Our goal was and is to produce a lively and regularly updated site that will become a valuable community resource for all Outwood residents, organisations and friends of the village.

The site is intended to be a valuable addition to our existing local village newsletter, the Outwood News, which is already an essential village resource. While the Parish Council has provided a small amount of initial funding for the website (domain name and website hosting subscription fees), it is by no means intended to be a "mouthpiece" for the Council, but an all-inclusive resource for villagers and village organisations.

What's New?

Some of you may remember the 'old' village website. You'll see that this 're-launched' version has a lot more content, easier navigation and an all-round better look and feel.

For first-timers, you may find that one of the most useful starting points is the Village Diary - a one-stop shop for the key events taking place in the village each year. Say goodbye to clashing functions or surprise committee meetings - now you've no excuse!

Travel around the site a bit and you'll also find information on the work of the Parish Council; what's going on at our village hall, the Lloyd Hall (together with full information on bookings and prices); contributions from a number of village organisations; and links to several other relevant websites. Play around with the site - it won't bite you!

And, finally, please remember - this is a work in progress. While 'surfing' the site, if you think of any gaps, or areas that can be improved, or if you have any general suggestions or comments, do please let us know - see the Web Designers page for contact details. We'd also more than welcome any offers of help in developing the site - especially from the younger members of our community!

Recycling banks to be removed from some car parks

Over the summer, paper, card and bottle recycling banks are being removed from some car parks in the Tandridge district.

As residents have fortnightly recycling collections and there is no limit to how much recycling a resident puts out, additional banks in car parks are no longer needed.

There are also problems with people vandalising the banks, or leaving other rubbish beside them, which is flytipping and is a criminal offence. By removing these banks, the Council will save £50,000 a year on maintenance costs and expenses related to flytipping removal.

Residents can put excess recycling in a clear plastic bag beside their recycling bin on their fortnightly collection day. If they regularly have too much recycling, they can order another free recycling bin. Residents can also put textiles, batteries and small electrical items in tied carrier bags and put them next to their bin on their scheduled weekly collection day.

Private businesses and traders are using these recycling banks even though they are supposed to have a commercial waste contract to dispose of their waste. Businesses do not pay for waste collection through their business rates and not all businesses even pay business rates. Households pay for waste collection through their council tax.

Chair of Community Services, Councillor Jackie Wren, said: “Every week, I am contacted about vandalism and flytipping problems at recycling banks in car parks. Removing these banks will save the Council £50,000 a year on maintenance and flytipping removal costs and free up car park spaces. The savings will allow the Council to maintain essential services.

We’ve made it easy and convenient for residents to recycle as much as they can. Instead of making a trip to the local car park, residents can simply put their recycling in the bin provided and have it collected fortnightly from the edge of their home. Plus, residents can even order another recycling bin for free.

To check what can be recycled please visit our website at www.tandridge.gov.uk/recycle.”

 “Ends”

For more information contact Giuseppina Valenza or Katharine Beynon communications@tandridge.gov.uk or 01883 732704/2962.

Party spokesperson: Councillor Catherine Sayer (Residents’ Alliance) 07967 148557, Councillor Jeffrey Gray (Lib Dem) 07968 278465, Councillor Robin Bloore (Con) 07860 809966, Councillor Martin Allen (Ind) 01959 577201.

FROM SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL RE PARKING ENFORCEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MAINTENANCE

On Street Parking Enforcement- Town and Parish Briefing 2

9^th March 2023

Website updates

We now have an updated Parking landing page with some holding information.

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/parking/changes-to-parking

This page will be updated and will provide links to apply for parking services and report parking issues from April 1^st onwards.

Operational updates

• An all-electric vehicle fleet has been ordered including cars, mopeds and e-bikes
• NSL have an extensive recruitment drive for CEOs to ensure adequate enforcement from April 1st.
• Enforcement routes and schedules are being planned around the county picking up on data provided by the D&Bs in many cases.
• A new web based resident permit system is being set up – residents in existing permit schemes will be contacted by letter from 13th March advising them how to renew and apply for permits

The following activities will be carried out by NSL:

• Parking Enforcement and day to day operations
• Processing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) and dealing with enquiries about them
• Managing resident parking permits and dealing with enquiries about them
• Arranging parking suspensions and waivers
• Taking payments for PCNs, permits and other services
• Operation of pay and display machines

A new SCC team (The Parking Enforcement Team) will be set up in The Parking and Traffic Enforcement Team to work with NSL and do the following:

• Deal with enquiries about parking enforcement
• Financial control and contract monitoring
• Formal appeals against PCNs
• Parking enforcement policy

In the meantime, if you need further information or have a question, please contact the SCC Project Manager, Caroline Goodchild (caroline.goodchild@surreycc.gov.uk). We will respond to points raised in future updates and with FAQ responses.

