Inspector Graham Weaver and PC Sam Barnett were guests at our last Parish Council meeting . They reported that crime statistics are down for this year in Elstead which they hope is maintained for the future. Councillors explained that it would be beneficial if the police showed a presence in the village on a more regular basis particularly visiting shops and businesses. The Inspector also agreed to make inquiries on our behalf into the trespassing on the Village Green and racing in the road by pony and trap owners (see later paragraph). We also raised the problems of cyclists riding on pavements and cars parking on pavements. Finally the Inspector advised that PC Barnett would be going on maternity leave but she does intend to return as our community officer

We wish to remind clubs, societies and organisations that fly posting is not permitted in the village. Posters may be put up at the three road entrances to the village and full use may be made of the Parish Council Notice Boards. There is no objection to posters being displayed on private property or in gardens. A new notice board is to be erected soon at the Thursley Rd Recreation Ground

A record thirty- three people came on the Parish Walk in August and enjoyed exploring the footpaths and bridleways on Elstead and Ockley Common discovering some of the local history of our village. See below for the next Parish Walk on 1^st October.

We were astonished at the presence on a recent Saturday of 14 pony and traps on the Village Green causing some damage and litter. This is not permitted by the Council and we are making inquiries to prevent future activities taking place.

We made inquiries of Surrey CC Highways as to why the recent footway improvement of Thursley Rd did not extend past the Post Office. The reply said that the condition did not justify repair and limitation of funds causes a strict need to decide on the basis of priorities.

The construction of the new pavilion is well underway and we were most pleased that the top soil from the footings has been used to level the depression in the ground on the Peat Common side. Passers by will have seen that the grass sown by Mr Murphy is already showing a healthy green.

Denis Holmes Chairman

The next walk is on Saturday 1^st October at 10.00am starting at Hankley Common MOD car park  (turn right off Thursley Rd at Truxford Farm and car park is about half a mile on the left). We will visit the Atlantic Wall and the paths in the area around the Lions Mouth.

Denis Holmes Chairman

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