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Relief Road Across The Surrey Hills – Proposal Is Scrapped

Following efforts by the parish council and several Hambledon residents an assurance has been given that the proposal for a new relief road to be built across the Surrey Hills Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty will not be pursued.

An organisation called the Guildford Society had put forward the idea as a means of relieving traffic on the A281 when Dunsfold Aerodrome is developed into a large housing estate. It proposed a new road should be built linking the development with an enlarged Milford station and the A3, routed through the Surrey Hills at Burgate Farm, Feathercombe and Hydestile. See earlier news story here:

The idea was presented to a meeting of the Surrey County Council Waverley Local Committee and Colin Kemp, deputy leader of SCC, said he would ask his officers to consider whether to conduct a feasibility study into the proposal.

Hambledon Parish Council expressed its opposition to the idea and has been in touch with Mr Kemp. He has now given the following statement.

“I have read a lot of paperwork and had many conversations on this matter to get a true understanding of the issue.

On the main point of the question which was a relief road, I believe the environmental and local impact would be too great and don’t believe this could be delivered and should not be pursued any further.

Having said that, it has become clear to me that with all the planned developments around this area we need to look at the road network and identify pinch points through the route and see if there are any local improvement schemes that would ease congestion and then see if we can identify funding for these.

I am sorry if this caused concern but I don’t believe is saying no just because somebody else did. If I am asked a question, I will always consider evidence before giving a formal response.

Regards

Colin Kemp

Deputy Leader

Surrey County

 

The matter was also taken up by concerned residents at Feathercombe, leading to local MP Jeremy Hunt contacting Surrey County Council on their behalf. He has received the following reply from Gill Steward, who is executive director for community protection, transport and environment.

 

She wrote:

Dear Mr Hunt,

Thank you for your correspondence forwarding on the concerns of Ms Jo Bell regarding proposals for a new road link between Dunsfold and the A3 at Milford.

Colin Kemp, Deputy Leader for Surrey County Council, was asked the question through Committee whether the County were prepared to undertake a feasibility study into the Guildford Society’s proposals for a new road link between Dunsfold and the A3 at Milford. He responded by saying that he understood the matter had been considered, but wanted the opportunity to speak with officers about the proposal and consider the work previously undertaken, to establish if it was a viable option. This was to ensure that he had been thorough in his consideration before providing a view on the matter.

As a result, following the review of the option with officers Colin has come to the conclusion that the road scheme is not viable and that it would have a significant environmental impact on the communities along its route. There is therefore no intention to undertake any further studies or investigation of this proposal.

I hope this addresses the concerns raised and clarifies the position regarding the feasibility study.

Kind regards,

Gill

 

Hopefully that will be the end of the matter.

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Hambledon Fashion Show – Thursday, September 26th

Don’t miss out on the fantastic Hambledon Fashion Show at the Village Hall on September 26th at  7pm.

It will be a relaxed but fun evening with our star Hambledon models and the chance to top up your autumn wardrobe! There will be a licenced bar and raffle.

Tickets are £7, available from the Village Shop or from Anthea on 07941 961 969.

We have a minimum amount of tickets we need to sell for the show to go ahead so, if you’re coming, we’d be very grateful if you could buy your tickets as soon as you can!

 

 

 

If you’re planning

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This weekend at Badger Park

Coming up at Badger Park this weekend we have games on Saturday and Sunday.

 

First up on Saturday the First team welcome University of Surrey for a 2pm KO followed by the Vets on Sunday. As Rushmoor Community Vets are the visitors for a 10:30am KO.

Weather looks good so come and enjoy a game of football and a drink.

COYD

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Hambledon Film Night, Friday October 4th – Fisherman’s Friends – 7.30 for 8pm

There’s a lot going on at the village hall this autumn so don’t forget to buy your tickets for the next Hambledon Film Night. We will be showing Fisherman’s Friends. A comedy based on the true story of a cynical London music executive attempting to sign-up a group of shanty-singing Cornish fisherman. Licensed bar, tea, coffee,cake and popcorn all avaliable! Tickets £5 each from the Village Shop

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Update On Guildford Society’s Dunsfold Relief Road Proposal Through Surrey Hills AONB

This is an update on an earlier news item regarding a suggestion by the Guildford Society for a relief road linking the proposed housing development at Dunsfold Aerodrome with Milford Station and the A3. Please see http://www.hambledonsurrey.co.uk/?p=11482  for background.

