Haslemere Parking Proposals
My inbox has been busier than ever in the past few weeks as I have been inundated with comments from Haslemere residents, many of whom are concerned about Surrey County Council’s parking proposals. I understand that the public meeting on Tuesday received a strong turn out and people made their views very clear. Parking around Haslemere Station has been a nightmare for ages but we obviously need to make sure we find the right way to sort it out. The long term solution must involve increasing capacity at the station car park, but in terms of what can be done now people need to make their feelings known in the consultation. I intend to be closely involved in helping to work out a sensible way forward, including meeting with Cllr Steve Renshaw early next month.
Posted on 27 January 2012 by Jeremy Hunt
Flying the flag for Hindhead!
After being put through my refereeing paces by a group of 9 year old's in Haslemere this morning, I am off to meet with local businesses in Hindhead who are keen to discuss a regeneration plan for the village now that the tunnel is open. Since the old A3 closed and traffic has been diverted through the tunnel, businesses have been struggling. Now that the new road system is nearly in place and the tail backs are a distant memory local businesses want to ensure that everyone is aware that Hindhead is very much still open for business. I am confident that with a tourist attraction such as the Devil's Punchbowl on our doorstep people will flock to the area. We just need to show them what else Hindhead has to offer and make sure that post tunnel the village thrives - without the traffic jams!
Posted on 14 January 2012 by Jeremy Hunt
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to everyone in South West Surrey. What an exciting year 2012 will be. Today I have been speaking to the local press about what the Olympics mean for South West Surrey including showing them a real Olympic Torch. 16 teams from all over the world have already signed up to train in Surrey, businesses have won more than £700m in contracts and we have the torch relay in Godalming on 20th July as well as the cycling road race passing through on 28th and 29th July. On top of this I am planning to ensure a lasting sporting legacy by creating an Olympic-style School Games to encourage participation in sport with local schools from across the constituency signing up. Lots of potential - now to make it happen.
Posted on 13 January 2012 by Jeremy Hunt
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2011
2011 has been a tough year for many people and our first thoughts must be with families who are struggling in very difficult times.
Despite the economic challenges there have been some important milestones here in South West Surrey - not least the opening of the A3 tunnel. Now the mini-roundabouts are finally completed, the centre of Hindhead has been transformed hugely to the benefit of local residents. In Godalming there will shortly be a new leisure centre opening and the prospect of some real progress on the Key Site. Meanwhile in Farnham, moves continue to make the centre greener and more family-friendly. I am determined not to give up on this because until we make progress Farnham will not live up to the extraordinary potential it has to be one of the most attractive historic town centres in the south of England.
Nationally I will be focusing increasingly on the 2012 Games - of course working closely with local resident and former Olympic champion Seb Coe and wishing every success to our local Paralympic star Rachel Morris. I will also be drumming up support for local schools to take part in the Olympic-style School Games - 20 have already signed up - and tackling broadband where I want Surrey to have the best superfast broadband in the UK.
I will also need to be good at juggling because in April Lucia is expecting our second child. Domestic chaos will no doubt accompany what I hope will be the calm and measured discharging of my ministerial duties!
Wishing all residents of South West Surrey a happy Christmas and best wishes for 2012.
Jeremy
Posted on 20 December 2011 by Jeremy Hunt