Issue - meetings

To consider matters raised by Members of the Epsom and Walton Downs Consultative Committee.

The Committee considered matters raised by Members.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Wood inspections. Councillor Froud raised the issue of the current state of the Warren wood and the Langley Vale woodland. She queried if there is a management plan which includes regular inspection for the woodland areas. She raised that even if areas are trimmed, the cut offs are just thrown to one side and left to rot. The Chair noted the comments and agreed to provide a response and update following the meeting. He explained that the overall responsibility for the wood maintenance falls to the Borough Council and the Council’s Tree Officer. The Chair agreed to look into scheduling works for later on in the year, as it would be difficult presently due to birds nesting.

b)            Hedge cutting and trees. The Member from the British Horse Society asked if people are using public rights of way or is it a situation of overall permissive access. The Chair confirmed that people are using public rights of way and bridleways. The Member raised that due to a change in the legislation for hedge and tree cutting, any adverse impact on public highways, including public rights of way, the works can go ahead. The Chair agreed to discuss the matter with the Council’s Tree Officer.

c)            Potholes. The Chair reminded the Committee that it is important to report potholes so they can be logged and fixed by Surrey County Council. The Chair explained the Fix My Street website should be used to report potholes. Councillor Froud expressed frustration and concern about the number of potholes and the severity of them and the damage they can and have caused, namely on Grandstand Road. She also raised the difficulty with reporting potholes which are located on busy and fast roads. The Chair agreed to visit Grandstand Road and help report the potholes. The representative from College Ward Residents’ Association raised the issue of the potholes and surface of the carparks on Grandstand Road and asked the Chair to also look at that when possible. The Chair agreed to do so and informed the Committee that additional budget was approved by the Conservators in January for Car Park Maintenance.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Consider the matters raised by members of the Committee as set out in this report.