Leatherhead Tomorrow

This new initiative comprises…
A 'Health Check' to help people

Identify strengths and weaknesses of the town and countryside
Obtain information and ideas they need to manage change
Provide a basis for creating an action plan

An Action Plan

Will identify projects, resources and funding to achieve the vision
Some projects can be completed quickly, others will take longer and need more money

Who is on the Leatherhead Tomorrow team?

A group of lay people from the communities of Leatherhead, Ashtead, Fetcham and Bookham, supported by representatives of Surrey County and Mole Valley District Councils and a part-time co-ordinator.

FACT FILE:

9,000 people travel to work in Leatherhead each day
3,000 work there, who also live there
Leatherhead is centre to some 49,000 people who live there and in Ashtead, Bookham, Fetcham, Headley and Mickleham
With a population of 9,700 in 2001 it is smaller than both Ashtead (13,500) and Bookham (11,000)

	The Big Issues
	*The Economy* The good - many travel into Leatherhead each day to work, mostly to office jobs, in addition to the many that live and work in the town The bad - there are few jobs for the young and less skilled and few at the top end of management, and only 7 out of the top 20 national retailers are in the town The possible actions - create more independent outlets to give distinction and variety *The Environment* The good - daytime pedestrianisation of the centre, mature buildings and the River Mole and the surrounding countryside are appreciated by all ages The bad - some residents of Leatherhead are severely restricted from walking into the countryside by the main road system and the railway The possible actions - make more use of the River Mole, and improve access from town to the countryside

Transport
The good - ideally located between Heathrow and Gatwick and on the M25, Leatherhead is well served by the road network, as well as rail
The bad - people are not happy with rail reliability, or the frequency and coverage of bus services. Parking in Leatherhead is a recognised problem and local car use is high, not helped by poor provision for cyclists
The possible actions - improve parking facilities, bus services and cycle access

Social and Community Organisations
The good - Leatherhead appears to becoming a focal point for arts and entertainment. The reopening of the Theatre has helped. All Saints Family Project and the Leatherhead Youth Café are among recent successes. The All Saints recreation ground is being significantly improved and a skate board park built.
The bad - young people feel that they are not listened to and are stigmatised by the behaviour of a few. They say they have nowhere to meet without the police moving them on, although the police are involved in many of the initiatives to address this situation. Redevelopment of the leisure centre raises concerns about the lack of facilities during construction
The possible actions - a trendy coffee shop in the centre is a frequent request by youths

Go to next article - How can you have your ideas heard? - main article part 2

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