heathscene summer 2020
Latest Surrey Heath news, information and guidance
Message from the
Leader and Acting Chief Executive
Cllr Alan McClafferty
Tim Pashen
These are challenging times for everybody, and while the past few months have undoubtedly been among the hardest this generation has ever had to face, there has also been an outpouring of community spirit which has been heartening to see. We would like to thank residents, businesses, charities and community groups across Surrey Heath for their outstanding response to the Coronavirus pandemic so far. Our thanks also go to the NHS staff and key workers who continue to do such amazing work day in, day out, helping to keep us safe and our communities running – we will be forever grateful. The Council has worked tirelessly on its emergency response to this crisis, focusing on supporting different sectors of the community, from vulnerable residents to businesses hit hard by the pandemic. We’ve worked in close partnership with community action group Surrey Heath Prepared, distributed Government business grants, and launched an emergency charity grant fund to support the organisations helping those most in need in our community. While continuing to support those more vulnerable within our community we are beginning to turn our attention towards recovery. We have seen incredible changes within society, some of which present us with an opportunity. Working from home has led to fewer car journeys, resulting in cleaner air and a lower carbon footprint. More flexible working has become the norm for many. Our exercise habits have changed, with cycling and walking more popular. Planning for the “new normal”, however it may look, is all part of our recovery work and we will do everything we can to ensure Surrey Heath is at the leading edge of that recovery. You’ll find more information inside this edition of Heathscene, which is smaller than usual due to the current circumstances. For the latest updates, visit our website, surreyheath.gov.uk and follow us on social media. Stay safe,
Follow us on social media
Cllr Alan McClafferty Leader, SHBC
Tim Pashen Acting CEO, SHBC
surreyheath
@surreyheath
Surrey Heath Borough Council
Cover photo: Watchmoor Park Meadow, credit Michele Sheppard, Windlesham and Camberley Camera Club. Copywriting by Kate Noviss and Joanne Atkinson, Surrey Heath Borough Council. Designed by Russell Jenkins, Surrey Heath Borough Council. Printed by Frontline, Ashdown House, Charlwoods Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 2HJ. Published by Surrey Heath Borough Council, Email heathscene@surreyheath.gov.uk Tel: 01276 707100. If you require this magazine in a different format, please call the marketing and communications team on 01276 707312. Copyright © Surrey Heath Borough Council. Surrey Heath Borough Council does not accept responsibility for the views expressed by advertisers in this magazine, nor does it necessarily endorse products or services advertised. Promote your business with Surrey Heath Borough Council Would you like the opportunity to promote your business to 38,000 households in Surrey Heath? Surrey Heath Borough Council offers advertising space at competitive rates in Heathscene magazine, distributed to every household in the borough. For further information contact Frontline on 01342 312570 or email frontline@frontlinedesigners.co.uk
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| Heathscene | surreyheath.gov.uk
Advice & guidance
We can help control the virus if we all
STAY ALERT
More info: gov.uk/coronavirus
Health advice: nhs.uk/coronavirus
CORONAVIRUS We’re here for you if you need help
Community Helpline Number
0300 200 1008
Monday-Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday and Sunday 10am - 12noon
Find more information & guidance about Surrey-wide services at surreycc.gov.uk/coronavirus surreyheath.gov.uk/coronavirus | Heathscene |
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Emergency Response
SURREY HEATH BOROUGH COUNCIL’S
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS SO FAR... SINCE LOCKDOWN... 20,000+ WELFARE CALLS
£13.38 MILLION
227 TONNES
EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION
made to elderly and vulnerable people
more waste and recycling collected every two weeks on average
15,000+
views of our Coronavirus information webpages
of business support grants paid out to 1,059 local firms
secured for more than 20 homeless people
21% MORE
waste and recycling collected
350+
450+
households fed via essential food parcels
FIRST EVER
virtual SHBC Council and Committee meetings held
11,500+
Meals at Home delivered
prescriptions collected and delivered
4,000+ CALLS & 1,100+ EMAILS
dealt with by our Contact Centre
£48,000+
of emergency grants awarded to local charities
Surrey Heath Borough Council SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY surreyheath.gov.uk/coronavirus
surreyheath.gov.uk/coronavirusbiz • surreyheath.gov.uk/cvgrants
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| Heathscene | surreyheath.gov.uk
Hel ful habits
Council services
Joint Waste Solutions has worked hard with Amey and bin collection crews during lockdown to ensure that waste and recycling collections continued to run, despite huge increases in tonnage.
