle against weeds on pavements and roads (see Page 8); consultation (jointly with the CVA) on how we might establish a successful artisan market in the village and other possible monthly events; proper liaison points with all community groups; traffic measures which deter Claygate from becoming a cut-through; a Remembrance project which recognises the contribution of individual soldiers in the World Wars (see Page 14); a flower show stall; and continuing to support a commitment to no Green Belt development.

In addition, we have continued with existing obligations, such as support for Remembrance Day in November, litter clearance (see Page 8), and grants to the community for many diverse projects (see Page 6). I encourage residents to put forward more grant applications for infrastructure projects, as we are benefiting from a contribution of £73,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy (a levy on developments) this year from the Dairy Crest building’s conversion to flats.

source: Claygate Courier, March 2024 issue, page 4

The Community Centre remains a big concern to people and is discussed in this edition by a local volunteer (see Page 7). The Parish Council has been lobbying Elmbridge Borough Council and is encouraged by its response, which has included the move of Dementia Services to Claygate, securing another 140 clients, and a stronger place for the Centre as part of the community. We look forward to collaborating with all parties concerned.

source: Claygate Courier, March 2024 issue, page 4

It's hard work but my enthusiasm has not waned at all: I am still extremely excited to be a Parish Councillor and honoured that there was a unanimous vote to elect me as an Independent Chair in January. It means the Parish Council can move forward, with politics aside. I feel optimistic for the future and feel we are building a strong team of Councillors who want to work together to make a difference.

VILLAGE MEETING

The annual Village Meeting takes place at Claygate Primary School on April 11 at 7.30pm. All residents are invited to a􀀩end and express their views and concerns.

source: Claygate Courier, March 2024 issue, page 4