local resident submissions to the elmbridge borough...

Local resident submissions to the Elmbridge Borough Council electoral review

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D-K.

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Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Claire Dyson

E-mail:

Organisation Name: N/a

Comment text:

Hello there, I am based in Oatlands Ward and I am wondering please what the ward will look

like after your proposed changes, thank you. It is hard to give feedback on something unknown

in that I know what Oatlands look like now I do not know what it will look like (or if it will

even exist) after the changes you propose so I can't give any feedback but do have a view i.e.

that I would Oatlands to stay as it is.

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Page 1 of 1Local Boundary Commission for England Consultation Portal

18/02/2015https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/print/informed-representation/4906

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Najah Ebbitt

E-mail:

Organisation Name: Elmbridge BC

Comment text:

I strongly agree in principle, 48 Cllrs should provide sufficient cover and more effective way of

presentation, as some of the wards are too small to have a nominated Cllr.

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Hinds, Alex

From:Sent: 31 March 2015 15:10To: Reviews@Subject: Elmbridge boundary review

Dear Sir I would like to register my objection to the current proposal to divide Hinchley Wood between Weston Green and Long Ditton. Anyone visiting the area would realise Hinchley Wood has a distinct village centre which is centred around the shops and the Memorial Gardens and therefore to divide the boundaries would deprive this area of its identity unnecessarily. Yours faithfully Christine Edser

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Hinds, Alex

From: Dave Edwards Sent: 30 March 2015 08:11To: Reviews@Cc: Edwards SarahSubject: Elmbridge boundary review

Dear Sir/madam Hinchley Wood is a well-functioning, well-represented community with a strong central identity which was more than demonstrated when residents successfully fought to keep a McDonalds Drive-Thru from occupying the site by the Manor Road North traffic lights. Hinchley Wood life revolves around the parade of shops with its own Doctors, Vets, Coffee bars, hardware store, butchers, bakers, pharmacy, station and gardens. Things are well run here and there is a rich mix of people from all around the world living together in understanding, tolerance and harmony. Our problems are not those of the Dittons or neighbouring wards - they will not represent our interests, nor can we represent theirs. The changes in electoral boundaries will do nothing to help Hinchley Wood and both Sarah Edwards and myself at strongly oppose the move, which will certainly be to the detriment of the Hinchley Wood community. Yours sincerely, David Edwards and Sarah Edwards

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Hinds, Alex

From: ROBERT EDWARDS Sent: 01 April 2015 08:31To: Reviews@Subject: Consultation on warding arrangements - Elmbridge

Dear Sir I am very concerned to hear about the potential planned changes to the boundaries within Elmbridge which would lead to Hinchley Wood being split between Long Ditton and Weston Green. As a long term resident of Esher and Hinchley Wood (HW), I feel that HW has a very strong and distinct community with a well defined centre and civic pride. I know nothing of Weston Green or Long Ditton but neither seems to have any similar sense of community or easily identifiable neighbourhood or community. They don’t even have their own railway stations! I would therefore strongly urge the Boundary Commission to please retain Hinchley Wood as a distinct ward, in recognition of its character and community, to ensure that its interests can continue to be properly represented at the Local Government level. Thanks in anticipation Kind Regards

Robert and Anna Edwards

29th March 2015 Mr Alex Hinds Local Government Boundary Commission for England Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Dear Mr Hinds Elmbridge Boundary Commission Review I am writing to protest against the proposed changes to Elmbridge, which would eliminate the ward of Hinchley Wood. The stated reason is the need to re-organise the borough so as to reduce the number of councillors from 60 to 48, but I believe there are other options that should also be considered. Three adjacent villages are affected, Hinchley Wood, Long Ditton and Weston Green. They are all distinct communities and so the Boundary Commission should maintain them as such. I understand that the Boundary Commission has to consider three statutory criteria when considering the ward boundaries.

Delivering electoral equality for local voters. Dividing Hinchley Wood between Long Ditton and Weston Green would facilitate a reduction to 6 councillors overall (2 wards x 3 councillors). However the same could be achieved with 3 wards x 2 councillors. To make the wards more equal in size there could be a redistribution of some roads in Long Ditton and/or Weston Green, perhaps moving them to adjacent wards of Esher or Thames Ditton.

Reflecting the interests and identities of local communities. Hinchley Wood is a self-contained community, both geographically and by virtue of its amenities. Geographically it has natural boundaries of Telegraph Hill, Littleworth Common, the A307 and A309. The same cannot be said of Weston Green, for example, which is divided by Hampton Court Way. Hinchley Wood’s amenities contribute to making it a vibrant community.

It has a train station (neither Long Ditton nor Weston Green do), and a good bus route, the K3, thus linking it to surrounding areas and, further afield, to London and Guildford.

One of the four Elmbridge secondary schools is located in Hinchley Wood, as well as a primary school.

St. Christopher’s Church and church hall provide a religious base and a community hub. Many community activities take place there, such as pre-school play groups, aerobic and dance classes, concerts and quiz nights. Under the proposals the Hinchley Wood community hub would be located in Long Ditton!

Lynwood Hut is the headquarters for all age-groups of the Scouts and Guides movements.

The village has a natural centre in the Memorial Gardens, which also hosts various community events such as the annual ‘fun-day’, Remembrance Day commemoration and Christmas carols. Neither Long Ditton nor Weston Green has a comparable centre.

The Memorial Gardens are bounded by the thriving village shops, a comprehensive mix of independent businesses such as butcher, baker, greengrocer, newsagents, hair salons, restaurant, coffee shops, mini-market and post office.

The village has its own doctor, dentist and vet practices.

Hinchley Wood has a high quality community magazine, delivered free, by volunteers, to all homes in the ward.

Promote effective and convenient local government. Hinchley Wood residents would be ‘represented’ by councillors who belong to neighbouring residents associations that have no links to, or affinity with, the Hinchley Wood community. Whereas the Hinchley Wood residents association, which has been in existence since 1932, represents only the residents of Hinchley Wood. Thus they would be represented by councillors who do not live in their community. It could therefore be argued that the councillors would be inclined to prioritise residents of their own communities, should conflicts of interest arise. For all these reasons, I would urge you to reconsider the fate of Hinchley Wood. Please do not destroy our community. Please consider alternatives, such as the one I have suggested. Yours sincerely Ann Ellis (Mrs)

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Hinds, Alex

From: Dave Ellis Sent: 29 March 2015 21:33To: Hinds, AlexSubject: Elmbridge Borough Council--Proposed Changes to Ward boundariesAttachments: Ward changes 29_03_15.doc; Hinchley Wood magazine.jpg

Dear Mr Hinds, I am writing to object to the proposed changes to abolish Hinchley Wood Ward in favour of Weston Green and Long Ditton wards. I see no justification for the proposals and consider them an ill--thought and un-researched proposal that completely destroys the geographical and community entity that makes up Hinchely Wood. I have set out my specific objections in the attached letter. My further observations are that there has been a lack of information provided about the changes either by Elmbridge or the Boundary Commission and that the consultation period is too short to enable residents to object. There is not even a map that shows the 'before' and 'after' that would make it clear what the proposed changes are and how they would impact the community and village of Hinchley Wood. I firmly object to the proposal that Hinchley Wood ward would disappear and be divided between Long Ditton and Weston Green. I suggest that you either retain the existing boundaries with the retention of the existing 2 councillors to represent Hinchley Wood Ward or that you come up with a proposal that makes sense with respect to the community. Yours sincerely, D.P.Ellis.

Alex Hinds

Review Officer

Local Government Boundary Commission

Layden House

76-86, Turnmill Street

London

EC1M 5LG

29th

March 2015

Dear Mr Hinds,

Proposed Boundary Changes-Hinchley Wood ward, Elmbridge

I am writing to object to the current proposals that Hinchley Wood ward be abolished

in favour of Long Ditton and Weston Green.

I believe that these proposals do not take into account the interests and identities of

the local community of Hinchley Wood either from a geographical or a community

basis.

Specifically:

Hinchley Wood is a thriving community, centred on the station and parade

where there is a vibrant village shopping centre.

The shopping centre includes a butcher’s, baker’s, doctor’s surgery, dentist,

post office, Budgens, greengrocers, Costa coffee and numerous other local

shops and a Jewson builder’s yard. Neither Long Ditton nor Weston Green

offer such a wide range of local shops.

Hinchley Wood has been laid out from it’s creation as a local village with

many footpaths and roads constructed to allow ease of access to the station and

local shops. New developments such as Hinchley Manor have their own

nursery facilities—‘First Steps’ that add to the sense of community.

Hinchley Wood has its own Secondary and Primary schools with the

secondary school acting as a centre of excellence for music and with the

associated parental networks within the local community. It also provides the

secondary school places for Long Ditton and Weston Green.

The memorial gardens located in the station approach provides a local green

space that is used for the Hinchley Wood fun day, Remembrance day service

and other local events.

There is a booming and well supported scouts, guides, beavers, rainbows and

cubs movement based at Lynwood Road within Hinchley Wood. This provides

facilities for local children across a wide age range.

Hinchley Wood has its own church and Church Hall that has recently become

a community hub and provides facilities for numerous events such as blood

donor sessions, Zumba, line dancing, messy church, martial arts, stay and play

and many other local events.

The church has also been instrumental in encouraging a sense of local

community and has recently published a new and improved church and

community magazine that has been distributed to all local residents by a team

of volunteers. A copy of the cover of the first issue is attached.

There are no natural links between Weston Green and Hinchley Wood and the

two areas are split by the Portsmouth Road and Woking main line railway.

This is a four track main line route. The K3 bus route connects Hinchley

Wood with Esher and Kingston.

Although the K3 bus route connects Hinchley Wood and Long Ditton, The

Long Ditton ward is just a random collection of roads with no real heart, no

station, no secondary school

For all the above reasons I contend that the proposed ward boundary change does not

reflect community interests as specified in your remit. Further the proposed changes

do not allow for Councillors to adequately represent the Hinchley Wood community

that has a stronger sense of identity than either Long Ditton or Weston Green.

I support the alternative suggestion that Hinchley Wood, Weston Green and Long

Ditton be made into 3x2 Councillor Wards as they are villages not towns.

In the event that this cannot be accommodated then I suggest that Weston Green be

split between Thames Ditton and Esher. The split could be along Hampton Court Way

as this is a natural demarcation line.

Yours faithfully,

D.P.Ellis.

Review Officer (Elmbridge)

Local Government Boundary Commission for England

3rd floor Layden House

76-86

Turnmill Street

London

EC1M 5LG

29 March 2015

Proposed ward boundary changes in Elmbridge Borough Council, affecting Hinchley Wood ward

Dear Mr Hinds,

I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed division of the Hinchley Wood ward within

Elmbridge Borough Council. The ward boundary proposals would mean that Hinchley Wood no

longer exists as a ward within Elmbridge Borough Council and, as such, the people living within this

community will no longer have a representative at the Local Council.

The proposed boundary changes carve up the Hinchley Wood ward, and redistribute it between

Long Ditton and Weston Green. Hinchley Wood is a small and well defined local village community

within the Elmbridge Borough in Surrey; Hinchley Wood is not part of Long Ditton or Weston Green.

The three villages are different and distinct, and therefore each should retain representative local

councillors. I have lived in Hinchley Wood for all 25 years of my life and feel personally aggrieved

that part of my identity will be damaged if these boundary changes go ahead.

Below I will address the three main factors the Boundary Commission considers when reviewing

ward changes, in relation to Hinchley Wood ward.

The first main rule is “Delivering electoral equality for local voters”. Currently Hinchley Wood ward

covers 3975 residents. Weston Green and Long Ditton ward cover 3703 and 5830 residents

respectively. The removal of Hinchley Wood ward is one of the proposed ways to contribute towards

a targeted reduction of the number of councillors on Elmbridge Borough Council, from 60 to 48.

