Claygate Courier—issue 54—March 2024

Pages 1 and 2

EVERY RESIDENT ASKED FOR VIEW OF THE FUTURE

Village Association launches biggest ever survey of people’s opinions in Claygate

The largest ever survey of residents’ opinions is launched by the Claygate Village Association this week, giving everyone “an unprecedented opportunity to have a say about the future of the village”, says Caroline Cartwright, who chairs the CVA.

The CVA exists to preserve and strengthen the character and amenities of Claygate. It has fought off many unwanted developments in the past and responded again last year when Elmbridge Borough Council tried to push through a redevelopment in the heart of the village without local consultation. The resulting campaign was called “Claygate Can Do Better” and Elmbridge backed down in the face of the surge of indignation from residents.

Elmbridge agreed to undertake a wider community engagement exercise and as part of this, the CVA is to survey Claygate’s residents and present the borough council with a thoroughly researched report.

The original campaign group was re-named “Claygate: The Way Forward” and officially launched at an open meeting of more than 200 people in November. More than 90 people signed up to working groups focused on various aspects of the village: shops; parking and transport; housing; recreation; well-being; and the environment. Ideas from these working groups have been incorporated into the village survey questionnaire, which has been designed by local volunteers with expertise in this field.

The results will form an integral part of a report which captures Claygate people’s vision for their village. It will be presented to an open village meeting in late May before submission to Elmbridge and will inform the Borough Council's consultation exercise, to be carried out later in the year.

For ease, the survey is being made accessible by a QR code on this page—and to be displayed around the village. Hold your phone camera over the square and click on the link that shows on the screen. This will take you to the survey. You can also use this link: claygatevillageassociation.org/survey to access the survey. It will also be available via the CVA’s website and social media, and by email if you are signed up. It will take about 10 minutes and there’s a prize on offer for one lucky respondent!

For those who do not have digital access, hard copies of the survey will be available in some Claygate shops, and volunteers will visit the Community Centre and Parade to help people complete it.

“I think a nerve has been touched,” says Steve Wells, a CVA trustee. “Now all can benefit from what feels like a unique initiative in citizen power and influence in Elmbridge.” The CVA is ready to hear your voice. Let it know what you want for Claygate! Scan the QR code to begin.

source: Claygate Courier, March 2024 issue, pages 1-2