Month: July 2022

£270,000 secured to make Epsom’s streets safer

Surrey Police, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey have secured over £270,000 in government funding as part of the Safer Streets initiative.

In response to ongoing issues in and around Epsom town centre, Surrey Police worked closely with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to draw up an application for Safer Streets funding.

A survey was sent out into the community and the results were closely consulted when drafting the application. Among the concerns raised were drug use, threatening behaviour, extreme drunkenness, and violence within Epsom town centre, closely linked to the night-time economy.

The survey highlighted a desire for better signposting to help and support, and a need for increased confidence in the police response to issues within the town centre.

The application was drafted by the police and council, then approved and submitted by Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend. Other areas in Surrey to benefit from successful funding bids are Sunbury Cross and the Surrey Towers development in Addlestone.

The money will be used, among other measures, to modernise CCTV use, deliver training packages for licensed premises, and to provide free anti-drink spiking and spiking detection devices within Epsom town centre.

Borough Commander for Epsom & Ewell, Inspector Jon Vale, said, “This is fantastic news. Surrey Police and Epsom & Ewell Borough Council have worked tirelessly as a partnership in the submission of this bid. The community have told us their concerns, and we have listened.

“The funding made available will allow the partnership to implement numerous measures that would not otherwise been a possibility. This will help to make Epsom town centre an even safer place for users of the night-time economy, in particular women and girls.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a specific priority for the Epsom & Ewell Community Safety Partnership and this work demonstrates our shared commitment in this respect.”

Rod Brown, Chair of the Epsom and Ewell Community Safety Partnership, said, “We know from speaking with residents that the safety of their environment is of great importance. I am delighted that this award will allow us to deliver lasting benefits to the late-night economy in Epsom to allow business to invest with confidence and secure safety improvements for the town.”

Latest News From Mole Valley District Council

Councillor Stephen Cooksey, Leader of Mole Valley District Council, said: “We have been allocated just over £235,000 for use as a discretionary scheme to support residents who were not entitled for the government’s energy rebate payment. We see those who live in Council Tax bands E – H homes and in receipt of Council Tax Support as the priority for this financial aid. Payments will be made directly to people who pay by Direct Debit. Anyone else will need to apply online. Eligible residents will be able to start applying in the next few weeks and more details will follow.

“Earlier this month the Council discussed, voted on and agreed to act on three motions put forward. The first will see us write to the government to request that they resolve an existing anomaly when it comes to their current policy surrounding the energy rebate payment of at least £400 (proposed by Cllr David Preedy). As it stands, only homes that have a direct relationship with electricity companies will receive a payment; unfortunately this does not include the majority of Park Home residents. We’ll be asking the government to find a solution in this matter to ensure that all households receive the energy rebate.

“We have also, with Council’s backing, written to fund managers at the Surrey Pension Fund – which we are a member of – to request that the Fund, and its investments, are net zero by 2035, and that suitable interim carbon budgets are also set (proposed by Cllr Claire Malcomson). We declared a climate emergency over two years ago and are doing everything in our power to become carbon neutral by 2030. We want to know that other bodies are committed to acting now too.

“Lastly, it was agreed at Council to call on the Chancellor of Exchequer to give more powers to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) to prevent bank companies from closing branches which, in so doing, is very clearly disadvantaging many vulnerable or older residents who are unable to bank online, or travel a long distance, to the nearest available branch (proposed by Cllr Vyvyan-Robinson). Following the meeting, the responsible Cabinet Member not only responded to the FCA’s consultation on the branches shutting or having opening hours reduced, but also invited all Members to respond individually by the closing date of 26 July.

“We have been advised of planned strike action in Elmbridge and Surrey Heath by Amey employees – who empty bins and carry out street cleaning services under a joint contract that includes Mole Valley, Elmbridge, Surrey Heath and Woking – from Monday 1 to Friday 19 August. I want to reassure residents that Mole Valley crews were not involved in the ballot for industrial action. A range of contingency plans are currently being worked on to minimise the impact on core services across the four partnership areas, should the strikes go ahead. At this time we don’t know what those plans look like, and whether they could impact on our district’s waste services. We will keep you updated.