Hinchley Wood ward currently has two councillors, Long Ditton and Weston Green have three and

two councillors respectively. Therefore, the destruction of Hinchley Wood ward would remove two

councillors from Elmbridge Borough Council. There are other ways that a two councillor reduction

could be obtained. For example, why should Hinchley Wood ward be removed? An equivalent

reduction in councillor numbers could be made by removing the Weston Green councillors, which

represents less residents than Hinchley Wood. Equally, all the wards in question could be retained,

but with a reduced number of councillors per ward. Why should one ward be totally destroyed in

pursuit of councillor number reduction? An alternative would be to split Weston Green ward, half

into Esher ward and half into Thames Ditton ward. There is much more natural affinity between

Weston Green and Thames Ditton, as Weston Green’s current councillors are members of the

Thames Ditton and Weston Green Residents Association. There is also a more natural division in

Weston Green, along the A309 Hampton Court Way.

Secondly, the Boundary Commission states that a ward should “Reflect the interests and identities of

local communities”. Below are some of the reasons that Hinchley Wood can be considered a

significant local community and, therefore, should remain an independent council ward.

Hinchley Wood train station. The train station is a key transport connection for residents in

Hinchley Wood. The train station adds to the identity of Hinchley Wood, as all commuters

and passengers traveling on the Guildford via Cobham line know the name and place of

Hinchley Wood. It is Hinchley Wood station, not Weston Green station!

K3 bus route. The K3 bus route travels between Esher and Kingston-upon-Thames, and is

another key transport link for residents. Although the bus route travels through the Long

Ditton ward, Long Ditton is not identified as a significant calling point of the K3, whereas

Hinchley Wood is.

Local shops on Station Approach and Manor Road North. There is a vibrant collection of

independent local shops in Hinchley Wood, centred around the Memorial Gardens on

Station Approach and Manor Road North. This village centre is a focal point of Hinchley

Wood, and many of the shops, such as Crossy’s DIY store and Il Forno Bakery are much loved

by the residents.

Hinchley Wood Primary and Hinchley Wood Secondary School. Hinchley Wood is home to

two excellent local schools; one primary and one secondary. Hinchley Wood Secondary

School is one of only 4 secondary schools in Elmbridge.

St Christopher’s church. St Christopher’s church is a local community hub in Hinchley Wood,

serving many purposes, including the moral and religious well-being of Hinchley Wood

residents. The church provides support to many of the elderly residents of Hinchley Wood,

social opportunities for young families and numerous community events and groups in the

Church and Church Hall.

Hinchley Wood Scout and Guide sections. Hinchley Wood has local Scout and Guide

sections across the entire age range of the Scouting and Guiding movement. They meet at

the Hinchley Wood Scout & Guide HQ on Lynwood Road in Hinchley Wood. There are

separate Scout and Guide sections in Long Ditton and Weston Green.

No natural links to Long Ditton or Weston Green. There are not natural links between

Hinchley Wood and Long Ditton or Weston Green. The local communities have separate

focal points, residents groups etc. Additionally, Hinchley Wood is a self-contained area

geographically, with natural boundaries provided by Telegraph Hill, A307, A309 and

Littleworth Common.

Finally, the Boundary Commission wish to “Promote effective and convenient local government”.

The proposed eradication of Hinchley Wood ward would mean that I would not be represented

effectively by an elected representative. The current councillors for Long Ditton are members of the

Liberal Democrats party, and the councillors for Weston Green are members of the Thames

Ditton/Weston Green Residents Association. Neither of these groups represent the needs and views

of the residents in Hinchley Wood. The residents of Hinchley Wood are best represented by the

Hinchley Wood Residents Association, who currently hold both the Hinchley Wood ward councillor

seats. The Hinchley Wood Residents Association was established in 1932 and one of our current

councillors, Janet Turner, has held a council seat since 1995. This shows that the Hinchley Wood

Residents Associations have held the support of the residents of Hinchley Wood for a long time. If

Hinchley Wood ward is subsumed into Long Ditton and Weston Green, it will be more difficult for

Hinchley Wood residents to elect councillors who represent their views into local government, as the

population of Hinchley Wood will be incorporated into two other wards, and also split in half, thus

reducing our voting power.

In summary, I think it is extremely short-sighted of the Boundary Commission to propose the division

and dissolution of Hinchley Wood ward, based on your three main criteria I hope that the arguments

laid out in this letter, plus the many others you will receive from Hinchley Wood residents, will

persuade you to reconsider your current proposal and to recommend a more sensible plan. I hope

that your decision will be based on the three main criteria, set out in law, and not for political or

bureaucratic gains.

Yours sincerely,

Katherine Ellis

30th March 2015

Mr Alex Hinds,


Layden House

76-86 Turnmill Street

London EC1M 5LG

Dear Mr Hinds,

Elmbridge Boundary Commission Review

I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed changes to the ward boundaries in Elmbridge,

on the grounds that this would adversely affect the distinct community of Hinchley Wood.

The proposed changes would result in the elimination of the ward of Hinchley Wood, as half would

be merged with Long Ditton and the other half with Weston Green. These three villages are all

separate communities with little interaction between them.

The new pattern proposed does not reflect the community interests and identities of residents in

Hinchley Wood. This is one of the three statutory criteria which the Boundary Commission must

consider in any changes to ward boundaries. By splitting up the distinct community of Hinchley

Wood the proposed changes to Elmbridge ward boundaries do not meet this criterion. Hinchley

Wood is a vibrant and distinct community for the following reasons:

Facilities:

The parade of shops in Station Approach, encircling the Memorial Gardens, provides a focal

point for the community. These shops include a wide variety of local independent

businesses such as a butchers, bakers, newsagents, builder’s yard, independent coffee shop

and bar, hairdressers and beauty salon.

There are numerous facilities in Hinchley Wood, including a primary school, a secondary

school, a doctor’s surgery, a dentist, a veterinary surgery, three elderly care homes and a

church. These mean that Hinchley Wood acts as a self-contained village, and many residents

view it as such.

These are not just points of service for individual citizens, but also provide a focus and

catalyst for community interaction.

For instance, the independent coffee shop (‘Georgies’) holds regular quiz nights which are

well-attended by members of the local community.

St. Christopher’s Church and the adjoining church hall are not just places of worship but

also act as a Community Hub. They are the location for numerous community groups and

activities such as dance and yoga classes, pre-school playgroups, concerts and quiz nights.

The elderly care homes (Grace Lodge, Gibson Court and Royston Court) are also part of the

local community rather than just being used by residents and their families. For example,

the church choir goes carol singing at both homes every year, and young people from the

community frequently offer their spare time to volunteer in these homes. When Gibson

Court suffered a fire, the community rallied round to assist the residents.

Transport:

Hinchley Wood is laid out as a self-contained village, with footpaths and alleyways

connecting streets such that all parts of the ward have easy access to the train station and

Station Approach, which lies at the heart of the village. This has been maintained even with

new housing developments such as that on the Kingston By-Pass.

Hinchley Wood has its’ own train station which is on the main line between Guildford and

London. Neither Weston Green nor Long Ditton has its’ own train station.

Although the K3 bus route connects Hinchley Wood to Long Ditton, there are no public

transport links between Hinchley Wood and Weston Green. This means that, if the proposed

changes go ahead, Hinchley Wood residents without private transport who become

subsumed into Weston Green ward will have no means of getting from one side of their

‘new’ ward to the other.

Community Interaction:

The Memorial Gardens at the heart of the village acts as an important meeting point for

local residents. Informally, it provides the opportunity to ‘bump in to’ friends and

acquaintances whilst out shopping or running errands.

On a more formal basis, the Memorial Gardens is the location for a number of community

events. These include the ‘Hinchley Wood Fun Day’ (the village fete) which is held annually

in September. Numerous community groups in the village (including play groups, church,

Scout and Guide companies) have their own stalls, and the fete is well-attended by local

residents year on year.

The Memorial Gardens is also the location for other community events such as a

Remembrance Sunday commemoration, and Community Carols in December.

The Community Magazine has recently undergone a make-over. The first issue of the ‘new-

look’ magazine has been delivered, free of charge, to every house in the ward by volunteers.

Hinchley Wood has its own thriving Scout and Girl Guiding companies for all age groups,

which have their base at Lynwood Hut in the village. These are separate from the Scout and

Guide companies in Long Ditton and Weston Green.

The different community groups within Hinchley Wood, such as the church community and

the Scout and Guide groups, are not self-contained but are interconnected and reach out

both to each other and to the wider village community. This is done through numerous

channels, including various events, and the community magazine.

These are all evidence of a strong community identity in Hinchley Wood, which would be

adversely affected by the proposed ward changes through breaking up the community.

Furthermore, I contend that neither Long Ditton nor Weston Green could provide an

effective alternative source of community if the proposed ward changes go ahead, as

neither has the number or range of community events and interactions that Hinchley Wood

currently enjoys.

Community Engagement:

Several years ago there was a successful community action group formed to defeat

proposals to build a drive-through MacDonald’s at the cross-roads opposite Station

Approach, which would have destroyed the character of the village. The campaign received

support from large numbers of Hinchley Wood residents; this was instrumental in it’s

success.

There has also recently been successful community engagement with our local councillors

for the transfer of land next to Lynwood Hut for the dedicated use of the community groups

who use this as their base (specifically the Scout and Guide companies).

These are both examples of where there has been significant and successful community

interaction and engagement in Hinchley Wood to work towards something that has

benefited the whole community.

Parish boundaries:

The proposed changes do not take account of the fact that Hinchley Wood is a distinct

parish in its’ own right.

Under the proposed changes, St. Christopher’s Church would become part of Long Ditton

ward, which would then mean that there were two churches in that ward.

This could have an adverse impact on both churches and the communities they serve, for

instance potentially leading to a conflict of interest for council funding.

In addition to opposing the proposed ward changes on the grounds that they would break up the

distinct community of Hinchley Wood, I also contend that they do not promote effective and

convenient local government. This is another statutory criterion which the Boundary Commission

must consider. Hinchley Wood is represented at a local council level by the Hinchley Wood Residents

Association, which has been in existence since 1932. If the proposed changes go ahead Hinchley

Wood residents would instead become minority groups in other wards, ‘represented’ by councillors

who belong to other resident’s associations with no connection or affinity with Hinchley Wood. This

would have a significant adverse effect on the Hinchley Wood community as it would mean that

there would be no-one to represent the specific concerns of Hinchley Wood residents. This would

make it much harder to address important issues as a community, as has happened in the past (for

example with the successful defeat of the MacDonald’s proposal, as outlined above).

For all these reasons I am strongly against the proposed ward boundary changes that would lead to

the destruction of Hinchley Wood ward, and urge you to consider alternative options.

Yours sincerely,

Nicola Ellis.

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Hinds, Alex

From:Sent: 28 March 2015 20:57To: Hinds, AlexCc: Reviews@Subject: Fwd: Hinchley Wood boundaries

Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message:

Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message:

From: Date: 27 March 2015 09:34:51 GMT To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Subject: Hinchley Wood boundaries

Dear Alex I'm writing to express my concern re the proposed changes to the ward boundaries. Having lived with my family in Hinchley Wood for more than 30 years I feel this will completely destroy any sense of community and identity Hinchley Wood currently has. Our village hub can't just be divided at the whim of the council. We have a church, schools, transport networks, community activities, neighbourhood watch. I worry this would be lost if Hinchley Wood were to be hacked in two. Regards Alex Emery Sent from my iPhone

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Andre Espinet

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

I understand that understand new proposals to reduce the number of councillors within

Elmbridge the voices within the Hinchley Wood Ward will be diluted by those from other nearby

communities--Long Ditton, Weston Green are being mooted--that will be subsumed into a new

larger ward. As a 15 year resident of Hinchley Wood, this is both surprising and disappointing

as ours is a distinct and vibrant community. For some, it's a little non-descript bedroom

community stuck between Cobham, Esher,Thames Ditton and Surbiton. However for those of us

living here it's a terrific, warm enclave of people looking out for each other. We are largely tied

by the two schools that bear the town's name but we also have a dynamic little village centre

where several local enterprises are strongly supported as they unite the community--Crossy's

Hardware, Stephen's Fine Foods, Al Forno Bakery, Esher Dry Cleaning, Leo's Barber, Budgens,

JB Cards, Hinchley Wood News and the 2 Veterinary surgeries not too mention the Lantern

Surgery and S3 Dental Practice for people. Additional local businesses like St Christopher's

Nursery, Brodie & Hickin Landscaping, various tutors, scout leaders, sport coaches and

consultants ensure that people within Hinchley Wood are potentially connected at some point or

another. One only has to get on the train to London and overhear some of the conversation to

get an understanding of how closely knit Hinchley Wood is. It's been our experience in Hinchley

Wood that people are welcoming and caring whether you are a new young family--as we once

were--or a recently widowed pensioner or someone requiring additional care in the community.