Environmental Maintenance Transfer- Town and Parish Briefing 2

9^th March, 2023

Comms update:

• “News and Updates” box on Surrey County Council Homepage (Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)
• Link to the new Environmental Maintenance update page- Growing Surrey’s grass verges wild for bees and flowers. The whole grass cutting area on our website will be updated from April 1^st onwards.
• Article in Greener Matters- Read the latest edition of Greener Matters (ddlnk.net)
• Article in Surrey Matters- Surrey Matters magazine - Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)
• Bus stop posters going out to 300 sites

Service update:

We’ve used an FAQ approach to provide further information regarding the service itself. If there are other questions you would like an answer to, please contact the SCC Project Manager, Caroline Goodchild (caroline.goodchild@surreycc.gov.uk).

Q: What will we do as part of the Environmental Maintenance Service?

A: Cutting of Highways grass verges, weed spraying and treatment of noxious weeds. There will be 4 urban cuts, 2 rural cuts and 1 weed spray treatment per annum across all areas.

Q: When will the grass cutting take place?

A: Sightlines at junctions will be cut as often as necessary for safety.  The main cutting season is from April to September although we may start cutting as early as March with a final cut as late as October. We cannot give specific dates for when we will cut the grass as it depends on weather conditions, how fast the grass grows subject and operational considerations. Programmes will be available on our website by April 1^st.

Q: What are the advantages of less cuts?

A: Increases plant and insect biodiversity, encourages wildlife, allows wild flowers to thrive and more

carbon absorption- all of which helps us to achieve a greener future for Surrey.

Q: Why do we not pick up grass cuttings?

A: Raking up, loading, transporting and getting rid of grass cuttings increases the cost of the grass cutting substantially. This is something we could do in the future but at this moment in time we will not be doing this.

Q: What if a resident wants to maintain their own grass verge?

A: Owners or occupiers of properties next to the highway can apply for a cultivation licence to plant and maintain shrubs, plants or grass at that location. More information on this can be found here.

FROM SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL RE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

The admission arrangements for Surrey's community and voluntary controlled schools for 2024 were determined by Surrey's Full Council on 8 February 2023. The following documents, which set out Surrey's arrangements, are available in full on the Surrey County Council website www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/admissions/arrangements-and-outcomes/determined-arrangements.

• Admission arrangements for community & voluntary controlled schools
• APPENDIX 1 - Published admission numbers (PANs)
• APPENDIX 2 - Schools which will operate shared sibling priority for admissions
• APPENDIX 3 - Catchment map for Southfield Park Primary School
• APPENDIX 4 - Catchment map for Stamford Green Primary School
• APPENDIX 5 – Catchment map for Walton on the Hill Primary School
• APPENDIX 6 - Supplementary form for children applying on the basis of social/medical need
• APPENDIX 7 - Supplementary form for children of staff

As part of the determination the following changes have been applied:

1. Southfield Park Primary School – extension of the catchment area as a replacement for priority on the basis of ‘nearest school’ and amendment of the tie breaker within catchment so that children living closer to the school receive higher priority
2. Stamford Green Primary School – introduction of a catchment area to replace priority on the basis of ‘nearest school’
3. Beauclerc Infant School – reduction in published admission number for Reception from 40 to 30
4. Farncombe Infant School – reduction of published admission number for Reception from 50 to 30

Any person or body who considers that any aspect of these admission arrangements are unlawful or not in compliance with the School Admissions Code or relevant law relating to admissions, can make an objection to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator.  Objections must be referred by 15 May 2023 and further information on how to make an objection can be obtained from the Office of the Schools Adjudicator

LOCAL ELECTIONS

ELECTION TIMETABLE

Publication of Notice of Election	Tuesday 21st March
Close of Nominations	4pm Tuesday 4th April
Notification of appointment of election agents	4pm Tuesday 21st March
Publication of statement of persons nominated	4pm Wednesday 5th April
Deadline for applications to register to vote	Monday 17th April
Deadline for new postal vote applications/changes to existing postal of proxy vote applications	5pm Tuesday 18th April
Publication of notice of poll/situation of polling stations	Tuesday 25th April

Nomination Papers will be available shortly from Tandridge District Council offices in Oxted.

