The December meeting was a lively meeting and many important subjects relating to Elstead village were discussed.

Following the Finance Committee's meeting in November, the Council agreed to support Elstead Village Hall by donating a quarter of the amount it needs in the coming year for capital expenditure projects, for instance renovating the youth centre toilets.

There was good news regarding the playground at Burford Lodge Recreation Ground because a fabulous new piece of play equipment will be installed early in the new year. A spinner bowl will also be erected at the Thursley Road Playground to complement existing facilities. Picnic tables are already in situ and are proving popular with parents and carers.

Floodlights update

The new floodlights installed by Elstead Football Club at Burford Lodge Recreation Ground were switched on for the first time for practice football on Tuesday 13^th November. Unfortunately they were badly aligned, causing excessive light spillage. The residents at Burford Lodge/Lea complained strongly and called in the Waverley Borough Council Environmental Health Officer.

Parish Councillors also visited the site and agreed that immediate adjustments were needed. The lights were re-set to an improved angle and practice has continued to take place on a temporary basis. Two technical officers from WBC have been visiting when the lights have been in action and Parish Councillors have continued to visit the ground to check on the impact of the lights on surrounding properties and the ground itself. The Technical Officers will be sending a report on their findings to both residents and the Council (not yet received at the time of writing). Also on two occasions a floodlight mounting has shifted again causing light overspill and complaints. 

As the Parish Council needs to be completely satisfied with the standard of equipment and that the lighting is right in terms of direction, overspill and intensity, the Parish Clerk is arranging an inspection and a statement by a qualified lighting engineer. The Council will only give a formal licence for usage of lights after an independent assessment has been made and the clearance from Waverley Borough Council Environmental Health Department has been received.

The next meeting is at 7.30 pm on 21^st January 2008 at the URC Hall, Milford Road. The public is welcome to attend our meetings. Anyone wishing to raise a matter relating to Council business is able to do so at 8 pm.

See you there!