To receive any announcements from the Leader.
Minutes:
The Leader and the Deputy Leader made the following announcements:
Deputy Leader -
“We are consulting on the final draft of the Spelthorne Design Code which will give guidance to developers to ensure that new buildings are well designed and respect the character of our towns and open spaces. The consultation will last for 6 weeks and will close on Monday 04 August 2025.
I am pleased to announce that Sunbury Walled
Garden, Staines Cemetery and Sunbury Park (including Orchard
Meadow) have been awarded Breen Flat *Green Flag Awards.
Quality Parks and green spaces like these make Spelthorne a happier
and healthier place to live and I would like to thank the
Neighbourhood Services Team who have worked so hard to make these
spaces worthy of this prestigious award”.
The Leader –
The Local Government Reorganisation consultation is now live and it represents the most significant change to local government in Surrey in over 50 years. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for residents to shape how local decisions are made and how vital services are delivered across our communities. This Council is backing the three-unitary model, which we believe would deliver stronger public services, unlock new opportunities for economic growth, and ensure we stay closely connected to the people we serve.
To help raise awareness, we have also put up banners across the Borough promoting the consultation and encouraging participation. In addition, a leaflet will be delivered to your doorstep during the week commencing 21st July. We urge all residents to take part. Please do not miss your chance to have your say - this change will affect all of us, and it is essential that we protect and preserve the things that matter most to our communities.
In response to residents’ concerns about antisocial behaviour, a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been introduced across the Borough. This order specifically targets the misuse of catapults, face coverings such as masks, and the inappropriate use of personal transport like e-bikes and scooters. The PSPO gives both the Council and the Police greater powers to tackle behaviours that have increasingly become a problem in recent years.
To raise awareness and encourage action, banners have been placed across the Borough, along with signage in key locations. These support the “Report, Report” message encouraging residents to speak up and help make a difference. It is vital that residents speak up and report problems to the Police so action can be taken where it’s needed most. This message is reinforced in the video I worked on with the Borough Commander, which is available on our website and social media channels. Only together can we improve our Borough. Let’s work as one community to keep our public spaces safe, respectful, and welcoming for all.
I had the pleasure of joining Cllr Med Buck and the Rotary Club of Staines for a Bastille Day celebration earlier this week. The event marked the enduring friendship and growing ties between Spelthorne and our twin town, Melun in France - a relationship that continues to flourish through shared community spirit, cultural exchange, and collaboration. The event was well attended and we were honoured by the virtual presence of our French counterparts including the Deputy Mayor who joined the celebration and reaffirmed their commitment to the shared values of liberty, equality, and fraternity”.
*amended by Council at meeting on 09 October 2025.