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Epsom Machete Attacker Jailed For Six Years

A man has been sentenced to six years in prison after a pair of knifepoint robberies in Epsom & Ewell last December. 

Epsom machete attacker jailed for six yearsAnthony Akinniranye, 20 (DOB: 01/04/2004), of Manor Green Road, Epsom, pleaded guilty to the two offences from December 2023, the first of which took place just two days after Christmas Day.

On December 27, a masked Akinniranye entered a shop on East Street, Epsom, where he produced a machete and threatened the shopworker, demanding they hand over money from the till and other items including cigarettes and vapes. Akinniranye then made off, leaving a trail of items such as coins, packets of cigarettes and a till insert from the shop. Upon forensic investigation, Akinniranye’s DNA was identified on the insert, which he was seen holding in CCTV.

The following evening (28 December), police received reports of an armed robbery at a shop on Kingston Road, Ewell, with almost identical circumstances. CCTV captured the suspect entering the shop wearing a face covering and waving a machete in the air, demanding cash and cigarettes.

A CCTV trawl by officers identified Akinniranye entering the shop the night before – wearing the same clothing of the offender involved in the East Street robbery less than an hour before. Just 24 hours later, Akinniranye had made off from the second business, with more than £1,000 in cash.

Thanks to the connections in CCTV and forensic work, Akinniranye was identified as a suspect and arrested. He was charged with two counts of robbery and sentenced to six years in prison at Chichester Crown Court on 30 October.

Detective Constable for East Surrey CID, Sarah Kinkade said: “Akinniranye showed a complete disregard for the financial impact his actions would have on the businesses he stole from, as well as the traumatising experience the staff members endured when he threatened them with a potentially lethal weapon.

“Thankfully, due to his carelessness when fleeing the scene, we were able to link his DNA to a discarded item from one of the stores. I hope this outcome serves as a message to victims and perpetrators – these crimes will never be tolerated, and we will pursue all lines of enquiry to bring offenders to justice.”

Dog Walking Licensing Scheme for Nonsuch Park

Local Councils approve new Dog Walking Licensing Scheme for Nonsuch Park

The Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee has voted to launch a 12-month pilot Commercial Dog Walking Licensing Scheme in Nonsuch Park, starting in April 2025, following a consultation with the public and dog walkers.

The licensing scheme will bring dog walking in line with other commercial activities in the park and help reassure the public that commercial dog walking in Nonsuch Park is responsibly carried out and regulated.

An annual licence will cost £200 and limits the number of dogs that can be walked at one time to a maximum of six. As with other commercial activities in the park, dog walkers will be required to provide proof of public liability insurance, risk assessments and sign an agreement which sets out how commercial dog walking can be undertaken.

The committee also set out plans to develop a Dog Walking Code of Conduct in collaboration with the dog walking community and enforcement where there is evidence of non-compliance.

Councillor Julian Freeman, who was Chair of the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee at the start of the consultation said:

“We’d like to thank everybody who participated in the public consultation. The aim of the consultation was to make sure Nonsuch Park is a safe environment for all park users, after concerns were raised about the increase in dog walkers with multiple dogs.

“With feedback from almost 1,000 people, including commercial dog walkers using the park already, it is clear that this is an important issue to many people.”

Councillor Louise Phelan, from Sutton Council, current Chair of the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee, added:

“We know that the professional dog walkers who visit Nonsuch Park take the responsibility of walking multiple dogs in a public area extremely seriously and support the introduction of a licensing scheme that helps protect the reputation and standards of their profession.”

“We hope the subsequent licensing scheme will go some way to create an open space which everyone can enjoy.”

Nonsuch Park is managed and maintained by a Joint Management Committee, comprising an equal number of Councillors from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council and the London Borough of Sutton. The committee Chair rotates between the two councils annually. The two councils fund, on an equal basis, the running of the park, after taking income into account. The committee is covered by the political balance arrangements.

Over £150 million needed for Epsom & St Helier

Over £150 million worth of repairs needed as Epsom & Ewell MP
Helen Maguire calls for urgent investment at the Budget for Epsom & St Helier Hospital

Latest NHS data reveals that Epsom and St. Helier University hospitals need more than £150 million in repairs. MP Helen Maguire calls for urgent investment in crumbling hospitals in the upcoming Budget.