The ease in which we can approach our local councillor and feel confident that our concern

around a given issue would be raised--if not addressed--is something that I think could be

significantly compromised if the Hinchley Wood Ward were to be amalgamated with another's

community...perhaps to that community's detriment also. Why fix what's not broken?

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Hinds, Alex

From: Michael Faulkner-Shotter Sent: 31 March 2015 16:54To: Reviews@; Hinds, AlexSubject: Elmbridge Boundary review - Hinchley Wood ward

Dear Sirs, I write in response to the recent notification by Elmbridge Council regarding potential boundary changes My first concern is the limited time afforded to residents to consider the Elmbridge Council proposals regarding the above review. The Council proposal was issued on 21 March and the views are required by 31 March. As this process has been in the pipeline for some years it seems unjust that the people it affects most directly i.e. the residents of the wards have such limited time allowed for offering their views. I understand that the tangible benefit of this process will be to save the expenses of 12 councillors - a little over £50k. In contrast six wards will lose their community identity built over many many years. The ward I live in, Hinchley Wood, is one which is earmarked for a split and extinction. Half to one adjacent ward and half to another. Hinchley Wood has a well established community served by excellent road and rail services. It has a village green which together with the surrounding shops forms the working centre of the ward. It is here that the local shopkeepers support and organise village events, fairs and the like. Local representation is and has for some time been provided by the Hinchley Wood Residents Association. This indicates a community spirit with focus on the community and an electorate who want their representation to be of a locally focussed nature. Indeed it is that intense community spirit that successfully rebuffed the attentions of McDonalds some years ago. There is also St Christopher's church which, in addition to its pastoral role, is used by the community as a hub for entertainment, social and leisure activities. It also is our local polling station. The proposals, aimed at realising a relatively minimal monetary gain, would in one stroke take from this community its very identity. By splitting the ward in two, each part has the risk of being minimised by its recipient larger adjoining ward. This could lead to a marginalisation of both parts of Hinchley Wood and the potential loss of our political identity and a diminishing of our representative voice. I also have a concern that the reduced number of councillors will have a negative effect on the operation of the Council. We are very fortunate in Elmbridge to have a very efficient council who for some years has kept strong control on Borough Council expenditure whilst maintaining services. A reduction in the number of councillors would to me seem to weaken that excellent team and reduce their ability to manage the Council operation. The information provided supporting reasons as follows: - Financial savings from reducing the number of members Would not adversely affect the capacity of the authority to perform its statutory duties Would provide suitable representation More cohesive local government Greater focus on the business of the council I am concerned that the result of making 48 people do the work of 60 will actually fail to provide continuing good performance, fail to provide suitable representation reflecting the current status and fail to be of overall benefit in terms of the business of the council. The proposal may suit some areas of Elmbridge where political identity is not compromised by the "Elmbridge" solution, but in the case of Hinchley Wood our electoral status could most likely be jeopardised following any merging of boundaries. I urge you to preserve our community.

2

Michael Faulkner-Shotter

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 19 March 2015 17:01To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Re: new ward boundaries for Elmbridge - support for retaining Hinchley Wood

as a Ward

From: Ailie Felton - Sent: 19 March 2015 14:23 To: Reviews@ Subject: FW: Re: new ward boundaries for Elmbridge - support for retaining Hinchley Wood as a Ward Review Officer(Elmbridge), Layden House, 76‐86 Turmill Streeet, London EC1M 5LG. Dear Sir/Madam, Re: new ward boundary proposals for Elmbridge ‐ support for retaining Hinchley Wood as a Ward As residents of Hinchley Wood we are writing to emphasise how important Hinchley Wood is as a community that is centred around the local shopping area, Hinchley Wood Schools and church extending up into our beautiful green area of Telegraph Hill. We work together as a community to handle difficult issues such as the busy A309 that our children have to cross daily and equally celebrate Hinchley Wood as a caring community and a distinct community apart from Weston Green and Long Ditton. I hope our views will be be taken into consideration and that Hinchley Wood will be retained as an active and cohesive Ward. Kind regards Ailie and Mark Felton

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Hinds, Alex

From: Bob Filby Sent: 28 March 2015 13:04To: Reviews@Subject: Elmbridge Borough Council Boundary Review

Dear Sirs, Elmbridge Borough Council Boundary Review. I wish to put forward my view that Hinchley Wood should be retained in its present form when you are considering your electoral review and I say this for a number of reasons. Admittedly, I am an enthusiastic member of the Hinchley Wood Residents Association and our existing Councillors do an excellent job representing a very large number of electors which they have been doing for 80 years! We have a much used Railway Station, a selection of shops catering for all needs, restaurants and cafés, recreation facilities, which make it a very popular residential ward and should be retained in its present form. There is a lot to be said for the old adage 'If it ain't broke don't mend it'! R.G.Filby. Bob Filby

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: susan finnis

E-mail:

Organisation Name: Hinchley Wood Residents Association

Comment text:

It has come to our attention that is proposed to change the wards of Hinchley Wood, Long

Ditton and Weston Green to enable the reduction of councillors for these areas by

amalgamating them together and it is our belief that the intention is to delete Hinchley Wood

from the map. We have lived in Hinchley Wood in excess of 20 years and it is still very much a

caring and pleasant village to live with a lively village centre and good community spirit and is

much admired by others who are not so fortunate to live here. We would be very upset if the

proposal became a reality and Hinchley Wood no longer existed even though it has been here

since 1932. We therefore wish you to note our very strong disapproval of using Hinchley Wood

to reduce the amount of councillors by amalgation. We wish to retain our village status and the

councillors' who work for us and with us in helping to keep our village a very pleasant and

happy place to live. Yours sincerely Susan & Michael Finnis Montgomery Ave Hinchley Wood

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Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Brian and Lesley FREEMAN

E-mail:

Postcode:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

See attached document

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ELMBRIDGE BOUNDARY COMMISSION REVIEW

THE FUTURE OF THE HINCHLEY WOOD WARD

We are writing to express our concern about the proposal submitted by

Elmbridge Borough Council to abolish the Hinchley Wood ward and divide the

electors between the Weston Green and Long Ditton wards.

Our concerns centre on:

i. The loss of a Community with a strong identity;

ii. the fragmentation of the Community and its electors with a potential loss

of Residents Association Councillors;

iii. the severing of the bond with the Hinchley Wood Schools and St.

Christophers Church for those electors destined for the Weston Green

ward;

iv. for the electors destined for Long Ditton ward, the village shops, the local

cafe and the Memorial garden that will officially no longer be part of

their Community;

v. Weston Green becoming a fragmented ward bisected by the main

London to Portsmouth railway line and the busy Portsmouth Road

running through it. Not exactly ideal territory for the creation of a new

coherent community;

vi. the enlargement of Long Ditton resulting in an even longer ribbon of

development around Thames Ditton and Weston Green with no potential

for coherence or the creation of community ties in the absence of

anything resembling a hub or community centre;

v. the destabilising effect that fragmentation will have on voluntary

organisations in the area who currently use the name Hinchley Wood to

describe who they are and their role in the Community.

Loss of Itentity and Community

Hinchley Wood has a long history going back many centuries. It developed

slowly over time until the early 1930s when it received a big boost with the

expansion of the railways in the area. Much of the development which makes

up the Hinchley Wood ward dates from this period. What is now proposed

would put the clock back almost 100 years. The village would be split with

Hinchley Wood losing everything including its church (now also a Community

hub) and the schools which have developed as part of the Community and

earned a high reputation as a consequence in the area.

The commitment of the residents to the future of Hinchley Wood was amply

demonstrated in 1998 and 1999 when the community came together to fight a

plan by a multi-national company to develop a fast food outlet in the village.

After a long and closely fought campaign, the applicant eventually withdrew

from the site. Although the community in Hinchley Wood united on this issue

there was virtually no support from the residents of Long Ditton or Weston

Green. They appeared to have no wish to be associated with a campaign

being waged by the residents of Hinchley Wood.

Fragmentation of the Community

The abolition of Hinchley Wood would mark the end of the local Residents

Association. This Community has been well served for many years by the

Hinchley Wood Residents Association and the Residents Association

Counsellors. The Association hold regular meetings, open to all residents, in

the church hall behind St Christophers Church. The meetings are well

attended and often addressed by officials from Elmbridge Borough Council and

Surrey Police. This level of local community involvement is unlikely to

survive the proposed abolition of Hinchley Wood and the fragmentation of the

community.

The severing of Community ties

What makes Hinchley Wood the community it is today are the shared facilities

in the area. There is a vibrant shopping centre providing most of the everyday

needs of the local residents. There is also a local coffee shop, a chemist, a vet ,

a first class bakery and a renowned hardware store. The village centre’s

Memorial Garden also brings the community together with the Church to

remember particular national events and on other occasions to provide

entertainment for young and old alike during festive periods. The identity of

this community will gradually disappear as organisations in the acquiring wards

seek to extend their influence.

The physical relationships of the areas being created

The proposals to enlarge the Weston Green and Long Ditton wards suffer from

a number of disadvantages as noted in sub-paragraphs v. and vi. above.

Weston Green because it will be split down the middle with only one major

road (the A309) connecting the two halves. Residents of Hinchley Wood

attending meetings held in Weston Green will be obliged to use either cars to

get there or walk beside the A309 on generally poorly maintained footpaths.

Perhaps not too much of an ask during the summer months but definity not for

the faint hearted during the winter months or when the weather is bad. The

safe short walk and the convenience of the church hall in Hinchley Wood is

going to be sadly missed if the current proposal is implemented.

The loss of local organisations

We belong to various local organisations including the Hinchley Wood

Residents Association and the Hinchley Wood Townswomen’s Guild. The first

will sadly disappear if this re-organisation goes through, but others in the

second group will need to consider if they can go on as they are or will need to

change their name to reflect the change in circumstances. This could result in

a significant loss of membership and the income that goes with it.

In conclusion

We hope that consideration of all the factors outlined above will lead the

Boundary Commision to conclude that Hinchley Wood is a distinct community

both geographically and characteristically. We would therefore ask the

Commission to exempt Hinchley Wood ward from the preferred elector ratio for

a 3 councillor ward and allow the ward to continue with the existing format of

2 councillors.

Yours faitfhfully

Brian and Lesley Freeman

(and proud of it)

28 March 2015

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 31 March 2015 13:02To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Elmbridge Borough Council Boundary Review

From: Sent: 31 March 2015 12:24 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge Borough Council Boundary Review Dear Sir/Madam, As a resident of Hinchley Wood, who has been living in this ward for over 30 years, I feel very strongly and passionately that if the current proposals for Boundary Review by Elmbridge Borough Council go through, the legacy and historical value of Hinchley Wood as a thriving and supportive community and the identity of this local village will be lost. I do support and use regularly the local shops in Hinchley Wood, such as the chemist, general household and hardware store, mini-supermarket, restaurant and the hairdresser. I understand that should the current proposals go through Hinchley Wood's electors will join either Long Ditton or Weston Green and the voice of Hinchley Wood residents on the Council will be significantly reduced and weakened. May I point out that Hinchley Wood as a location has a legacy to its position in Elmbridge, Surrey, United Kingdom and the world:

The Hinchley Wood was situated at the junction of Manor Road North and the A309. In 1999, Hinchley Wood residents took on McDonalds to defeat a plan to turn the pub into a fast-food outlet. In 1997, it had earlier provided a historical footnote when former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and his wife, Raisa, visited it when their flight home to Russia was delayed. Closed in 1999, the pub has now been demolished and retirement flats built on the site.

