Author: adminSURREY

Council kicks off 2,600-tree planting project

On 7 January, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council began planting 2,600 trees at sites in Ewell Court Park, the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve, London Road Recreation Ground, Long Grove Park, Manor Park and Poole Road Recreation Ground. This is part of the council’s Climate Change Action Plan and the first stage of its Tree Management Plan which aims to plant 6,000 new trees across the borough by 2035.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has committed to tackling climate change in the borough, embarking on an ambitious programme of work with partners to support its operational net zero target by 2035. Within its Climate Change Action Plan in 2020 was an action to increase tree cover in the borough to enhance the borough’s biodiversity and increase carbon capture. This activity will also help mitigate ash dieback, a serious disease that has the potential to devastate an estimated 90% of the borough’s ash tree population over the next decade.

 

This tree planting activity is funded through the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescapes Fund, awarded as part of a joint bid with Surrey County Council and three other district and borough councils within the county.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council kicks off 2,600-tree planting project

The council’s Arboriculturist has coordinated the planting of the trees and Penfolds Woodland Management has been contracted by Surrey County Council to plant the trees.

Over 20 different tree species have been carefully selected to suit the local habitat; they will help enrich surrounding nature and can even adapt to changing weather conditions associated with climate change. These include several planned stands of native woodland tree and shrub species that aid biodiversity as the trees themselves start to blossom. In Sweet Chestnut Avenue the trees planted will create a real heritage feature that will endure through the ages.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said: “This is another great step to help us meet our ambitious carbon neutral target. These new trees will make our green spaces more beautiful and appealing for our community. Importantly, they will also provide habitats for our wildlife to flourish and help combat climate change by capturing carbon as the trees grow.

This is a great effort by everybody involved and I would like to thank Surrey County Council for coordinating this bid that led to this invaluable funding being awarded and for commissioning the suppliers – thanks to Penfolds Woodland Management for planting the trees. One final thanks to our very own Arboriculturist for coordinating this vast tree planting activity.

We hope these trees will provide a platform for everybody to learn about the complexities of trees and their importance to biodiversity and climate change. I’d encourage all our residents and visitors, including our school children, to visit our parks and open spaces to look at and learn about our beautiful trees.”

Marisa Heath, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for the Environment said: “The County Council’s ambition to plant 1.2 million new trees is not something we can deliver alone. Our collaboration with local borough and district councils, parish councils, schools, landowners and community groups is vital to achieve this ambition. Planting more trees helps tackle the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss and by working together we will have a greater impact.”

For more information about trees in Epsom & Ewell – Trees in Epsom & Ewell | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council 

New artwork takes centre stage at Epsom Playhouse

During January two new murals were completed at Epsom Playhouse. The murals are part of a series of vibrant public art installations across the borough. Championing the 40-year history of Epsom Playhouse, the large-scale mural in the theatre’s foyer showcases the variety and breadth of creative people who have contributed to the fabric of Epsom Playhouse’s history over the last four decades.

The second mural and new photographic exhibition in the downstairs bar celebrates famed British Jazz singer and a trailblazing performer, Evelyn Dove. Championing the roaring 1920s and the Art Deco period, the large-scale installation reflects the era that Dove was at the peak of her performing career.

New artwork takes centre stage at Epsom Playhouse

The latest murals were created in collaboration with residents. Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, and specialists in community art Positive Arts, consulted with residents during the Christmas lights switch on in the Ashley Centre in Epsom, at Bourne Hall in Ewell and members of Girlguiding Division Epsom also kindly shared their thoughts on the design of the main foyer mural.

Both murals have been fully funded via the Arts, Culture and Heritage UKSPF 2024/25 allocation and contribute to the council’s overall vision for curating art projects that build pride with local community stakeholders, nurture creative talent and raise the profile of our borough’s rich heritage.

The murals are the last in a series that have been painted across the borough.

So far, working with Positive Arts and community groups, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has created the following murals:

Upper High Street, Epsom – with GLF Schools

Alleyway behind Epsom Square – with Members of Girlguiding Epsom Division

Between Miles Road and Stones Road, Epsom – with GLF Schools

Near Clandon Close, Stoneleigh – with We Power On

New artwork takes centre stage at Epsom Playhouse

Epsom Playhouse opened in 1984 as part of the development of The Ashley Centre and since opening has hosted a wide and varied programme of events featuring both professional and community productions.

The murals form part of improvement works taking place at Epsom Playhouse using an allocation of monies from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Improvements include a redesigned lower bar and a new bottle bar, clad in stainless steel. The upper bar has also been refurbished with new LED lighting and redesigned to create a larger space. There is also a new mezzanine floor, and a new platform lift has been installed to improve accessibility.

