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	Latest news from Spelthorne Council - 30 September 2011
	Welcome to the latest electronic newsletter.  If you have any questions or comments regarding the newsletter please e-mail us at news@spelthorne.gov.uk. Staines name change proposal goes to consultation Spelthorne Council’s Cabinet voted to go-ahead with a public consultation on the proposal to change the name of Staines to Staines-upon-Thames, at a meeting held on Tuesday 20 September. The consultation period will run from 1-31 October and during this time Staines residents, local businesses and community groups are encouraged to give their views on the proposal by visiting the Council’s website. The proposal for a name change originally came from the business community via the Economic Development Theme Group, a branch of the Spelthorne Together Partnership. The Group believe that current negative perceptions of Staines are limiting investment and economic growth and that a change of name would raise the profile of Staines as a good place to visit, live and work. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting Cllr Colin Davis said: “Staines has been undersold for a very long time and that needs to change. I believe the name ‘Staines-upon-Thames’ more accurately reflects our riverside location and will improve people’s perceptions of the town.” He added: “I am told that the business community is rightly delighted that the Council has listened to their many requests for proper consideration to address Staines’ reputation. We wouldn’t be taking this step if we didn’t believe the idea has merit and we shall be consulting as fully and widely as possible”. News of the consultation was warmly greeted by Staines upon Thames BNI, a local business networking group that anticipated the proposed change in its own title which it adopted earlier this year. The final decision on whether to change the town’s name will take place at the Council meeting on 15 December. Food waste Food waste bins are being delivered throughout the Borough in preparation for the food waste collection scheme which starts week commencing 24 October. You will receive a silver indoor caddy, a green outdoor bin, a roll of caddy liners and a leaflet with details about the scheme. For more information about the scheme visit our food waste page Time on the Thames Spelthorne Council and the business community have used two recent events to highlight the River Thames as a key asset for the Borough. On Thursday 15 September, the Spelthorne Business Forum held their breakfast meeting onboard the Queen of the Thames riverboat for the third annual event of its kind. During the meeting, Alex Tribick, Chairman of the Spelthorne Business Forum, gave a live interview to BBC Surrey Radio to answer questions about the proposal to change the name of Staines to Staines-upon-Thames – an idea which is strongly supported by the business community. During the interview, Alex Tribick said: “Staines is inextricably linked with the River Thames but unfortunately, other than people that live in the locality, nobody seems to realise that, and if we have one of the world's great iconic assets we should shout it from the rooftops." On Saturday 17 September, the River again provided a beautiful backdrop for a trip onboard the luxury steamer SL Nuneham, during an event organised to highlight the close links that Staines and Spelthorne has with the River Thames. Organised by Councillor Colin Davis, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, with local boat company French Brothers, the event was attended by local councillors, Spelthorne MP Kwasi Kwarteng and members of the local community. Speaking after the event, Cllr Colin Davis said: “Staines has been undersold for a very long time and that needs to change. I’m determined we make more of our location and plan to organise more events which raise the profile of Staines and Spelthorne and help local people feel more closely connected to the river without costing the taxpayer a penny.” London Irish Rugby Club (planning application) London Irish appealed against the refusal of two recent planning applications for the creation of a training facility at Hazelwood Golf Course (Planning Ref. 09/00842/OUT) and a residential/mixed use development at The Avenue (Planning Ref. 09/00841).  The Public Inquiry on the two schemes took place at the Council Offices between 7 and 23 June 2011. The Planning Inspector submitted his report to the Secretary of State on 26 September 2011.  The Secretary of State's decision will be made by 30 November 2011.  The Inspector's report will not be issued to anyone (including the Council) until the Secretary of State's decision is released.  