A Temporary Road Closure was instigated by SCC on Thursday, 1st September, between the Seale end of Blighton Lane and Furze Hill, until further notice.

On Saturday, 27th August, extensive clearance of the former landfill site on the east side of Blighton Lane was carried out by the owner.

The area has now been entirely cleared of all trees and scrub thus making the boundaries of highway and footpath, open and exposed.

Surrey County Council, Guildford Borough Council, The Forestry Commission, Enforcement Officers and the Environment Agencies have all been contacted and are taking appropriate action.

For further information please contact the Parish Council.

This year’s Pilgrim Marathon is almost upon us. The organisers, Rotary Club of Farnham Weyside, have advised us of potential delays for traffic due to mass starts for both full and half marathon’s.

The race will be hosted on the field opposite the golf club as has been the case for the last couple of years, therefore the short delays will be around the junction of Sands Road with Blighton Lane.

The full marathon, with a maximum number of 200 competitors will start at 08:30 and the half marathon with a maximum of 300 will set off at 09:30.

We are pleased to announce that Lyn Parrott has been co-opted onto the Parish Council, following the due process.

“We are in regular contact with Surrey Fire and Rescue after many fires across Surrey last week. We want to ensure that we have procedures in place to react quickly to emergencies.  

Most of these fires were started by people lighting fires and barbecues. To help prevent this we are: 

• putting up signs reminding people not to light fires and barbecues on our land

• asking people to take their litter home

• cutting wider fire breaks. This will prevent fires spreading across our meadows and into built-up areas.

Climate change has contributed to these fires. The loss of natural habitat worldwide is one of the causes of the changing climate. Our long-term plan is to continue to manage our land to protect the natural habitat. This will help us meet our climate change commitment.

Please help protect our green spaces and wildlife by not lighting barbecues and disposing of litter and cigarettes responsibly.” 

Please note that our village defibrillators will be unavailable on the following dates due to being returned to the manufacturer for a software update. The start date is fixed however the return date is subject to on-time re-delivery.

The Sands defibrillator - located in the ex. BT telephone kiosk on Smugglers Way, adjacent to the Barley Mow Public house will be unavailable from 29th July 2022 07:00 to 3rd August 2022 23:59.

Seale defibrillator - located in the ex. BT telephone kiosk at Manor Fields will be unavailable from 8th August 2022 07:00 to 11th August 2022 23:59.

Note too, that the kiosk lights will still be illuminated during the time the defibrillators are unavailable.

Both defibrillators are registered with The Circuit, a new national service set up to connect local ambulance services with public access defibrillators. Each defibrillator will be marked as unavailable on this service accordingly so that SECAMB will know not to send anyone to our units.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause but it is vital the units are updated.

If you have any questions about our defibrillators please send an email to Jason Butcher jb@jasonbutcher.biz or contact Margaret Nelson the Parish Clerk on 01252 782626 who will pass on the query.

In an emergency, always contact 999 first.

A video starring viral sensation, Jackie Weaver is up online, to help get more people involved in local councils.

Video is here on Youtube

The video raises the importance of everyone having a stake in their community and getting involved in their local council. Local councils exist and flourish thanks to the commitments of over 100,000 councillors, clerks, and council staff. 

We currently have two Councillor positions to fill - could one of them be you? We are encouraging people from all backgrounds and experiences to come onboard and ensure the council is always representative of our community.

Get involved by attending a meeting or speaking to any Councillor or our clerk.

We are looking forward to residents of Seale and Sands celebrating H.M. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by attending the events of the first weekend in June.

Residents are currently working on plans to celebrate a street party picnic, both in Seale and The Sands, at School Hill and The Green respectively. But they need your help. If you, your family and neighbours can spare some time to help with organising and / or volunteering on the day please let us know how you would like to help and your contact details: clerk@saspc.info so we can pass them on.

If more residents can help in a small way it can alleviate the burden on the core organisers.

We hope you can help make the weekend a success.

Farnham Homes For Ukraine was established in March as a rapid response to the growing humanitarian crisis and need for safety of Ukrainian residents in areas affected by the Russian invasion of their country, democracy, and independence.