‘High Risk’ repairs at the hospitals came to a staggering total of nearly £70 million. These repairs are defined as ‘when a failure to address repairs urgently could lead to serious injury and major disruption to services. The two hospitals have been dealing with crumbling facilities for years on sites that are over developed and in desperate need of upgrades. Ceilings at St. Helier Hospital are falling in and buildings are condemned, while emergency teams are split between the two sites-a matter the long-promised emergency care hospital in Sutton is meant to relieve.

Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellAhead of the Autumn Budget in the coming weeks, Epsom & Ewell MP Maguire has called for urgent investment in the area’s hospitals to clear the backlog of repairs and ensure that patients are treated in safe environments. Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, said: “It is scandalous that people in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead, and Leatherhead are being treated in hospitals that need millions of pounds in repairs. When someone goes to the hospital, they should expect to be treated in a building that is safe, this is surely the bare minimum. We need to do far better.”

“It is now down to this Government to rescue our NHS, which is why, at the Budget, the Chancellor must urgently use any changes to the borrowing rules to invest in hospitals here in Epsom and Ewell. Our hospitals and our people require these necessities met.”

Happy Birthday Fuego

Fuego by Fenwick is celebrating it’s first year of opening. We were lucky to be invited to the opening and try their wonderful menu read our review HERE. So we were delighted to be invited back to try their new Autumn menu.

Fuego by Fenwick brings the best of the Mediterranean to their Fenwick Kingston store in The Bentall Centre. The design-led, new restaurant offers a selection of all-day tapas, generous sharing charcuterie and cheese boards, traditional tortillas and stone-baked and Napoli-style sourdough pizza.

The restaurant is a modern oasis, featuring an open-plan layout, complete with a champagne and cocktail bar, the ideal spot to savour a pre or post-shopping beverage from their carefully curated list ,serving classic aperitifs and a selection of freshly-made, non-alcoholic cocktails. An extensive new wine list is available with all bottles listed available to buy in the store’s Wine Room.

Happy Birthday FuegoAs I said before we have been here before and the welcome was still as warm and inviting as you arrive. This time to try their new Autumn menu. We started of with an Apple Pie Spritzer made with Vodka, Apple Juice, Ginger Beer, Cinnamon, Demerara Sugar. We were blown away by the taste. It was a liquired Apple Pie. Great way to start the meal. Alongside this we had some rosemary focaccia with a olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip.

Next we moved on to a selection of tapas alongside the sharing board of  Fuego Selection which included charcuterie, cheese, tortilla, courgette, apple & Ibores salad, polenta fritti with morunos mayonnaise, marinated gordals, charred broccoli, tahini, hazelnut dukkah. The tapas we got were Crispy seabass, kataifi pastry & mojo verde mayonnaise, Beetroot hummus with pine nuts, sesame & mint. Now I don’t like beetroot but this was wonderful. We also had falafel, pickled cucumber & mojo picòn and roasted peppers. The roasted peppers I wouldn’t have again. I like peppers but they didn’t work with what we had.

By now we were full and looking forward to dessert. Unbeknown to us this was just starters. next came the main meal. Something I wouldn’t have picked but I am glad I tried it. We were given the vegetarian pizza of Zucca & rose harissa. This was made with harissa-roasted squash, halloumi, kale, potato, onion, butternut squash sauce. Now if you told me potato on a pizza I would thing you was mad, as bad as pineapple. Oh I was so wrong. I am a meat feast or pepperoni  type guy and the thought of a pizza with kale, roasted squash and potato on it I wasn’t looking forward to this, BUT the taste was amazing and the combination worked. I would highly recommend this pizza.

Just to help my lack of meat we also had a bowl of Gambas a la plancha (king prawns) in garlic & chilli. The Fuego has a great wine list and we were unsure what to have so we liked the option of the Wine Flights. You can choose Red or White and select from several wines three 50ml glasses. We found this a great idea and it was nice to be able to try/sample new wines. Great before or after shopping.

