Summer 2021 - Spelthorne Borough Council
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Summer 2021 @spelthornebc @spelthornebc @spelthorneboroughcouncil www.spelthorne.gov.uk
Letter from the Leader Contents
Dear Residents, Community
I would like to take this opportunity to say that it is New Mayor 5
truly an honour to have been elected as the new Ferry service: Sunbury to Walton 5
Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council. Meet the town centre manager 20
Thanking local volunteers 20
I am determined to do everything I can to support our
residents and businesses as we take steps to recover Economic Development
from the pandemic. We have a long way to go after so Spelthorne Business Hub 7
many months of disruption, but I give my commitment Business Plan Competition 7
that, as a Council, we will be doing all we can to support every part of the Leisure and Wellbeing
community. Sunbury pool refurbishment 9
I am looking forward to a new chapter for the Council as we implement Girlguiding 9
the Committee system of governance, which came into effect in May Community Wellbeing
following a public consultation. Decisions which were previously taken Community Centres 10
by the Cabinet will now be made by five committees, all with cross-party
representation. I believe this will allow for a broader involvement of all
councillors in decision making and provide a more open, democratic and Annual report 11-18
transparent way of conducting Council business.
Spelthorne is a great place to live and work, and I Iook forward to working Housing
with my fellow councillors and council staff to make sure that we deliver New affordable homes 21
excellent services for every single one of our residents. Facilities for homeless people 21
Cllr Lawrence Nichols, Leader of the Council Environment
Tackling ‘legal highs’ 23
cllr.nichols@spelthorne.gov.uk Recycling rejects 27
Love your green spaces 27
Contacts us:
www.spelthorne.gov.uk
01784 451499
Spelthorne Borough Council,
COVID-19
Council Offices, Knowle Green,
Let’s take this next step, safely.
Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 1XB
Follow us on social media:
@spelthornebc @spelthornebc
@spelthorneboroughcouncil
Spelthorne Borough Council
Sign up to our monthly newsletter:
www.spelthorne.gov.uk/enews
Sign up to the ‘My Alerts’ service:
www.spelthorne.gov.uk/myalerts
Bulletin enquiries: 01784 446297 / 01784 444260
Editors: Jennifer Medcraff / Louise King
Design: Tanya Allen
Cover: Monica Chard, overall winner of Capture
Spelthorne Photography Competition 2020.
Advertising enquiries: Send an email to frontline@
frontlinedesigners.co.uk or call 01342 312570.
The vaccine rollout is continuing at pace in the Borough and if you are eligible, Spelthorne Borough Council does not accept
or know friends or family who are, please book your vaccination so we can all responsibility for, or endorse, any products or
services offered by advertisers.
get protected.
You can book online at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ The Bulletin is available in large
coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ print and on CD. Please email
l.king@spelthorne.gov.uk or call
It is very important to have both vaccines to ensure full protection. Please 01784 444260.
continue to follow the latest government guidance and test regularly, including The Bulletin is our community magazine produced
asymptomatic testing, even if you have been fully vaccinated. by Spelthorne Borough Council, delivered free to
every home in Spelthorne. Circulation 45,000.
For the latest COVID-19 news and updates, including information on testing Printed on recycled paper.
and support available visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/coronavirus
www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 3
Community
A new Mayor
for Spelthorne
Cllr Ian Harvey was elected as the
new Mayor for Spelthorne at the
Annual Council Meeting on 27
May. Cllr Susan Doran was elected
as Deputy Mayor.
Cllr Harvey was first elected as a
borough councillor for Sunbury East in
May 2013 and re-elected in 2015 and
well as the charities that support A new ferry
2019. He has always taken a special
them. For too long, young people
have been marginalised from society
service for Sunbury
interest in ward issues and works
and politics. Ferries from Sunbury across the river
closely with local residents. He was
to Walton operated for hundreds of
Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council “The plight of families with children years and were a vital link for the local
from February 2016 – June 2020. with special educational needs is communities. Sadly, with the advent
also something I wish to focus on. of modern transport, bridges and road
Cllr Harvey has lived in Sunbury-on-
Through no fault of their own, these links, the ferries died out towards the
Thames for 24 years and is married to
families can find themselves with 1970s - until now.
Helen, who is also a local councillor,
little support, fighting for the needs
and they have two sons, Saul and
of their children. I want to redress this Thanks to an initiative by Spelthorne
Gideon.
and afford as much help as possible. Council and the River Thames Task
When time allows, he is a keen Group, a new ferry service has been
“I have not yet finalised my list of introduced for the area.
photographer and also enjoys skiing,
chosen charities, but it is my express
boating and travelling.
intention that organisations which As part of the project, two local
During the meeting, Cllr Ian Harvey support and advocate for young residents, Neil Huntingford and Simon
said: “I thank you for electing me as people will be at the core of my Harris, set up Sunbury Ferry Ltd.
Mayor for 2021/22. I am humbled that fundraising activities. Formed as a not-for-profit community
this position has been entrusted to company, they recruited over two
“I am very honoured to have been dozen local volunteers to operate the
me and I intend to do my very best to
elected and will take the role very ferry service at weekends and public
justify it.
seriously, as I did when I was Leader holidays throughout the summer
“I especially wish to reach out to of the Council. I am very proud of months. Many of the volunteers are
young people via schools, sport, the Borough and aim to be the best already experienced boaters whilst
youth associations and events, as advocate and ambassador possible.” others have taken advantage of the
opportunity to gain a qualification
Contact the Mayor’s office by email mayor@spelthorne.gov.uk through training at Queen Mary
or call 01784 446275
Reservoir.
The Council has provided the initial
funding to get this community
Budget Our aim is to propose future budgets
that match community needs, initiative up and running, with other
consultation protect key services and maintain
financial stability during these
local organisations adding their
support as the project has developed.