In August 1986, the London Weekend Television drama series "The Charmer" was filmed in Hinchley Wood.

Yours sincerely, Lee Hong Fulton (Mrs)

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Robert Fulton

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

I wish to make clear from the outset that the way in which Elmbridge Borough is putting

forward its proposals to reduce the size of the council and redraw ward boundaries is riding

roughshod over proper consultation and the rights of individual communities within Elmbridge.

Even though this stage of the consultation process is about to close, the Council has still not

made available to electors any map showing in detail how their proposals will affect Hinchley

Wood ward. It is clear, however, that they intend to carve up the existing ward between two

neighbouring wards. I do not believe it is any coincidence that the ruling (Conservative) group

has singled out for this treatment a ward which from its inception in the 1930s has been

continuously represented by independent residents’ councillors. Their proposals appear to be

aimed at securing party political advantage for the ruling party by making it harder for

residents’ councillors to get elected – in other words gerrymandering. The proposals as far as

they affect Hinchley Wood and neighbouring wards completely fail to meet the second of the

three statutory criteria for ward boundaries, i.e. that the pattern of wards should, as far as

possible, reflect the interests and identities of local communities. (In case it is claimed

otherwise, it would be perfectly possible to devise boundaries which do reflect these interests

and identities if the will existed to do so). Since its foundation over 80 years ago Hinchley

Wood has been a distinct and active community based around its railway station and position

on the Kingston By-pass. Its history is recorded in ‘Hinchley Wood: The origins of a 1930s

settlement’ by Howard Mallinson (ISBN 0-9543934-0-6). It has a well-patronised shopping

centre with a small supermarket, greengrocers, bakery, and butcher/ delicatessen, and is

therefore self-sufficient for those who do not have the means or inclination to travel for food

shopping. In addition we have two coffee shops, an Indian restaurant, post office, doctor’s

surgery, pharmacy, hardware store and various other specialist traders. We also host a primary

school, major secondary school and parish church. In other words, everything that is needed for

an independent self-contained community is here. The Memorial Gardens in the village centre

are the scene of various community events, including the annual Fun Day and Remembrance

Day ceremony. The boundaries of the existing ward are for the most part marked by natural

features (open spaces, commons, green belt land) and, on the north side, by the South West

mainline railway. The alternative proposed by the Council splits this natural and coherent area

up in a completely arbitrary way which pays no regard to the identity of our local community. I

therefore support the submission made to the Commission by Hinchley Wood Residents

Association, and urge the Commission to reject the Council’s proposals.

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 24 March 2015 10:51To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Elmbridge boundary review

From: John Gaule Sent: 24 March 2015 09:43 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge boundary review Dear Sir/Madam, I wish to register the strongest possible objection to the proposed boundary changes to Hinchley Wood in the borough of Elmbridge, Surrey. The plans submitted by the council would see the long-established vibrant community of Hinchley Wood split in two and each part arbitrarily joined to a neighbouring area with which it has no natural affinity. The overall aim, to reduce the number of Elmbridge councillors from 60 to 48 in order to save a paltry sum, is far outweighed by the damage it would cause. The idea is to equalize registered voter numbers with three councillors for each area. Surely this is getting everything backwards. Instead of stitching unconnected areas together ignoring natural boundaries surely you should be recognizing or creating distinct communities, assessing how many voters live there and then giving them a proportionate number of councillors. The whole idea makes no sense apart from political expediency and would seriously affect Hinchley Wood residents. Hinchley Wood is a distinct “village” with a centre (the Memorial Gardens), train station, church, school, fire station, doctors’ surgery, dentist, veterinary clinic, restaurants and public house, It boasts a well-developed shopping area which includes a supermarket, coffee shops, pharmacy, estate agents, garage, hardware stores, newsagents and many more. Under the new plans these facilities will be attached to either Weston Green or Long Ditton, which are very different areas. We also have an active residents’ association which takes pride in the community and works hard for the local people. This will be destroyed if the ward is split. My suggestions (in order of preference) are: 1) leave things as they are. The gains in reducing the number of councillors are minimal and the losses huge. 2) instead of creating two new wards, Hinchley Wood West/Weston Green and Hinchley Wood East/Long Ditton, with three councillors each give the three wards Hinchley Wood, Weston Green and Long Ditton two councillors each. 3) redraw the boundaries so that Weston Green links up with Long Ditton and Hinchley Wood is left as the single entity that it is. 4) consider the alternative map drawn up by the residents’ association. Yours sincerely,

2

John Gaule

Dr C R W Gill, FRCP

Firs

01 April 2015

The Local Boundary Commission for England

Layden house

76-86 Turnmill Street

London, EC1M 5LG

Dear Sirs,

As a resident of Burwood Park since 1971 I write to support the Elmbridge Borough Council

proposed Ward that includes both Whiteley Village and Hersham Village Ward.

Yours Faithfully,

CRWGill.

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Richard Going

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

re. Hinchley Wood Ward : From Richard and Lee Going : As residents of Heathside in the

Hinchley Wood Ward, my wife and I would like to express our opposition to the proposed

boundary changes which would divide Hinchley Wood between Weston Green and Long Ditton.

We understand that the statutory criteria state that ward boundaries should reflect the interests

and identities of local communities, and we are concerned that these proposals would dilute the

defining characteristics of Hinchley Wood, both older established amenities such as schools, the

village centre and memorial gardens, and newer facilites such as shops, coffee shops and

restaurant. As residents of Heathside we do not see any particularly compelling need or

advantage in being joined to Weston Green, admirable as Weston Green may be, but more to

the point, we do not want to separated from that portion of Hinchley Wood which would be

devolved to Long Ditton. Further, we feel it would be detrimental to the interests of Hinchley

Wood generally if the voice of our elected representatives on the local council were to be

diluted as it would be if these proposals are enacted.

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Hinds, Alex

From: Eugenio Gomes Sent: 24 March 2015 14:28To: Hinds, AlexSubject: HINCHLEY WOOD BOUNDARY

Alex Hinds,

Review officer

Local Government Boundary Commission England

Dear Sir,

we are writing to you regarding the coming boundary review, more precisely about Hinchley Wood, Surrey,

where we have been living for about forty years.

Already on the last boundary revision in 2000, Hinchley Wood lost a chunk of its area to Long Ditton, in order

for them to come up to the ideal number of residents. Now, under the new proposals, and still in order to help

other neighbouring councillors, we hear that the intention is to divide what is left over of Hinchley Wood and

pass it to Long Ditton (again) and Weston Green.

This is scandalous, in our view:

here we have Hinchley Wood, with a church, a big and excellent Secondary School, a rail station with the same

name and with one of the oldest Resident Associations in England, returning first three, then two (after the

chunk

lost to Long Ditton ) local residents councillors with big majorities, threatened with disappearing completely.

Why couldn't we have back the chunk lost to Long Ditton and keep our two councillors?

We sincerely hope that Hinchley Wood, which is still growing in population faster than our neighbours, survives

this review.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs E. Costa‐Gomes, Mr E. Gomes

20 March 2015

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 27 March 2015 14:33To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: PROPOSAL TO SPLIT THE HINCHLEY WOOD, ESHER, SURREY WARD

From: Margaret Gunbie Sent: 27 March 2015 11:50 To: Reviews@ Subject: PROPOSAL TO SPLIT THE HINCHLEY WOOD, ESHER, SURREY WARD 26 March 2015 Review Officer (Elmbridge) Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd floor Layden House 76‐86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Dear Sir PROPOSAL TO SPLIT THE HINCHLEY WOOD, ESHER, SURREY WARD We would like to register our very strong disapproval with regard to the above proposal which would eliminate the Hinchley Wood Ward, thus diluting our voice in Elmbridge Council. We support Hinchley Wood staying a coherent and independent ward as it has a strong community with Shops, Village Centre and stages lots of events in the Memorial Gardens. It has strong Church, Scouts and Guides and Sports activities, and although we do not actively participate in these activities ourselves, we do use the Doctor, Shops, Restaurant and Coffee Shops which provide a focus for community interaction. Yours faithfully John and Margaret Gunbie

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 27 February 2015 11:23To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Elmbridge Borough Council Boundary Review

From: Hilary Gurney Sent: 25 February 2015 17:48 To: Reviews@ Subject: FW: Elmbridge Borough Council Boundary Review

From:To: [email protected] Subject: Elmbridge Borough Council Boundary Review Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:42:03 +0000

The Review Officer (Elmbridge) Local Government Boundary Commission for England, Layden house, 76‐86 Turnmill Street, London EC1M 5LG Dear Sir/Madam, I wish to express my opposition to the plan to reduce the number of councillors on Elmbridge Borough Council. I understand that it is planned to reduce the number of councillors from 60 to 48. The population of Elmbridge is increasing which is likely to increase the workload for each councillor. The last time an election of councillors was held in Hinchley Wood many people were deterred from standing for election, due to the commitment required to undertake the work involved in becoming a councillor. Democracy will not be served if there is an increase in the amount of work each councillor has to undertake and fewer people are willing to undertake this civic duty. I note that the Council submission makes the point that the increased use of the council website by residents will reduce the amount of work for each councillor. I completely disagree with this. Residents will use the website for information where previously contacted the council in person. Residents are more likely to contact their local councillor if they have problems. Use of the website does not make it possible to discuss a problem. Email does not replace the personal contact that is available when discussing an issue with your local representative. Fewer councillors mean an increased workload for each individual.

2

I note that when it was proposed to invite the Boundary Commission to review the number of councillors the vote at the Council meeting was very close. The vote was only carried by a very narrow margin. Therefore a significant minority are against the reduction in the number of councillors. It is suggested that a reduction of councillors will make the authority more efficient. I cannot see that the case for this is proved. It seems like an exercise in cost cutting to the detriment of the representation for local residents. Yours faithfully Hilary Gurney

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 26 March 2015 16:29To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Elmbridge Borough Council boundary review

From: Hilary Gurney Sent: 26 March 2015 14:58 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge Borough Council boundary review to The Review Officer(Elmbridge) Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor Layden House, 76‐86 Turnmill Street, London EC1M 5LG 26 March 2015 Dear Sir/Madam, I understand that Elmbridge Borough council have submitted a plan to divide Hinchley Wood between Weston Green and Long Ditton. I wish to oppose this plan as it will be very much to the detriment of residents of Hinchley Wood. The statutory criteria specifies that ward boundaries should reflect the identities and interests of local communities. Hinchley Wood has its own well defined centre to include the station, doctor's surgery, vet, shops and memorial gardens. Many local events such as the Remembrance Day Service and Fun Day take place in thevillage centre. It is very much a hub. Local social events take place in the cafe. To split Hinchley Wood between Weston Green and Long Ditton, both of which have less well defined centres, is wholly inappropriate. Hinchley Wood is a well defined community with scouts, guides, a sports field, a church and schools which all contribute to a well defined sense of the Hinchley Wood community. To split the ward would damage these locally defined activities.

2

Yours faithfully Hilary Gurney

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Nigel Haig-Brown

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

see attached upload

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1

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

30 March 2015

Dear Sir

Electoral Review of Elmbridge Borough Council

I object to the proposal by Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) to reduce the council size from 60

to 48 councillors on the grounds that:

• 48 councillors will be unable to run and represent the Council on external bodies effectively,

as well as offer independent scrutiny of their activities

In addition, I am opposed to the breakup of Hinchley Wood Ward occasioned by the apparent

inflexibility of EBC’s “16 Ward” submission. I do not intend to rehearse the arguments put

forward by others. Suffice to say that I support the submission by Mrs S Haig-Brown dated 20

March 2015 and concur with the elements described therein.

I am a long time resident of Hinchley Wood (18 years +) who regularly shops in the village and

enjoys the feel of this family friendly community. I look forward to, and assist with, the

preparation for events in the Memorial Gardens which help to create those links that tie this

community together. I participate regularly through:

• membership of the Residents’ Association (past chairman),

• Neighbourhood watch,

• being an allotment holder (my wife is Assistant Secretary), and a

• being a Ward councillor of some 10 months standing.

