We welcomed PC Berridge at the first meeting of 2008. He gave an informative review on policing issues relating to Elstead.  His beat covers five villages, but he is doing his best to create a "police presence" here. Issues raised during a short question time following his presentation included speeding traffic, the difficulty and frustrations of reporting minor crimes to the local police and the increase of noisy and inconsiderately driven motorbikes and cars on Hankley Common. PC Berridge said he can be contacted at the Surrey Police Incident room on  0845 1252 222. Callers asking for him will be put through to his extension, and there is a voicemail facility too.

We are still waiting for the bus stop seat on Milford Road to be installed. Similarly the new piece of playground equipment for the Burford Lodge Playground has yet to be erected. Hopefully, by the time Elstead News goes to press, bus travellers will have somewhere to sit and Elstead's children will have a brand new climbing frame.

I forgot to say in my last report that the picnic benches installed at the two village playgrounds were paid for by an anonymous donor. It was a very kind gesture and much appreciated by parents and carers.

Councillor Denis Holmes reported that the Elstead Garden Club successfully landscaped the Thursley Road Pavilion Car Park by planting over 40 shrubs and trees under the guidance of Designer Jane Henderson. The car park looks great - I am hoping they will do my garden next!