Spelthorne Borough Council would challenging times. Keen to be ‘green’, the new ferry is
like to invite people who live and
The consultation will seek feedback powered by a whisper-quiet electric
work in the Borough to tell us their
on ways the Council could contribute engine and crosses the river from the
views on the proposals for the
towards balancing its budget to Sunbury bank opposite the Riverside
2022/2023 budget and beyond. We
understand the needs and priorities Arts Centre, over to the Walton bank
want to know what services are
for communities in the Borough. downstream of Sunbury Lock.
the most important to local people
and how to prioritise and invest in It will ask for your views and It is hoped that the new service will
service delivery so we can make suggestions on issues and options, be used by the local communities as
the best decisions for residents and including our financial strategy, well as attracting visitors to the area
businesses in the Borough. service provision and Council Tax. to enjoy the many amenities on offer.
For further information and how to have your say visit: www.spelthorne.gov.uk/ Visit www.sunburyferry.co.uk for
budgetconsultation more details
www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 5
Economic Development
Spelthorne Capture Spelthorne
2021 Photography
Business Hub competition
Just a reminder, the closing date
The Spelthorne Business Hub on for this year’s Capture Spelthorne
the Hanworth Road in Sunbury photography competition is
was opened on 11 June by the 31 August.
Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr Ian
Harvey.
For full details on the categories,
The Hub opened its doors for the desks and permanent desks. Various prizes and how to enter, visit
first time for local businesses to packages are available, with prices www.spelthorne.gov.uk/capture
look around and meet the team from starting from as little as £99 per
CoTribe CIC who will be running the month, with the following benefits:
service. • 24/7 unlimited access Spelthorne
The Business Hub will provide a
vibrant coworking environment
• superfast WIFI Business
• access to meeting room and break-
for new start-ups and early-stage out spaces Awards
businesses, as well as a base for
• free workshops and seminars There’s still time to enter the
all businesses in Spelthorne to
• access to mentors Spelthorne Business Awards. Big or
access training and support to help
small, we have an award category to
their businesses recover from the • membership to the Spelthorne suit your business!
pandemic. Business Forum
Deadline for entries is 31 July. A
It offers the perfect location for • excellent networking black-tie dinner to announce the
entrepreneurs to develop their ideas opportunities
winners will take place on 14 October.
and turn an innovative spark into a • parking
strong commercial enterprise. To enter, visit
• tea and coffee
The new facility offers serviced for your team and www.spelthorne.gov.uk/SBA
office facilities with a choice of hot visitors
For more details or to arrange a visit, email Spelthorne Council’s Economic Supporting business
Development team at e.development@spelthorne.gov.uk During the Covid pandemic,
Spelthorne Council distributed
over £50m in support grants to
The Spelthorne Business Plan businesses in the Borough.
These financial grants have been
Competition 2021 instrumental in keeping many
of the small businesses based
Are you a budding entrepreneur Den style final, hosted at BP in in Spelthorne afloat during very
with dreams of starting your own Sunbury on 23 September 2021. challenging times. Further support
business? Each of the finalists will be given will be made available for businesses
support to perfect their pitch. during 2021 and continue until the
Kwasi Kwarteng MP is hosting his
end of March 2022.
7th Business Plan Competition Entries are welcome from
in partnership with Spelthorne individuals or teams of up to four The Council has provided regular
Borough Council. If you have a great people. news and updates to businesses
business idea but need some help via social media and the website to
To enter visit www.spelthorne. make them aware of the financial help
to get things off the ground, this
gov.uk/businesscomp or search available. Additionally, the Spelthorne
is an opportunity to give your idea
@Spelthorne Business Plan Business Forum has played a vital
the boost it needs, with a prize of
Competition on Facebook. The role in keeping its members informed
£3,500.
competition is open to Spelthorne about grants and support.
The six best entries will be asked residents aged over 16.
to present their business idea to a To receive updates regarding the
The deadline for applications is 16
panel of expert judges at a Dragons’ support available for businesses,
August 2021.
register with the Spelthorne Business
For more information or help with the application process, email Forum, which is free to join. Visit
karen.porter@parliament.uk www.sbf.biz
www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 7
Leisure and Wellbeing
Leisure Directory –
advertise for free!
Would you like to advertise your
club, activity or group for free in our
Spelthorne Leisure Directory? Visit
our website and simply complete the
online form.
Our Directory contains a huge range
of clubs, social groups and sporting
activities on offer in Spelthorne to
help you make the most of your
leisure time.
Sunbury have been tiled and the pool hall has
undergone complete re-decoration.
Visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/
leisuredirectory
swimming pool Everyone Active is delighted to
be welcoming swimmers back to
refurbishment the centre and, to celebrate the
reopening, are hosting an open
The swimming pools at Sunbury weekend on Saturday 31 July -
Leisure Centre will be re-opening Sunday 1 August. Members and
at the end of July following an non-members will be welcome to try
extensive refurbishment. out the improved pool facilities for
The pools have been closed for over free, along with the centre’s other
a year due to severe damage to the activities including the gym, sports Music in the Parks
tiling during the first Covid lockdown. hall and climbing wall. Sessions will We are hoping that music concerts
Both the main pool and the teaching need to be booked in advance and in The Walled Garden in Sunbury
pool have been completely re-tiled, members will be informed of further will go ahead this summer (Covid-19
the walkways around the pools details in the coming weeks. restrictions permitting). Once we
have further information we will
update the website www.spelthorne.
Girlguiding Guides
Guides have a varied programme
gov.uk/music.