“The current contracts for the respective operators of Dorking Sports Centre (Places Leisure) and Leatherhead Leisure Centre (Fusion) will soon be coming to an end. It has been decided that the best option from an operational and financial perspective is to begin a procurement process to find a single operator to run both centres and provide high quality leisure services from December 2023. We will be in a position to provide further updates later in the year.

“You will have probably seen reports of the frightening wildfires across the country in recent weeks, not least at Hankley Common in Surrey. Wildfires are devastating for our countryside, wildlife and people’s lives and livelihoods. Often the cause of wildfires is people being neglectful, particularly when using disposable BBQ’s out in the open. Prevention is the key, and Surrey Fire and Rescue is urging people to pack a picnic rather than a disposable BBQ and to remember to please take your litter home with them.”

Witness appeal following fatal collision in Tadworth

Surrey Police are appealing for the public’s help following a fatal collision on the A217 (Brighton Road) between Lower Kingswood and Tadworth.

Officers were called at around 10.20am this morning (26 July) following reports of collision involving a pedestrian and a small green lorry with ‘Greene King’ branding. Emergency services were in attendance and despite best efforts of paramedics, the pedestrian, a man in his 70’s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

The driver of the lorry was fully cooperative with officers and both the driver and Greene King are working with us as our inquiries continue.

The road was closed for a number of hours in both directions between the Tadworth roundabout and the roundabout which links with Chipstead Lane. The southbound carriageway has since reopened but the northbound carriageway remains closed at this time.

Surrey Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or have any further information or dashcam footage to contact us and assist us with this investigation. If you can help, please contact Surrey Police  quoting PR/P22156156 via:

If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

EPSOM TOWN CENTRE MASTERPLAN – HAVE YOUR SAY!

EPSOM TOWN CENTRE MASTERPLAN – HAVE YOUR SAY!

25 July – 31 August 2022

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council have opened a public consultation on Monday 25 July to give residents, workers, business owners and visitors the chance to help shape the future of Epsom town centre.

The consultation is looking to find out:

      • How respondents feel about the town centre today
      • How respondents would like the town centre to change in the future
      • What respondents think should happen in the key opportunity areas that have been identified.

The public’s opinions will inform a new Epsom Town Centre Masterplan,which will be a key part of the evidence base for Epsom & Ewell’s borough-wide Local Plan, guiding decisions about planning, development and investment in the future.

Councillor Steven McCormick, Chair of the Licensing & Planning Policy Committee, said, “We want to hear as many local voices and opinions as possible about our Town Centre. To do this we need a range of people who both visit and use Epsom to go online and take part. There will be an exhibition within the Ashley Centre (opposite Costa Coffee) from the 8th August, with an opportunity to meet the project team on the 11th and 13thof August”

Respondents will be able to give their views via an online questionnaire at https://epsom-ewell.gov.uk/residents/planning/planning-policy/consultations-and-examination which has been made possible with the support of the Department for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities (DLUHC) “Prop Tech” 2 engagement fund.

Update on Bin Collections in Mole Valley

Caroline Salmon, Cabinet Member for Community Services in Mole Valley said: ‘Due to the extreme heat earlier this week, there have understandably been some delays in bin collections across the district. Our teams have been working hard to clear any backlogs, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of all our residents.

“I also wanted to inform you that we have been notified about a strike action planned by Amey employees working on the waste collection and street cleaning services in Elmbridge and Surrey Heath. This is scheduled to take place from Monday 1 August to Friday 19 August. The action was voted for by GMB union members in a ballot related to pay settlement negotiations that have been taking place between Amey and the GMB. Mole Valley crews were not involved in the ballot for strike action.

