The Esher Residents Association represents all shades of opinion in Esher, including those of children, young people and visitors from overseas who are living here.

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BLUE PLAQUES FOR ESHER?

After considerable interest at the recent AGM, the Esher Residents Association is introducing a Blue Plaque Scheme to honour past noteworthy residents, special interest sites and buildings in the town. The aim is to raise the profile of Esher as a town of historic importance as well as to inform residents about local past dignitaries.

The initial scheme was started in London some 140 years ago, and has recently been the subject of a revival amongst various groups around the UK. Neighbouring towns and Societies have already started the scheme and, as Esher has had its fair share of noteworthy residents, we feel the time is right for our own scheme.

Do you have a noteworthy nomination for this scheme?

The criteria for nomination are loosely based on the English Heritage Scheme – with a local twist to reflect Esher’s past. Our scheme, unlike the English Heritage scheme, honours people and places with a direct connection with Esher and is open to nominations from

people within and beyond the boundaries of Esher.

The criteria for nomination of a person are that they:

•have been deceased for twenty years or have passed the centenary of their birth,             whatever is the earlier;

•would be considered eminent by a majority of members of their own profession;

•have made an outstanding contribution to human welfare or happiness;

1. •        have resided in Esher and are recognisable to the general public.
   

The criteria for nomination of a place are:

1. •        a dwelling where the building has a connection with an historic event or noteworthy person and/or
   

2. •        the building or structure is of particular historic importance.
   

Plaques can be erected on the actual building or a site where a build- ing once stood and this plaque should preferably be visible from the highway.

Any suggestion will be fully researched before implementation and the ERA is liaising with various organisations within Elmbridge. It is hoped to fund the scheme by local donations as the nominal cost for each plaque is quite low.

Peter Hills is running this scheme for the ERA. He would be pleased to hear from you of any nominations you may have, or to discuss aspects of the scheme. Peter may be contacted at 01372 471 491 or peter.hills7@btinternet.com.

LITTLEWORTH ROAD A Cash Barrier?

Those who attended the AGM in 2009 will know the ERA has been campaigning to have a footpath con- structed along the west side of Hare Lane Green, oppo- site the “Swan”. The objective is to provide a safe route for those using Littleworth Road to reach the bus stop in Milbourne Lane with relatively dry feet. The scheme incorporates improved piped drainage of Littleworth Road.

The Commons Land Committee of Elmbridge Council has given permission for a limestone path sealed with granite dust to give a rural ap- pearance and for a new pipe running from the roadside to the stream/ditch.

Tenders have been priced at £9,500. However, the hoped-for grant has not been forthcoming and the ERA is still seeking a further £7,200 before the scheme can be implemented and any suggestions and/or contributions will be gratefully received.

FARM ROAD Some Progress at last

Following a two-year campaign by the ERA, January 2010 finally saw the whole of Farm Road being resurfaced and road markings being repainted. This followed work to the kerbs and crossovers late last year. But a note of caution at the time of going to press; the cul-de-sac signs and the lorry restriction signs, similar to the one illustrated, still need to be erected at the Douglas Road/Farm Road junction – all however, have been promised very soon.

CLAREMONT LANE: A result!

After a year-long campaign over safety issues, the double-yellow lines are now down on Claremont Lane and this main thoroughfare is clear for traffic again.

The traffic-related accidents, one serious, that occurred following the adoption of uncontrolled parking on this busy road are now, fortunately, a thing of the past.

It remains that there are several more traffic andparking-related problems within Esher and you can be assured that we will be actively campaigning on your behalf to seek improvements. Please contact us if you have specific concerns about how these affect you.