Copies of both the Inspector's report and the Secretary of State's decisions will be posted on this website when they are received. Letter from Planning Inspectorate regarding date of appeal decision (Pdf 63kb) Appeal Decision Timetable (Pdf 36kb) Parking standards for new developments The Council has agreed to change its approach on its requirements for parking in new residential development. On 20 September the Council's Cabinet agreed a 'position statement' to apply its parking standards as minimum requirements in all new residential development.  This follows a change in government guidance.  Previously councils were required to apply parking standards as 'maximum'. Updated Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Guidance, including Position Statement (Pdf 73kb) National Planning Policy Framework - consultation The Government announced on 25 July a “new, simpler framework for the planning system that safeguards the environment while meeting the need for sustainable growth”.  The intention is to streamline national policy from over 1,000 pages, which are contained within a large number of Planning Policy Guidance Notes/Statements, to just 52 pages within one policy document. In this document the Government has stated its intention that “councils need to work closely with communities and businesses and actively seek opportunities for sustainable growth to rebuild the economy; helping to deliver the homes, jobs, and infrastructure needed for a growing population whilst protecting the environment.  A presumption in favour of sustainable development means that proposals should be approved promptly unless they would compromise the key sustainable development principles set out in the draft Framework. The draft document is now out for public consultation, which closes on 17 October 2011.  The draft framework, a summary document and details of the consultation are available on the Planning Portal website. The Council at its Cabinet meeting on 20 September agreed a formal response to the Draft NPPF (Pdf 38kb). Local employment prospects are improving The latest unemployment figures for Spelthorne show a small but continued improvement with the rate now at 2.2%. For further information on unemployment and job vacancy data in Spelthorne and adjoining areas see the Council’s September edition of ‘Spelthorne Employment and Development Trends’. Local economic confidence is growing Spelthorne has seen a growth in the number of planning applications over the last year of nearly 6%. Despite the recession nationally, this is a sign that locally people are feeling more confident and more are now planning future developments. Over the same period the Council has continued its quick handling of planning applications. For more information on planning and development statistics for Spelthorne see the Council’s Annual Monitoring Report 2011. Website feedback volunteers needed We are looking for people to help us improve our website.  If you are interested in giving us your views about the current Spelthorne website please e-mail us at news@spelthorne.gov.uk MEND - get active get healthy What: MEND graduate programme When: Mondays 6-7pm from 31 October Where: Bishop Wand School, Laytons Lane, Sunbury, TW16 6LT Contact: call 01784 446433 to book your place Cost: free We have capacity for approximately 20 children and places, although they are free, do need to be booked. The programme is suitable for anyone who has attended MEND or is struggling to maintain a healthy weight aged 10-15 years, and they must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Spelthorne Santa Sprint 2011 Join the 2011 Spelthorne Santa Sprint.  The entry fee is £8.50 for adults and £5.50 for children.  Santa Suits are included and there will be medals for all finishers. Runners are welcome to take part and support a charity of their choice and sponsor forms will be provided. The race will take place at 9.30am on Sunday 4 December. Come along, dress up as Santa and take part in the 1.5 mile fun run/walk through the centre of Staines. The event is suitable for all ages, although under 11’s must be accompanied by an adult. For further information or to book your place please contact Customer Services on 01784 451499 or register online   New Junior Badminton Club Are you aged 11-16 years and interested in learning to play Badminton? Sessions are being held on Monday evenings from 6pm-8pm (session cost £5) at Spelthorne Leisure Centre. Why not come along and try the first week free of charge. Contact Vanessa on 07814 101483 or e-mail Law.vanessa@hotmail.com for more information.      