FCV - AGM 2005

Page updated 2 Nov 2005

The Friends of Cranleigh Village

PRESS RELEASE

31st October 2005

The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Cranleigh Village ("FCV") was held in the Band Room, Cranleigh, on Friday 28th October.

The Chairman's Report on a relatively quiet year was given by Bill Hawthorn; Chairman since the inception of FCV. John Bainbridge was appointed Chairman to succeed him.

Richard Rhydderch of Cranleigh Brickworks Action Group (C_BAG) gave an excellent presentation on the proposed clean-up operation and very large housing project at the former Cranleigh Brick & Tile Works in Knowle Lane. In a question and answer session, great concerns were expressed about the proposed development and the creation of a new settlement of this scale on the fringe of the village. It was agreed that the Committee of FCV should seek to work closely with C-BAG in support of its opposition to the latest proposals.

John Bainbridge proposed a vote of thanks to Bill Hawthorn for his guidance of, and great contribution to, FCV and then led an open discussion in which concerns were raised on a number of issues. Most particularly the intentions of the owners of Hewitts Industrial Estate, where it is understood leases are not being renewed, was questioned. Great regret was expressed at the failure of the Cranleigh Centre Enhancement Scheme to address the problems of the worst pavements in the centre of the village on the south of the High Street, while the proposed paving materials were criticised as out of keeping. Further strong disquiet was expressed concerning motorists parking wherever they like in the village with impunity, owing to the impasse between Waverley B.C. and S.C.C. and the lack of a parking warden.

John Bainbridge said "I was tremendously pleased by the marvellous turnout, filling the Bandroom, and the quality of the debate at the meeting which demonstrated the serious concerns of residents on a number of issues. I was also very pleased that all of the Committee agreed to be re-elected, and to welcome two new Committee Members; Dorothy Staats and Richard Green. This should be an interesting year."

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