Ewell EpsomCommenting on the newly installed artworks, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee said,

“These new murals use a vibrant palette of colours, and I am sure will draw plenty for interest from residents, who’ll be impressed to see how this much-loved community venue has been revived!

The foyer mural illustrates visually how important regional theatres are in bringing arts and creativity to local areas for the benefit of local communities”

The refurbishment of Epsom Playhouse also supports Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s new Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy which outlines its commitment to nurturing creative talent and to creating a thriving and inclusive creative and cultural outreach programme within the borough.

A3 Closure for UK’s First Heathland Bridge

This weekend, starting on the 17th January 2025 at 9pm, sees the installation of the new Cockrow Bridge on the A3 – the star bridge of the scheme and what will be the UK’s first heathland bridge.

The restoration of rare heathland is one of the M25 Junction 10 project’s biggest elements – alongside improving traffic flow and safety.

The new Cockrow Bridge, a heathland green bridge, will reconnect the commons either side of the A3, and provide a natural and safe corridor for wildlife.

The heathland on the bridge will develop with time and what’s being installed this month is the bridge structure – but a significant milestone nonetheless.

To do the bridge installation they are closing the A3 for the full weekend, from 9pm on Friday 17 January until 6am on Monday 20 January. While the A3 is closed the M25 will remain open.

The closed stretch is just south of the M25 and will be between the junction 10 interchange and Send B2215/A247.

The diversion route to go southbound during the closure will be via Cobham, Chessington, Great Bookham and Effingham, rejoining the A3 at Send.

Meanwhile to travel northbound the diversion route will be via East Clandon, Effingham, Fetcham and then onto the M25 towards Wisley.

Diversions

Southbound A3 main diversion:

      • via eastbound (anticlockwise) M25 to junction 9
      • A243, A246, A247
      • to rejoin the southbound A3.

Southbound A3 non-motorway diversion: 

      • via northbound A3, A245, A307, A309, A243, A246, A247
      • to rejoin the southbound A3.

Northbound A3 main diversion:

      • via B2215, A247, A246, A24, A243
      • join westbound (clockwise) M25 at junction 9
      • rejoin northbound A3 at junction 10.

Northbound A3 non-motorway diversion:

      • via B2215, A247, A246, A24, A243, A307, A245
      • to rejoin the northbound A3 at the Painshill junction.

Closed Stretch Of The A3

Wisley Lane diversion (both directions):

      • via Portsmouth Road (B2215)
      • Newark Lane (B367), Warren Lane, Pyford Road, Lock Lane
      • to rejoin Wisley Lane.

Closed Stretch Of Wisley Lane

Guileshill Lane diversion:

      • Ripley Lane
      • Pincott Lane
      • The Street
      • Ockham Road North (B2039)

Closed Stretch Of Guileshill Lane

Please take care and follow the diversions instead of a SatNav.

A3 Heathland Bridge

Closed section of the A3

Surrey’s Devolution Disagreement

On Tuesday, 7 January 2025, the Leaders of the 11 Surrey District & Borough Councils and the Leader of Surrey County Council met to discuss the English Devolution White Paper and what this would mean for the residents of Surrey.

There was acknowledgement from all the Leaders that the central government is determined to introduce sweeping changes to local government through their plans for devolution and local government reform which will see the district and county councils merged into new unitary councils.

All the Leaders of the Surrey District & Borough Councils expressed their concerns around the pace of change being imposed by central government and that such widespread and significant change needs wider consultation with the residents, stakeholders, and businesses across the County. In addition there was concern that the change, as proposed, will decrease local representation for residents of Surrey.

While the Leaders concluded that there needs to be a dialogue with Surrey County Council on the proposed changes, there was wide agreement that the County Council’s plan to write to the Secretary of State, Jim McMahon MP on Friday 10 January, requesting to postpone the County elections scheduled to take place on 1 May 2025 was not supported by the District & Borough Leaders and would be opposed if submitted.

NHS Recovery Plan Announcement at Epsom Hospital

Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, Reacts to Major NHS Recovery Plan Announcement at Epsom Hospital

MP for Epsom & Ewell, Helen Maguire, was delighted to see Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting come to Epsom hospital (part of the Epsom & St Helier Trust) today to announce a significant blueprint to tackle the backlog of tests, checks, and treatments exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government’s ambitious plan outlines a massive expansion in capacity, aiming to reduce waiting times and improve patient care.