All performances (if they go
Are you looking for a way for your designed to inspire and challenge
girls from 10-14 years, from taking ahead) will start at 2pm. Bring
daughter to make new friends, have your own chairs or picnic blankets
fun and grow her confidence? part in fun activities, to special
events and trips away. and ensure you follow the current
Rainbows Covid-19 guidance. Please note that
Rainbows is for girls aged 5-7 years Rangers performances may be cancelled at
of age. Rainbows learn by doing – For girls aged 14-18, Rangers wear short notice.
they get their hands dirty, do arts and a new uniform, have fun doing
activities together and receive Please visit www.spelthorne.
crafts and play sports and games. gov.uk/music for a list of dates and
recognition for their achievements
Brownies performers
with badges and awards. Rangers
Brownies is about trying new things offers many unique opportunities,
that teach girls aged 7-10 years about including international travel. Cycling for Health
themselves, their community, and
their world. Girlguiding groups meet in several Spelthorne’s Cycling for Health
venues across Spelthorne so if your Scheme offers regular organised
daughter is interested, register on- rides of around 5-12 miles, starting
line at www.girlguiding.org.uk, or within the Borough and riding
email your local district: through surrounding areas. Rides
take place during the week and are
Ashford:
aimed at older adults who are getting
Girlguidingashford@gmail.com
back into cycling. All rides are free of
Shepperton: charge and participants often stop for
Sheppertongirlguiding@gmail.com a drink and a chat after the ride.
Staines: For more information and to book
Stainesdistrict@hotmail.co.uk visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/
cyclingforhealth, email leisure@
Sunbury:
spelthorne.gov.uk or call 01784 446433
GirlguidingSunbury@hotmail.com
www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 9
Community Wellbeing
Spelthorne Rentstart
Rebuilding Lives in our Community
Rentstart is a dedicated Spelthorne
charity for single people and
childless couples who may be
homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Our charity provides advice and
Welcome back to the
assistance to those who live in or
have a connection with Spelthorne,
with the aim of helping them secure
affordable rented accommodation.
Community Centres Our work, run by a great team of
experienced staff and volunteers,
has been more important than ever
We have four Community Centres Fordbridge Community during the pandemic and we have
in Spelthorne which provide a warm continued to help reduce the impact
Centre
and welcoming environment for older of homelessness in our Borough
Clarendon Road, Ashford,
people and the wider community. and support people through these
TW15 2PU
They offer a range of opportunities to difficult times.
socialise, learn new skills and keep fit. 01784 243880
Unfortunately, the centres fordbridgecentre@
spelthorne.gov.uk
were forced to close during the
Coronavirus lockdown but are now
Greeno Community Centre
starting to make plans to reopen
Glebeland Gardens, Shepperton,
where possible and look forward to
TW17 9DH
seeing everyone again.
01932 246173
To find out what services are
currently being offered, please greeno.centre@spelthorne.gov.uk
contact your local centre:
Staines Community Centre If you need our help, are interested
Benwell Community Centre Thames Street, TW18 4EA
in becoming involved or are a
Downside, Sunbury-on-Thames, landlord, e-mail us at info@
01784 463073
TW16 6RT spelthornerentstart.org.uk or call
staines.community.centre@
01932 784232 spelthorne.gov.uk 01784 446422
benwell.centre@spelthorne.gov.uk
Visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/communitycentres or call 01784 446389 for more Personal alarms
details
Managed by Spelthorne Council,
SPAN is a personal alarm system
which helps people to live
Meals on Wheels independently in their own homes.
With the touch of a button worn
The Spelthorne Meals on Wheels team can deliver lunch, and dinner (from around your wrist or neck, you can
5pm), up to seven days a week. The cost of a main meal and pudding is £4 contact the 24-hour care centre who
and for a small extra charge you can also order a freshly made sandwich or a will arrange help from family, friends
frozen meal to heat later. or the emergency services at any
As well as the convenience of having food prepared for you, many residents time of day or night.
like the reassurance of knowing someone will call on them each day. Meals Charges start from £4.30 per week.
on Wheels are available to residents of all ages who find it difficult to prepare
a daily meal, and can be ordered for short periods of time.
To contact a member of the SPAN team,
email span@spelthorne.gov.uk or call
For more information, visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/MOW or call our Meals on 01784 444277. Visit www.spelthorne.
Wheels team on 01784 444265 gov.uk/span
10 Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 @spelthornebc @spelthornebc @spelthorneboroughcouncilAnnual Report 2020/2021
Spelthorne Borough Council
Annual Report 2020/2021
Message from the Leader, Message from the Chief Executive,
Cllr Lawrence Nichols Daniel Charles Mouawad
I am pleased to present the 2020/21 was a year like no other,
Spelthorne Borough Council Annual characterised by upheaval, change
Report for 2020/21. and for many, hardship and worry.
However, this authority demonstrated
Despite the significant impact
considerable success in delivering
of COVID-19, it is important that
excellent, effective, and efficient
we reflect on and evaluate our
services for our residents and
performance on behalf of our
businesses throughout the pandemic.
residents. I believe this last year has
connected the Council more closely with the community Our Annual Report illustrates the work carried out by
we serve. Most significantly, when our residents this Council in support of the local communities that
needed us during the pandemic, officers and councillors are the building blocks of this Borough. In the face of
worked hand-in-hand, putting in many extra hours to set ongoing and emerging challenges we have remained
up a comprehensive local welfare response system. focussed on delivering strong and resilient services that
are truly responsive to the needs of our residents and
We demonstrated the power of localism; councillors,
local businesses. We are working hard to bring economic
staff, neighbours, and community groups all pulled
recovery and success to Spelthorne whilst ensuring that
together for the common good and I offer a heartful
climate change initiatives underpin all that we do as we
thank you to all who were involved. I would also like
seek to protect our beautiful environment.
to thank our community for their input into the many
consultations conducted in the last year. Your ideas and I take this opportunity to thank all staff who adapted so
opinions are very much welcomed and have helped quickly to the changing needs of our organisation and our
shape some key decisions, including how decisions community over the last 18 months. Not only did they
will now be made within the Council under the new deliver planned projects and services, they also took on a
Committee Model of Governance. significant amount of extra work and developed services
and projects, adopting new ways of doing things in a very
As we move forward, our focus will be on the recovery
short amount of time. I couldn’t be more proud of the
from the COVID-19 pandemic and we will continue to
team here at Spelthorne Borough Council and also thank
engage and support our communities and business
the Mayor and Councillors for their continued support in
groups. This Council recognises the need for additional
what has been a very busy and challenging year. We are
housing in the borough and is committed to the delivery
very well placed to meet the needs of our community
of high-quality affordable developments. When taking
and I look forward to the next chapter for this Borough.
decisions, we shall be ensuring that they are consistent
with our commitment to the environment and prioritising
climate change initiatives.