At the time of publishing this news item a response was awaited from Colin Kemp, Surrey County Council deputy leader, who had indicated he was prepared to consider whether a feasibility study should be held into the Guildford Society proposal. Cllr Kemp has since responded in the following terms:

“Although I was aware this idea had been looked into before I was not up to date with this proposal or the details. I am not above being open and re-looking at any proposal to make sure the correct decision that as originally made was correct at the time and the situation has not changed, I will not just say no because somebody else said no, if I am asked a question I will review the situation before giving a response.

This will entail me asking officers to brief me on the original report and findings, I will then ask questions and wait for responses and this is what I am in the process of doing. I will report back to the local committee when I have done this work.

I can only imagine the upset this proposal caused and for that I apologise but I have been asked a question and I will do the work before responding.”

Colin Kemp
Deputy Leader

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Celebrating 80 years of Citizens Advice…

Jane Woolley is responding to Citizens Advice’s challenge to walk 10 miles to celebrate its 80th birthday and she would like your support. Her last challenge was a half marathon to celebrate her 80th birthday, which raised over £3,000 for improvements to Hambledon Village Shop.  This one is for an equally worthwhile cause.

As a past Citizens Advice advisor, Jane is very aware of the huge range of practical advice and support which the charity can provide for people from every sector of the community. It covers a range of problems that most of us don’t realise exist – until, whatever our circumstances, we suddenly come face to face with them and don’t know where to turn for help.   That’s when Citizens Advice can make all the difference – either by pointing people in the right direction to help themselves or by putting them in touch with those who have the relevant professional expertise to provide the guidance that, hopefully, will lead to a successful resolution of the problem.

So please sponsor Jane. A pound a mile would be fantastic; anything more would be even better!  If you are lucky you will never be a beneficiary of your generosity but, if you aren’t, the fact that Citizens Advice is just around the corner could help you turn a potential disaster into a solvable problem.

You can donate on-line here , or you can put your contribution (either cash or a cheque, payable to Citizens Advice Waverley) in an envelope with the accompanying form and hand it in at the shop counter.

Thank you very much.

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Saturday’s going to be a great day for a BBQ

The weather’s looking good and tickets are still available for the Hambledon Village Shop End of Summer BBQ this Saturday 31st August at 12:30.

Tickets are available on-line at hambledonfestival.co.uk or from the Village Shop.

Two bands will be providing live music, there will be a licensed bar serving Pimms, wine and beer and The Vann Lane Gin Bar. Tickets include BBQ food, wonderful salads and an ice cream or strawberries & cream dessert. Come along and enjoy the party while supporting the Shop at the same time.

Don’t forget to visit the Village Show before or after the BBQ!

£12.50 for adults – Burger & hot dog plus salads and a glass of wine or soft drink and dessert

£5 for children (under 18) – Burger or hot dog plus salads and a soft drink and ice-cream

Vegan food options will be available.

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Oil exploration nearby

This letter has been distributed to all Dunsfold residents but its contents are relevant to a far wider catchment area.   It relates to the two Oil exploration wells proposed at High Loxley near Dunsfold, and at Loxhill at the far end of Markwick Lane.  If planning permission is granted it will have impact on Hambledon and surrounds particularly if additional wells are later proposed in their licenced oil development Field which extends from Dunsfold to Witley.

You can find out more here:  https://waverleyagainstdrilling.co.uk/

The planning application is here:  www.tinyurl.com/yxox7rbk

Download the PDF file .

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Only 10 days to go to The Hambledon Village Shop End of Summer BBQ – Saturday 31st August 12:30pm to 3:30pm

Bands are booked, BBQ’s have been borrowed, bangers will be browned, bunting will be billowing, hopefully you won’t need to bring a brolly.

Tickets are available on-line at hambledonfestival.co.uk or from the Village Shop.

There will be live music, a licensed bar serving Pimms, wine and beer and The Vann Lane Gin Bar. Tickets include BBQ food, wonderful salads and an ice cream or strawberries & cream dessert. Come along and enjoy the party while supporting the Shop at the same time.

Don’t forget to visit the Village Show before or after the BBQ!

£12.50 for adults – Burger & hot dog plus salads and a glass of wine or soft drink and dessert

£5 for children (under 18) – Burger or hot dog plus salads and a soft drink and ice-cream

Vegan food options will be available.

 

 

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Milford Rail crossing

There have been a few recent reports from drivers using Station Lane that the rail crossing gates at Milford Station are unreliable.  At least two incidents have been noted in the last few days where trains have crossed the level crossing whist the automatic barriers were up.  Network Rail are investigating.  Please be aware.

