04/01/2023

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 04 JANUARY 2023

KING CARLES III CORONATION From Tandridge District Council Coronation street parties Residents looking to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King on Saturday 6 May 2023 will not be charged road closure fees for street parties in the Tandridge district being planned between Saturday 6 May to Monday 8 May 2023. The road closure application deadline is Friday 24 February and you can find out more information about organising an event here. Please prompt anyone you may know who wishes to apply to close a road for His Majesty The King’s coronation to do so before Friday 24 Februar OUTWOOD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 4TH JANUARY 2023

AGENDA

THE FIRST 15 MINUTES WILLL BE AVAILABLE FOR ANY RELEVANT QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC – IF ANY.  MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO STAY AND OBSERVE THE REST OF THE MEETING.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING 
   1. To approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 7^th September 2022
   2. To approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th September 2022
   3. Matters Arising - not covered elsewhere on the agenda
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
4. COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
5. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS' REPORTS
6. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

1. Application               2022/1120

Proposal                     Demolition of adjacent building. Conversion of existing building to form 3 bedroom dwelling and change of use of land to form residential curtilage

Location                     Flat, Orchard Farm Kennels, Woolborough Lane, Outwood, RH1 5QR

2. Application               2022/1150

Proposal                     Erection of a single storey side extension with hitched roof to the front and flat roof to the rear

Location                     Hayloft, Millers Lane, Outwood RH1 5PU

3. Application               2022/1296

Proposal                     Demolition of dwelling.  Construction of replacement dwelling

Location                     Cherrytrees, Daysey’s Hill, Outwood

7. LAW AND ORDER
   1. Police
   2. Neighbourhood Watch
   3. Speedwatch
8. REPORTS
   1. National Trust
   2. Highways
   3. Lloyd Hall
   4. Aviation and Transport
   5. Community Matters
      1. To consider request from Salfords & Sidlow Residents re Ivy Hatch
9. FINANCE
   1. To approve List of Payments   - to be paid by BACS from Unity Trust
   2. Consideration of Budget for the financial year 2023/24 and set Precept to be levied on Tandridge District Council
   3. Grant Applications:
      1. St. John the Baptist, Outwood
   4. Banking – Update
   5. To ratify Assets Register
   6. To note and approve NALC recommendation for salary increase backdated to 1 April 2022
10. TO CONSIDER REQUEST OF ASSISTANCE FROM SALFORDS AND SIDLOW RESIDENTS
11. TO CONSIDER SPEAKER FOR ANNUAL VILLAGE MEETING
12. TO CONSIDER ACTIONS FOR CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III
13. TO APPROVE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION POLICY – previously circulated
14. TO CONSIDER CHANGE OF DATE FOR NEXT MEETING – due to Clerk’s absence
15. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING

 

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!

LATEST NEWS

Tandridge’s Household Support Fund opens on 12 December

On Monday 12 December at 9.30am, residents with low incomes can apply for a small grant from the Tandridge Household Support Fund. This fund aims to help residents who may be facing financial pressures due to the rising cost of living.

 

As funding is limited, we will only accept applications from people who haven’t already received a grant from this fund. On Monday 12 December at 9.30am, please apply quickly as the funding will close when all the money has been allocated.

 

The dedicated webpage has details about:

• Who can apply.
• How you apply.
• What information will need to be submitted with the form. Applicants, must upload three months of bank statements from September to November 2022. 
• The assessment process.
• How payments will be made.

Paper copies of the form are not available and will not be accepted, so we are encouraging family and neighbours to help residents who don’t have access to the internet to complete the form on their behalf. The Westway Centre in Caterham and Citizens Advice Bureau can complete online applications for residents who don’t have access to the internet.

 

Residents can call the Council Offices and the form will be completed by one of the team, but this may lead to longer call waiting times.

 

For other information and support about the rising cost of living, please visit our website.

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 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