Sunbury Walled Garden New Staines Leisure Centre Riverside view
Benwell House Staines High Street Victory Place proposal
www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 11Annual Report 2020/2021
Spelthorne Borough Council’s Priorities
Supporting residents, particularly (SPAN), community transport and
families, the elderly and the community centres
vulnerable by delivering services to
• assisting hospital discharge patients
keep our community connected and
cared for. • residential housing for homeless single
adults and families with the White
• ‘Support4Spelthorne’ community hub -
House and Harper House in Ashford,
early pandemic support to provide food
both set to open in summer 2021
and assistance for vulnerable residents
• providing hot and nutritious meals to
•d
iscretionary services including Meals
families and children during school
on Wheels, community alarm network
holidays and closures
We need to provide homes to meet at Knowle Green in Staines-upon-
the needs of residents in Spelthorne Thames
and many affordable home schemes
• Benwell House, Sunbury, welcoming
are being progressed in the
new occupants with 44 affordable and
Borough.
key worker homes
•V
ictory Close in Ashford - 100%
• over 800 affordable homes are
affordable housing for NHS and key
currently in progress or planned
workers in the Borough
across the Borough
•2
5 affordable rented apartments
Generting a thriving and new cycle racks, digital advertisement
sustainable post COVID-19 future. screens, ramps to improve
accessibility
• community engagement
• Spelthorne Business Hub
• s upporting local food banks and
charities • ‘buy-local’ procurement - the Council
will purchase goods and services from
•e
conomic development recovery plan
local businesses where possible
from impacts of COVID-19 and Brexit
• maintain financial sustainability
•h
igh street recovery across the
Borough; financial support, training,
Tackle climate change, actively Thames, making it the first of its kind
improve our environment and focus for the UK
on green and sustainable recovery
• a Councillor task group to tackle
plans for the Borough.
climate change to enhance and
• s olar panels on Council owned assets accelerate climate change initiatives
and housing developments that
• electric cars and bicycles
incorporate green and cost-effective
•u
sing ‘Passivhaus’ technology for design specifications
new Leisure Centre in Staines-upon-
12 Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 @spelthornebc @spelthornebc @spelthorneboroughcouncilAnnual Report 2020/2021
COVID19 – Spelthorne’s response, 16 months on...
supporting school community Support4Spelthorne
children with nutritious helpline; over community hub
meals. 29,629 phone
calls to residents
supporting NHS
and partners with
17,223 welfare calls, Over 772,017 the vaccination
visits and checks to meals distributed by programme and local
vulnerable residents food banks to families testing sites
39 COVID-19 financial and 37,450 tonnes of parks, playgrounds,
cemeteries and toilets
Champions recruited equipment aste and recycling
w
open, clean and
assistance to food has been collected
banks, leisure safe
centres and
35 rough sleepers community
have been groups
placed into settled
accommodation 2,415 fly tips cleared
£23.4m in business
and discretionary
grants
26 Enews publications
supporting recovery of 7,520 social media posts
over 2,974 1.52m page views on website 50,569 total
highstreets and £29.6m of business COVID-19 business number of meals on
Staines Market rates 12 month reliefs compliance checks
220,000 Bulletin magazines
delivered wheels delivered
Recovery
As we look to the future and a post pandemic world there are 5 key
elements that Spelthorne Borough Council will focus on:
Community Economy Green
• strong leadership • business support • tackle climate change
• support and help • skills and training • clean energy
• financial support • Spelthorne Business Hub • promote cycling or walking
• preventing homelessness • business grants • sustainable housing
• leisure, health and • jobs and inward investment • clean and safe parks
wellbeing
• regeneration and tourism • biodiversity
Services Keeping you
•m
aintain and informed
improve key • engagement
services
• accessibility
• sustainability
• develop and adapt
• accessibility to services communication channels
• digital transformation
www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 13Annual Report 2020/2021
Committee Model of Governance Audit
Since May 2021 and following a public Chair: Cllr John
consultation, we now operate under a Committee Boughtflower
Model of Governance and the below Committees Council Regulatory/Administrative Vice-Chair:
will make all decisions on Council business. Committees Cllr Tom Fidler
Main Committees Standards
Environment Community, Planning
Corporate Policy and Economic Wellbeing and Neighbourhood
and Resources Development Services Chair:
Sustainability Housing Cllr Tom Lagden
Vice-Chair:
• Corporate Plans • Planning policy • Economic • Affordable Housing • Parking Services Cllr Richard
• Budget • The Local Plan Development • Homelessness • CivilEnforcement Smith-Ainsley
• Finance • Climate Change • Business • Housing Options • Community Safety
Partnership Licensing
• Revenues and • Waste Strategy • Community Grants • Customer Services
Benefits • Town Centre and Consultation
• Recycling • Voluntary Sector Chair:
• A sset Biodiversity • Heathrow Liaison • Building Control
• Leisure Cllr Robin Sider
Management • Parks and Open • Business • Cemeteries
Investment • Day Centres Vice Chair:
• HR Policy Spaces, Allotments Cllr Tony Harman
• Family Support
• Flooding • Tourism
• Independent Living
• Transport
Administrative
Chair: Cllr • Legal
Lawrence Nichols
• Communications
Vice-Chair: Cllr • ICT and HR
Joanne Sexton
• Committee Services
• Electoral Services
Chair: Cllr Ian Chair: Chair: Chair: Chair:
Development Beardsmore Cllr Colin Barnard Cllr Sandra Dunn Cllr Amar Brar Cllr Tony Mitchell
Sub-Committee Vice-Chair: Vice-Chair: Cllr Vice-Chair: Vice-Chair: Vice-Chair:
Cllr Olivia Rybinski Vivienne Leighton Cllr Susan Doran Cllr Veena Siva Cllr Naz Islam
Your Spelthorne Borough Councillors
Borough Councillors are elected by the community to make decisions on behalf of residents about local services
including rubbish and recycling, environmental health, services for older people, planning, housing, leisure
facilities and parks. They represent their ward areas for four years. Councillors are not paid a salary for their work, but
they do receive an allowance. If you have a problem in your area or wish to
comment on an aspect of the Council’s service, then you can contact one of Ashford Common
your local councillors.
