Category Archives: Environment

Catching up with Elmbridge Friends of the Earth

On Friday, I caught up with Heather Fraser and Christine Manly from Elmbridge Friends of the Earth. It was good to hear their views, and we had a good discussion about the action the government is taking to tackle climate change.

The UK has a strong record in this area, having decarbonised our economy faster than any other G20 country since the start of this century. In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass a net zero emissions law, requiring us to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

This international leadership, and our commitment to Build Back Greener by becoming the world leader in clean wind energy, puts us in a good place as we prepare to host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow next year.

While climate change and environmental protection are global challenges, they also have real importance in local communities. In Elmbridge, we can see this in the strong attachment to our Green Belt. With this in mind, it was good to re-affirm to Heather and Christine the local Conservatives’ clear commitment to protecting it for future generations.

Reviewing flood insurance

Following the serious flooding that affected some parts of the country over the winter, the government announced an independent review into flood insurance. Further details of this review have been published this week.

The review will look at why people did not have sufficient insurance cover – or had no insurance at all – during the floods in November last year. It will inform future policy to support the uptake and effectiveness of insurance in flood risk areas, like parts of Esher and Walton.

One part of this work will look at the availability and affordability of the flooding component of household insurance as a result of the creation of the “Flood Re” scheme.

As some residents will know, this scheme – set up in 2016 between the government and the insurance industry – aims to ensure that people in areas at risk of flooding can get adequate cover at reasonable prices.

The Flood Re scheme now covers 1,301 properties in Esher and Walton, so it is encouraging that this opportunity is being taken to see if any lessons can be learned from recent experience.

I will be paying close attention to the progress of the review and what it means for local residents.

Surrey’s 1.2 Million New Trees Initiative

Today, I was delighted to join Surrey County Council Leader, Tim Oliver, and pupils at Cranmere Primary School in Esher to plant a cherry blossom tree as part of Surrey County Council’s commitment to plant 1.2 million new trees – one for every resident – by 2030.

As part of their contribution to tackling climate change, from 1st – 8th March, Surrey County Council are hosting Surrey Tree Planting Week, where they will be working with and supporting residents and partners in planting thousands of trees across the county.

This will play an important role in supporting Surrey’s ambition to reduce emissions and become carbon neutral; and it was a pleasure to be invited to plant a tree in Esher.

Unauthorised Moorings on the River Thames

Last week, I attended the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the River Thames, which included a discussion on the issue of illegally moored boats along the river. This is a growing and frustrating problem for local residents, particularly those who live along the Thames in Molesey.

The meeting was a good opportunity to hear from local residents, the Environment Agency, Elmbridge Borough Council and organisations representing the views of river users.

I made two key points. First, all existing powers should be used as rigorously as possible to address illegal moorings, including the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO). A PSPO can be used to target a specific issue in a particular area that is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of local residents, by prohibiting certain actions.

Second, if the full and robust use of existing powers are not effective in ensuring the law is properly enforced, the government must now consider strengthening the law so that we can take effective action to preserve the interests of residents and the public.

Meeting with Friends of the Earth

On Friday, I met the Chair of Elmbridge Friends of the Earth, Heather Fraser, and three of her colleagues to discuss the harm caused by plastic pollution and the need to cut down waste and increase rates of recycling.

It was a valuable opportunity to discuss the action the government is taking, including the successful introduction of the 5p plastic bag charge, which has reduced the use of plastic bags by 15.6 billion since 2015, and the ban on microbeads in personal care products, which will help protect our marine environment.

Heather and her team briefed me on Friends of the Earth’s Plastic Pollution Plan, which contains proposals to phase out of single-use plastic items such as sachets and coffee cups, and includes a formal aim of zero plastic pollution by 2042. I agreed to raise the Plan with the Environment Secretary Michael Gove.

Local Flood Defences Update

At the start of the year, the Environment Agency revealed proposals to update and enhance the Lower Mole Flood Alleviation Scheme, which protects local homes and businesses from flooding.

