Attendees
Pauline Hedges, Ron Enticott, Stella McMillan, Shani Orchard, John Morrison, Chris Morrison, Oliver
Lodge, Juliette Price, Shani Orchard, Roland Nevett, Catherine Richardson
Apologies received from: Christine Osbourne, John Ashcroft, Gary Elson, Debbie Margaroni
Mark Fuller
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting
Minutes of the meeting held 2nd April 2015
These were held to be a fair representation of the meeting and were signed and will be uploaded onto
the website.
Matters Arising
Local Bags
Chris reported that John was going to get in contact with Knaphill Printers, unfortunately, no
response.
Imprint on Camphill Road is local and may generate a quicker response. Alternatively Pauline can
find an alternative source.
Treasurers Report
As at 12th April there was £1268,00 in the bank. A cheque is required for Stella as payment for the
AGM refreshments of £27. There are £250.00 of subs outstanding (10 invoices). The bank mandate
is still in progress. We are up to date with regards the Christmas Lights. Debbie Margaroni’s
membership form was passed on – she has paid! The Treasurer needs to have a meeting with the
Membership Secretary to ensure all members have been invoiced.
West Byfleet LI: VE 2015
PH has requested money from Richard Wilson for the event, but he has to be re-elected until he can
do this. Application for funding to Woking Borough Council has been submitted, but elections have
slowed everything down. Various stall holders who have indicated an interest and PH will send forms
to them. Christine wondered if we should have a combined WBBA stall = any members here thinking
of having a stall to have it under one gazebo – WBBA logo and memberships – yes to promote the
Business Association. Although it would be in danger of being a messy gazebo. Suggestion of a
noticeboard with the businesses involved in the WBBA – so they have the opportunity of advertising,
but indicating who is ‘running’. Christine is running a raffle for a giant teddy bear. Another meeting
will be held post election.
Just to re-iterate:
It is understood by WBBA that Pauline Hedges organises the West Byfleet LI:VE event through
her organisation ‘Easily England’. According to records at Companies House, Easily England
Limited was dissolved on 17th December 2013, our understanding is that Pauline (as a sole
trader trading as ‘Easily England’) organises the event and WBBA would consider making a
contribution to the costs with a donation if they feel it is appropriate. Pauline is therefore
responsible for any losses or profits rose from the event and are responsible for arranging
with Woking Borough Council the use of the playing field and for ensuring that insurance
liability is covered. WBBA assumes no liability (financial or otherwise) for the event.
Planning issues
Roland reported a meeting was held recently on Sheer House on the basis that we would not oppose
the planning application for the hotel as it was felt that it was a half way house and it would minimize
disruption. Wrote a letter to say if council approved certain issues should be addressed by the
owners to four points – from Roland’s email.
Visual environmental improvements – exterior of the buildings, plaza area, stair case landscaping
Deal with the parking on the pavement outside Costa, Londis etc. permanent structures to prevent
Car parking should be moved from the loading area up to the first floor level so loading at the rear
Car parking first floor level should be made to traders so that they are available for the
offices……………..
Lastly in order to stop it to becoming a hostel for the unfortunate only should be used for short term
lettings on a commercial basis for the local community and their visitors.
Distilled it down to what was thought a number of achievable items rather than big pie in the sky
items. Planning decisions are taken by officers this one has stoked up a lot of interest and 20
objections already and if more than ten has to go to committee. Mainly from members of the
Neighbourhood Forum and Pauline has observed that there is a lot of misunderstanding from the
public about Sheer House. Disheartening with some of the comments. West Byfleet structure is not
something that can actually be changed and a Hotel seems to be as good a compromise as we can
get in the current climate. All agreed.
NP said we had the advantage that we inputted the commercial section of the development plan
drawn up by the Neighbourhood Forum. Vision was a framework for debate not the way forward.
There is a rumour going round to say that the station is being moved to Sheerwater – it is definitely a
rumour.
PH had a meeting with Gary recently he and Richard Wilson went to talk to Geoff McManus –
responsible for parking basically they have brokered a deal with Woking Borough Council 115 spaces
of which 40 are occupied on a daily basis –offer to the traders in WEST Byfleet season ticket £340 a
year 75p a day which could be paid annually or monthly – another 40 a year. CCTV if enough people
say yes they will be able to resurface. A flyer is needed to get some interest. It will be an incentive
for recruiting in respect of traders and it is a desire by the council to help the traders.
Website
No update
Membership
There are new businesses in the village and consequently they will be approached.
Woking Chamber
The response written by Roland was given to Dave Pete who is the planning and environment officer
and asked him if he wanted to know what we are thinking about – he was impressed. IT seems that
the Woking, News and Mail approached the council regarding the parking situation in Woking and
consequently up set the Council as they only published the negativity of the situation. WBC are
committed only to grant a minimum number of car parking places with each planning application. The
Woking Chambers are petitioning.
AOB
A request for the WBBA to raise funds for a sufferer of Cerebal Palsy in West Byfleet, Christian.
Perhaps to sell wrist bands?
PH thank you to Stella for hosting us at the AGM and hosting the West Byfleet Business Association
each month.
Next month’s meeting – West Byfleet Social Club – 4th June at 7.30 am