Agenda item

To receive a presentation from James Stewart on the work of the Yorktown Watchmoor Business Association.

James Stewart, Chairman, gave an update in respect of the work of the Yorktown and Watchmoor Business Association.

The Organisation’s main aim was to tackle barriers to business growth in and around Camberley with a particular focus on public transport provision, traffic congestion and local infrastructure.  This was achieved through a combination of providing local businesses with a single body that could represent their views in a wider arena and working to promote specific projects that would improve business prosperity in the area.

A recent revamp of the organisation had helped improve its interface with local businesses and this had in turn helped progress a number of key projects for the area including the development of the Blackwater Valley Cycle Route, improvements to the Meadows Gyratory to address capacity issues, improving bus connectivity between railway stations and business areas and working to identify parking solutions in key business areas.

It was acknowledged that many small businesses lacked the resources to get fully involved with the Organisation however they were encouraged to be involved with the organisation’s work through a series of standalone events including business breakfasts.

A decision by Surrey Heath Bough Council to part fund a post with Surrey County Council has resulted in a Highways Officer being based in Surrey Heath for one day a week.  This has resulted in the priorities and problems in the area having a much greater profile than previously and meant that progress to improve traffic congestion was now being made in a number of areas.

It was stressed that businesses in Watchmoor Park and Watchmoor Point business areas were keen to promote alternative ways of travelling to work to their employees and were supportive of the cycleway that was currently under construction.  However it was acknowledged that more needed to be done to counter the negative messages about the scheme currently on social media.

The Committee thanked James Stewart for his update.