If you are not sure who your local councillor is, visit: http://my.spelthorne.gov.uk. Call
Committee Services on 01784 446240 or email committee.services@spelthorne.gov.uk
Key:
Conservative United Spelthorne Group Independent Spelthorne Group Clare Richard Bob
Labour Independent Labour Group Liberal Democrat Green Group Barratt Barratt Noble
cllr.cbarratt@ cllr.barratt@ cllr.noble@
Independent Group spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk
Ashford East Ashford North and Stanwell South Ashford Town
Rose John Tony Amar Sati Joanne Nick Naz Olivia
Chandler Boughtflower Mitchell Brar Buttar Sexton, Gething Islam Rybinski
cllr.chandler@ cllr.boughtflower@ cllr.mitchell@ cllr.brar@ cllr.buttar@ Deputy Leader cllr.gething@ cllr.islam@ cllr.rybinski@
spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk
cllr.sexton@
spelthorne.gov.uk
14 Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 @spelthornebc @spelthornebc @spelthorneboroughcouncilAnnual Report 2020/2021
Halliford and Sunbury West Laleham and Shepperton Green Riverside and Laleham
Sandra Tom Lawrence Maureen Mary Richard Michele Tony Denise
Dunn Fidler Nichols, Attewell Madams Smith-Ainsley Gibson Harman Saliagopoulos
cllr.dunn@ cllr.fidler@ Leader cllr.attewell@ cllr.madams@ cllr.smith-ainsley@ cllr.gibson@ cllr.harman@ cllr.saliagopoulos@
spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk cllr.nichols@ spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk
spelthorne.gov.uk
Shepperton Town Staines Staines South
By election
to be held on
22 July.
Colin Vivienne Robin Vacancy Thomas Veena Chris Jenny Sinead
Barnard Leighton Sider BEM Updates at Lagden Siva Bateson Vinson Mooney
cllr.barnard@ cllr.leighton@ cllr.sider@ www.spelthorne. cllr.lagden@ cllr.siva@ cllr.bateson@ cllr.vinson@ cllr.mooney@
spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk gov.uk/elections spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk
Stanwell North Sunbury Common Sunbury East
Jim Susan Doran, John Ian Richard Bernie Helen Ian Harvey, Kathy
McIlroy Deputy Mayor Doran Beardsmore Dunn Spoor Harvey Mayor Grant
cllr.mcilroy@ cllr.hharvey@ cllr.grant@
cllr.doran@ cllr.jdoran@ cllr.beardsmore@ cllr.rdunn@ cllr.spoor@ cllr.harvey@
spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk
spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk spelthorne.gov.uk
Your County Councillors
The following County Councillors represent Spelthorne.
Staines Sunbury
Lower Stanwell and
Ashford
Laleham and
Sunbury and Staines
South and
Stanwell
Common If you are not sure who
Shepperton Ashford and Ashford your county councillor is,
Halliford Moor
West Common
please visit:
www.surreycc.gov.uk/
council-and-democracy/
councillors-and-
committees or call
03456 009 009
Joanne Maureen Buddhi Sinead Denise Turner- Robert Alison
Sexton Attewell Weerasinghe Mooney Stewart Evans Griffiths
Joanne.Sexton@ Maureen. Buddhi. sinead.mooney@ denise. robert.evans@ alison.griffiths@
surreycc.gov.uk Attewell@ Weerasinghe@ surreycc.gov.uk turnerstewart@ surreycc.gov.uk surreycc.gov.uk
surreycc.gov.uk surreycc.gov.uk surreycc.gov.uk
Your Member of Parliament
Your Member of Parliament The role of an MP is to review legislation and represent the interests of local
residents in Parliament.
Member of Parliament for the
Spelthorne Constituency:
In the constituency, MPs support local community groups, publicise local
Kwasi Kwarteng MP
020 7219 4017
issues and endeavour to help constituents resolve any issues by making
kwasi.kwarteng.mp@parliament.uk representations on their behalf.