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Parish Council Challenges Dunsfold Relief Road Proposal Across Surrey Hills AONB

A proposal to drive a new road through the heart of the Surrey Hills at Hambledon to relieve anticipated traffic congestion and HGV issues when Dunsfold Aerodrome is developed into housing is being fiercely opposed by Hambledon Parish Council.

The suggestion from the Guildford Society was presented at a recent meeting at Waverley council and despite Surrey Highways officers rejecting the idea, county councillors agreed to give the matter further consideration.

It envisages a new highway from Loxhill on the outskirts of Dunsfold at Hook House Lane, across the hills and fields of Burgate Farm and round the flanks of Hydon’s Ball to emerge on to the Hambledon Road at Feathercombe. It would then use Hambledon Road and Station Lane to reach a new “Milford Parkway” station and the A3

The Guildford Society, a registered charity with the stated aim of preserving and enhancing the environment of Guildford, submitted a written question to the Waverley Local Committee, which comprises members of both Surrey and Waverley councils.

In a covering letter, Alistair Smith, chairman of the society, wrote: “The link scheme we propose, some 12 kms long, is likely to be complex, expensive and controversial, as part of it would necessarily pass through some sensitive countryside and would need to be treated appropriately”.

Continue reading →

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Traffic closure at Hascombe – 12th August for 3 weeks

Update:  Monday 12th August:

Whilst closure is booked, the road is open and there has only been an installation of traffic lights today, and no sign of roadwork activity.   So it appears all official sources of information are not to be relied upon.

Update:  10th August:

We understand that the Water works are now scheduled for 3 weeks from 12th August, during which time the road will be closed and diversions in place.  

Update:  6th August:

We understand that the Water works are now not going ahead – hence the absence of road closures.  Thames Water will apply to close the road later in the year.

Announcement 31 July:

Thames Water need to completely close The Street in Hascombe to traffic, to enable long-overdue replacement of the water main, between Mare Lane and The White Horse pub. This will be for a month from 5 August until 29 August.   This will require diversion signs to be placed.    The natural alternative cut through will be via Markwick Lane and Clockbarn Lane to Busbridge.   This is unsuitable for HGVs (as is the original Hascombe route).   So please beware that Markwick Lane will be very difficult to navigate for the month duration of these works.

NB.  Proper traffic management requires that diversions are set up to push traffic only onto roads that are the same grade as the road that is closed. Traffic management consultants are not supposed to have B-road traffic directed down C-roads. This is often why diversions appear to take very long winded alternative routes.

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Training offered in Hambledon for use of life-saving defibrillators

Training in the use of defibrillators (AEDs) is being offered to residents following the installation of one inside the former telephone kiosk at the Hydestile Crossroads.

This takes the number of defibrillators in the village area to five; outside the village shop, on the exterior wall of the Merry Harriers, at St Peter’s Church, at Hambledon Football Club’s ground at Badger Park, and now at Hydestile.

Alison Martin, a Busbridge Parish councillor who helped arrange for the AED (automated external defibrillator) to be installed in the traditional red kiosk – which has also undergone renovation in the process – has arranged for a training session to be held in the meeting room at St Peter’s Church, Church Lane, Hambledon, on Saturday September 28th.

The training will be given by an expert from the London-based Barts City Life Saver organisation, a charity that teaches life saving skills and originated from St Bartholomew’s Hospital. The session begins at 11am with basic life saving training, then AED training at 2pm followed by baby and child resuscitation at 3pm. Participants can opt to attend the whole session, or part.

AED’s are used on people suffering from sudden cardiac arrest and, along with Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, can greatly increase survival rates.

Training will be free to the Hydestile volunteers on the Busbridge Parish Council-sponsored rota, but to all others there will be a nominal cost of £20 per person to cover the costs of the trainer travelling to and from London and a donation to the charity’s work.

Anyone in the village can register to attend. Please contact Alison Martin at email amtillies417@gmail.com or by phone on 01483 893619.

If you would like to know more about the work of the charity please visit www.bartscitylifesaver.org

 

 

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Hambledon Village Shop End of Summer BBQ – Saturday 31st August 12:30pm to 3:30pm

Tickets now available on-line at hambledonfestival.co.uk or from the Shop.

There will be live music, a licensed bar serving Pimms, wine and beer and The Vann Lane Gin Bar. Tickets include BBQ food, wonderful salads and an ice cream or strawberries & cream dessert. Come along and enjoy the party while supporting the Shop at the same time.

Don’t forget to visit the Village Show before or after the BBQ!

£12.50 for adults
(Burger & hot dog plus salads and a glass of wine or soft drink and dessert)

£5 for children (under 18)
(Burger or hot dog plus salads and a soft drink and ice-cream)

Vegan food options will be available.