The Leader to answer questions from Members in relation to the Executive functions.
Minutes:
The Leader responded to questions from Councillor Vivienne Chapman arising from the environmental section in the new Five Year Strategy. He indicated his support for publicising information in Heathscene concerning the important role of hedgerows in carbon capture. Furthermore, following a question from Councillor Pat Tedder, he undertook to discuss with the Chief Executive options within the planning process to encourage the use of soft landscaping rather than mortar, as well as discouraging the removal of hedges and trees.
In respect of concerns raised by Councillor Chapman about the impact on pupils of exhaust emissions from idling vehicles outside schools, he also agreed to write to Surrey County Council (SCC) about installing notices outside schools and indicated that funding could be made available if necessary. Furthermore, he asked the Chief Executive to look into Civil Enforcement Officers enforcing against idling vehicles.
In response to a question from Councillor Morgan Rise, the Leader referred to the new aspirations section in the Five Year Strategy.
The Leader received a question from Councillor Rebecca Jennings-Evans concerning reports that the Arriva bus routes 34 and 35 were to be discontinued and a question from Councillor Victoria Wheeler on plans reported at a Surrey Heath Local Committee meeting that SCC was proposing improvements to the bus stops on those routes. In response, the Leader undertook to write to Surrey County Council to lobby for retaining a service on those routes and clarify proposals to update the bus stops.