www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 15Annual Report 2020/2021
Commercial Assets Dashboard Revenue Budget: 2021/22
The diagram below explains how our commercial property strategy operates. You will see the incoming and
outgoing values as well as how much money is generated for our Council’s reserves. Key to this strategy are the
funds generated (£10.6million in 2021/22) which contribute to the Council’s budget and go directly towards many
frontline services that vulnerable residents rely on, including; community transport, charitable donations, foodbanks,
community centres and meals on wheels. You can find further information on this strategy, news and FAQs at
www.spelthorne.gov.uk/propertyinvestments
Rent Net contribution to
collection Commercial revenue budget: £10.6m
rate: 98.06% assets gross
(three months from
25 March 2021) income £51.3m
Supporting provision
of services
Debt Interest Minimum Revenue Set Aside Sinking Fund
payable on Provision for covering supervision Net Contribution
(annual repayment of costs of commercial assets
commercial assets
loan principal)
£23.2m £12.3m £1.0m £4.2m
£26m in sinking
fund reserves
as at 31 March 2021
Peer Review
The local authority was praised in a recent
Local Government Association (LGA) Actions
Corporate Peer Review report after Spelthorne
Borough Council invited the LGA to conduct 1. T o focus on clear priorities and explain how
a financial peer review of the Council in resources will be used within the capacity of the
late 2020. As part of the Local Government organisation
Association’s first ever ‘virtual’ review, a team
of senior officers and an experienced Council 2. Continue to evaluate risk management and its
Leader from another authority undertook impact on future financial performance and
interviews and focus groups with Spelthorne’s sustainability
staff, Councillors and external stakeholders,
spending over 300 hours developing its
findings. Since that time the Council has 3. Continue to meet targets and drive forward
developed an action plan to address all the the Council’s capital programme
recommendations in the report. The full report,
press release and action plan can be read at
www.spelthorne.gov.uk/peerreview 4. E nsure effective programme and project
A number of the recommendations have management is embedded across the
already been addressed at least in part. The organisation for both capital and revenue spend
key conclusions were that the Council should
use its relatively strong financial position to:
pause - reflect - realign, particularly in the 5. C
ontinue to promote openness and
face of the additional challenges created by transparency of decision making
COVID-19.
16 Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 @spelthornebc @spelthornebc @spelthorneboroughcouncilAnnual Report 2020/2021
Cleaner Greener Spelthorne:
CLEANER
Climate Emergency in GREENER
Spelthorne SPELTHORNE
At the end of last year, Spelthorne Borough Council declared
a Climate Emergency and has joined a growing number of
authorities that have adopted a carbon-neutral target.
By declaring a Climate Emergency, the Council is publicly
prioritising this issue and acknowledging that a great
effort must be made locally and nationally to reduce the
effects of climate change.
Across the Council’s services, all strategic decisions,
budgets and approaches to planning decisions will be
aligned with the goal of reducing carbon emissions.
Spelthorne intends to accelerate its efforts by introducing
greener buildings, energy, transport and investments
and has already made excellent progress with the
following actions:
• trial of electric refuse vehicles in spring 2021
• 4 0% reduction in energy usage at the Council offices • installation of low energy lighting at all Council premises
• launch of a new climate change taskforce •p
lanning application to build a new ultra-low-energy
leisure centre
• installation of solar panels on several council buildings
• a doption of a sustainable housing strategy
• new electric vehicles and bicycles for council staff
travelling between sites •m
anagement of parks and open spaces to encourage
• installation of additional electric vehicle charging points biodiversity
across the Borough • introduction of a single-use plastics policy, and
• planting of over 1,000 new trees in the Borough paperless Council meetings
• allocation of £1.2million in grants to make homes more • s ourcing 70% of our electricity demand from zero
energy efficient carbon renewable generators by 2022
Achievements and awards
Spelthorne Borough Council has achieved many awards
in the last year. Sunbury Walled Garden and Staines,
Sunbury and Ashford Cemeteries all received Green
Flag and South & South East in Bloom Awards.
The Council has been awarded
In March 2020 the Council Spelthorne Silver for the Defence Employer
won bronze for Efficiency Leisure Centre Recognition Scheme and is
and Effectiveness in the has been working towards Gold.
iESE Awards for its Root awarded the The scheme encourages
and Branch programme. The programme Quest award employers to support serving
identifies efficiencies, savings and which is designed and ex-service personnel and
improvements to protect frontline services specifically for leisure inspire others to do the same.
and, as part of this, the Council transformed centres and examines We are proud of our Armed
the footprint of its offices in Knowle Green, the quality of service, Forces connections and pledge to
converting the West Wing into 25 affordable customer care, marketing support this community, and align
homes which was awarded a Certificate of management and activity our values with the Armed Forces
Excellence. programmes available. Covenant.
The Council’s IT department has been awarded the Cyber Essentials For its 20th year our
accreditation and continuous Legal Services team
improvement award for have received the
address and street data. Lexcel Legal Practice Quality Mark.
www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 17Annual Report 2020/2021
Communications
Keep
Connected
Follow us on Social Media:
Sign up to the ‘My Alerts’ service
@spelthornebc www.spelthorne.gov.uk/myalerts
@spelthornebc
@spelthorneboroughcouncil
Visit Spelthorne Borough Council’s
Spelthorne Borough Council website www.spelthorne.gov.uk
Sign up for the monthly electronic newsletter
Phone us on
containing news, events, planning applications
01784 451499
and more www.spelthorne.gov.uk/enews
Communications Dashboard
March 2020 - July 2021
38,000 views 26 eNews 1,580 posts 1,433 Tweets 945 posts
to the Covid-19 publications sent to 49k engagements 3.7k engagements 8.9k engagements
landing page 44,000 residents 249k content clicks 2.8k content clicks
1.54m views to 31.2k reactions 1.3k re-tweets
Spelthorne Borough 10.3k comments
Council website
624 posts 149 news articles 21 noticeboards 5 Bulletin Social media
1.7k engagements updated fortnightly magazines audience
275 reshares distributed to up 38% v in the
45,000 households same time period
in 2019
18 Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 @spelthornebc @spelthornebc @spelthorneboroughcouncilCommunity
Meet the town centre manager
Andy Willmott, Spelthorne Ashford - Tarla Café & Grill
Council’s new town centre Every Tuesday, 8.30 - 10am
manager for Ashford, Shepperton Shepperton - Jamz Cafe and Bakery
and Sunbury, is looking forward Every Wednesday, 8.30 - 10am
to meeting and working with
local businesses. Sunbury Cross - Golden Grill Cafe
Every Thursday, 8.30 - 10am
As well as being a visible presence With a background working at Surrey
on the High Street, Andy holds Chambers of Commerce, running
weekly meets to give businesses a Business Improvement District in
the opportunity discuss any issues, Surrey and a small business owner
concerns or suggestions. These take himself, Andy looks forward to
place at: meeting you.