If you have accommodation to offer and wish to become a host, or if you are a Ukrainian family looking for somewhere safe to stay in the UK and wish to find a suitable host, then please visit Farnham Homes for Ukraine

The Government’s ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme has been launched and can be found at https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk

The Homes for Ukraine scheme will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety, including those with no family ties to the UK. Phase One of the scheme will allow sponsors in the UK to nominate a named Ukrainian or a named Ukrainian family to stay with them in their home or in a separate property. The webpage enables individuals and organisations to register their interest and receive further information as the scheme is developed.

There is an FAQ page at here.

The Parish Council is deeply saddened to notify the death of Sir Alan Jones who died on 25th February 2022.

Sir Alan served as a Parish Councillor from June 2018 to September 2021 and made a valuable contribution to the community and Parish Council during his time in the village.

Sir Alan will be greatly missed and our sincere condolences go to his wife Mary and family.

Consultation Questionnaire will be available on Friday, 4th February 2022

A link from our homepage is up or click here to take you there: Neighbourhood Plan Survey 2022

In honour of those who have lost their lives due to conflict, a Remembrance service held yesterday at Seale War Memorial was well attended by residents.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Seale and Sands Royal British Legion Branch, Seale and Sands Royal British Legion Club, Seale and Sands Parish Council, Surrey Police and Surrey County Council.

During the service the names of those local men commemorated on the memorial were read out by Malcolm Grant-Howarth, Chairman of Seale and Sands Royal British Legion Branch.

We will remember them.

1914-1918
Pte. Edwin J Amos R.A.M.C.
Pte. Frank Bicknell Queens R. W. Surrey Regiment
Pte. Arthur Butler Royal Fusiliers
2nd Lt. Tudor R Castle Queens R. W. Surrey Regiment
Capt. Michael Chapman M.C. Grenadier Guards
Stoker Henry W C Dodd Royal Navy
2nd Lt. J Lennox Fetherstonehaugh A. & S. Highlanders
Rifleman George Gardiner London Rifle Brigade
Pte. Frederick Gardner Royal Sussex Regiment
Capt. Markham Giradot Oxford L. I.
Pte. James Gray Essex Regiment
Pte. William L Hedger Royal Fusiliers
Lt. Lyulph W M Howard Queens R. W. Surrey Regiment
Capt. Arthur W Macarthur Onslow 16th Lancers
Sergt. Edwin W Parsons Queens R. W. Surrey Regiment
2nd Lt. Arthur B Penlington M.C. R.F.A.
C.S.M. George Ridgers Devon Regiment
Pte. Harry Trimming R.A.S.C.
Pte. Arthur W Turner Hants Regiment
Pte. Thomas S Turner R.A.S.C.
C.Q.M.S. John Wells D.C.M. Worcester Regiment
Lt. Douglas F De Wend D. of W’s W. Riding Regiment
Pte. James A C Woolgar Canadian Infantry

1939 - 1945
Lieut J F Brownrigg Sherwood Foresters
Corpl. A E Bulbeck Royal Hampshire Regiment
Flight Sergt. E G Cass Royal Air Force
Lieut. C P W Cross Royal Navy
Capt. R A Lindsay East Surrey Regiment
Corpl. E A Papworth Sherwood Foresters
Admiral Sir Tom S V Phillips K.C.B.
Capt. S H M Russell M.P. Coldstream Guards
Lieut. R L S Russell Royal Artillery

Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme

Information for Community Groups

 

 

Get faster broadband for your community

Living in a rural area of Surrey means that slow broadband can be a real struggle. But with more and more people working from home and generally spending more time online, there’s an even greater need for speed. And even if you’re happy with your broadband now, you might need faster speeds in the future. The good news is that you, your neighbours and local small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in your area might be able to join together and do something about it.

The Government’s latest Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/ ) was launched in April 2021 and offers government funding to rural homes and businesses to help you get gigabit speeds which will meet your internet needs now and into the future.

What is a gigabit connection?

One gigabit is the same as 1,000Mbps, so it’s a big leap forward in connection speeds. Gigabit-capable broadband also supports symmetrical connections meaning your upload and download speeds can be the same.

What does the voucher scheme offer?

