Having been repeatedly assured by government that there would be no second lockdown, perhaps because of the misery and damage the first one had caused to the population, we are now of course in the middle of a second lockdown. We all hope this will end on 2 December especially now there is a vaccine available.
Following the sudden announcement of this second lockdown, it was decided to hold the November Parish Council meeting entirely remotely instead of the previous hybrid meetings which enabled attendance at the Village Hall and attendance online. So, on Monday 9 November, Councillors and members of the public accessed the meeting via their computers.
Progress has been made with the proposed community-led housing scheme in Kingsland. Detailed discussions have taken place between the Parish Council and the landowner and a full report will be provided at the next meeting. Progress has also been made with the traffic calming proposals following the survey of residents. Detailed costings for various proposals have been provided by Surrey County Council’s senior traffic engineer.
Councillors are considering these currently and this item will be on the agenda for the next meeting. The Chairman reported that a formal written agreement with Surrey Wildlife Trust to enable the Parish Council to take over management of the Brickworks Nature Reserve is being prepared. It is hoped that this can be agreed and signed very soon.
The difficulties experienced by residents attempting to contact the Brockwood Surgery to make an appointment were discussed. The computerised appointment system does not always work and it is not possible to phone for an appointment now. Several people have been compelled to visit the surgery in person to make an appointment. We will be writing to the surgery to express serious concern about this and request an improved method of communication for residents many of whom do not have computers.
It was reported that letters had been sent by Surrey County Council to residents explaining it was possible to use the government’s voucher scheme to enable Open Reach to provide or upgrade their broadband connection to full fibre to premises (fttp). Many parts of Newdigate have already been upgraded but some areas have not taken up the vouchers which are worth £1,500 per house. Currently under consideration for the scheme are houses in Ewood Lane, Mill Lane, Broad Lane and Becket Wood. Please contact Councillor Procter 07770 981920 or email nickprocter@newdigateparishcouncil.gov.uk for more information.
The next meeting of the Parish Council is on 14 December. It is not clear at this stage whether we will be able to hold the meeting in the Village Hall or entirely remotely. This information will be on the agenda notice published on the noticeboards and website the Wednesday before the meeting.
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[mks_one_half]Lesley Bignell, Clerk to the Council[/mks_one_half]
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10 November 2020[/mks_one_half]
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[mks_one_half]clerk@newdigateparishcouncil.gov.uk[/mks_one_half]
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www.newdigateparishcouncil.gov.uk[/mks_one_half]
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Note: Most members of the public attending meetings in person are wearing masks. Seats are 2 metres apart, the hall is deep cleaned and well ventilated. Contact details of attendees are taken for track and trace purposes. The government’s website www.gov.uk lists all those who are able to claim exemption from mask-wearing; no proof of reason for exemption will be requested.