2

Review officer (Elmbridge) Local Government Boundary Commission for England (Cont’d)

Conclusion

For the reasons set out in the attached appendix 2, I propose that:

• LGBCE consider and then limit the reduction in the number of councillors to 54.

In addition and more particularly in the event LGBCE does confirm a reduction to 48 councillors, I

request that, in considering EBC’s submission, LBGCE give due weight to a review of “all

indicators which identify and build up a map of communities” and urge LBGCE to conclude that:

• The Settlements of

o Long Ditton, o Weston Green and o Hinchley Wood

are distinct, readily identifiable communities, which meet the statutory criteria individually to qualify as electoral Wards, with 2 councillors each,

• Elmbridge Borough Council become a 17 Ward council

• Elmbridge Borough Council adopt the boundaries suggested by the “Residents’ Group” in their proposal for 14 x 3 Councillor, and 3 x 2 councillor Wards.

Yours faithfully

N Haig-Brown

3

Appendix 1

Key Questions and Observations relevant to this review

Have statutory considerations and LGBCE guidance been followed?

No. I submit that there has been a failure of due process.

Is 48 the right number of councillors for EBC?

No. I submit that 48 councillors are too few for a council like EBC which has only one

parish council.

• The last Boundary Commission review in 2000 agreed that a higher number (60) was the

appropriate number of councillors for EBC.

• The population and electorate of EBC has increased by over 10% since 2000 and, with

the impact of expected developments, is projected to continue to rise

• During the period, EBC has reduced its service delivery and the number of its employees.

It is not a coincidence that Councillors’ workloads have increased during this same

period.

• The workloads of 60 councillors, when spread over 48, will lead, pro rata, to increases in

workloads of 25%. For reasons relating to the final determination of boundaries, for some

councillors, this proportion might equate to more than 25% in practice.

• The contribution of Parish Councillors has been ignored

• EBC has an above average number of pensioners, and pensioners living alone

• 48 Councillors will be insufficient to run the council, meet its representational obligations

and afford sufficient independent scrutiny

• Reducing councillor numbers from 60 to 48 will result in the elimination of Wards

predicated on some of the communities within Elmbridge, particularly in the north east of

the Borough.

Does the EBC submission:

• Reflect the identities and interests of local communities

• Deliver effective and convenient local government

• Minimise change from existing constituency boundaries?

No. See Appendix 2, final paragraph and submission by Mrs S Haig-Brown dated

20 March 2015.

Other

• The invitation to the Boundary Commission to review the number of councillors was

supported by only 26 out of 60 councillors at the meeting in April 2013.

• The “top down” process employed has encouraged a leadership style resulting in Officer

direction being too rigid.

• Use of unrealistic estimates for expected developments and population increases

4

Appendix 2

Detailed discussion of principal concerns

1 Failure of due process

The EBC Submission fails to draw on a suitable methodology or demonstrate with adequate

calculations, robust estimates for viable numbers of councillors required to:

• Represent electors

• Support council employees

• Populate the Cabinet and main committees,

• Provide members for external posts in other local bodies

• Maintain an effective and independent Overview and Scrutiny function.

I am concerned, too, the audit trail will show in due course, that officer direction was too restrictive. The EBC submission appears to be based on a “one size fits all”, “top down” pronouncement of 16 x 3 councillor Wards with equal numbers of electors being the driving criterion. An alternative “bottom up” proposal for 48 councillors which considers:

• numbers of electors

• the identities and interests of local communities

• delivery of effective and convenient local government

• minimises changes from existing constituency boundaries

identifies a warding pattern of 14 x 3 councillor Wards plus 3 x 2 councillor Wards as more

appropriate, but appears to have been ignored, perhaps because it does not fit with a

predetermined conclusion.

2 Council Size

Use of unrealistic estimates for expected developments and population increases

Elmbridge has worked hard to earn the label “desirable area in which to live” and manages the

pressures associated with this accolade successfully. Although there is potential for 2,8001 new

homes in the borough, EBC’s target is for a minimum of 2,568 additional homes by 2026. In

addition there are two significant development proposals which would add a further 1,300

dwellings. Given average garden sizes in Elmbridge1 are approximately 530m2

compared to2

135m2 nationally3, back garden development has made a significant contribution to the total of

habitable dwellings and this trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Elmbridge’s percentage of residents aged over 75, and pensioners living alone, are above the

national averages. As these pensioners move into the increasing number of retirement

properties being built in the Borough, their large houses are sold either to developers or young

families, thereby increasing further the population of the borough, over that noted above.

1 Elmbridge Borough Council Annual Monitoring Report 2014

2 Office of Deputy Prime Minister Land Use Categories report 2001

3 English Housing Survey – Housing stock report 2008

5

Appendix 2 (Cont’d)

A reduction in Council staff numbers/ financial budgets increases Councillors’ workloads

Successive reductions in the Council’s service responsibilities following the 2008 financial crisis,

have had a predictable effect on staff numbers. Accordingly our councillors’ experience is that

cuts by the Council have increased the pressures on them to fill the gaps opened up by the

reduced council workforce.

The EBC submission provides a number of statistics relating to the work load of councillors,

suggesting that councillors are generally happy with the current work load. Whilst this may be

the case currently, as indicated above, the time being spent each week on council business has

been increasing and expecting councillors to represent an ever rising number of constituents may

be the last straw. Ultimately, if the time spent by councillors on council business continues to

increase, the ability to represent each constituent will decrease.

Inevitably councillors spend a significant amount of time getting involved in local issues such as

planning and welfare, as well as areas outside their remit such as highways, schools and

boundary disputes. In several cases, negotiations by Hinchley Wood councillors have saved EBC

and its officers considerable amounts of time and potential litigation costs. The current number

of councillors have the capacity to assist Officers where appropriate, but reducing their number is

likely to result in a dilution of this valuable facility, injecting unwelcome inefficiencies into the

system. Far from reducing costs, reducing the number of councillors is more likely to increase

the total costs of the council.

The EBC Submission notes that there is a trend for younger people and women to be less

involved in local politics and that EBC has been active in promoting the opportunity for these

groups. However these groups will be less likely to want to become councillors if the work load is

seen as either daunting or excessive.

Contribution of Parish councils

Parish councillors play an important role in the administration and delivery of services to

residents and in those areas where they exist, Borough Councillors’ workloads may be lightened.

With only one Parish Council, EBC’s submission has sought to justify a reduction in the number

of Borough Councillors by drawing inappropriate conclusions from comparisons which do not

compare like with like.

The following table shows the effect of including parish councillors into the ratio of electors per

councillor, and does not support the contention “Elmbridge is broadly in line with other Surrey

districts”.

Authority Total

electorate* Council

Size

Electors per Ward councillor

Parish councillors

Total Ward and

Parish councillors

Electors per Total

No councillors

Woking 73,848 36 2,051 0 36 2,051 Spelthorne 75,574 39 1,938 0 39 1,938 Epsom & Ewell 57,954 38 1,525 0 38 1,525

Runnymede 63,471 42 1,511 0 42 1,511

6


Authority Total

electorate* Council

Size

Electors per Ward councillor

Parish councillors

Total Ward and

Parish councillors

Electors per Total

No councillors

Guildford 106,319 48 2,215 180 228 466 Reigate & Banstead

102,487 51 2,010 36 87 1,178

Elmbridge 97,994 48 2,042 10 58 1,690 Waverley 94,654 57 1,661 145 202 469 Mole Valley 68,484 41 1,670 100 141 486 Surrey Heath 65,869 40 1,647 41 81 813 Tandridge 60,141 42 1,432 171 213 282

* Figures taken from the EBC Submission

Furthermore, a comparison with those ‘nearest neighbour’ authorities identified by CIPFA shows

that Elmbridge would be significantly above the average relating to these authorities, too:

Authority Total

electorate* Council Size*

Electors per

councillor

Parish councillors

Total councillors

Electors per total

councillors Elmbridge 97,994 48 2,042 10 58 1,690 St Albans 112,000 58 1,931 77 135 830 Brentwood 74,000 37 2,000 70 107 692 Chiltern 79,000 40 1,975 131 171 462 South Bucks 53,000 28 1,893 93 121 438 Sevenoaks 72,000 54 1,333 231 285 253

* Figures taken from each Authority website

Elmbridge has a higher than average number of residents aged over 65

The EBC Submission shows that the percentage of residents aged over both 65 and 75 is above

the national average.

Elmbridge England

Residents aged over 65 17.1% 16.9% Residents aged over 75 8.5% 7.8%

Furthermore, although the number of one person households in Elmbridge (29%) is comparable

with the national average, the percentage of pensioners living alone is above the national

average4.

Elmbridge England and Wales One pensioner living alone 15.1% 13.8%

This is the group most likely to engage in local politics and in their twilight years, the group most

likely to seek the assistance of councillors.

4 ONS 2001 Survey

7


The EBC submission identifies changes in the way in which residents’ access information and

services as a reason to reduce the number of councillors. Whilst usage of the electronic self-

service platform has generally been a success, the high number of pensioners either without

access to computers or not able to use them as confidently as younger generations, means that

vulnerable pensioner constituents still requiring direct access to councillors has not decreased

over this period of change. This is evidenced by councillors’ personal experience of the number

of contacts, by pensioners unable to access the EBC electronic services, or who need guidance

in their use.

48 councillors will be insufficient to run the Council, meet its representational obligations

and provide sufficient independent scrutiny

The EBC submission states that with a reduction in councillors from 60 to 48, the cabinet and

committees will be reduced proportionately, whilst still ensuring compliance with legislative

requirements, such as ensuring that no councillor can be involved in scrutinising a decision that

they have been party to. Further, it expands at great length on the roles and responsibilities of

various committees and those working groups which exist to support the day to day running of

the council. In addition, the Council appoints Councillors to represent it on 33 outside bodies.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee at EBC was recently reduced from three separate

committees down to the current, single committee. This committee comprises 17 councillors,

which will be reduced to 13 or 14 going forward. This number is probably too small to carry out

scrutiny and oversight effectively, and may prove impossible to operate, given the large number

of committees and working groups councillors are expected to support, in the face of a

paramount requirement for independence.

3 Delivery of effective and convenient local government

A reduction in Councillors to 48 will, of necessity, mean that a number of villages and

communities will be forced to merge. The EBC Submission notes that Elmbridge Borough has 5

main towns and 8 villages and communities, which are “all distinctive in character”.

Each of the five main towns (Cobham, Hersham, Molesey, Weybridge and Walton-on-Thames) is

currently split into between two and four wards. These internal boundaries can be redrawn

relatively easily.

The village of Claygate is protected by its parish status and is unlikely to be affected by the

review.

Of the 7 villages without a parish council, 4 are near neighbours in the north east of the Borough,

namely: Long Ditton, Thames Ditton, Weston Green and Hinchley Wood. The requirement

for 3 member wards cannot be readily met because neither community has enough electors,

though each exists as a distinct, readily identifiable community, within recognisable natural, and

long term physical, boundaries. LGBCE has accepted the community boundaries for Thames

Ditton and Western Green following the 2011 decision to continue with the existing County

Council boundary of The Dittons. Forcing a 3 member ward solution will require wholesale

movement of boundaries and the adoption of artificial, arbitrary peripheries, breaking strong,

existing community ties, as well as introducing the risk of detachment for both areas of Hinchley

Wood, together with other unnecessary inefficiencies in the delivery of local government.