By now we were full but our mission was to try the Autumn and now it was dessert. As with all the items we had before these were chosen by our amazing waitress who had a great knowledge of all the items on the menu.  For dessert we had Burnt Basque cheesecake with seasonal fruit, Rice pudding brûlée served chilled with orange & pistachio, my favorite from our last visit, and churros paired with a chocolate sauce for dipping.

I have to be honest we struggled to finish it and there wasn’t room for anything else including a coffee.

Happy Birthday Fuego

The minute you walk into the restaurant you are whisked away from the hassle and bustle of the shopping centre to an elegant restaurant where you can sit, relax and enjoy wonderful food and wine or a wonderful cocktail

It’s a place we would visit during a long day shopping or for a special treat and we would highly recommend it next time you are in Kingston.

Happy Birthday Fuego we look forward to many more.

To view their full menu CLICK HERE

 

Please Note we were guests of Fenwick and the meal was complimentary. This in no way affects our review. If it was poor we would say

 

Jim Allen New Manager at Epsom Downs

The Jockey Club today announces that Jim Allen has been appointed General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse.

An alumni of the BHA Graduate Scheme in 1997, Allen brings a wealth of experience to the role. His early career involved the successful management of two UK racecourses, Huntingdon and Sedgefield, before serving as Racing Director at Arena Racing Company (ARC) between 2006 and 2015. In this role he oversaw the operational running of more than 500 fixtures a year and his accomplishments included the innovation of the All-Weather Championships, the introduction of the new Tapeta racing surface at Newcastle and Wolverhampton racecourses and launch of sectional timing at all ARC tracks.

Allen went on to train racehorses across the US and in France between 2016 and 2022, before joining Tapeta Footings as its Operations Director in 2023 to create new racing surfaces at Belmont Park (New York), Margaux Farm (Kentucky) and Santa Anita (California).

He returned to the UK this year to take up the role of Operations Director at British Champions Series and will begin his new position at Epsom Downs on October 21st, after QIPCO British Champions Day has taken place.

Allen succeeds Tom Sammes, who leaves The Jockey Club at the end of this month to take up a new senior role in sport in the North West.

Epsom Downs stages 11 fixtures each year, including the world’s most famous horse race, the Betfred Derby.

Jim Allen new manager at Epsom DownsJim Allen, 51, said: “Having started my career at Huntingdon back in 1999, I’m absolutely delighted to be rejoining The Jockey Club. I also grew up in Croydon and regularly attended Epsom from the age of 13, so it’s a place that very much feels like ‘home’ to me.

“As far as I’m concerned the Betfred Derby remains the most important race to the Thoroughbred breed and the most famous in the world, so I’m proud and excited to start working with the team.

“I hope that my experience working across the industry in a range of different roles, from running racecourses to training racehorses, will give me a 360 degree perspective as we strive to ensure Epsom Downs reaches its full potential, both as a racecourse and training centre.”

Amy Starkey, Managing Director of The Jockey Club, added: “I’m thrilled to have appointed someone of Jim’s calibre to lead the team at Epsom Downs.

“It is rare to find an accomplished racecourse administrator who also has expertise in training and caring for racehorses and his CV speaks for itself. With such experience and a wide range of existing stakeholder relationships, Jim will be a tremendous asset for Epsom Downs Racecourse and our training grounds.

“I would also like to thank Tom Sammes for all his hard work in the role and for creating a transformative plan for Epsom Downs and the Betfred Derby Festival, which we hope the racecourse will benefit from greatly in the years ahead.”

Brian Finch, Chairman of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: “Jim has operated right across the racing industry and brings experience and learnings not only from roles in the UK but also the US and France.

“We are especially passionate about elevating the Betfred Derby Festival and strengthening our links with the local community and I look forward to supporting Jim and the team to bring numerous plans to life in the months and years ahead.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Tom Sammes and would like to thank him for all his hard work and commitment during his time here. All of us at Epsom Downs would like to wish him the very best for the future.”

Everyone at What’s On In My Town are looking forward to working with Jim and we wish him all the best in his new role. 

Helen Maguire MP First 100 days

100 days since her election win – Helen Maguire says the health service is “top priority”

 Epsom & Ewell MP, Helen Maguire has marked her 100th day in office with Healthcare and Hospitals in Epsom and Ewell at the top of her priority list.

