Recently I had an interesting meeting with Chris Smith. Chris has recently started work with Surrey County Council as Local Transportation Manager (Elmbridge). As such, he has responsibility for County decisions on transport in the Borough and, with his team, is based at the Civic Centre in Esher. This is what he told me:

'In Elmbridge there is now a Local Transportation Service Partnership Committee
consisting of nine County Councillors and nine Borough Council Members. The primary objectives of the LTP are to improve safety and the environment, promote the economy, and improve opportunities for accessibility. Clearly Elmbridge suffers from congestion and we must do all we can to make our highway network more efficient, while making sure that everyone has access with safety. We must do all we can to facilitate those who wish to walk, cycle, and use public transport initiatives such as Safe Routes to School. Improved community transport will be high on the agenda.

It is also very much part of our agenda to ensure that we fully appraise the public of our business, which we appreciate has a very direct impact on most people. I can't promise to give everyone all that they want, but I can promise that we will listen to the people's views.'
I'm sure we shall all watch with interest to see how the Borough's traffic problems are sorted out.

Does 'Cabinet Government' Really Work?
Having stepped down from Elmbridge Borough Council service in May this year after many years as a Councillor I thought I would return and see what life is like in the Public Gallery.

Elmbridge Council is now run by an assortment of Councillors from different associations, none of whom represent officially any of the three major political parties in this country.

Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat Councillors may attend Cabinet meetings but must sit in the Public Gallery and are not permitted to contribute to debates nor to vote on decisions taken. This makes it extremely difficult for any of these three groups to represent their wards as they would like when, after earlier debates in Overview and Scrutiny Committees, their views and recommendations have to be passed to Cabinet for ratification - or otherwise.

The system, which was just coming in when I retired, seems to me to be no improvement whatsoever on the way Council decisions up and down the country have always been taken. There is also the question of whether or not the new system is, indeed, democratic.This is another case in which we shall all watch developments with interest, I'm very sure about that!

A Sad Loss
We were delighted, in the last issue of The Magazine, to publish a story and picture of Elmbridge's new Mayor, Cllr. Wyn Heasman, with her Consort and husband John. I have known both of them as friends for many years.

Sadly, John died a few weeks ago after severe illness and several stays in hospital. I, and editor Euan Gabbert, would like to express our sincere sympathy to Wyn and our hope that the future will be easier for her, and enable her, in time, to smile again.
It is our understanding that Wyn will be continuing her Mayoral duties.

Painshill Park
Painshill Park is one of our local treasures, and we are always pleased to let our readers know what they are up to.

Firstly, on Friday 11th October there is an Auction of Promises to raise money to go towards the restoration of the Crystal Grotto.

Over 40 'lots' have been donated including a CD and video signed by Sir Cliff Richard, a shirt signed by Tim Henman, tickets to RSC Theatre, Stratford upon Avon, with overnight stay in a luxury flat, a day at the races, and many more.
The event starts at Painshill at 7.30 pm and the entrance fee of £5.00 includes a Lucky Number, a programme and a glass of wine. Refreshments will be on sale during the evening. I am sure the evening will go with a swing and would advise advance booking on 01932 868113.

The second event is Take Heart - Take Part, a Family Fun Day walkabout organised at Painshill by the British Heart Foundation as part of the national Walkabout UK campaign, backed by Shredded Wheat.There will be an adventure trail, free goody bags, a medal for every walker, and there will even be Thai head massages on offer!

Walking is good for the heart, so why not go along and join the fun? The Park is waiving the normal entrance fee for BHF Walkers. All donations received on the day will go towards fighting heart disease - still the UK's biggest killer. The event runs - or should it be 'walks'? - from 10.30 am until 3.30 pm and the suggested donation is £10 for a family, £4 for an adult.
More information can be obtained by calling the BHF on Freephone 0808 100 2109.