If there are more candidates than seats available there will be a contested election.  If there are fewer candidates than seats available, or the exact number of candidates to fill the vacancies, there will be no election and everyone that has submitted a valid nomination will become a Parish Councillor in an uncontested election.  If there are fewer candidates than seats, the vacancies will be filled by co-option after the first meeting of the council (providing it is quorate, in Outwood's case 3 members required).

Ultimately, democracy is served through elections, and that requires local residents to step forward with a wish to serve their local community.

IF YOU WANT GATWICK AIRPORT NEWS AND UPDATES

To receive Gatwick Airport’s regular digital newsletter to stay updated with airport news for local residents, you will need to sign up at www.gatwickairport.com/communitynewsletter Please share with your friends and neighbours.

FROM TANDRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL

Tandridge District Council will be hosting an event at Oxted Library on Wednesday 22 March at 10:30 to 12pm. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the key support services available to residents specifically the elderly, vulnerable and hard to reach.

Detailed below are the agencies in attendance. You are very welcome to come along to the event.

• Surrey Trading Standards - Frauds and Scams
• Surrey Fire and Rescue - Safe and Well visits
• Surrey Police - home security advice
• Mole Valley Life - Independent living
• Citizens Advice Bureau - Energy Advice
• Tandridge Voluntary Action - Befriending service
• Wellbeing Prescription - Wellbeing advice
• Age UK Surrey - Support services for older people
• Surrey Coalition for Disabled People/Tech to Connect - combating social isolation using technology
• East Surrey Rural Transport - Community Transport in Tandridge
• Tandridge District Council – Community Safety
• Oxted Library – Warm hub/community events

IN THE KNOW SURREY - NEIGHBOURHOOD ALERD

We have noticed an increase in the number of ‘close pass’ incidents lately, with reports both of horses running loose on country roads, and of drivers passing too close to riders.

We investigate every report we’re made aware of. If you’re a driver and come across horses running loose in the road, or a rider who has been involved in a close pass incident, we strongly encourage you report it to us. Riders can also use the Horse i app to report incidents to the British Horse Society: https://www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding/report-an-incident/incident-report-form/

Tips for drivers:

🐎 Slow down to a maximum of 10mph when passing horses in the road.

🐎 Please don’t sound the horn or rev your engine around horses.

🐎 If safe to do so please put at least 2 metres between yourself and the horse when passing.

Tips for riders:

🐎 Make sure you and your horse wear high vis clothing when out riding so you can both be clearly seen.

🐎 Consider wearing a body camera to capture any evidence of dangerous driving on the roads.

Rural Crime Officer PC Laura Rowley says “As road users we all need to work together to provide a safe environment for everyone, including vulnerable road users. I would urge anyone with information to contact us or, if you don’t wish to speak to police, to contact independent charity Crimestoppers.”

FROM SURREY POLICE

Dear Neighbourhood Watch Member, We are writing to advise you that keyless car theft is unfortunately on the rise in Surrey. Any vehicle with a keyless entry or start system is at risk of being stolen. The most targeted vehicles in Surrey have historically been Range Rovers (especially Sport models), Mercedes and BMWs. A keyless entry system allows the car to unlock when the fob is nearby, without pressing a button. Likewise, a keyless start system involves pushing a button to start the car without the need to insert a key. Vehicles are most likely to be stolen overnight from residential driveways using relay theft. This is when thieves use a device to boost the signal between car and car key, tricking the car into thinking the key is nearby. This allows thieves to unlock, start, and drive a vehicle away without needing to steal the keys. Surrey Police is proactively targeting believed car thieves, but we also wanted to write to our Neighbourhood Watch Members to make sure you are aware of this current trend. We hope that you can help us reduce thefts by informing and encouraging your communities to make their vehicles a less attractive target to organised criminals. We ask all owners of keyless vehicles to follow these simple precautions: 1. Store all keys and spares in signal blocking pouches, also called faraday bags. The seams wear over time, and this can impact the effectiveness of this pouch, so remember to periodically check that it works. 2. Use a steering wheel lock where possible, especially overnight. 3. If you have access to a secure garage, use it whenever possible. Based on current trends, your vehicle is unlikely to be stolen from a garage by keyless methods. 4. Does your car have a tracker installed? If so, make sure it’s activated and that you have any relevant apps installed. Trackers to suit a variety of budgets are also available if your car doesn’t come fitted with one as standard. 5. If you would like to invest in additional security, consider an aftermarket immobiliser. Regardless of how the thief gains access to a vehicle, these immobilisers are designed to prevent it being driven without an extra step –such as a secondary fob or a code. We recommend using products that are ‘Secured by Design’ police preferred specification. These items have been tested and certified to a recognised standard to ensure effectiveness. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. You can find further information on keyless vehicle theft here. Surrey Police

NEW TRIM TRAIL

History

Three years ago the National Trust kindly surfaced a section of Outwood Common between Outwood Butchers and Church Walk. As us Outwoodians know only too well, the thick clay soils during the winter months makes many areas almost unpassable, so this new path was extremely popular.