To confirm a specific time, contact Andy on 07939 244548 or email a.willmott@spelthorne.gov.uk or just come in for a chat –
the first coffee is on Andy!
Thanking local volunteers
The work of 11 dedicated local other dedicated volunteers out there
volunteers was recognized at the whose work has gone unheralded
Spelthorne Civic Awards Trust so, if you do feel someone deserves
presentation ceremony in June. the Civic Award, please get in touch
by emailing civicawards@gmail.com.”
Between them, this year’s award
recipients have given almost 300 Many congratulations to the following:
years of service to the Borough in
support of a range of charities and Civic Awards
community groups. Jackie Browne - Spelthorne
Museum
Cllr Colin Barnard, the Mayor Nick Charalambous - Work with
of Spelthorne for 2020/21 who young people
presented the awards, said: “The
strong community spirit and increase Pamela Cole - Spelthorne
in people volunteering during the Archaeology and Local History Group
Coronavirus pandemic is one of the Michael Coombs - Academy Trust
few positives we have been able Gloria Hazell - Spelthorne Museum
to take from the past year. These Linda Marshall - Spelthorne
winners represent the best of this Rentstart
Borough as they have put the needs
Hugh Thomas - Burway Rowing Club
of others above their own. We know
many good deeds go unnoticed, so Brenda Vinson - Fordbridge Day
if you know someone who has been Centre
serving their community, we urge Community Awards
you to let us know about them.”
Gladys Boult - Patrol Crossing
Colin Squire, Chair of the Civic Keeper in Sunbury
Awards Trust, said: “The men and Murray Litvak - Spelthorne Council’s
women honoured this year have ‘Members’ Code of Conduct’
given decades of service to help Committee
make our community a better place
and, on behalf of the Civic Awards Letter of Commendation
Trust, I commend them all for their Frederick Wallin - Founder of
hard work and dedication. We are Spelthorne’s ‘Man in a Shed’
fully aware that there are going to be workshop in Shepperton
You can watch the full award ceremony on Spelthorne Council’s You Tube channel
20 Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 @spelthornebc @spelthornebc @spelthorneboroughcouncilHousing
New affordable homes
in Sunbury
Spelthorne Council has completed fitted kitchens.
the first phase of a project to
The new homes
convert a vacant office block into
have been designed
new homes in Green Street in
with sustainability
Sunbury. in mind and include
The Benwell House development, electric vehicle
which will be managed by Knowle charging points,
Green Estates Ltd, the Council’s LED lighting, whole
housing delivery company, is house ventilation and
providing 55 new homes. As part of efficient heating. Solar
the Council’s commitment to provide panels have also been
more affordable homes, 27 of these installed which can generate 10% of
will be reserved as affordable rented the energy needed.
housing. Now that the first phase is complete,
The development will provide a mix a further second development is
of studios and one or two bedroom planned on the site, and it is intended
accommodation. Residents will that this will deliver at least 70%
benefit from private parking, flexi affordable homes for rent.
studio, communal space and external The Council has appointed Dexters
landscaping. Each apartment has in Hampton as letting agents for the
underfloor heating and high-quality private properties.
For more information, visit www.knowlegreenestates.co.uk
New facilities for homeless people
Spelthorne Council is pleased to to 20 homeless families. It will offer complex needs. Generally, these
announce that two new facilities a local temporary home which is are residents who are not able to
for vulnerable residents will be safe, secure and provides the best access mainstream accommodation
opening soon. opportunity for families to move options and who would otherwise
on to settled accommodation. be placed in expensive nightly-paid
Located on Fordbridge Road in
Previously the Council, like most accommodation without adequate
Ashford, Harper House will provide
authorities, had to rely on bed and support, or in the worst cases,
emergency accommodation for up
breakfast accommodation to house sleeping rough.
families in these situations.
The development will contain 27
The development, which will open en-suite rooms with shared kitchens,
at the end of the summer, includes four self-contained studio flats, as
twenty self-contained apartments of well as outside space.
various sizes, with two of the rooms
Both sites will be managed by
accessible for wheelchairs. There
social housing provider Metropolitan
is a garden to the rear, car parking,
Thames Valley Housing (MTVH)
bicycle storage and an office from
White House Hostel, Ashford and have dedicated on-site teams
which an enhanced management
to support residents and work
and support service will be provided.
closely with the local community. A
Also opening late summer, the specialist housing management and
White House Hostel on the resident support service at the White
Kingston Road in Ashford will House will provide 24-hour on-site
provide specialist accommodation cover with staff who have extensive
for single homeless people, experience in working with residents
particularly those with multiple or to create settled futures.
Harper House, Ashford
For more information about Harper House and the White House visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/harperhouse and
www.spelthorne.gov.uk/whitehouse
www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 21A £1,000 fine is
no laughing matter
Possession of nitrous oxide within
Spelthorne is now prohibited*
Under The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, Part 4, Section 59,
a Public Space Protection Order is in place.
The recreational misuse of nitrous oxide can lead to suffocation, nerve
damage and memory loss and any breach of the above order will
constitute an offence and liable to a fine of up to £1,000.
