The 34th AGM of the Esher Residents Association was held this year on 21st October at Esher Church of England Primary School,
Milbourne Lane. This was a very well-attended meeting, with over fifty residents taking part.

The height of the evening was a talk, accompanied by photographs, from Gerry Acher CBE, Chairman of the Cobham Conservation & Heritage Trust. We were shown the difficulties and problems of conservation of historic buildings with particular examples of what had been achieved by the society in Cobham. All of the issues seen there were uncannily familiar to our own experiences here in Esher.

Gerry went on to explain the “Blue Plaque scheme”, which the trust had introduced into Cobham. This is similar to the plaques you see in London on buildings where either noteworthy people have lived or noteworthy
events have occurred. There was considerable enthusiasm for the scheme and the ERA committee are now investigating the possibility of introducing this into Esher. The talk was followed by a lively question,
comment and discussion session. Christine Andrews urged us to use the Farmers Market on the third Saturday of each month at the Civic Centre.

Mike Collins and several others wanted to know what was happening about the parking in Claremont Lane. Surrey County Councillor Nigel Cooper was able to inform us that the process of traffic orders (public notice and consultation) for the installation of double yellow lines in Claremont Lane would be published in December and, if there were no
objections, the lines could appear in January. However it was more realistic to expect the lines to be laid March 2010.

Andrew Wills , joint chairman of the Esher Business Guild, assured us that, contrary to rumour, there would be a Christmas tree with lights in Esher High Street this year, but due to the credit crunch there would be no Christmas street lights and he thanked the ERA for their annual
contribution. He went on to draw our attention to the Civic Improvement Fund which will support local projects up to a value of 75%.

Mr Davison urged that a path was required along Littleworth Lane and asked what could be done. Jason Cooper, ERA Road Officer, confirmed that agreement had been obtained through the relevant committees of the
councils and that with no funds we are asked to raise £6,000. The ERA is in the process of trying to raise these funds.

The Chairman, Peter Heaney, thanked everyone for their support and drew the meeting to a conclusion.