At the second AGM of Leatherhead Area Partnership held on Thursday 6th November 2008, Chairman Colin Langley reported on the progress of the projects highlighted by the Leatherhead Tomorrow Healthcheck.
The Riverside Improvements
The Riverside improvements were largely completed by the end of July. This has provided the resurfaced path between the Town and Thorncroft bridges, where access has been improved, and the new path to the Football Club, where disabled parking is to be provided. Four new benches, litter bins and eight wildlife information boards have been installed, the latter at sites between Young Street and Fetcham Splash. Landscaping has opened up new vistas to the river and some new tree planting will complete the project this autumn. Current usage, including cyclists, is being monitored to compare with that for the three months before commencement.
For fuller details on the improvements and walks along the River Mole please click here.
SEEDA-funded Projects
The two SEEDA matched funded projects have made good progress. Di Stirling has facilitated with Surrey Passenger Transport Group the improvements at bus stops and shelters along the 479 route, the installation of real-time information on the buses, soon to be activated, and the planned improved timetable information, route maps and fare charges which will be distributed to households and businesses served by the route.
John Howarth has organised the research into the feasibility for a social enterprise at the Clubhouse, which they are now assessing. He, with the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link are initiating a Business Support programme for micro and start up businesses. An opening event recently took place at the theatre.
Progress on other projects
In addition the Chairman was also pleased to report on the following Healthcheck project ideas:
A Mole Valley Credit Union, in association with Guildford and Woking, will be launched shortly.
The Leatherhead Residents Association continues to grow its membership cover of the town.
Increased parking capacity is available in the Station Road and Randalls Road/Bull Hill car parks.
Landscaping and facilities have been improved in the Red House Grounds and King George V Gardens.
A Sunday rail service now runs to Guildford.
Improvements have been made at the three railway stations
Imminent approval (hopefully) is to be given for the skateboard park in Ashtead
The arrival of the Ashtead & Leatherhead Local has answered the need for a community magazine.
Consultation on the location of new cycle racks is nearing completion and is being passed to Mole Valley Cycle Forum to implement.
Consultation on the location for seating on walking routes into the town is also almost completed.