Residents have helped by doing six things to make it easier for crews to collect their bin, and these are great habits to continue with as we move forward:
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Reduce and reuse – avoid overbuying, cook/freeze leftovers, reuse items. Recycle it right – flatten, squash or fold waste, use the Surrey Recycles search tool or app.
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Get composting – compost food/garden waste at home. Discounted compost bins available at: surreyep.org.uk.
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Make it easy to collect – put bins out early, park considerately on collection days.
Care for your crew – close bin lids firmly, wash hands before/after touching bins. Give them a wave or smile!
Council services update Contact Centre Many services can be carried out online at surreyheath.gov. uk. Got a query? Email contact. centre@surreyheath.gov.uk, or call 01276 707100 (Mon-Thur 8.30am-5pm, Fri 8.30am-4.30pm). Community Services Meals at Home is running an extended service - visit surreyheath.gov.uk/ mealsathome or call 01276 707651. Our Windle Valley Day Centre is currently closed. Parking Some temporary changes to parking in the Borough: • Main Square multi-storey is
open and will continue to operate free of charge for an initial period. • Knoll Road multi-storey is currently closed but will reopen when demand increases, and will operate free of charge for an initial period. • All other council-owned car parks remain open and operate free of charge. Departments currently running a phone/email service for queries include: • Benefits • Council Tax • Housing Hub • Licensing/permits • Family Support • Planning - some site visits
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If possible, keep your waste until Community Recycling Centres are running as normal. Check surreycc.gov.uk/recycling for the latest information. Don't leave waste outside charity shops/recycling banks - it's fly-tipping. Avoid burning waste. Find out more at jointwastesolutions.org
currently being carried out. • Environmental Health - site visits being carried out only if there is a public health risk involved. • Building Control - limited site visits being carried out. • Economic Development email queries to economic. development@surreyheath. gov.uk, and sign up for our business e-newsletter at surreyheath.gov.uk/business Surrey Heath Museum is closed to visitors but can be contacted via email on museum@surreyheath.gov.uk Camberley Theatre is currently closed. More info: camberleytheatre.co.uk
* Information correct at time of going to print, for the latest updates visit surreyheath.gov.uk/coronavirus
surreyheath.gov.uk/coronavirus | Heathscene |
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Charity support Community
20 local charitable organisations have received grants totalling almost £50,000 from the Council’s new COVID-19 Emergency Charity Grant Scheme.
SHBC launched the rapid response fund in April to help smaller charitable organisations affected by the impact of Coronavirus. The scheme funds individual grants of up to £20,000 and aims to retain the support within our community for those in the highest need. Successful applicants include High Cross Church (serving as a hub for voluntary community response group Surrey Heath
Prepared), Disability Initiative, The Hope Hub, Woking and Sam Beare Hospice and Surrey Heath Age Concern. Leader of SHBC, Cllr Alan McClafferty, said: “We were really pleased to be able to award these grants so quickly to charities doing such vital work in our communities in this time of Coronavirus.” Lucy Brown, Chief Executive of grant recipient Disability Initiative, said: “On behalf of everyone at
Parks update
DI I’d like to say an enormous thank you to all at SHBC. The grant will make a fundamental difference during this very challenging time.” Visit surreyheath.gov.uk/ cvgrants
SHBC’s parks and green spaces are all OPEN for recreation and exercise, following government guidance.
At present, you can:
spend time outdoors, eg sitting in parks. exercise as often as you wish - following social distancing guidelines (keep 2 metres apart from anyone that you do not live with).
follow government guidelines for maximum group sizes, including people who are not members of your household - for the latest updates go to gov.uk/coronavirus.
use some outdoor sports facilities (if re-opened) such as tennis - with members of
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your household, or other people while staying 2 metres apart.
continue to stay local, but you can drive to a green space if necessary. Please avoid public transport wherever possible and walk or cycle where you can.
You cannot:
use an outdoor gym, playground or any other closed facility. gather in a group larger than the current government guidance allows.
| Heathscene | surreyheath.gov.uk/coronavirus
Playground latest The exciting £210k transformation of Old Dean playground started last month. We’re working towards a finish date in August – for updates check our website and social media channels.
Thank you!
