MORE than 40 villagers turned out for Witley Parish Council’s annual parish meeting, which kicked off with a reception to thank its many loyal volunteers.

Owen Wilson from Surrey Fire and Rescue outlined the wide range of incidents that crews are called out to deal with, including road accidents, environmental hazards and wildfires.

He ended with a plea for residents to park considerately in narrow roads so that a fire engine can get through in an emergency.

Sergeant Paul Edwards, from Surrey Police, explained the new Policing in your Neighbourhood initiative, which has seen the introduction of more police community support officers (PCSOs) but a reduction in the number of police officers who can respond to 999 calls.

Malcolm Taylor gave a presentation about the relaunch of the Waverley Neighbourhood Watch scheme and urged existing co-ordinators to get back in touch, and Rob Free, Weald Reserves manager at National Trust Witley Centre, spoke about the efforts to conserve indigenous amphibians and reptiles and brought along some live examples, including a very vocal toad.

Colin Bowery, from the Witley Neighbourhood Plan steering group, updated those present on progress. The group is currently engaged in a call for sites to identify land that may be available for housing.

Village organisations that have received grants or donations from the parish council informed the meeting how the money had been used, and the council thanked interim clerk Joanna Cadman, who has held the fort or the last three months until former Haslemere Town Council deputy clerk Sarah Nash took up her new position.