“Currently is it not known what form any action might take, nor the extent of its impact across the area managed by Joint Waste Solutions (JWS) who manage our waste services, as well as Elmbridge, Surrey Heath and Woking. JWS are working with Amey on a range of potential contingency plans, to minimise any impact on core services to residents, should strike action take place.

“We do not know yet if this will impact on Mole Valley’s waste services. When we receive more information we will share it with you.”

If you would like to find out more about the planned strike action, please check JWS website with Q&A. The page will be regularly updated, once more information comes to light. Please follow us on Social Media for the latest updates Twitter: @molevalleydc and Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/Molevalleydc

RAC Summer Run

On Thursday 21st July the RAC Club at Woodcote Park, Epsom held the first Summer Run for pre-1905 cars ahead of the world famous London to Brighton Run that takes place on Sunday 6th November 2022.

The Summer Run started and finished at Woodcote Park. With cars arriving from 9am. 16 cars took part as the event was restricted to 25 cars for safety reasons. After a quick safety briefing the 16 cars were ready to head off to Gildings Barns, Newdigate, Dorking for lunch.

Many of the innovative manufacturers from the dawn of motoring were represented with charismatic Daimlers, De Dion Boutons and Napiers as well as lesser known marques such as Argyll, Clement, Dennis, Mors and Swift.

By 10:20am the Cedar Lawn was full of the sound of these wonderful cars starting their engines with the first car setting of at 10:30am. Unfortunately this one never made it passed the gates. Well it was 117 years old. But there was no problem for the others 

The 38-mile route took participants south on the A24 towards Leatherhead and into the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty skirting Box Hill,

The route then headed east along the A25 in the picturesque Mole Valley before heading south once again, now on more rural minor roads through the villages of Betchworth, Leigh and Charlwood towards a leisurely lunch stop at Gildings Barns set in the tranquil Surrey countryside.

After lunch the return route north was more direct. It started on scenic, traffic-free country lanes via Park Gate and Brockham before rejoining the A25 and A24 for an easy journey back to the exclusive seclusion of Woodcote Park. With cars arriving from 3pm, well all but 1. The drivers and their companions were greeted on there arrival on the lawn with a glass of Champagne followed by afternoon tea. 

I have covered many events at the RAC Club but I have to say this was one of the more elegant, stylish, peaceful event to date. I hope this will return in 2023.

To watch highlights of the event click link below.

Looking further ahead, close to 300 entries have already been confirmed for this year’s staging of the illustrious RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday 6 November. 
 
Underscoring the remarkable event’s huge global appeal, participants are travelling from as far away as North America and Hong Kong – as well as from throughout Europe – to savour the undiluted magic experienced annually on the time-honoured road from capital-to-coast aboard a game-changing horseless carriage. 

Full details of the 2022 RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – including entry forms – are available on the event website at www.veterancarrun.com. 

Update from Chris Grayling MP

Dear constituent

I am writing to you with an update on some local issues.

South Western Railway

Firstly, on the perennial battles over the South Western Railway service, the company has announced that the current limited timetable will now continue on until 2023. This means that they are still not planning to increase the number of evening peak time trains from Waterloo despite the level of crowding on those services. And the new trains which would take us back to 10 not 8 coach trains are still being delayed because of technical problems.

To put it mildly I am less than happy. The company has said that there will be some limited and targeted changes to the current timetable when the revised one is announced for December, and I am stepping up pressure on them to ensure that at least the issue of the Epsom evening peak services is addressed. I will keep you updated.

Chalk Pit

Many of you will be aware that after pressure from myself, local councillors and local residents, the Environment Agency has finally suspended part of the licence of the most controversial operator at the Chalk Pit in Epsom. The order prevented them from using equipment that processes and crushes waste, which has been responsible for a big part of the noise issue. Unfortunately the operator seems to be trying to get round the order, and some of the issues have returned, so I have further meetings lined up with the Agency to try to get the restrictions toughened.