1


20 March 2015

Dear Sir

Elmbridge Borough Council Submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England I am a local resident implacably opposed to the Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) proposal to eliminate the Hinchley Wood electoral ward in its submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) published following the Special Council meeting on 16 March last, some 2 weeks only, prior to the deadline for objections. I show in my appendix that Hinchley Wood is a readily identifiable community and present evidence supporting my belief it should remain intact for electoral purposes. I acknowledge that reducing the number of Wards from 22, will result in changes to Ward boundaries, but the fact remains that various Councillors have put forward a number of viable alternative propositions, which have all fallen on deaf ears. The alternative solution favoured by those Wards in the North East of Elmbridge most affected, is for the 48 councillors to represent 14 x 3 councillor Wards and 3 x 2 councillor Wards, that is 17 Wards, rather than 16. In this event, the 2 councillor Wards will be Long Ditton, Weston Green and Hinchley Wood. The EBC submission boasts 5 main towns and 8 villages, “each with its own distinctive character”. Hinchley Wood is one of those 8 communities and yet the EBC proposal cuts Hinchley Wood in half for the sole apparent purpose of limiting the number of electoral Wards to 16, in violation of the LBGCE guidelines and to the detriment of Long Ditton, Hinchley Wood and Weston Green - 3 of the 8 distinctive communities of which EBC is so proud. I submit further, that the EBC proposal fails to recognise “due process” and appears to have preferred the convenience of “Equality of Representation” as its guiding principle and ignored the remaining criteria. Paragraph 9 of the Agenda for the Special Council meeting on 16 March 2015 states:

“The proposed warding pattern has been drawn up having regard to the Commissions’ criteria, for example, delivering electoral equality …….. The full criteria can be found on the LGBCE’s web site.”

With a deft swipe of the pen, the status of Schedule 2 of the 2009 Act has been relegated to a web site, its function as a focus for the effort required, and its utility in formulating legitimate proposals, ignored completely. A case perhaps of “out of sight, out of mind”?

2

Review officer (Elmbridge) Local Government Boundary Commission for England (Cont’d) Because this EBC proposal reveals its focus on Equality of Representation, it has, lost sight of the equally compelling need to:

reflect the identities and interests of local communities

deliver effective and convenient local government”

minimise change from existing constituency boundaries Accordingly, I request that, in considering EBC’s proposal, LBGCE give due weight to a review of “all indicators which identify and build up a map of communities” and urge LBGCE to conclude that:

the statutory criteria have not been addressed fairly and adequately

Long Ditton, Weston Green and Hinchley Wood electoral Wards must each be represented by 2 councillors, and as a consequnce

Elmbridge should become a 17 Ward council Yours faithfully

Mrs S Haig-Brown

3

Appendix I What defines Hinchley Wood? Outsiders describe Hinchley Wood as “the first bit of countryside on the way out of London” and see it as a well defined enclave. Insiders relate to the family friendly environment and feeling of community generated by institutions centred on, and periodic events in, the locality. The sort of place “where one could bump into one’s neighbours on the way to the shops or a pre Sunday lunch drink at the local pub”. (Source – verbal comments by employees of 2 local estate agents). Wikipedia describes Hinchley Wood as a largely residential suburban village of some 5,000 people (not electors), 1.2 sq miles in area. (Source - Internet) Viewed from the air, Hinchley Wood (HW) is delineated almost entirely by a meaningful combination of natural and physical boundaries approximately 1 mile distant from the cross roads of the A309 with Manor Roads North and South. (Source – Observation of fact) Where, and what are the natures of, Hinchley Wood’s Boundaries? Currently the Ward is bounded in the:

West - Littleworth Common, Sports field (Green Belt)

North – Main railway line, Open space (Green Belt)

East – Claygate Lane North, A309 dual carriageway, Esher bypass

South – Telegraph Hill, Surbiton golf course (Green Belt)

Does the proposal minimise change from existing constituency boundaries? No. The EBC proposal has the effect of moving sizeable portions of Hinchley Wood into alien Wards. Will any part of the proposed Wards become detached? Because of the requirement for 3 councillor Wards it is an inevitable likelihood that 2, and possible that 3 of the councillors will be residents of one of the former Wards. In this event, it is not unreasonable to construct a scenario in which one part of the combined Ward is actively represented whilst the other is not, leading, at best, to skewed delivery of local government and, at worst, to the detachment of part of the Ward. Hinchley Wood (West)’s boundary with Weston Green comprises an arterial railway line and the Old Portsmouth Road, complemented by a golf course, Ditton Common and the Old Cranleighans sports ground. These long term physical barriers and the nature of the open spaces between the communities, have precluded association in the past. As a direct result, there is no recognisable interaction between the communities, nor, logic suggests, is there likely to be in the foreseeable future. The southern part of the Ward slated for aggregation with the current Long Ditton Ward is separated from it by a dual carriageway, open spaces and no direct routes to the centre. There is no recognisable interaction between the communities, nor, reasoning suggests, is there any such potential. How does the community engage with Elmbridge Borough Council? Through a dynamic Residents’ Association founded in 1932.

subscription income indicates a high proportion of residents are members (Source – accounts)

both of the Association’s candidates are returned consistently, in local elections (Source - EBC)

Councillors cascade relevant information to residents through o a cadre of Road Representatives, (list available on request) o newsletters, (available on request) o eMail alerts (examples available on request) and o a web site (see http://www.hinchleywood.org.uk)

http://www.hinchleywood.org.uk/

4

Appendix I (Cont’d)

How will the proposed changes impact on the delivery of effective and convenient local government? Currently, Hinchley Wood Ward is represented by 1 County and 2 Borough councillors. Under the EBC proposal, Hinchley Wood (West) will form a detached, and hence minority, part of Weston Green, which gains a third County councillor, whilst Long Ditton will acquire a second County councillor to represent the detached minority in the southern part of the new Ward. See above comments concerning detachment. What facilities stimulate or provide a focus for community interaction?

a group of successful, largely independent shops (see Appendix II)

clustered around the Memorial Gardens, in which the local community o celebrates Armistice Day, o holds a Scout fund raising in May, o a family FunDay for local children in September (which I run for the Residents’

Association with assistance from stall holders, Church leaders, Scouts, Guides, Hinchley Wood based businesses),

o on occasions sings carols around the Christmas tree, o which is decorated every year by local residents.

a parish church which distributes a regular Newsletter and organises a number of events,

a Save Hinchley Wood newsletter (e-mail:- [email protected])

Two schools,

a railway station,

a K3 bus service which links the North, the Centre and the South

a well used children’s activity playground,

two allotment associations,

a thriving football club,

a rugby league club

Cadet corps

Scouting and Guiding troops oversubscribed (at all levels) which produce o a bi annual community focussed magazine as well as o run a postal service for the community prior to Christmas.

3 foot bridges over the railway line connecting the East o where the church, schools, shops, bus route and half the population live to the West o where the children’s playground, football club, one allotment association and the

remainder of the populous are located.

periodic Surrey Police Panels

effective Neighbourhood Watch In summary, suggestions that there is no cohesion or community spirit within the current boundaries of Hinchley Wood are, quite simply, the wishful musings of uninformed leaders intent on promoting the virtues of their poorly acquainted and defectively managed projects.

5

Appendix II List of commercial outlets clustered around the Memorial Gardens, Hinchley Wood contributing to opportunities for social interaction

o Anglers’ store

o Butcher

o Baker

o Beauty salon

o Bathroom gallery

o Coffee shop x 2

o Convenience store

o CTN x 2

o Doctors’ surgery

o Dentist

o Dry cleaner

o Estate agent x 2

o Green grocer

o Hardware store

o Men’s hairdresser

o Multi disciplinary health clinic

o Osteopathic Clinic

o Pharmacy

o Restaurant

o MediVet practise

o Women’s hairdresser

Review officer (Elmbridge)


3rd floor Layden House

76-86

Turnmill Street

London EC1M 5LG 26th March 2015

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: Hinchley Wood Ward

I am writing to express my concern at the possibility of Hinchley Wood losing its status as a separate

ward. I have been a resident of Hinchley Wood for over 20 years and I feel that Hinchley Wood has a

distinct identity, its own community and a recognised hub, which is the village square. The sense of

community and identity is very strong in Hinchley Wood and this is demonstrated by the variety of

local shops that are supported by the residents. The existence of shops, such as, the Bakery, Butcher

and Green Grocer are testament to the community ethos prevalent in Hinchley Wood. In fact, with

the Doctor, Pharmacy, Vet, Grocer and Hardware Stores, Hinchley Wood can boast a true self

sufficiency for daily living.

The village Green is the recognised centre for many events, such as, Armistice Day commemorations

and celebrations, such as, village fairs. The Village Hall hosts local groups of Scouts, Brownies, Guides

and dancers. The village boasts very successful Primary and Secondary Schools and our transport

links are good and the train station sits at the heart of the village.

Hinchley Wood is a real community which has all the facilities to sustain and support it. Hinchley

Wood is uniquely identified as such by both the residents of Hinchley Wood and those in the

neighbouring wards. If the ward of Hinchley Wood is removed I believe it will have a detrimental

effect on the identity of the community and Hinchley Wood will feel split with no consistent

approach or focus for Hinchley Wood and its issues. As a member of the Hinchley Wood community I

would urge you to reconsider the partition of a well-established and successful community.

Yours sincerely,

G. Halliday

1


20 March 2015

Dear Sir

Elmbridge Borough Council Submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England I am a local resident implacably opposed to the Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) proposal to eliminate the Hinchley Wood electoral ward in its submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) published following the Special Council meeting on 16 March last, some 2 weeks only, prior to the deadline for objections. I show in my appendix that Hinchley Wood is a readily identifiable community and present evidence supporting my belief it should remain intact for electoral purposes. I acknowledge that reducing the number of Wards from 22, will result in changes to Ward boundaries, but the fact remains that various Councillors have put forward a number of viable alternative propositions, which have all fallen on deaf ears. The alternative solution favoured by those Wards in the North East of Elmbridge most affected, is for the 48 councillors to represent 14 x 3 councillor Wards and 3 x 2 councillor Wards, that is 17 Wards, rather than 16. In this event, the 2 councillor Wards will be Long Ditton, Weston Green and Hinchley Wood. The EBC submission boasts 5 main towns and 8 villages, “each with its own distinctive character”. Hinchley Wood is one of those 8 communities and yet the EBC proposal cuts Hinchley Wood in half for the sole apparent purpose of limiting the number of electoral Wards to 16, in violation of the LBGCE guidelines and to the detriment of Long Ditton, Hinchley Wood and Weston Green - 3 of the 8 distinctive communities of which EBC is so proud. I submit further, that the EBC proposal fails to recognise “due process” and appears to have preferred the convenience of “Equality of Representation” as its guiding principle and ignored the remaining criteria. Paragraph 9 of the Agenda for the Special Council meeting on 16 March 2015 states:

“The proposed warding pattern has been drawn up having regard to the Commissions’ criteria, for example, delivering electoral equality …….. The full criteria can be found on the LGBCE’s web site.”

With a deft swipe of the pen, the status of Schedule 2 of the 2009 Act has been relegated to a web site, its function as a focus for the effort required, and its utility in formulating legitimate proposals, ignored completely. A case perhaps of “out of sight, out of mind”?