If your home or business (SME) is in a rural location, can only access broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps and is not already in any plans for a broadband upgrade, then by grouping together with other nearby homes and/or SMEs, you could be entitled to funding worth:

·        Up to £1,500 per home

·        Up to £3,500 per SME

The voucher funding goes towards the cost of bringing gigabit speeds to your community. There may be extra costs if the connection costs are greater than the funding, but the more properties involved, the lower the cost would be.  Please note, it is not possible for an individual home or business to apply for a voucher, it must be done as part of a group of two or more.

Residents and businesses benefitting from the funding are required to take up a service delivered on gigabit-capable infrastructure which must reach:

·        At least double your existing speed if your current speed is less than 50Mbps

·        At least 100Mbps if your current speed is more than 50Mbps

This may mean a small increase in your current monthly broadband charge to reflect the improved service.

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4

There are a few things you need to do that’ll kickstart the process.

1.    Check the eligibility of your address on the Government’s Gigabit Voucher site. To do this, visit https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/, enter your postcode and select your address. A message will appear below your address

2.    If the message advises that your home may be eligible, then start talking to your neighbours, other homes or businesses in the area who may also be keen to get involved.

3.    Once you have determined how many residents and SMEs are interested in getting access to gigabit infrastructure, your group lead needs to contact a registered voucher supplier (see below) to discuss your requirements and get a quotation.

4.    If your group decides to accept the supplier’s project proposal, the supplier will confirm the voucher eligibility of the addresses in the group and request the voucher funding from the government on your behalf. The voucher funding will be applied to the cost of the quotation and if it does not cover the total cost, your group will be responsible for paying the outstanding balance.

Registered suppliers

A full list of all registered voucher suppliers is included on the Government’s Gigabit Voucher website, however, some of these suppliers either do not operate in Surrey or only work with businesses.  Below are just a few of the suppliers who are known to be operating in Surrey and who work with communities.

Please note. These suppliers may offer different services and work with different ISPs so please check what they offer carefully to ensure they meet your requirements.

1.    Box Broadband –https://www.boxbroadband.co.uk/

2.    Broadband for Surrey Hills (B4SH) –https://www.gigupanddown.net/

3.    F&W/Hey Broadband - https://heybroadband.co.uk/

4.    Grayshott Gigabit –  https://www.grayshottgigabit.com/

5.    Openreach - https://www.openreach.com/fibre-broadband/community-fibre-partnerships/how-to-apply-for-a-cfp

6.    Swish Fibre - https://www.swishfibre.com/

 

Timeframes

Once a quotation has been confirmed with a supplier, it can take up to 12 months for the gigabit infrastructure to be deployed.

More information

If you have any queries regarding the voucher scheme, please contact the SCC Broadband team on 07816 060459 or broadband.enquiries@surreycc.gov.uk

Terms and Conditions of the Gigabit Voucher Scheme can be found here

The Parish Council cordially invite you to commemorate the brave men from Seale, The Sands and the surrounding villages who gave up their lives during the 1st World War and 2nd World War and at the War Memorial in Seale at 10:45. We also remember all those who lost their life during conflict.

A short service is to be held and then the two minute silence. Wreathes will be laid.

A longer service to be held in St. Laurence Church afterwards. The Parish Council and the Royal British Legion, Seale and Sands Branch, is providing a buffet at the Club (on The Green, The Sands) where attendees are welcome.

Farnborough Airport has recently announced that due to the Covid-19 pandemic the PIR due to be completed this year will be delayed.

Due to the ongoing change in air operations because of the pandemic they have reviewed their position and have decided to review the situation again in February 2022.

They have stated that any data gathered for the review during the period 1st March 2020 to 28th February 2022 cannot be considered.

The PIR will consider how the changes to the airspace, made by Farnborough Airport, impacts those affected by these changes.

The PC wrote to the CAA in July this year detailing our concerns with the changes to the airspace, most notably air corridors and aircraft altitude, and that our comments should be considered within the PIR.

Surrey County Council via Councillor Matt Furniss, agreed several years ago to look at driver (and therefore other road users/property owners) safety at Litleworth Cross junction due to the number of vehicular accidents and near misses occuring there.

Last year saw the installation of some new, tall, high visibility yellow backed signs to increase driver awareness of the junction, but these only covered one of the approaches. Regular ‘Junction’ signs were also installed on Littleworth Road. Earlier this year, after further PC and resident action additional yellow backed road signage was installed to cover the approach from all directions.

