Next Year’s Parish Precept (Parish Rate) was agreed, and comes in at just over £75.00 more than last year; and increase of under 1%. Let us hope that other authorities follow this example. The precept pays, among a multitude of other things, for the Clerk’s salary and numerous minor works around the village.

Meeting on the Green

A site meeting was held on The Green on the 1st December between Parish Councillors and Rob Anderton, the MVDC Estates Officer (Mole Valley is responsible for the upkeep of The Green). His attention was drawn to continuing damage to granite kerbstones on the NE side caused by delivery lorries. He has undertaken to have these replaced with longer and stronger granite ‘conservation sets’ as money becomes available. This will represent a long-term saving in maintenance costs. The entrance to the Old Barn and its large puddle was also discussed, and a possible plan for remedial work considered.

Safer Crossing

The prospect of the envisaged ‘safer crossing’ by the church was also discussed at the above site meeting. This is currently on hold, since work that might involve the loss of any part of The Green, however small, is subject to the Secretary of State for the Environment giving written permission – and is also subject to its being advertised and (if there are objections) a Public Inquiry. We have asked that plans should be put before the relevant Mole Valley committee in January, and the scheme progressed.

Gulleys and Coach Road

We have asked repeatedly for blocked gulleys on The Green to be properly cleared, and understand that this will now be done in early 2004. It was noted that clearing of culverts and ditches has been carried out by County Highways on Middle Street – for which we thank them. We have again written to MVDC about The Coach Road and its potholes, still unrepaired.

Congratulations and Thanks

To Brockham Bonfire Committee for the detailed organisation and tremendous success of November 8th. It was an unforgettable evening. Also our thanks to the volunteers who worked so hard at clearing the village pond (‘Balchin’s Pond’) during the Autumn – and to Peter Crate who supplied and collected two skips free of charge. And a Happy New Year to everyone!

M.C. Homewood

Vice-Chairman

January 2004

Return to top