2

Review officer (Elmbridge) Local Government Boundary Commission for England (Cont’d) Because this EBC proposal reveals its focus on Equality of Representation, it has, lost sight of the equally compelling need to:

reflect the identities and interests of local communities

deliver effective and convenient local government”

minimise change from existing constituency boundaries Accordingly, I request that, in considering EBC’s proposal, LBGCE give due weight to a review of “all indicators which identify and build up a map of communities” and urge LBGCE to conclude that:

the statutory criteria have not been addressed fairly and adequately

Long Ditton, Weston Green and Hinchley Wood electoral Wards must each be represented by 2 councillors, and as a consequnce

Elmbridge should become a 17 Ward council Yours faithfully

Mrs S Haig-Brown

3

Appendix I What defines Hinchley Wood? Outsiders describe Hinchley Wood as “the first bit of countryside on the way out of London” and see it as a well defined enclave. Insiders relate to the family friendly environment and feeling of community generated by institutions centred on, and periodic events in, the locality. The sort of place “where one could bump into one’s neighbours on the way to the shops or a pre Sunday lunch drink at the local pub”. (Source – verbal comments by employees of 2 local estate agents). Wikipedia describes Hinchley Wood as a largely residential suburban village of some 5,000 people (not electors), 1.2 sq miles in area. (Source - Internet) Viewed from the air, Hinchley Wood (HW) is delineated almost entirely by a meaningful combination of natural and physical boundaries approximately 1 mile distant from the cross roads of the A309 with Manor Roads North and South. (Source – Observation of fact) Where, and what are the natures of, Hinchley Wood’s Boundaries? Currently the Ward is bounded in the:

West - Littleworth Common, Sports field (Green Belt)

North – Main railway line, Open space (Green Belt)

East – Claygate Lane North, A309 dual carriageway, Esher bypass

South – Telegraph Hill, Surbiton golf course (Green Belt)

Does the proposal minimise change from existing constituency boundaries? No. The EBC proposal has the effect of moving sizeable portions of Hinchley Wood into alien Wards. Will any part of the proposed Wards become detached? Because of the requirement for 3 councillor Wards it is an inevitable likelihood that 2, and possible that 3 of the councillors will be residents of one of the former Wards. In this event, it is not unreasonable to construct a scenario in which one part of the combined Ward is actively represented whilst the other is not, leading, at best, to skewed delivery of local government and, at worst, to the detachment of part of the Ward. Hinchley Wood (West)’s boundary with Weston Green comprises an arterial railway line and the Old Portsmouth Road, complemented by a golf course, Ditton Common and the Old Cranleighans sports ground. These long term physical barriers and the nature of the open spaces between the communities, have precluded association in the past. As a direct result, there is no recognisable interaction between the communities, nor, logic suggests, is there likely to be in the foreseeable future. The southern part of the Ward slated for aggregation with the current Long Ditton Ward is separated from it by a dual carriageway, open spaces and no direct routes to the centre. There is no recognisable interaction between the communities, nor, reasoning suggests, is there any such potential. How does the community engage with Elmbridge Borough Council? Through a dynamic Residents’ Association founded in 1932.

subscription income indicates a high proportion of residents are members (Source – accounts)

both of the Association’s candidates are returned consistently, in local elections (Source - EBC)

Councillors cascade relevant information to residents through o a cadre of Road Representatives, (list available on request) o newsletters, (available on request) o eMail alerts (examples available on request) and o a web site (see http://www.hinchleywood.org.uk)

http://www.hinchleywood.org.uk/

4

Appendix I (Cont’d)

How will the proposed changes impact on the delivery of effective and convenient local government? Currently, Hinchley Wood Ward is represented by 1 County and 2 Borough councillors. Under the EBC proposal, Hinchley Wood (West) will form a detached, and hence minority, part of Weston Green, which gains a third County councillor, whilst Long Ditton will acquire a second County councillor to represent the detached minority in the southern part of the new Ward. See above comments concerning detachment. What facilities stimulate or provide a focus for community interaction?

a group of successful, largely independent shops (see Appendix II)

clustered around the Memorial Gardens, in which the local community o celebrates Armistice Day, o holds a Scout fund raising in May, o a family FunDay for local children in September (which I run for the Residents’

Association with assistance from stall holders, Church leaders, Scouts, Guides, Hinchley Wood based businesses),

o on occasions sings carols around the Christmas tree, o which is decorated every year by local residents.

a parish church which distributes a regular Newsletter and organises a number of events,

a Save Hinchley Wood newsletter (e-mail:- [email protected])

Two schools,

a railway station,

a K3 bus service which links the North, the Centre and the South

a well used children’s activity playground,

two allotment associations,

a thriving football club,

a rugby league club

Cadet corps

Scouting and Guiding troops oversubscribed (at all levels) which produce o a bi annual community focussed magazine as well as o run a postal service for the community prior to Christmas.

3 foot bridges over the railway line connecting the East o where the church, schools, shops, bus route and half the population live to the West o where the children’s playground, football club, one allotment association and the

remainder of the populous are located.

periodic Surrey Police Panels

effective Neighbourhood Watch In summary, suggestions that there is no cohesion or community spirit within the current boundaries of Hinchley Wood are, quite simply, the wishful musings of uninformed leaders intent on promoting the virtues of their poorly acquainted and defectively managed projects.

5

Appendix II List of commercial outlets clustered around the Memorial Gardens, Hinchley Wood contributing to opportunities for social interaction

o Anglers’ store

o Butcher

o Baker

o Beauty salon

o Bathroom gallery

o Coffee shop x 2

o Convenience store

o CTN x 2

o Doctors’ surgery

o Dentist

o Dry cleaner

o Estate agent x 2

o Green grocer

o Hardware store

o Men’s hairdresser

o Multi disciplinary health clinic

o Osteopathic Clinic

o Pharmacy

o Restaurant

o MediVet practise

o Women’s hairdresser

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Thais Harris

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

Hinchley Wood has a unique character that has been kept since it's conception. It is well served

by it's councillors, and for a nominal saving this is likely to be detrimental to the continuation

of Hinchley Woods village character Splitting the village it is no likely to be of any benefit!

Uploaded Documents:

None Uploaded



1

Hinds, Alex

From: Ian Hart Sent: 28 March 2015 12:24To: Reviews@Subject: Boundary commission plans for hinchley wood

We have lives in hinchley wood for 25 years during this time we have got to like and know the area well. We strongly disagree with the plans to decide hinchley wood by changing its boundaries. HInchley wood it unique in the way it has over the years turned out to be a community. It's schools are so good families move to be with ins catchment area. It has active family activities such as brownies, scouts etc. It has excellent and relatively new establishments for Heath facilities such ass doctors and dentists. LIving in hinchley wood is made easier by the local shops butchers bakers food shops and post office no one needs to get in their car and drive elsewhere. The woods are a fabulous activity area for families and dog walkers soon the blue bells will be out adding to its beauty. Hinchley wood has a very active neighbour hood watch making the area very safe but it also means that the more vulnerable feel safe so they can meet up in the relatively newly opened cafe or go to other events such as Church events etc. I hope this email has made it quite clear that we do not want or need changes to its boundaries leave well alone and concentrate on more burning issues such as food banks in Esther pot holes etc etc sod not spend time and money on things that do not need changing S hart Sent from my iPad

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Julie Hayden

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

I live in which is part of Hinchley Wood and should remain in Hinchley Wood ward. I

regularly shop in the shops around the memorial gardens in Hinchley Wood. These include the

chemist, bakers, greengrocers, hardware store, drycleaners and newsagent. My sons were in the

local scouts and I still contribute to the Hinchley Wood scout activities now they are grown up.

They both went to the primary and secondary school in Hinchley Wood. Our church is the the

one in Hinchley Wood. It makes no sense for us to be in Weston Green as we are separated

from that community by woodland and main roads and use no facilities in that direction.

Uploaded Documents:

None Uploaded



Review Officer [Elmbridge] 24 March 2015


3rd Floor Layden House,

76-86 Turnmill Street ,

London EC1M 5LG

Dear Officer,

I wish to protest about the proposed boundary changes and urge you to keep Hinchley

Wood as a community and in particular to retain the Ward of Hinchley Wood.

I regularly attend the Residents meetings with my Councillors, Janet Turner and the 3 other

people who have served with her since I moved into the ward in 2001. I always voted at

Hinchley Wood School before meant

sometimes being away from here at voting time.

I use all the community shops in the parade and Station Approach. I regularly meet people

there to talk to. I attend events in the Memorial Gardens such as the Fun Day – which would

cease to exist if we were not one ward. The Community Carols are now held in our warm

church on Claygate Lane – which under the ridiculous proposals would be in Long Ditton!

I am a member of St. Christopher’s Church and Chairperson of St. Christopher’s Women’s

Wednesday Fellowship – see our leaflet. I attend aerobics and Zumba clubs at Hinchley

Wood School. I go to Townswomen’s Guild in St. Christopher’s Church Hall.

There are many other ‘village activities’ covering all the age groups which run on a regular

basis by St. Christopher’s Church & Community Hub – as a glance at their website will show.

And you are planning to split us in half!!

Why can’t you retain our three villages – Long Ditton, Hinchley Wood & Weston Green –

with 2 members each. They could be elected in rotation. 3x2=6 as well as two times 3

making six. I make a strong plea for this to happen.

Yours faithfully,

Jean Hayes

1

Hinds, Alex

From: Ryan Herbert Sent: 29 March 2015 21:42To: Reviews@Subject: Keep Hinchley Wood

Dear Sir/Madam, I am very concerned with regard to the proposals to break down the Hinchley Wood ward and replace as a combination of Long Ditton and Weston Green. It is critical that Hinchley Wood remains its own ward and continues to drive and thrive as an independent community. I have lived in the Thames Ditton and Hinchley Wood area for the past fifteen years, choosing to start a family within the area primarily for the many community benefits that are offered to both my wife and I, and more importantly our three children. We contribute to, enjoy and thrive as a family amongst this strong community utilising many of the facilities delivered by Hinchley Wood people for the people of Hinchley Wood. We have three young children where both the eldest attend Hinchley Wood Primary School and my youngest due to start in three years time - As a result of the fantastic school and its links to all of Hinchley Wood's business', amenities and clubs, my children have fantastic opportunities to develop and grow attending multiple clubs for example (Rainbows, judo, football, golf etc) as well as being active members of St Christopher's church along with my wife and I. We regularly use the majority of the local shops including Budgens, both coffee shops (Costa & Georgies), the butchers, the hairdressers, Panshi restaurant as well as other local shops and business' that rely on the community of Hinchley Wood. A community is something that is grown, matured and developed and Hinchley Wood is a result of its population and community spirit that is so important in today's age of supermarkets and large shopping centres. I know my views are very similar the vast majority of residents of Hinchley Wood and we as a group feel passionately and strongly about our community and urge you to explore local opinion and consensus better - I can see no direct/indirect/opportunity benefit of breaking down this valuable community to serve two other districts. Yours sincerely, Ryan & Rachel Herbert. Hinchley Wood Residents.

1

Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 26 March 2015 16:29To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Proposed Hinchley Wood Boundary Change

From: Alex Higgins Sent: 26 March 2015 12:41 To: Reviews@ Subject: Proposed Hinchley Wood Boundary Change To whom it may concern, I wanted to register my feedback which is against dissolving the Hinchley Wood ward in Elmbridge and effectively splitting it in two, to merge with either Long Ditton or Weston Green. Hinchley Wood has a distinct identity from Weston Green and Long Ditton. It has its own high street (which is larger than both of the others), it's own school, train station etc. people feel part of the Hinchley Wood community, with many part of specific groups such as the 1st Hinchley Wood cub/scout pack. I think it would be an awful shame if we lost this community identity and spirit. I urge you to reflect the feelings of the community and maintain the separate Hinchley Wood ward, with its 2 councillor representation. Best Alex

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Kathryn Higgs

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

I wish to register my strong feelings against the proposal by Elmbridge Borough Council to split

the ward of Hinchley Wood into two. Hinchley Wood is a strong community which is focused on

the shops and the Memorial Gardens. It is ludicrous that our community should be split

between Weston Green and Long Ditton - both of which are completely separate communities

and areas with which I have no affinity. Hinchley Wood Primary and Secondary Schools would

be in Long Ditton and the majority of the parish of St Christophers Church Hinchley Wood

would be in Weston Green. Hinchley Wood is a community in the real sense of the word. There

are a number of shared interest groups such as the guides and scouts, the Hinchley Wood

Residents Association, the church and the schools. The majority of the shops have been in the

same ownership for many years and form a central area for the community to gather and meet.

The Residents Association organises a summer fun day in the Memorial Gardens and our

magnificent Christmas tree, which was planted in the gardens some years ago, sits alongside

the War Memorial. It is difficult to understand why EBC would put forward such a proposal

unless if is specifically done to get rid of the Hinchley Wood Residents Association and its

councillors. There really is no other logical explanation for such a vindictive carve up of our

wonderful community.