Maguire has campaigned to fight for better health services with the building of a new hospital in Sutton to enable the refurbishment of Epsom and St Helier hospitals; to preserve and clean up her community’s polluted waterways, and to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. Today – just over 100 days since she won the election, Helen is making sure that the new hospital in her community remains her top priority. 

Our new MP has met with James Blythe, Managing Director at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust and attended their recent Annual Public Meeting to ensure plans to build a new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Sutton and upgraded facilities at Epsom and St Helier hospitals move forward as planned. She also now has a scheduled meeting with Health Secretary, Wes Streeting to find out more about the government’s plans.

Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellWhen looking back on her first 100 days, Helen Maguire said:

“We continue to campaign to ensure our new specialist hospital in Sutton is built; we continue to push Thames Water and the Environment Agency to take immediate steps to remedy the ever increasing sewage spills into the Hogsmill and River Mole and we continue to fight for better and more reliable train services for our local commuters.

“I want to meet as many people in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead to listen and understand what matters most to them. The hard work is getting started and I will do everything I can to provide real, lasting change for our area.”

Upgrades to The Ashley Centre Car Park

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council are installing a new Auto Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system at the Ashley Centre car park in Epsom town centre this month. Work will begin from 14 October and is expected to take three weeks to complete.

The ANPR system will mean that car users can drive up to the barrier and enter the car park with their registration being used for identification and payment upon exit.

The new system will remove the need for tokens and the associated charges that are incurred when they are lost. Cash and card payment options will be available on all floors, as well as the ability to pay remotely.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee, said:

“The works taking place at the Ashley Centre car park are a welcome upgrade to a more modern and convenient system. We know the tokens have been a cause of frustration to many drivers as they are small, difficult to find and easily lost (leading to penalties being issued).

“We appreciate that the necessary work may cause some inconvenience for drivers during the installation of the new ANPR System, and we apologise for this. However, we feel the upgrades will be a great improvement and make it easier and quicker for people visiting Epsom Town Centre to park.

“With Christmas just around the corner, we believe the upgrades to the car park support the ongoing work we are undertaking to boost the local economy by making Epsom Town centre a more hassle-free and therefore more attractive place to visit.”

Please visit EEBC Parking FAQs page to find parking tips: Parking FAQs | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (epsom-ewell.gov.uk)

Surrey Council Take Action To Tackle Delivery Drivers

Residents’ Association and Independents Group Councillor Steven McCormick’s Motion to tackle the problem of delivery drivers mounting and parking on the pavement was successfully passed at today’s Full Council meeting. Cllr McCormick raised the issue following the concerns raised by residents and pedestrians in High Street, Epsom, where up to 20 mopeds and cycles are frequently parked on the pavement during peak times.

The Motion highlighted the growing problem caused by mopeds and cycles collecting food from takeaway outlets and delivering to customers. While the service responds to customer demand, and supports the local economy, it can lead to inconsiderate and sometimes dangerous parking on pavements, posing dangers to pedestrians and shoppers.

Cllr McCormick’s Motion requested that Surrey County Council:

• Write to delivery companies to highlight the issue of motorcycle delivery parking on pavements, and request information regarding the training given to riders

• Request a round table with delivery companies and Surrey Police to discuss guidelines with delivery riders

• Work closely with Surrey Police, as the enforcement authority, to tackle key areas where the issue occurs, and educate drivers on appropriate behaviour

The Motion received cross party support and was carried unanimously.

Steven McCormick Surrey county councilCllr McCormick said, “This Motion is the first step in tackling the concerning rise in dangerous parking and driving caused by delivery riders. I am pleased that Surrey County Council has unanimously agreed this timely Motion and look forward to working collaboratively with all members to achieve a positive outcome.”

Also at the meeting, Residents’ Association and Independents Group Councillor Andy Macleod raised a question around the worrying rise in pavement parking, putting pressure on Surrey County Council to agree a ban similar to the measure coming into force in Swindon in the Autumn. While SCC do not have plans for a ban in place, Cabinet Member Cllr Matt Furniss agreed to write to the Department for Transport in order to ‘get this one moving’. He also advised that Surrey County Council can implement localised bans, something the RA and Independent Group will follow up at the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee.

