Stones Road Public Meeting a Huge Success!
Declared a huge success by Town Ward councillors Alison Kelly and Charles Wood, the open meeting held in April (see Related Link below for earlier article) has spurred both the borough and county councils into action.
The following is a summary of comments and actions discussed at the meeting. Cllrs Kelly and Morris had persuaded the borough council to host an open meeting because (a) residents of the area were fed up with numerous problems in Stones Road and (b) because the SSSI (the great crested newt pond just off Stones Road) needed a management plan to ensure its future. More comprehensive details are available from Cllr Kelly.
1. There was an excellent attendance and everyone who registered their contact details at the meeting will receive a letter in due course
2. The contractors will be starting work "soon" on the Lintons Lane site : there will be a warden living on site once students are in residence and a review of operation will take place after one year. Students will sign a "no car" contract and failing to keep the contract could ultimately mean forfeiting their degree. For more information or problems during construction contact the Planning Department on 01372 732000 or Cllr Alison Kelly
3. The Lintons Lane works will also improve fencing to the site including lockable gates at the front and better fencing along the boundary with the railway
4. Stones Road allotments are available free of charge at present to encourage their use and the borough council will mark out and prepare new plots free of charge. Contact Gary Daws at the borough council on 01372 732000 for more information about allotments
5. The boundary between the allotments and travellers' site is due to be strengthened but the county council have failed to keep deadlines for this - the borough council's Director of Operations is putting pressure on his county council colleagues. The borough council's fencing is also to be repaired and reinforced (but to date two new padlocks have been sawn off)
6. Anti-social behaviour from young people needs to be reported, however insignificant it may seem - ring 0845 125 2222 day or night. The Police say that the more problems reported, the better the case for making regular patrols in the area
7. Work by the county council to open up the tunnel at the end of Stones Road has been delayed - there were mixed views about this public footpath continuing to remain open. Contact County Councillor Colin Taylor for more information on 01372 721336
8. The Sainsbury expansion, litter on the site and early morning lorries, plus parked lorries, were a cause for concern. Cllr Kelly is taking these up with Sainsburys
9. Residents were encouraged to attend Police Neighbourhood Panel meetings and report any problems. The next two meetings are Tuesday 10th June at 10:30 for 1 hour at the Town Hall, Wednesday 11th June at 19:30 at Epsom Police Station, Wednesday 10th September at 19:30 at Epsom Police Station and Tuesday 14th October at 10:30 for 1 hour at the Town Hall