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Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Martin Higgs

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

I wish to object in the strongest possible terms to Elmbridge Borough Council's (EBC) proposal to cut the ward of Hinchley Wood in half. We only found out about their proposed boundaries after the meeting on the 16th March. Hinchley Wood is a vibrant community with the shops at the centre, in fact no one is more than 10 or 12 minutes walk from the shops. I live 8 minutes walk from the shops and train station and travel to London from there every day and I go to the shops at least once every week. Hinchley Wood also has a pub, two large schools and the Church not to mention the various groups such as scouts and guides. The proposed boundary change will mean that the church and schools will be in Long Ditton, and 60% of the parish of St Christopher's Church will be in Weston Green. The shopping area has around 30 shops and covers all our needs (and is three times the size of the small shopping parade of Long Ditton). EBC wants to break our community in half and my road would be part of Long Ditton ward. I have no affinity or association with the Long Ditton community (which has its own shops, schools and church), and think it is ridiculous that EBC would think this is a rational decision that benefits its electorate. The cross roads of the A309 and Manor Roads North and South are the very centre of the community, although EBC seem to think otherwise. Hinchley Wood already has natural boundaries and to split it at the very centre can only be described as vindictive and without reason or rationale and it shows the lack of knowledge and understanding the Conservative councillors have of the borough. Hinchley Wood Residents Association (HWRA) has been in existence since 1932 and only HWRA councillors have represented Hinchley Wood over the years. Currently HWRA is a political party at EBC whereas all the other Residents' Association councillors are in a single party. HWRA has provided mayors on two occasions in the last 30 years. It is not an unreasonable assumption to accuse the current Conservative controlled council of looking to get rid of the HW ward and HWRA councillors purely to remove an opposition party in a single stroke. I am particularly concerned about the likely lack of representation that the HW electorate would have after such a split. If half of HW joins Long Ditton then we will only account for around 28% of the enlarged ward with the other half of HW joining Weston Green accounting for around 25% of that enlarged ward. In these scenarios it will be almost impossible for a candidate of any party from Hinchley Wood to get elected. Currently (and for the last 30 years at least) only residents of HW have represented HW on EBC and I think it is very important to have such local community based representation. The existing two councillors work tirelessly to support the HW electorate and protect the interests of HW. Once again the only possible thought can be EBC's wish to remove opposition councillors. It appears that EBC have decided on 16 wards in the same way they suggested 48 councillors, with no bottom up review of Elmbridge to properly determine what would be the right number. Instead they have plucked the number 48 and 16 from the air and now need to massage the ward boundaries to make it fit by arbitrarily moving adjacent roads in the same community between wards. In a contiguous urban conurbation such moving of roads between wards has less impact whereas in a village community such as HW it is breaking the very heart of the community. There are a number of better solutions that should be considered such as leaving HW as a 2 councillor ward and having 17 rather than 16 wards overall (still with 48 councillors). Perhaps Claygate (which has a parish council to undertake much of the ground work and elector representation) could give up 1 councillor and HW could go to 3 (and perhaps we could take back the roads which were lost to Long Ditton in the last boundary



review). Perhaps 48 is too small a council and EBC should undertake a true bottom up review of Elmbridge taking proper consideration of the 8 communities of which they appear on the face of it to be so proud. It would indeed appear strange if LGBCE allowed this EBC proposal to go ahead considering the victory by the Thames Ditton and Weston Green Residents' Association only 3 years ago to stop the proposed changes to the county council boundary. It would also be contrary to the views of the LGBCE themselves in the letter from Archie Gall published in 2011 which stated that "We aim to ensure that new electoral division boundaries also reflect the interests and identities of Elmbridge's various communities". Finally, splitting HW in two would result in the ward boundaries being out of step with the Surrey County Council boundaries. Surely splitting HW in two cannot be seen as delivering efficient local government. In summary I believe that the EBC proposal to split the current ward of HW in half is definitely not in the interest of the community of HW, it will certainly not deliver electoral fairness, and it won't help deliver efficient local government. Therefore I urge LGBCE to reject the EBC proposal and force them to keep the community of HW as a single ward to protect our interests and identity.

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Annotation 1: Hinchley Wood

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: J Hugall

E-mail:

Organisation Name: None

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Comment text:

I understand proposals are being consideration that would result in Hinchley Wood [HW] being absorbed into either Thames Ditton or Long Ditton Wards. I

consider that neither proposal is logica. Thames Ditton in particular has no connection with H w, It is separated by some distance and the need to cross a very

busy major road with a difficult and dangerous tunnel. There are no bus or train connections. Long Ditton has more merit but the two communities have few

links and do not consider themselves as one. Long Ditton residents consider themselves part of Surbiton. H W is a long established intergrated community with

strong ties to their shops, schools etc well served by bus and train. Much would be lost by unnecessary tinkering with boundaries.

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1: Hinchley Wood

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database rights 2013.



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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 24 March 2015 15:05To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Elmbridge boundary review

From: Maggie James Sent: 24 March 2015 14:56 To: Reviews@ Subject: Elmbridge boundary review I am very disturbed to hear that there is a proposal to link Hinchley Wood ward with Long Ditton or Weston Green and not have a Hinchley Wood ward at all in its own right. This is an amazingly bad idea. Hinchley Wood is a very special and attractive place and there are so many things about it that do not justify ‘losing’ the ward. The shopping precinct is becoming really well known and popular. Costa Coffee and Budgens have brought in more people and also the non‐chain bakers, butchers etc. are much appreciated. We now have the flats on the corner of Manor Road and also the new estate on the old DOE site. The look of the shops in the square are very unique and also the many beautiful 1930s houses around the area. Hinchley Wood schools have a good reputation and are currently expanding, and how anyone can propose that this lovely and well known area will just be tagged onto other wards and not represented in its own right is beyond belief. I trust that this proposal is turned down and that Hinchley Wood ward is retained. Thank you.

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Philip John

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

Hinchley Wood is a distinct area with its own core institutions. Residents fulfill most of their day

to day needs without going out of the ward. We have two state schools, the village with its

shops, a GP surgery a VET and coffee shops, a scout group an numerous book clubs. I or my

parents have lived in Hinchley Wood for over 50 years and my family and I consider Hinchley

Wood, not Weston Green, to be our home. I have always been proud to have been represented

by the residents Association and would regard it as undemocratic for us to be denied the right

to be represented locally. I am currently talking to our councilor about an issue concerning the

ward and I believe that having such local representation helps. It would be disappointing if the

boundary commission's proposals were allowed to proceed. It would be undemocratic to deny

the people of Hinchley Wood their own representative.

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Hinds, Alex

From: Fuller, HeatherSent: 26 March 2015 08:26To: Hinds, AlexSubject: FW: Elmbridge Boundary Commision Review

From: Stefan Junor Sent: 25 March 2015 17:40 To: Reviews@ Subject: Fw: Elmbridge Boundary Commision Review ----- Original Message ----- From: To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 4:25 PM Subject: Elmbridge Boundary Commision Review Dear Sir/Madam. We deplore wholeheartedly, the suggestion that Hinchley Wood Ward should be split between Weston Green and Long Ditton. We are long term residents of Hinchley Wood, having moved in in 1970 and raised our family here. We have always supported the Residents Association and appreciate their committment to our village. Cllr Janet Turner in particular, has worked extremely hard, knows the residents well and with the individual road representatives, has achieved a great deal for Hinchley Wood. St. Christopher's Church is working hard to provide a Community Hub with all its facilities, and needs support and funding. . Hinchley Wood is a vibrant community with its own church , shops and schools. People from Long Ditton and Weston Green are often to be found using our facilities! Long Ditton and Weston Green are very different and have their own agendas. We cannot see how arbitrarily splitting part of Hinchley Wood and tacking it on to Long Ditton, likewise the shopping areas, railway etc and tacking it on to Weston Green will be to anyones' benefit. We need our councillors to live in Hinchley Wood to properly represent our interests. Councillors representing Weston Green and Long Ditton would not represent us. We ask you to take these views into account and leave Hinchley Wood Councillors to continue doing their excellent work for Hinchley Wood. Yours faithfully, STEFAN JUNOR and BERNADETTE JUNOR

Elmbridge District

Personal Details:

Name: Richard King

E-mail:

Organisation Name:

Comment text:

We do not support the current proposals to amalgamate Hinchley Wood with another Ward for

the following reasons:- 1. Hinchley Wood was constructed around Hinchley Wood station (which

has in the past 20 year seen a significant increase in passenger useage). 2. Hinchley Wood has

its own commercial heart - namely the Square & the shops on Manor Road. 3. Hinchley Wood

has 2 growing and successful schools. 4. The number of houses & flats in Hinchley Wood has

grown significantly in the past 10 years. 5. There are a sizeable number of residents in

Hinchley Wood. Hinchley Wood on the basis of the above factors fully justifies remaining as an

independent Ward. The current proposal for changing its status smacks of a political will to

reduce the influence of the Hinchley Wood Residents Association - whose strength in voting

numbers suggests that there are strong reasons for Hinchley Wood residents having the ability

to continue being heard rather than being consumed into a larger less representative body. I

look forward to hearing that the above views have been placed in writing to the Boundary

Commission. The King family

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Hinds, Alex

From: Vicar of Hinchley Wood Sent: 31 March 2015 23:13To: Hinds, AlexSubject: Hinchley Wood Ward Abolition - Objection

Dear Mr Hinds, I wish to object to the proposal to abolish Hinchley Wood electoral Ward. The proposed reallocation of the two halves of the ward to Weston and Long Ditton would certainly disenfranchise Hinchley Wood as a community. As Vicar of Hinchley Wood I know this village has a very cohesive community spirit. The links between the church, schools, village shops, Brownie and Scout groups are well established and firmly interwoven. Our local HWRA councillors have always put the community's interests first. Hinchley Wood would not receive the same support if split between Long Ditton and Weston Green wards. There are no shared features between Hinchley Wood and either Weston Green or Long Ditton as geographical communities. Each is a separate community with their own distinct needs. The very cohesive nature of Hinchley Wood’s community should not be disregarded. This centres on St. Christopher’s Church & Community Hub, the Memorial Gardens and the local shops. There are Scout, Beaver and Guide troops and two excellent local schools with strong ties to the church as a community organisation. Remembrance Sunday in the Memorial Gardens, Community Christmas Carols at St. Christopher’s Church, Scouts and Guides fairs in the Memorial Gardens and annual Traders Fair in the Memorial Gardens all demonstrate the depth of community spirit and sense of being a distinct village. During my time here as Vicar, the community has come together in a number of ways. As a matter of course we try to help others less fortunate by collecting for various charities such as Christian Aid or by donating Christmas gifts and Easter Eggs for distribution to those less fortunate. Members of the congregation at St. Christopher’s Church are largely responsible for organising such distributions. Unlike many other local churches, our congregation has representatives from every generation – literally from infancy to their 90’s – and many of the younger members are very enthusiastic members of the local community. The strong community spirit and the support of our local councillors enabled Hinchley Wood to repel the threat of McDonalds taking over the old pub a number of years ago. The community has benefitted from the councillors’ accessibility and the periodic newsletters the Residents’ Association sends to residents to keep them up-to-date with various issues. When one of the local sheltered housing complexes was gutted by fire in 2010 the Hinchley Wood community came together, donating clothes, toiletries, food and money to those who had lost everything but the clothes they stood up in. The distribution of these donations was organised by St. Christopher’s Church, strongly supported and assisted by the Hinchley Wood tradespeople. Hinchley Wood Community Hub has been awarded several grants from Surrey Community Action and Surestart and another application is expected to be confirmed in early April. The Hub is home to a well subscribed nursery school during term time and various classes in Yoga, Zumba, sequence dancing, line dancing, Kung Fu, Weightwatchers and a new children’s Ballet class is due to start soon. The hub is also frequently used by the National Health Blood Transfusion Service and the venue is so popular the NHBTS no longer needs to advertise the sessions. It is used as a Polling Station during local and national elections. Various social functions also take place such as Quiz Nights, Dances and Film Matinees for

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young families. The demand for all of these demonstrates the strong identity of Hinchley Wood as a village centred community. The proposal will have a severely detrimental effect on the future of Hinchley Wood as a community and will eventually result in the loss of its vibrant and cohesive identity. In my view there has been very inadequate consultation with local residents. Yours sincerely, John Kronenberg, Vicar of Hinchley Wood