More recently the speed limit on Littleworth Road was reduced to from 60mph to 40mph.

The application of high friction surfacing is quoted by SCC as a safety improvement and will be applied on each approach to the junction.

Works are due to take 2 days (weather dependent) and will involve road closures. Diversions will be in place. Access will be maintained for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists plus emergency vehicles in an emergency situation. Access to properties maybe disrupted.

Any issues with the works should be reported to SCC Highways.

Surrey County Council agreed earlier this year to undertake works to reconstruct the footway between Sands Close and Smugglers Way on Sands Road.

Works are due to take 10 days (weather dependent) and will involve some road closures.

Any issues with the works should be reported to SCC Highways.

The Parish Council is looking for someone to fill the post of Volunteer Dog Warden for Seale & Sands. Below is a description of the role to be considered plus it should be noted that the Dog Warden will have the support of the Parish Council when acting on our behalf. It’s possible that the role could be split bewteen two or more people to cover the area more effectively. We are keen to hear from anyone who can help.

Volunteer Dog Warden - For the area of Seale and Sands Parish, responsible to Guildford Borough Council

Areas to walk at regular intervals, or as required:

·       footways and paths, including public footpaths

·       recreation ground Seale to include the play area, sports playing pitch, car park

·       recreation ground The Sands to include the play area, sports playing pitch

·       car parks, public transport bays and surrounds

·      Seale War Memorial

Specific Duties:

·       To advise people what the rules are if they see a dog fouling, not on a lead etc

·       To identify areas of concern, e.g. where grounds are being used for sporting or social activities so cleaning can take place.

·       To keep a “log” of areas visited and any actions needed.

·       To receive and collate information from members of the public regarding anti-social behaviour –specifically around dogs and dog walking– and inform the Parish Council and Guildford Borough Council of actions potentially needed

Specific Details:

·       Ensure dog owners know they are responsible for the health, welfare and behaviour of their pets and should be aware of the legislation surrounding dog ownership. Dogs must be kept under control at all times. This may mean having your dog on a lead especially near roads and other people.

·       Dog Fouling – Dog faeces are not only unpleasant and unsightly but also carry a harmful infection, which can cause serious illness and/or disability if ingested. Identify persons and places where this is taking place. Collect if appropriate.

·       There are four dog waste bins within the Parish to dispose of dog's waste. The bins are emptied weekly and are located at the following sites: Seale Recreation Ground and Sands Recreation Ground. Normal waste bins can also be used.

·       Report to the Parish Council and Guildford Borough Council any major issues or potential legal action which needs to be taken including stray dogs.

·       Barking Dogs - The dog warden can take action against excessive barking from pets. This can be done as long as the noise can be proved to be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

·      Note:  Not clearing up your dog’s waste is a Criminal Offence under legislation listed, which can be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court with fines of up to £1000.  Further action may also be taken against repeat offenders in the form of Civil Injunctions which, if breached, can result in custodial sentences of up to two years. The penalty for committing an offence contained in a Dog Control Order is a maximum fine of £1,000. Alternatively, the opportunity to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice of £80 may be offered in place of prosecution. This can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

• ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, CRIME AND POLICING ACT 2014 -  PUBLIC SPACE PROTECTION ORDER (CONTROL OF DOGS) 2015

·       The dog warden doesn't deal with acts of animal cruelty but if you think any animal is being mistreated you can call the RSPCA Cruelty Line .

PARISH OF SEALE & SANDS

NOTICE OF VACANCY IN OFFICE OF PARISH COUNCILLOR

Notice is hereby given pursuant to rule 5 of The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England & Wales) Rules 2006, that consequent upon the resignation of Alan Jones, a casual vacancy exists in the Office of Councillor for the said Parish.

If a request for an election to fill the said vacancy signed by ten registered electors of the said Parish is received on or before 2 November 2021 by the Proper Officer of Guildford Borough Council, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4BB, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy.  If no such notice is received by the Proper Officer, the vacancy will be filled by the Parish Council by co-option.

James Whiteman

Proper Officer

Dated : 13 October 2021

It is with regret that we have to announce that Parish Councillor, Alan Jones, has resigned from his position, for personal reasons, with immediate effect. The other Councillors wish to thank him for his valued services within the Parish during his time on the Council.