Community
There has been an amazing community response to the challenge of Coronavirus in Surrey Heath - here are just some examples:
The Council has worked in partnership with Surrey Heath Prepared (SHP), a temporary community group formed to fill a local, immediate need in response to the pandemic. Together we have achieved a huge amount in a short time. Each ward was represented in a co-ordinated network where the isolated and selfisolating could ask for help, like collecting prescriptions, shopping, or just a friendly phone call.
Their work was recognised by a Royal visit from HRH the Countess of Wessex in April.
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (CASH)’s staff and volunteers have worked hard to maintain their service during lockdown, keeping people informed about the latest changes, particularly around employment and benefits. They can be contacted via: • phone - 01276 417900, Mon-Thu, 10am-2pm • advice line - 03444 111 444, Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm
The Hope Hub has worked with the Council to help secure accommodation for the homeless during this period, and crisis support continues. Volunteers have collected donations, and prepared and delivered food parcels. The Council support the Hope Hub with an annual revenue grant, and a COVID-19 Emergency Charity grant. hopehub.org.uk
• email - client@camberley. cabnet.org.uk • web chat - citizensadvice. org.uk
With its HQ at High Cross Church in Camberley, SHP has dealt with around 200 weekly requests for help. SHBC has supported SHP financially and practically, including a COVID-19 Emergency Charity grant. As the lockdown arrangements ease, SHP's services will wind down. Further information: surreyheath-prepared.uk.
The Council support CASH with an annual revenue grant, and also an office within Surrey Heath House. Throughout lockdown, The Hope Hub charity has continued to support the homeless in Surrey Heath.
Both Surrey Heath Age Concern (sh-ac.org.uk) and Voluntary Support North Surrey (VSNS)’s telephone befriending support services have proved invaluable over the past three months, to their existing vulnerable clients, and through new referrals from Surrey Heath Prepared. VSNS staff and volunteers were also involved in the set up and operation of SHP. voluntarysupport.org.uk
surreyheath.gov.uk/coronavirus | Heathscene |
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Mind matters
Health
Taking care of your mind as well as your body is really important while staying at home or following different routines because of coronavirus.
It is OK to feel worried, lonely or anxious – and everyone reacts differently. Here are some tips to help: ■ Stay connected – if you can’t see them in person, stay in touch with friends and family by phone, messaging, video calls or social media. Keep talking! ■ Practice good self-care – try to keep to a routine to give your days structure, spend time on your hobbies or learn a new one! ■ Get support – if you’re feeling worried, scared or helpless about the current situation, share your concerns with others you trust. You can find helpline numbers at nhs.uk, including the Samaritans’ free 24-hour helpline on 116 123. ■ Take care of yourself - try to eat healthily, drink enough water, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep. Check out the NHS Every Mind Matters website for more tips: nhs.uk/oneyou/ every-mind-matters, and the Healthy Surrey website also has lots of useful information: healthysurrey.org.uk
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Keep Active! If you're a home worker or just stuck indoors more than usual, staying active will help your health and boost your mood. Active Surrey have some great ideas for ways to keep active for
all age groups and fitness levels. Visit activesurrey.com and find an activity that suits you. Being outside lifts our mood so if you're allowed, and can manage it, use your daily exercise to go out for a walk, jog, or hop on a bike.
You are not alone The restrictions due to Covid-19 can make life more difficult for those in abusive households. Help is available: • The Surrey Domestic Abuse helpline is open 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week: 01483 776822 or visit surreyagainstda.info. • If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
| Heathscene | surreyheath.gov.uk
New Mayor
Council
elected
Councillor Pat Tedder is the 48th Mayor of Surrey Heath At the Annual Council meeting, held 'virtually' last month due to Coronavirus restrictions, Cllr Tedder received the chain of office. Cllr Tedder was a councillor for Chobham from 2011, and since May 2019 has been a councillor for the new Windlesham and Chobham ward. Born in Windlesham, Cllr Tedder has spent all of her life in the area. She has raised her family, worked as a PA to a local company director, and been deeply involved in her local community in many ways to preserve its uniqueness and invaluable local assets and amenities for future generations. A Chobham Parish Councillor for over 30 years, Cllr Tedder served on many committees and local charities during that time, including as a Governor of Valley
End School, Chairman of WC Lees Resthouses, and Chairman of the Valley End Institute. Cllr Tedder was married to Les, her husband for 55 years, before he passed away late last year. She has two children and four grandchildren. Her daughter Elizabeth will be accompanying her during her term of office. Cllr Tedder said: “I am very honoured and proud to represent the Borough of Surrey Heath as its 48th Mayor. “This coming year will be a unique and challenging one, as we are living in extremely strange times with Covid-19, where there are at the moment no social gatherings or functions to promote our Borough. Therefore, we must be innovative and creative to think of new ways to unite the whole of the
Borough and make us proud to live and work in Surrey Heath.” Cllr Tedder has chosen three charities to support during the year: ■ Hearing Dogs for the Deaf ■ Action on Hearing Loss (Royal National Institute for the Deaf) ■ The Hope Hub. Cllr Sarah Jane Croke, who represents Frimley ward, was elected Deputy Mayor. During lockdown, SHBC has held ‘virtual’ Council meetings and committees for the first time, using video conference platform Zoom and livestreaming to the public via YouTube.