Lord Darzi’s independent investigation into the NHS found it to be in a “critical condition” and is failing to provide timely access to care with 7.6 million people on waiting lists for elective treatment. People are also waiting too long to secure GP or NHS dentist appointments, with over 14,000 patients across Epsom & Ewell having waited longer than 12 hours in local A&Es.

Although Maguire didn’t join the official visit, she was onsite at Epsom Hospital to intensify her campaign for urgent modernisation at Epsom Hospital and to seek the green light for the building of the much-needed emergency care hospital in Sutton, which she has been campaigning for since her election last year. St Helier Hospital, which opened in 1941, suffers from serious structural problems, which many describe as being in a state of crisis.

Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellHelen Maguire, MP for Epsom & Ewell said:

‘While I am delighted that the significant elective care backlog in Epsom will be reduced, we cannot ignore the fact that emergency care is in urgent need of support as well. Almost 200,000 12-hour ‘trolley waits’ have been recorded since Labour took office last July. These figures are shocking and urgent measures are needed to address this dangerous situation. Thousands of patients who are well enough to leave hospital can’t be discharged because social care is in crisis. With thousands of people waiting longer than 12 hours in hospital corridors on the Prime Minister’s watch, the need for social care reform is even more pressing. A three-year review just won’t cut it. This winter we’re seeing the consequences of inaction for our NHS yet again. After years of disastrous neglect of our health and care services under the Conservatives, patients and NHS staff deserve better.’

‘In Epsom and Ewell, the situation needs to be addressed urgently. We cannot ask our dedicated NHS staff to deliver world-class care in crumbling facilities. We must ensure that Epsom and St Helier Hospitals are at the front of the queue for necessary repairs and that the new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Sutton is at the top of the priority list. Our community deserves modern, safe, and high-quality healthcare.’

‘The reforms announced today have the potential to begin to repair the NHS, ensuring our health care system can continue to deliver outstanding care for the next generation. Whether it’s keeping care within communities, using the latest digital tools to improve efficiency or empowering our GPs to make direct referrals- these promises must be implemented effectively to create meaningful change.’

‘‘I am committed to holding the government to its promises, and to ensuring that Epsom and St Helier hospitals, and the people of Epsom & Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead see real, tangible benefits from the discussions held here today.’

NOTE: Epsom Hospital will lose 20% of its services once the new hospital in Sutton is built in the plans agreed in 2021.

MP in constant communication with SES Water

Helen Maguire MP in constant communication with SES Water to rectify the ongoing Supply Crisis 
 
Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom & Ewell, has expressed deep frustration and concern over the prolonged water outages affecting residents in Epsom, Ewell, Stoneleigh, Sutton, and surrounding areas. Many households have been without consistent water supplies for over 30 hours, some since Monday afternoon, leaving families struggling with basic hygiene, cleaning, and laundry, as well as uncertainty in the lead-up to Christmas.
 
In a further blow to the community, Nonsuch High School for Girls was forced to close three days early due to health and safety concerns, disrupting the education of 1,500 students. According to Headteacher Mrs. Williamson-Jones, there was simply no alternative given the ongoing water issues. Parents and staff are deeply concerned about the educational and welfare implications of this unexpected early closure.
 
water Headteacher, Mrs. Williamson-Jones said:
“As headteacher of Nonsuch I had to make the decision to close the school on Tuesday 17 December on health and safety grounds of having no water for toilets, heating or cooking facilities. With no clear timeline of when things would be fixed I had to close the school for the rest of term. This has affected the education of 1500 students.”
 
Constituents have reported receiving minimal and vague updates from SES Water, despite Ofwat guidelines requiring that water companies provide clear estimated restoration times. Long queues at bottled water stations, limited access to alternative supplies, and a lack of transparency have amplified public anger and distress. Some residents have resorted to purchasing large volumes of supermarket bottled water, while others have raised concerns about recent hikes in their water bills, despite no improvement in service reliability.
 
Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellHelen Maguire MP said:
“It’s completely unacceptable that my constituents, have been left in the dark. Families are unable to shower, flush toilets, or do basic cleaning after more than 30 hours without supply, and now 1,500 girls at Nonsuch High School are having to be taught remotely because of this crisis.
 
Since Monday I have been in regular communication with SES Water and I spoke with the Chief Executive, Ian Cain this morning. They have explained that the ongoing water supply disruption was due to the failure of a critical valve. Their teams have been working 24/7, to resolve this complex issue and it is anticipated that water supplies will begin to be restored within the next 24 hours.
 
However, residents should be aware that it may take an additional 24 hours for supplies to return to normal as we conduct the necessary water quality checks and tests to ensure safety and compliance with standards.
 
