At this stage we’re seeking your initial views in the form of likes, dislikes and wishes to help us understand the key areas we need to focus on. If you haven’t responded to our simple leaflet survey yet, please do. You can still return it via one of the “drop-in” points.  And if you have lost it, please ask and we will get another one to you.  If we don’t know your views, we can’t help you.

Remember, we’re trying to cover every aspect of life in Bookham, from schooling to shopping, pubs to pavements, and from roads to recycling and recreation.

Blown away

Our main event was to have been a public launch on 13^th December. It was the day the heavens opened on Bookham and the winds overnight had wreaked their havoc demolishing our marquee along the way!

We had no option but to postpone the event. Some brave residents made it through the rain to drop off their leaflets.  Others have since used our drop-off points.

We’ve had a reasonable level of response (thanks go to all those who have taken the time), but it could always be better – only you know if you have responded and only you know if you want your voice to count.

So have you had your say yet?

Clearly there is a high level of appreciation of village life here in Bookham. Asked what you like about Bookham a large proportion cited the village atmosphere, the range of independent shops, and the green spaces.

However, even in Bookham there are things that need fixing.  It’s important that we flush out all the key issues (likes, dislikes and wishes) so that we have a comprehensive view of what Bookham wants.

When it comes to traffic related matters, the state of the roads, speeding, High Street congestion, the ‘squareabout’ and the routing of lorries to and from the industrial estate have been raised as concerns.  Opinion is divided on the subject of parking; some praise current availability and others take the opposite view.  Responses are split on bus and train service levels too. Are there any other traffic related areas at which we should be looking?

We’ve had a range of opinions on whether Bookham needs any more housing development. Those who think yes point to the need for more affordable housing. On the other hand a number have come out against the amount of in-fill developments, with many noting the increased strain on Bookham’s infrastructure.

Vandalism, graffiti and youths gathering at night by the station or at the top of the High Street makes some residents feel uncomfortable and unsafe.  Is it that there aren’t enough things for the young people of Bookham to do, or is it that they don’t know what facilities are available?  Are they getting a bad deal?

Concern about admissions to The Howard school gets quite an airing and the debate about supermarket development features in the responses with both sides of that argument represented.

On environmental matters Bookham’s inadequate drainage gets a flood of comment but views are divided on the cleanliness of the village; some point to a litter problem in Bookham whilst others praise how tidy the village is.  Which side of the fence are you on - the one with the crisp packets and beer cans?

Asked what you want to see in Bookham many have suggested fixes for the above, and a fair proportion of you want to see more visible policing, more for youths to do, and a restaurant or two.  What else would you like to see?

What will we do with this information?

This phase of the project should steer us towards the key issues on your mind.  We’ll take this information and use it to compile a more detailed inquiry in the form of a detailed questionnaire to all Bookham households that will come out in late spring/ early summer.  The results of that will form the basis of our plan, leading to specific recommendations to the likes of the district and county councils, local business leaders etc.

In the mean time we’ll keep you posted via articles, and our website (www.bookhamvision.org) which should be operational soon. We are planning a road show at the end of February when we’ll come to a location near you and provide an update on progress so far, as well as give you another chance to have your say.  Look out for notices.  If you want your say, return your survey leaflet via the drop-off points or leave a message on our website.

As ever, if you have any questions or would like to help, please feel free to email or call Trevor Sokell ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 01372 452052) or Nick Applegarth ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 01372 458456)