Prior to the pandemic, Outwood Parish Council were investigating ways in which they could improve the health and wellbeing for locals and our small numbers of visitors. It’s well understood that being out in nature, is good for our mental health and a healthy body helps promote a healthy mind. The addition of something that has the potential to improve fitness whilst outside seemed very appealing.

Parish Council, worked extremely hard to agree terms with the National Trust and also secure grant funding to meet the majority of the costs.

Health

Trim trails are growing in popularity due to their ability to offer diverse benefits for all ages. Working with the National Trust and Andy Wright, (formally of the National Trust, but now running his own business, Conservation and Access), various options and styles were considered before deciding a natural looking trim trail would best suit Outwood’s rural environment.

Sustainability

The timber was purchased from sustainable woodlands locally, near Dorking. Many people wonder why we didn’t use the ash trees that had to be felled due to disease. Unfortunately ash timber is no where near as durable as the Douglas fir we used. The douglas should be good for 15yrs plus, whereas the ash would be unstable within 5yrs.

Enjoyment and benefits

Given that these logs don’t represent anything, (e.g. a pirate ship), there is an opportunity for young people to be creative in how they interpret the structures for play.

Those who want a cardio workout can vigorously use a trim-trail, whereas for others there are benefits from simply balancing along the logs. Balance training becomes increasingly beneficial as we age. Better balance leads to fewer falls and associated injuries.

We hope everyone will enjoy this new resource on Outwood Common. Please come along to the opening ceremony on Thursday 15^th September 6.30pm on the new path just behind Outwood Butchers shop.

 

FINANCIAL HELP FOR RESIDENTS TO MAINTAIN AND ADAPT THEIR HOWN HOMES

 An increased number of vulnerable and disabled residents on low incomes may soon be eligible for financial support to rectify serious disrepair or to adapt their homes, under changes we’re proposing to our Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy.

 

These changes will provide even more targeted financial help to enable more residents to live safely and independently in their own homes.

 

Vulnerable and disabled residents who live in council homes receive help and support through other means, so aren’t eligible under this policy.

 

We’d like residents’ thoughts on our proposals and you can have your say by completing our online survey by 5pm on Friday 12 August 2022.  

 

If you know someone who doesn’t have access to the internet, but would like to give their thoughts, please e-mail grantsconsultation@tandridge.gov.uk and we will arrange for them to receive a paper copy of the survey.

 

FROM SURREY POLICE

KEYLESS VEHICLE THEFT ADVICE

Keyless Vehicle Theft Crime Prevention What can I do? Keep Car Keys Safe Whilst at home keep your car keys away from the car to disrupt communication range. Avoid leaving them near your door and windows.   Use a signal-blocking pouch The pouch can block the transmission of the signal from the car key once inside the pouch   Turn off the fob’s wireless signal Wireless signals on some keyless fobs can be turned off. Look in your car manual to see if this is possible. If not, contact your vehicle manufacturer.   Re-programme your keys This erases the code from the car key to the car itself. This will mean a spare car key that is not in your possession can no longer be paired with your car leaving it susceptible to theft. Contact your local Master Locksmith Association (MLA) approved auto locksmith – www.locksmith.co.uk/services/auto-locksmith/ for quotes.   On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Port Some thefts involve thieves breaking into the vehicle and accessing the OBD port to start the car. Below are a few options that may help secure your vehicle from this method of theft: ·  Contact your local dealership or an auto electrician to relocate the OBD port in your vehicle. ·  Consider the use of a OBD port protective cover or lock guard ·  Consider a remote central locking keyless system upgrade or an upgraded immobiliser system to protect your vehicle. This can be very costly and only to be considered for higher end prestige vehicles.   Steering wheel lock Strongly consider reintroducing a steering wheel lock to your vehicle. This can be an effective tool in the fight against keyless thefts, purely for the reason that it cannot be compromised via technology!   Parking ·  If you have a garage, use it to secure your vehicle in. ·  If you park on the driveway, park as close to the property as you can ·  If you have more than one vehicle on your driveway park the less desirable vehicle infront of the more desirable vehicle to block its access.   Thatcham Research Consumer security Rating Thatcham’s consumer security rating keeps drivers informed of the theft risk of new cars and assesses a new vehicle all-round security. This can be a handy tool to check before purchasing a vehicle. You can access the information via www.thatcham.org/what-we-do/security/consumer-rating/   Note – As with any additional security for vehicles, try to purchase devices that are: ·  Thatcham quality assured – www.thatcham.org ·  Sold Secure tested – www.soldsecure.com Secured by Design approved – www.secured

