South East Water are planning on closing The Street in Tongham, whilst they install new infrastructure.
Commenting, County Councillor Matt Furniss said:
"Yesterday (Friday 16th June) I held a pre-arranged meeting with South East Water representatives along with Surrey Highways officers.
"This followed the public meeting hosted by Rupert at the Hogs Back Brewery.
"Sallie and I as your local councillors were at the public meeting and heard the concerns raised there as well as those we have received via email and online.
"I would just like to confirm that Surrey Highways have not yet permitted or given permission for these works yet as SEW still must respond to the points residents have raised.
"I can confirm that South East Water heard the strength of local feeling and admit that their communications and timings have been poor.
"During the 2-hour meeting we walked all routes that had been considered.
"The first is through the Bellway site and along Grange Road. SEW have agreed to reconsider and do some modelling on this route to see if there is space in Grange Road, that the levels allow the water flow and pressure to be achieved as well as an access for residents through the Bellway site so as to not strand anyone.
"The second is around the back of the Hogs Back Brewery and through the Recreation Ground to Poyle Road.
"This is the preferred Surrey Highways Route as it can be built with minimal impact to traffic flows and residents. Again, SEW have agreed to reconsider and do some modelling on this route to see if the levels allow the water flow and pressure to be achieved.
"Last is The Street. Following the site visit SEW have agreed that if this is the only option then it will now be a ‘rolling closure’. This means that only 50m at a time will be shut, residents will always have access to their properties outside of the 50m closure and can park in the road, receive visitors and deliveries. The pavement will be always open.
"The Street would only be closed to through traffic under this option.
"SEW have also looked at their connection works and have managed to reduce the time already by a week.
"SEW have at Surrey Highways request also agreed to look at a compound (a site for materials and facilities for the work crews) which will also reduce the time by a number of weeks.
"SEW have agreed to produce a programme of the works, timings and whether they will be night works for each 50m section of The Street. This is to show how it will work if this is the only option available.
"Lastly SEW have agreed to another public meeting at the end of June/beginning of July where all these options will be presented, explained and residents will have input on the proposals.
"Sallie and I have collated the following concerns by residents, if there are any that have been missed, please email Matt at [email protected].
"SEW will be responding to all these points."
The Street, Tongham – Key Resident Issues with SEW proposals:
Works Timing
- Length of time of works.
- Working hours.
- Lack of notice and consultation.
- How many shifts will be working?
- Guildford Borough Council has not been consulted and their waste team were unaware. Detailed proposals needed on access for vehicles on a Monday with plan agreed with Paul Bennett and Chris Wheeler.
Alternative Options
- Alternative routes with pros and cons.
- Coordination with The Street Improvements.
- Points of supply and provision of a new pipe by alternative route rather than replace existing.
- School route impact.
- Traffic data to understand impacts of diversion and congestion timings.
- Impact of current temporary signals at the Dover Arms roundabout.
- Using Bellway and Taylor Wimpey land as it is to serve their build project.
Diversion Route
- Diversion route affecting self-employment and school journeys.
- Signals at the Aldershot Roundabout and Junction of Poyle Road/White Lane.
- Close Grange Rd at junction of The Street, access from Lambourne Way.
- Stop parking on Oxenden Road.
- Access for emergency vehicles.
- Access for pedestrians and cyclists.
- How will the closure be marshalled?
- What does the diversion route and signage look like?
- Lights on A331 roundabout.
- Congestion and increased safety risks from congestion on other routes.
Resident and Community Impact
- Access for residents, ability to manoeuvre vehicles.
- Impact on residents and pets in The Street from noise levels.
- Displaced parking for residents and parking for contractors. Can the new development be used?
- Community and children’s groups use of the Hogs Back and access.
- Medical appointments.
- Deliveries.
- Tongham Village Hall users.
- Refuse vehicle access.
- Risk to water supplies during works.
- Impact on residents with noise and dust during the summer period.
- Disabled and mobility access.
- Compensation
- Fuel compensation.
- Impact on car insurance from moving it to the road for access.
- Compensation for businesses and residents.
- Impact on businesses with no guaranteed compensation.
Pictured, the public meeting at the Hogs Back Brewery