Members vote Spelthorne Leisure Centre as the best Spelthorne Leisure Centre recently won two awards in the Members Choice Health Club Awards 2011, winning the Best Club in the UK with 2000 or more members and the South East (North) gold award. Luke Charlton, Fitness Manager at Spelthorne Leisure Centre said: “We are delighted to have won these awards as they are voted for by our members. We have worked hard over the last couple of years trying to change perceptions of Spelthorne Leisure Centre and this is a good sign we are on the right track. The feedback gained will be a great help in improving our services further.” A complete list of all the winners can be found on the health club of the year awards website (external website) Spelthorne Allotment Awards This year’s Allotment Awards took place at the Council Offices on 28 September. Deputy Mayor of Spelthorne, Councillor Robin Sider and Chief Executive, Roberto Tambini, presented certificates and awards in recognition of the best kept allotments. In particular, the judges were looking for allotment holders who were making the most of their plots and incorporating environmentally friendly elements such as composting, water butts and bird baths.   The results were:- Ashford Close First Prize Mrs Chew Second Prize Mrs Mason Ashford Clumps First Prize Mr Dickinson Second Prize Mr Dickinson Commercial Road First Prize Mr Church Second Prize Mr Westwood Groveley Road First Prize Mr Nicolletti Second Prize Mrs Fansa Halliford Close First Prize Mrs Bailiwick Second Prize Mr Prendergast London Road First Prize Mr Cookson Second Prize Mr Clements Moor Lane First Prize Mr Salmon Second Prize Mr Monk Shortwood North First Prize Mrs Caitling Second Prize Mrs Millard Stanwell Cemetery First Prize Mr Cliffe Second Prize Miss Norris Sunbury Cemetery First Prize Mrs Arnold Second Prize Mr Parrish Vineries, Spout Lane First Prize Mr Prasad Second Prize Mr Prasad Shepperton Village First Prize Mr Tanner Second Prize Mrs Clancy Oakhall First Prize Mrs Bamford Second Prize Mr Tuffney Bishop wand shortlisted for an award Bishop Wand have been shortlisted for the final of the O2 Learn Awards and they need your vote. You can view their short film 'Rocket Science' and vote for their video on www.o2learn.co.uk (external website) Classical music concerts at the Riverside Arts Centre Sunbury & Shepperton Arts Association (SSAA) presents the first of its autumn 2011 concerts at 11am on Saturday 8 October at the Riverside Arts Centre, 59 Thames Street, Lower Sunbury.   It is a performance by Christine Townsend, violin, and Stephen Robbings, piano, who will perform works by Russian composers including Tchaikovsky (Scherzo and Melody Op.42) and Schumann (Sonata in D minor Op.121.) Tickets cost £7.50 and are available via the box office on 01932 782788 or on the door. For further information contact Vicki Lenoel on 01932 784357 vicki@lenoelpr.demon.co.uk Brooklands College open days Brooklands College is holding a number of open events for people interested in joining full-time courses:- Ashford Campus Thursday 10 November - 5.30-8.30pm Weybridge Campus Tuesday 18 October - 5.30-8.30pm Saturday 14 January 2012 - 10am-1pm For more information call 01932 797 797 or visit www.brooklands.ac.uk (external website) Mayor's engagements The Mayor, Councillor Sam Budd, will be undertaking the following official engagements:- 90th Anniversary of Weybridge Male Voice Choir at Christ the Prince of Peace Church, Weybridge Rotary GSE exchange students from India One to One AGM Service for the Judiciary SCC Holy Trinity Church, Guildford Manor Mead School, opening of extended classrooms (Councillor Sider attending) 90th Anniversary of Royal British Legion, Guildford Cathedral 'My Spelthorne' My Spelthorne allows you to find out about the services and facilities in our Borough.  Simply set a location and use the My House, My Nearest or My Maps tabs to access a wealth of local information. Recent planning applications The provides a list of all the planning applications either validated or decided by us each week - view the planning applications Events View the calendar of events Job vacancies Current vacancies Calendar of Council Meetings View the calendar of Council Meetings Publications Borough Bulletin Rubbish and recycling calendar Follow us on Twitter You can now follow us on Twitter, visit http://twitter.com/spelthornebc (external website) Find us on Facebook You can now find us on Facebook - visit www.facebook.com (external website) and search for 'Spelthorne Council'. Roadworks in Spelthorne Surrey County Council's website (external website) provides information on roadworks in Spelthorne. Useful contacts for those having difficulty in the downturn Money worries information page Age Concern (external website) - 0800 009966 Citizens Advice Bureau (external website) - 01784 444220 or 01932 765041 Revenues Team (Council Tax and Business Rates) - 01784 446490 Housing Section - 01784 446380 Housing Benefits - 01784 446374 Partner links Community web (external website) DirectGov (external website) Spelthorne Neighbouhood Watch (external website) Spelthorne Together (external website) Surrey County Council (external website) Surrey Alert (external website) Surrey Police (external website) Media links Radio Jackie (external website) Star FM (external website) BBC Sussex and Surrey (external website) Eagle Radio(external website) Radio Wey (external website) Staines and Ashford News (external website) Staines People (external website)

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