Organised in Elstead Village Hall by Waverley Councillors Jenny and David Else on Thursday August 4th.
Comments posted by David Else on the Elstead, Peper Harow & Thursley Voice Facebook page August 5th.
So good to see so many Elstead and Thursley residents at the Village Hall meeting yesterday to discuss the repercussions of the fire at Hankley Common. The evening was spent discussing many good points from those attending.
In addition we heard from Pat Murphy, Elstead PC Chairman, James Mendelssohn, Thursley PC Chairman, James Giles, the Natural England Ranger for Elstead and Thursley Commons and Alan Frogatt of The Friends of Thursley Common, both of whom spoke about the role of volunteers in preventing, detecting and reporting wildfires.
The main points to arise were the importance of communication, and up to date information, both from the authorities and within our own communities and some sort of early warning signal so people (and animals) can be prepared for all eventualities. Many were obviously also concerned as to how we can minimise the chances of future fires breaking out.
As promised, we will now be inviting the MOD and Surrey Fire & Rescue to attend a second meeting so that your questions can be put to them. Jenny and I will be working with the Parish Councils and anyone else we can to achieve a safer neighbourhood.
Councillors David & Jenny Else, Waverley Borough Council
Farnham Herald Meeting Report