Since its inception in 1989, the Scheme has provided protection to low-lying areas in Molesey, Esher  and Hersham by controlling the flow of water via 3 ‘sluices’ – one in Esher and two in East Molesey. The sluices are specifically designed to manage flood flow, reduce the risk of erosion and maintain water levels, protecting over 3,000 local homes and businesses from flooding.

The Environment Agency is consulting on a number of proposals to refurbish the Scheme. These include options to refurbish or replace the sluices, renovate embankments and naturalise the river. Local residents affected by the Scheme can take part in the consultation, which will close on 13 February 2019, and find out more information about the proposals here. A final decision is expected in the Summer.

Tree Planting at Claygate Primary School

Last Friday, I went to Claygate Primary School to help pupils plant five saplings which were donated as part of the Queens Commonwealth Canopy initiative.

The Queens Commonwealth Canopy is a collaborative effort, set up by Frank Field MP, Sainsbury’s and The Woodland Trust to establish a network of forest conservation projects across the Commonwealth, and over 500 MPs signed up to the fantastic scheme. You can read more about the Queens Commonwealth Canopy here.

My thanks to Helen Cocker at Surrey Countryside Partnerships Team, Mrs Cunningham, Head Teacher at Claygate Primary School and to the green-fingered pupils who did such a splendid job of planting the trees.

Wildlife Aid Foundation

Today, I went down to the Widlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead. I met with Founder Simon Cowell MBE, his daughter Lou and Nick Harding (pictured with me below) and a number of dedicated and passionate volunteers.

The Wildlife Aid Foundation is a fantastic organisation which is dedicated to the rescue and treatment of sick and injured wild animals and then to their return to the wild. Simon and his team gave me a tour of the site in Leatherhead, including the area where the new wildlife centre is being built. I saw the swans, badgers, owls and geese in their care, and we discussed the centre’s plans for the future.

Although the Wildlife Aid Foundation isn’t open to the public day-to-day, due to the nature of the work that it does, the Centre holds an Open Day each year, providing a unique opportunity for the public to see ‘behind the scenes’ and talk to the volunteers. This year, the Open Day is being held on Sunday 1 July. You can read more information about this on the Wildlife Aid Foundation website here.

 

Local Update from the Environment Agency

Today, I met up with Julia Simpson, the Environment Agency’s Area Manager for the Thames Region. She updated me on a range of local issues.

First, she gave me a briefing on the forthcoming works at the Molesey Weirs to bolster our flood defences. Next, Julia briefed me on flood protection works which took place in Autumn 2017 on the River Mole. She also updated me on progress with building further flood defences along the River Thames in Elmbridge.

I then raised the issue of illegally moored boats in Molesey, which I know is a concern for many constituents. Julia briefed me on the operational action being taken and we discussed what can be done going forward to prevent abuse of the system and related anti-social behaviour in the area.

Finally, Julia and I had a general discussion about funding for the River Thames Scheme from central government and local authorities. The River Thames Scheme will reduce the flood risk between Datchet and Teddington, currently the largest area of undefended floodplain in England. You can read more about the Scheme here.

Discussing Local Issues with Molesey Team

This morning, I caught up with Molesey candidates for Elmbridge Borough Council 2018 elections Paul Wood and Steve Bax, pictured with me below. We discussed four main issues.

First, we discussed long term solutions to the issue of slumboats on the River Thames in the Molesey area. In August this year, I wrote to the Secretary of State for DEFRA about this issue to seek stronger enforcement powers to protect and preserve the areas where the boats are moored.

Second, we caught up on the issue of illegal traveller incursions that occurred across Surrey over the summer. In September this year, I wrote to Surrey PCC, David Munro, and held a meeting with local representatives, to request an authorised site for travellers in Surrey which will make it easier to remove those who attempt to make illegal incursions.

Third, we caught up on progress with the new state secondary free school in the Molesey/Walton area. Heathside School is due to open in September 2019.

Finally, we discussed local concerns about noise from flights going over Molesey, particularly given the third runway planned for Heathrow Airport. I am due to meet with the Transport Minister before Christmas to raise these concerns again.