Shepperton Residents’ Association By Richard Hewitt We can look back on another successful Big Tree Night in mid –December but, as the New Year begins we find that there are a lot of things happening in Shepperton which are of interest to many of our residents! Firstly, there are the varied bus operators who have taken over the bus routes previously operated by Abellio. Whilst there are similar timetables to many of the routes there are some serious deficiencies, such as the popular 458 route now operating hourly rather than the previously half-hourly service, and the 555 now going to Terminal 5 rather than Terminal 4 and Hatton Cross. This latter revised routing is far from satisfactory given its use, in particular, by Heathrow workers. The relevant Surrey County Councillors are being pressurised to return the routing to that used previously. Many residents have expressed concerns over the planned closure of Staines Fire Station, therefore, the Borough Council have arranged for a Public Meeting to be held in the Council Chamber on Tuesday 7th February (commencing at 7:30pm) to allow residents and other interested parties to ask questions of the County Councillors and Fire Service personnel in attendance. In advance, County Councillor Richard Walsh, Cabinet Member for Localities and Community Wellbeing, gave the following answer to a query from a resident: “The development of the new fire station ‘Fordbridge’ is still going ahead but has been delayed while we secure the best possible vehicle access to the site. Subject to planning it is anticipated that ‘Fordbridge’ Fire Station will be operational by summer 2018”. We believe that the Cemex proposal to extract gravel at the Watersplash Farm site will now be considered by the County Planning and Regulatory Committee at its February Meeting. We understand that the Environment Please mention Shepperton Matters when responding to adverts
Agency still remain concerned with the proposals for dealing with water contamination and possible flooding problems. Whilst we have very serious traffic concerns with the expected large HGV movements. Meanwhile, the County Council intend installing a Toucan Crossing in Gaston Bridge Road near the junction of the A244 with Green Lane. This was requested by the Association prior to the installation of the Cycle Routing to Walton. As we go to press the Leader of Surrey County Council, David Hodge, has announced a proposal to seek a Council Tax rise of 15%. By the time that you read this the reasons for this increase and how it will be approved will have been formally announced.
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