We were delighted to welcome PC Hawkes to the meeting. He gave an update on criminal activity in Elstead and answered questions. He warned villagers to be on their guard against bogus callers following an incident where an elderly resident was tricked into allowing a petty thief into his house after he claimed he was from the water board. He asked everyone to always insist on seeing official identification from people asking to gain access to the house and that if in doubt, call their office to double check. Bone fide officials will not mind if you do this. He also warned villagers to be wary of buying products from door-to-door salesman - known as Nottingham Knockers - because they are often just checking to see if anyone is at home.

The Council discussed the annual problem of autumn leaves as many householders struggle to know what to do with them once collected. Waverley Borough Council has asked if there would be enough interest in the Parish Council organising a one-off village autumn leaf collection service which could be advertised in the Village News. Please contact any Parish Councillor if you would find such a service useful.

Councillor Bryn Morgan brought us up to date with the proposed allotments at Burford Lodge's back land. There is much to consider, including car parking, protective fencing, water supplies, composting, allotment furniture and so on. The Allotment Sub Committee will be writing to residents who have expressed interest in having an allotment and also to those living close to the chosen site to keep them up to date with progress.

With so much interest in the petition organised by Councillor Anne Thomas for a pedestrian crossing - 900 plus signatures, plus public support by MP Jeremy Hunt - she was able to report that John Hilder, Highways Manager for Surrey County Council, had carried out a site visit. Sadly, following his assessment of the configuration of side roads - Springhill/Hookley Lane and Broomfield - and the bus stop, he did not think a pedestrian crossing was going to be possible in that location. He is considering a pedestrian refuge and a possible site is still under investigation.

The Council agreed to contribute the necessary funds to the British Legion to clean Elstead's War Memorial and to add additional lettering.

The next meeting is at 7.30 pm on 16^th March 2009 at the URC Hall, Milford Road, Elstead. The public is welcome and anyone wishing to raise a matter relating to Council business is able to do so at 8 pm. See you there!