*Other than for lawful purposes i.e. catering
www.spelthorne.gov.ukEnvironment
Tackling Switch off your
‘legal highs’ engine Idling your
Spelthorne Borough Council Drivers often leave their engine can
has put in place a Public Spaces
Protection Order (PSPO)
vehicle engines running whilst stunt young
lungs
stationary on congested
concerning the use of New roads, at traffic lights, and
Psychoactive Substances (NPS). waiting outside schools and
The Order applies to all public land businesses.
within the Borough and prevents
the use of any psychoactive The emissions from petrol and
substance. diesel engines contain nitrogen SCHOOL
dioxide and particulates which
The Council launched a public are linked to asthma and other
consultation in January, following a respiratory problems, as well as
Motion that was agreed last October carbon dioxide which contributes
which received many responses on to climate change. Leaving the
the issue. 97% of residents indicated engine running whilst stationary
that they were in favour of a PSPO
and the concerns raised in the
can produce double the emissions Turn it the
old, leaving offengine running uses
of a car in motion, and the fumes Smaller text about the detail of the harmful effects
more fuel than turning it off and on
consultation included intimidation, linger nearby.
of engine emissions especially on the vulnerable.
again. By simply turning your engine
noise, abuse, and littering.
If you need to stop for longer than a off when stationary, you can help to
Nitrous Oxide, or ‘laughing gas’, is a improve local air quality and reduce
minute, it’s better to turn your engine
well-known example of an NPS and greenhouse gas emissions.
off. For vehicles less than 10 years
Spelthorne Council receives many
complaints from residents concerned
about the large quantity of silver
canisters discarded in streets and Beat the of payment that you are not
comfortable with
open spaces.
Cllr Amar Brar, Chair of the scammers 5. Never give banking or personal
details to anyone you don’t know
Neighbourhood Services Committee, or trust. This information is valuable
said: “We have seen a considerable Every year the British public loses
billions of pounds to fraudsters so make sure you protect it
increase over the last two to three
years in the use of Nitrous Oxide who bombard us with online, 6. Always log on to a website
cannisters. There are real concerns mail, door-to-door and telephone directly rather than clicking on
from residents about the risks of this scams. links provided in an email
drug and the gateway effect to other People from all walks of life are 7. Do not rely solely on glowing
dangerous substances. This Council affected by this crime, but there are testimonials: find solid
wants to alleviate the impacts of this steps you can take to help prevent independent evidence of a
drug by educating users and provide you being caught-out in the first company’s success
a safe community for all residents in place. Remember these 10 golden
Spelthorne. We know that this PSPO rules to help you beat the scammers. 8. Always get independent/legal
will be very much welcomed and we advice if an offer involves money,
will be working with stakeholders to 1. B
e suspicious of all ‘too good to time or commitment
ensure the message is communicated be true’ offers and deals. There
loud and clear.” are no get-rich-quick schemes 9. If you spot a scam or have been
scammed, report it and get help.
Nitrous Oxide has many dangerous 2. Do not agree to offers or deals Contact ActionFraud on 0300 123
side effects including; dizziness, immediately. Insist on time to 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.
vitamin B12 deficiency, nerve obtain independent/legal advice police.uk. Contact the Police if
damage, fainting, strokes, before making a decision the suspect is known or still in
unconsciousness and suffocation
3. Do not hand over money or sign the area
from lack of oxygen.
anything until you have checked
Driving when high is dangerous and 10. Do not be embarrassed to report
the credentials of the company or
illegal and if you are caught under the a scam. Because the scammers
individual
influence you will receive a heavy are cunning and clever there is
fine, driving ban or prison sentence. 4. Never send money to anyone you no shame in being deceived. By
don’t know or trust, whether in reporting you will make it more
For more information about Nitrous the UK or abroad, or use methods difficult for them to deceive others
Oxide, visit www.talktofrank.com/
drug/nitrous-oxide or call If you want to stay on top of scams and up-to-date about crime prevention advice,
0300 123 6600. visit the Surrey Police website at www.surrey.police.uk
www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 23News www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 25
Environment
Recycling stuck to it. Paper doesn’t get heated
when it’s recycled so the grease
and oil doesn’t burn off and spreads
rejects through the whole batch.
Takeaway drinks cups
There are a few items which
our refuse teams often find in Takeaway cups are made from card
recycling bins, which should in and a plastic film, laminated together.
fact go into the rubbish. The plastic is very hard to separate
and can clog up the recycling
This is because they cannot be machinery.
processed into a reusable form or
their parts are difficult to separate.
Pizza boxes
PIZ
ZA
Cartons and tetra paks
Food and drink cartons are made
from card, metal foil and plastic film,
all laminated together. It is very
The card on pizza boxes tends to get hard and expensive to separate
greasy and have bits of uneaten food them again.
To check if a particular item can be recycled in Spelthorne, visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/recycling-search or call 01784 446411
Love your become food for nesting
birds, and wildflowers
attract pollinating
green insects such as bees.
It’s important that you
spaces
don’t disturb the natural
environment by picking
flowers, plants, fruit or
We have seen a high number mushrooms. Please always
of visitors to our parks in the past take your rubbish home or use the
year and it is wonderful to see nearest bin as litter is very harmful
people enjoying these areas.
Our green and open spaces provide
for wildlife and pets. Fires and
barbeques are not permitted as they
pose a fire risk.
Dig it
opportunity for physical activity, The popularity of allotments has
leisure and sport and contemplation Parks are a great place to exercise increased in recent years with
for us all. Residents, workers and and play sports, but please use the more and more people becoming
visitors alike value these areas designated areas for ball games – interested in growing their own fresh
immensely. and no golf please! You are welcome produce and escaping the everyday
to ride your bicycle on the cycle stresses of life.
These green areas of the Borough
paths.
also provide an important home to a Spelthorne Council manages 10
rich array of wildlife and plants, and We thank you for following these allotment sites around the Borough,
each species plays their own special guidelines and helping us create a so get in touch if you would like
role. For example, when a butterfly beautiful environment where the more information about the cost and
lays eggs on a leaf, the caterpillars will natural world can thrive. availability of allotments near you.
Bylaws are available to read at each of our green spaces. Call 01784 451499 if you Visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/
would like more information. allotments or call 01784 451499
www.spelthorne.gov.uk Spelthorne Bulletin Summer 2021 27You can also read
