SWITCH ON Neighbourhood Workshops

Neighbourhood workshops give you the chance find out what is going on in your area, to meet with representatives from local service providers and community groups, and to work together with your neighbours to make a difference to your community.

They offer an ideal opportunity for local organisations to promote their work and help to provide community-driven solutions.

SWITCH ON to Hythe and Pooley Green

Runnymede's first SWITCH ON Neighbourhood Workshop was held on Wednesday 13 February for the Hythe and Pooley Green neighbourhood.

Local residents joined with their neighbours and representatives from voluntary and community groups to discuss provision for young people, anti-social behaviour and the local environment. There was a real interest in taking forward projects to help improve community life in the area.

Check back on this page for all the latest news as these projects develop

Runnymede Borough Council worked with Runnymede Neighbourhood Policing Team, Surrey County Council, Surrey Fire and Rescue, and Surrey Primary Care Trust to pilot this event.

Update - six months since SWITCH ON

Young people

Since the workshop, East to West - an established Christian youth organisation - has been working with local churches, Surrey County Council's Youth Development Service and the Runnymede Policing team to take this project forward. Subject to funding decisions in September, partners hope to recruit a youth outreach worker to investigate what young people want locally and to provide training for volunteers.

Other activities for young people continue to take place in the local area. The Runnymede Youth Festival will run from 12-6pm on Sunday 7 September 2008 at Egham Leisure Centre, with live music, sports and lots of FREE activities for young people. Contact Fiona Brown 01932 425693 for more details.

Anti-social behaviour and the local environment

Fly-tipping and litter

- If you, or someone you know, has unwanted bulky household items, you can arrange for a collection by Runnymede Borough Council.  The fee for up to three items is £31.65, and £10.55 for each additional item.  The fee for collecting fridges or freezers is £31.65.  Please contact Runnymede Depot on 01932 425750 or 425776, or email depot@runnymede.gov.uk for more details

- The Lyne Lane recycling centre has now re-opened. An increased range of materials, including bulky plastics, toner cartridges and spectacles can now be recycled in the clearly marked containers.

- A review of Runnymede Borough Council's street-cleansing team is currently being carried out, and new arrangements should be in place within a couple of months. The street-cleansing team can now make use of newly located environmental health officer to investigate incidences of fly-tipping and monitor street-cleansing standards.

Parking - Surrey County Council's Local Committee is due to consider in September whether to initiate a public consultation on a Controlled Parking Zone in the area. Experience shows that controlled parking can reduce total on-street parking capacity by as much as 25% whilst introducing charges for residents.

Alcohol - The Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership is committed to tackling the misuse of alcohol in Runnymede. You are encouraged to take part in Surrey's Big Drink Debate and have your say on alcohol and the problems it can cause communities. To take part, and to be entered into a prize draw, please see www.surreybigdrinkdebate.nhs.uk/survey/index.asp

CCTV - If your local group would like to see Safer Runnymede's new CCTV Control Room in action, please contact the Safer Runnymede team, on 01932 425065, to arrange a visit to the Runnymede Civic Centre. Examples include visits with the local neighbourhood watch, your residents’ association or led by your local councillor.

Crime and disorder - The latest survey figures show that confidence in and satisfaction with local police work has improved. The latest Home Office crime figures also show a 21% reduction in crime in Runnymede for 2007/08. To reduce crime and disorder even further local police need you to continue to report all anti-social behaviour and crime you experience.

Neighbourhood watch and volunteering - If you would like to take part in a neighbourhood watch or volunteer escort scheme, please contact PC Michelle Carnie on 01932 282062 or email carnie2763@surrey.pnn.police.uk

Further Information

If you would like to find out more information on the issues covered at the SWITCH ON neighbourhood workshop, please make use of the following local meetings in your area.

The next Police panel meetings are at 7pm - 8pm at the Hythe Centre, on Wednesday 20 August 2008 and Wednesday 8th October 2008.

The next Police surgery meetings are 5pm - 7pm at the Hythe Centre on Wednesday 3 September 2008 and Wednesday 1st October 2008

The next Ward surgery is 10am – 11.30am at the Hythe Centre on Saturday 27 September

More information on your neighbourhood can also be found on Surrey Police's neighbourhood policing webpage, at www.surrey.police.uk/neighbourhood.asp?area=RUTH

For further information please e-mail switchon@runnymede.gov.uk or call 01932 425503.

Hythe and Pooley Green SWITCH ON Newsletter - March 2008

Use the link below to download the Hythe and Pooley Green SWITCH ON Newsletter. This reported what happened on the night, and provided an update from the SWITCH ON team on progress and projects since the event.

Download the Hythe and Pooley Green SWITCH ON Newsletter (PDF version)