At our annual general meeting, Epsom & Ewell Liberal Democrats unanimously elected Tim Murphy as our new constituency Chair. He replaces Steve Dixon who has worked hard for the party over the last five years.
The motion that "This Council is not willing to allow telecommunications masts in the Borough's parks or recreation grounds" proposed by Cllr Colin Taylor and seconded by Cllr Jonathan Lees, was debated at a meeting of the Telecommunications Masts sub-committee on 25th October. Two public speakers supported the motion, raising concerns about harm to human health, damage to flora and fauna and public opposition to recent applications within the Borough.
After a year of uncertainty, the Council has finally decided not to allow a controversial 20 metre mobile phone mast to be built in Court Recreation ground. Cllr Nigel Pavey addressed the Telecommunications Masts Sub-Committee on behalf of local residents, when the Sub-Committee debated the results of the recent consultation. In view of the widespread public opposition to the use of this park for such a purpose, due to fears about possible health hazards and the proximity of a children's playground, they reversed their previous decision to give the go ahead, subject to planning permission.
Steve Dixon is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the by-election in Nonsuch ward on Thursday 6th October. He has lived in the ward for the last 17 years. He is married and has two teenage children attending local schools. Steve also works locally, running his own firm of Actuarial Consultants based in Epsom. Steve Dixon believes passionately in the local community and the Borough of Epsom & Ewell and has recently challenged both the Council and the Government about the sell-off of school playing fields.
It is understood that changes are being made to this Planning Application. As a result it was not on the agenda for 8th September and might not be considered in October either.
Despite a recommendation by council planners to approve the controversial Orange Telecoms mast in Court Rec., Lib Dem Cllr Paul Green skilfully persuaded the Planning Committee to reject it. Only Cllr Alan Carlson (Labour) supported it, claiming that within 6 months of installation everyone would forget their objections and accept it.
In December 2001, Surrey County Council's Planning and Regulatory Committee met to decide on three of the most controversial Planning Applications for many years - the 3 so-called "Energy from Waste" Incinerators in Redhill, Guildford and Capel, south of Dorking. The large attendance by the public was catered for by a video link to the sports hall.
Despite strong opposition from the Liberal Democrat group, the Conservative majority on Surrey County Council has forced through a sell off of Surrey school support services to warship makers Vosper Thornycroft.
The Liberal Democrats on Surrey County Council have successfully forced the Conservative administration to reconsider their decision to cut bus services from September, even though they refused to debate a Lib Dem motion before the summer holidays.
The Conservative Executive of Surrey County Council have decided to withdraw large numbers of evening and weekend bus services right across Surrey with effect from September 2003. This was agreed at their meeting on the 10th of June.
Surrey County Council has increased its share of council tax for 2003-2004 by 17.9%. Cllr. Janet Maines, Lib Dem group leader said: "This Tory-run County Council has got to move away from crisis management, with its ever spiralling costs, by investing in preventative measures that are good value for money and that better meet the needs of Surrey residents".