Doorstep Crime:

Sussex and Surrey police have seen a number of recent reports of rogue trader fraud. One victim, a 94-year-old woman from West Surrey reported having a male knock on her door offering to jet wash her driveway. The male claimed it would cost £750
but would mean she didn’t have weeds growing on her driveway for up to 5 years. Sounding like a good deal the
victim explained she did not have this much to hand and would need time to withdraw it. The males tried to pressure the victim into withdrawing more cash immediately but then settled on taking £150 cash and returning another evening to complete the works. The
victim handed over £150 cash trusting these males would return. They didn’t return.

How to protect yourself:

·  Do not engage with cold callers

·  Always shop around for the best price; obtain more than one quote for work to compare prices and products

·  Always check traders or doorstep callers’ identity; ask to see ID, check the traders is a member of a reputable trade body

·  Do not hand over a cash deposit or pay in full before any work has been completed

·  Double check facts and read the small print; make sure you fully understand the cost, what work is expected, time scales and
service expectations. Carefully check any contracts you are asked to sign to ensure you are happy with the terms and conditions.

·  Its ok to say no, do not feel pressured into making a quick agreement or decision. Remember its your doorstep and your
decision.

Ticket Fraud:

A 62-year-old woman from Sussex reported a ticketing scam. The victim saw 2 concert tickets advertised on Facebook marketplace and took interest. The seller offered 2 tickets for £100 and claimed he would send them via recorded delivery. The victim asked to pay via PayPal, but the seller asked for a bank transfer only. The victim transferred £100 to the seller under the impression he was posting the tickets to her. The victim after a few days started to grow suspicious when no tickets arrived. The victim questioned the seller’s authenticity and he claimed if the tickets had got lost it was her problem. The victim was later blocked by the seller and realised she had been scammed.

How to protect yourself:

·  Only buy tickets from the venue box office, promoter, official agent or reputable ticket exchange site.

·  Paying by credit card offers better protection, so use it where you can check sellers’ reviews online, have others reported to not receive the ticket / item they purchased? Do others suggest to stay clear?

·  If you are buying from an individual, always pay safely. Do not bank transfer, instead use a credit card or a safe payment site that offers you protection.

·  Confirm the event details are the same as the event advertisement, check the date, time, location, and seating options.

·  It is always safest to book tickets through official sellers that are members of the self-regulatory body the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR), as anything else could be a scam.

·  If a site shows the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) logo, you can check if they really are members by contacting STAR directly.

Fake HMRC letters:

Sussex and Surrey Police have seen several reports recently from victims reporting to have received a letter claiming to be from HMRC. The letter details that the victim has overpaid on their tax and is due a refund. The letter states that a cheque has been sent to a particular company for them to receive the refund on the victim’s behalf and to redeem their refund the victim must fill in an online form with the company giving all their personal and financial details.

How to protect yourself:

·  Contact HMRC to check the communication you have received is genuine. Contact information for HMRC can be found on Gov.uk.

·  Do not provide any personal or financial details via a link given, cold call or email.

·  Never use the contact details provided in the letter to check authenticity, always find genuine contact details online.

·  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Holiday Booking:

If you are planning to book a holiday this summer, here is how you can keep yourself protected from fraudulent holiday offers.

·  Book a holiday directly with an airline, hotel, or a travel agent. Check whether they’re a member of the Association of British Travel Agents.

·  If booking through a holiday homeowner or letting agent; ask them questions about the booking, room, location, and area. And be extra cautious if asked to pay by cash or bank transfer.

·  Always pay via credit or with debit card for extra protection.

·  Do not reply to unsolicited emails, texts, calls or social media contact with out of the blue holiday offers.

·  Always check that the website you are booking on has a padlock icon in the address bar.

·  Check reviews online for holiday homeowners, booking sites and holiday adverts before booking.

Have you been a victim of fraud?

·  Surrey Police on 101 or visit www.surrey.police.uk 

·  Sussex Police on 101 or visit www.sussex.police.uk

If you or someone you know is vulnerable and has been a victim of fraud call:

Report fraud or attempted fraud, by contacting Action Fraud at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or call 0300 123 2040.

END OF YEAR ACCOUNTS

If you would like a copy of the end of year accounts and reports, please contact the Clerk on parish.clerk@outwood.org