You can watch previous meetings, and tune into future ones, at youtube.com/ SurreyHeathBC
surreyheath.gov.uk/mayor | Heathscene |
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SHBC
Appointment of
Acting Chief Executive
SHBC announced in April that Tim Pashen had been appointed as Acting Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service. Mr Pashen, who has worked at SHBC since 1996, has previously held the roles of Executive Head of Community and Interim Deputy Chief Executive. Mr Pashen said: “I am proud to take over as Acting Chief Executive of SHBC. Local councils are more important than ever before, and have a key role to play in their communities, as the Coronavirus pandemic has shown. I am proud of my staff for their response to this emergency, and their day to day commitment to the Council and Surrey Heath as a whole.”
Mr Pashen’s appointment followed the resignation of the former Chief Executive, Karen Whelan. Ms Whelan had been with Surrey Heath since 2005, having received promotions firstly to Director and then latterly Chief Executive in 2010. Ms Whelan said: “I have enjoyed my time at Surrey Heath and our achievements which have been largely due to working with an excellent team of officers and a highly committed elected administration with real vision and ambition.” More information about the appointment of a permanent CEO will be released when available.
We're looking forward to welcoming you back to Camberley Theatre when it is safe to do so. Thanks for your support in the meantime.
For the latest updates follow us on social media and visit camberleytheatre.co.uk 10 | Heathscene | surreyheath.gov.uk/council
High St latest
Borough News
Camberley High Street, Princess Way and Knoll Walk are undergoing a significant improvement project. This will bring new road and pavement surfaces, street lighting, trees and public art to the town centre.
Construction engineers Dyer and Butler have been busy ensuring the work remains on schedule, working with smaller teams to follow the Government’s guidelines for social distancing at work. The project has progressed well with minimum disruption while shops and businesses have been closed due to COVID-19. The High Street section has new granite kerbs in place, concrete has been laid and work has started on the pavements. Princess Way is also progressing well,
with new kerbs and concrete laid. The Princess Way carriageway and junction has new tarmac so lorries can pass over it to access the service yard. The paving on this section is due to be laid in July. Non-essential retailers were able to reopen from 15 June - check the individual shops for the latest information and please follow the social distancing instructions across town and the car parks. More info: camberleybeinspired.co.uk
SCC Highways update: The A30 Camberley Town Centre Highway Improvements due to start in June 2020 have been delayed to the autumn due to Covid-19 social distancing and construction industry restrictions. More details at surreycc.gov.uk on the Surrey Heath Major Transport Projects page.
VE Day 75th anniversary Cllr Perry said: “Across Surrey Heath, we are spending the day safe at home – but we are still able to remember, and give thanks for the sacrifices made by those brave men and women who fought for our freedom.’
Surrey Heath marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday 8 May. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year the anniversary of Victory in Europe in World War 2 was commemorated differently, at home, rather than with social gatherings and public events. A national two minutes’ silence was observed at 11am, and the Council shared via social media a special 'virtual' message from the Mayor of Surrey Heath, Cllr
Robin Perry, combined with some archive footage of the Borough from WW2, in collaboration with Surrey Heath Museum.
The Mayor raised a glass and joined the ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of World War 2’ at 3pm, saying, “To those who gave so much, we thank you.” surreyheath.gov.uk/veday75
surreyheath.gov.uk | Heathscene | 11
SHBC is proud to be part of the Surrey Local Resilience Forum, who have spearheaded the response to Coronavirus across the county