Ashtead Level Crossing

If you are a user of the Ashtead level crossing, there will be another round of night time closures between the 5th and 8th August for track replacement work. The crossing will be closed from 2300 to 0600 on the Friday and Saturday nights, and 2200 to 0500 on the Sunday night. Residents will get free parking in the station car park while the work is ongoing.

Nork Park

I need you all to vote……but it’s not election time! Something different. Nork Park has been nominated in the Fields in Trust UK’s Favourite Parks award. Voting is now open and will close at noon on Thursday 18th August 2022.

Nork Park is a great area for the local community and also is steeped in local history. It would be great if it won this national award. If you have a moment, please give it your vote by going to www.fieldsintrust.org/favourite-parks/nominations. When you vote they send you a verification email. If it doesn’t arrive, please check your junk folder as it went into mine.

At close of voting the four Home Nation winners will be shortlisted before they announce the UK’s Favourite Park 2022. In addition, any park within the top 20% of votes will receive recognition as a Local Favourite. So please vote Nork Park!

I hope you have a good summer.

Best wishes

Chris Grayling

Summer Run For Pioneering Veteran Cars

Full details announced for new curtain-raiser ahead of November’s annual London to Brighton celebration  

The Royal Automobile Club, custodian of the illustrious RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, has lifted the covers on its new Summer Run taking place for the very first time on Thursday 21 July.
 
Introduced as a warm-up to this year’s staging of the world’s longest running motoring event which, as tradition dictates, takes place on the first Sunday in November, the Summer Run has been established to offer owners of these cherished pre-1905 pioneering vehicles a more relaxed opportunity to enjoy their veteran machines in somewhat more welcoming warm weather.
 
As previously announced, the single-day Summer Run will start and finish at the Club’s stately Woodcote Park clubhouse situated near Epsom in Surrey.
 
The 38-mile route will take participants south on the A24 towards Leatherhead and into the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty skirting Box Hill, the highest point in the North Downs. 
 
The pre-planned itinerary then heads east along the A25 in the picturesque Mole Valley before heading south once again, now on more rural minor roads through the villages of Betchworth, Leigh and Charlwood towards a leisurely lunch stop at Gildings Barns set in the tranquil Surrey countryside.
 
The return route north is more direct. It starts on scenic, traffic-free country lanes via Park Gate and Brockham before rejoining the A25 and A24 for an easy journey back to the exclusive seclusion of Woodcote Park. 
 
As the first Summer Run, numbers were restricted and around 25 intrepid veteran cars will set out from Woodcote Park at one minute intervals from 10:30 in the morning. They are expected to return before 5:00pm in time for afternoon tea and a casual concours on the Cedar Lawn outside the clubhouse. The day concludes with an optional dinner in the Club’s salient Motor House, home to the club’s Heritage Fleet.
 
Many of the innovative manufacturers from the dawn of motoring will be represented with charismatic Daimlers, De Dion Boutons (photo above) and Napiers all on the entry list alongside lesser known marques such as Argyll, Clement, Dennis, Mors and Swift.
 
Looking further ahead, close to 300 entries have already been confirmed for this year’s staging of the illustrious RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday 6 November. 
 
Underscoring the remarkable event’s huge global appeal, participants are travelling from as far away as North America and Hong Kong – as well as from throughout Europe – to savour the undiluted magic experienced annually on the time-honoured road from capital-to-coast aboard a game-changing horseless carriage. 

Full details of the 2022 RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – including entry forms – are available on the event website at www.veterancarrun.com. 
 

Timetable and Route

What’s On has been sent the timetable and the route for this event. There is NO Public Access to the RAC Club but plenty of places to watch the cars go by.
 

10.30am Departure from Woodcote Park (in 1 minute intervals; all cars to have departed by 11.15am) 

12.00-1.00pm – Arrival at Gildings Barns for lunch

1.30pm-2.00pm – Departure to Woodcote Park

3.00pm – 5.00pm Arrival at Woodcote Park.

