Last Friday, I braved the elements with Dave Jupp of the Molesey Business Association to call in on a range of local businesses in East Molesey. We visited Molesey DIY, Fairway Independent Financial Advisers, Sakura hairdessing salon, Tudor and Co estate agents, L'Affamato, Neil's Wheels and Belle Epoque.

As always, it is good to get feedback from the high street. Despite the cold weather and recent bad news for retailers like Blockbuster and HMV, I was struck by the generally buoyant mood. We discussed a range of local challenges and issues - including off street parking charges, BT connections in the area, and the state of the housing market. My thanks to Dave Jupp for organising it.