Link to meeting papers and video: Agenda for Council on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, 10.00 am – Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)

The New Dean of Guildford

Archdeacon of Sunderland appointed as new Dean of Guildford 

On Thursday 3rd October The Venerable Robert (Bob) Cooper, Archdeacon of Sunderland has been appointed as the new Dean of Guildford, succeeding The Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams who served in the role for a decade. 

The official appointment which has been approved by The King will be followed by an installation at Guildford Cathedral on 26 January 2025.

Born and raised in Lancashire, Bob went on to study theology at the Universities of Aberystwyth and Nottingham. He has a passion for mission, church growth and social justice, having played leading roles in prison chaplaincy and as part of his local board of education.

Guildford Cathedral is the newest Cathedral in the Church of England, having been consecrated in 1961, and is the only Cathedral dedicated to the Holy Spirit. Bob Cooper will be its sixth Dean.

Despite coming from the Diocese of Durham almost 300 miles away, there are strong links in the very brickwork of Guildford Cathedral, with the Jarrow Stone plaque honouring the philanthropic efforts of Surrey in support of the town of Jarrow, Co Durham during the economic depression of the 1930s.

His appointment will be marked by a celebration event at the Cathedral for staff, dignitaries and clergy including the Bishop of Guildford Andrew Watson, head of the Diocese of Guildford which includes 156 parishes.

Bob who is married to Kate Cooper and has four children, has served as Archdeacon of Sunderland since 2018. During his time there he championed under-represented communities to address issues including urban and rural poverty. He will take on this new role as the Cathedral fast approaches its 65th anniversary and looks to the future.

Speaking of his appointment, The Venerable Robert Cooper, Dean Designate of Guildford said: “I am excited to be starting this new chapter at the Guildford Cathedral and to help grow numbers and outreach to all.

“There is a fantastic mission potential in this town and diocese, and I’d like to pay tribute to my predecessors, Dianna Gwilliams and Stuart Beake for their leadership and ministry. While Guildford may have different issues and challenges to Durham, I look forward to continuing my focus in championing those people whose voices struggle to be heard, and ensuring the word of God inspires every connection and interaction the Cathedral has with our communities.”

The Right Reverend Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford said: “We’re delighted that Bob is moving from the north-east of England to lead the life and mission of our Cathedral. Bob comes with huge experience and considerable expertise and will bring fresh energy to the Cathedral’s mission to the town, the county and the diocese. We welcome Bob, and pray his time among us is faithful, fruitful and joyful”.

Howl’o’ween at Chessington World of Adventures

Howl’o’ween at Chessington World of Adventures is set to offer spooky fun for the whole family this Autumn, with spine-tingling adventures taking place on 5th to 6th and 12th to 13th October, as well as 19th October to 3rd November 2024.

Britain’s biggest wildlife theme park is gearing up for a magical mix of Halloween fun for all ages, featuring a range of spellbinding entertainment. Highlights include the popular Enchanted Halloween Trick or Treat and a charming pumpkin patch, perfect for seasonal selfies.

Guests young and old can also experience their favourite theme park rides with an eerie twist at dusk, while little explorers are invited to participate in Halloween fancy dress competitions for a chance to show off their spookiest costumes.

The award-winning fire and special effects dance show Banyan – The Final Flame will be performed at Adventure Point, while loveable werewolf and friendly vampire bat, Wilf and Violet, will delight little ones on the Mini Stage. YouTube sensation Cocomelon’s JJ and Cody will also make appearances to celebrate the Halloween season.

For those seeking their first taste of Halloween fright, Wild Woods transforms into a scare zone playing host to the Vile Villagers who are on the hunt for new souls to join their fang-tastic club!

Families can also extend their spooky season experience with a Halloween short break at one of Chessington’s resort hotels.

Visitors will also enjoy all the experiences at Britain’s wildest adventure, including 40 rides and attractions, and the zoo with over 1,000 mammals, birds, and reptiles spread across the 128-acre resort. Iconic rides such as Vampire, Mandrill Mayhem, Tiger Rock, and River Rafts will be part of the thrilling experience.

Tickets for Howl’o’ween are available at chessington.com/Halloween, with prices starting at £35 per person, including entry to the theme park, zoo, and SEA LIFE aquarium. Those under 90cm enter for free