 

Statement from Councillor Stephen Cooksey

Councillor Stephen Cooksey, Leader of Mole Valley District Council (MVDC), said:  ‘Temperatures look to build later this week and early next week for much of England and Wales. The Met Office has issued the Amber warning from Sunday (17 July) until Tuesday (19 July). Please keep yourself hydrated and find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm. If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.

‘It’s been a number of months since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, and we are all enjoying some normality after a challenging two years which impacted all levels of life. But, unfortunately, Covid hasn’t gone away and in recent weeks there has been an increase in infections in the South East England.

In fact, in recent weeks we have seen a rise in cases in the south east with a shift in the dominant strain from the Omicron BA.2 variant. The latest data indicates that Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 now account for more than half of rising Covid-19 cases in the UK and are driving the recent increase in infections.

The good news is, that so far the rise in cases has not led to an increase in hospital admissions or deaths and this is down to the efficacy of the vaccine and the incredible efforts of people across the country getting vaccinated. If you want to reduce your risk of infection don’t forget that good ventilation, hand washing and wearing a face covering, particularly in crowded spaces, all help reduce the risk of transmission.

‘MVDC teams have been working hard to ensure that entitled residents will receive the £150 payment for the energy rebate. The total paid out so far is £2,130,900. We are now focused on putting arrangements in place to ensure that the council tax accounts of those residents who don’t pay by direct debit and did not apply for a direct payment can be credited as soon as possible.

‘This Friday and Saturday, Dorking Halls will be entertaining you in Meadow Bank Park with Plays In the Park. 18+ ‘Comedy Club’ and one of Shakespeare’s favourite comedies – ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ – with a Scoot ‘spin’ this time – are sure to make you laugh. Our younger audience will be able to enjoy ‘The Wind in the Willows’ filled with motorcar madness. If you haven’t booked your tickets, there is still time.

‘Finally, I wanted to mention, that we recently completed the works to the footpath in Dorking Cemetery, leading to the Memorial Garden. The Memorial Wall and Garden are the place of reflection, where families are able to scatter their loved ones’ ashes and place a brass memorial plaque on the wall. You can find more information on Dorking Cemetery web page.’

 

What’s On and Hobbledown hold Party For Ukraine Children

Normally around this time of year What’s On In Epsom and Hobbledown have in the past pre covid would invite local businesses for a fun night of networking. But this year we decided to do something different and special to mark our 10 years of business. 

While helping Surrey Stands With Ukraine I quickly learned that not only did these families need help and support they needed to meet other families and for the children to play. So while having a meeting with Caroline, the general manager of Hobbledown Epsom, we decided why not have a party for the children. 

Within just a few weeks plans were made and invites sent out thanks to the amazing team at Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network. Last night Wednesday 13th July the party came to life.

In total over 250 adults and mainly children from Ukraine with their host family enjoyed the wonderful children’s adventure park. With free face painting from the amazing team at iPaint Faces, Entertainment from the Hobbledown Characters 

Halfway through the evening Hobbledown laid on a birthday spread for everyone including Pizza, Chocolate cakes, fresh fruit and more plus drinks. After this it was time to burn off the pizza as the families one again explored the park.  Caroline commented “Its so wonderful to see these families smiling and having fun at which must be such a difficulty time for them. I can not begin to imagine what these children have seen and gone through at such a young age. I’m so proud of my team for volunteering and enabling us to make this evening a success. “ 

Thank You

An evening like this can’t happen without so much support and help and I like to just say thank you to:

Hobbledown

It goes without saying without Caroline and her team this event would never have happened. Everytime we spoke Caroline would be like well let’s add this or we will do this. Amazing support from an amazing team

Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network

Massive  thank you to Nina and her team for organising the invites and collecting the names. We would never have made this happen without their help. Please help and support this great local charity who are helping people whose lives have been changed.

Olha

Thank you to Olha who gave up her evening to be our translator and follow me around all evening

iPaint Faces

iPaint Faces

Who done an amazing job giving the children and a few adults free face paints and glitter tattoos. They were busy from the start and never stopped. again giving up their time for free.