In the interim, I have urged SES Water to continue supporting their most vulnerable customers, including hospices, hospitals, and other residents on their pre-identified list. I am glad that bottled water is being provided across four sites the details of which can be found on their website.
Beyond the immediate crisis, this outage raises serious questions about the resilience of our local water infrastructure and SES Water’s ability to ensure minimal disruption to local residents.
 
My constituents deserve a swift resolution, and a firm commitment that their concerns will be taken seriously. I will continue pressing SES Water to establish clear timelines and improved communication with residents. From families in their homes to students in our schools, everyone deserves to be confident in the resilience of our water supplies.
 
For the latest update from SES Water CLICK HERE

Epsom & Ewell Local Plan Consultation

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) has updated its Local Development Scheme, which outlines the details and timetable for the borough’s Local Plan documents, following the Government’s publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 12 December.

The updated Local Development Scheme states that the Regulation 19 Consultation will commence in December and the Local Plan will be submitted to the Government for examination in March 2025. The dates of consultation are confirmed as 20 December 2024 to 23:59 on 5 February 2025. This will ensure that the Proposed Submission Local Plan can be inspected according to the previous NPPF (December 2023). The public examination of the Local Plan by an independent Planning Inspector is estimated to take place in July.

On Tuesday 10 December EEBC Councillors voted to approve the Epsom & Ewell Proposed Submission Local Plan (2022-2040) and that the Regulation 19 Consultation should take place at the earliest opportunity. An up-to-date Local Plan protects the borough from ad hoc and inappropriate development and ensures responsibility for future planning decisions remains with the borough and its communities. It provides a framework for where in the borough new development should go and where should be protected.

The Regulation 19 Consultation is the final opportunity for residents to feedback on the plan before it is submitted for independent examination. During the Regulation 19 Consultation, residents, visitors, and local businesses can comment on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound. Guidance on how to respond to the Regulation 19 Consultation, will be published on the council’s website.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy CommitteeCouncillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said “We know how important it is to submit our Local Plan by the deadline set out in the Government’s revised National Planning Policy Framework. We are determined to meet that deadline and will do everything within our power to achieve it.

To help us meet the deadline I strongly urge anyone who would like to submit comments during the Regulation 19 Consultation to please read and follow the guidance provided. This feedback will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate with the Proposed Submission Local Plan and the suite of evidence base documents.”

If you would like to be updated on the Epsom & Ewell Regulation 19 Consultation, and future consultations, please visit https://epsom-ewell.inconsult.uk/ and enter your details via the ‘Register’ tab.

Final Opportunity for Local Plan Consultation

Epsom & Ewell Proposed Submission Local Plan (Regulation 19) Consultation to go ahead as soon as possible. 

Yesterday evening Councillors voted to approve the Epsom & Ewell Proposed Submission Local Plan (2022-2040) and that the Regulation 19 Consultation should take place at the earliest opportunity. The Regulation 19 Consultation is the final opportunity for residents to feedback on the plan before it is submitted for independent examination next summer.

At the meeting of Full Council, Councillors heard from a petitioner who requested that all green belt land should be removed from the Proposed Submission Local Plan except for previously developed land. This was debated by Councillors during the meeting, before the vote.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy CommitteeCommenting after the meeting, Councillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy, said “The Proposed Submission Local Plan provides a vision for our borough that strikes a balance between providing much needed homes including affordable housing, infrastructure, and support for local businesses whilst ensuring enhanced protection for biodiversity and our borough’s green spaces, and protecting the valuable local heritage and character of our borough’s towns and villages.

“It is challenging to find a path that meets the many different needs of all our communities, and not everyone may agree with every aspect of this plan. However, having listened to all the feedback, and examined the comprehensive evidence base, we feel strongly that this plan ensures that everyone in our borough, both now and in the future, is given the chance to thrive in Epsom & Ewell.

The Regulation 19 Consultation will take place at the earliest opportunity. We will announce the dates on our website and on social media as soon as they are confirmed.”

An up-to-date Local Plan protects the borough from ad hoc and inappropriate development and ensures responsibility for future planning decisions remains with the borough and its communities. It provides a framework for where in the borough new development should go and where should be protected.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council consulted on the Draft Local Plan in February and March 2023. The comments received on the Draft Local Plan, along with the local evidence base, informed the Proposed Submission Local Plan. The Regulation 18 consultation feedback summary report, which shows how the council has taken account of the feedback received, can be found here: Consultation response statement

During the Regulation 19 Consultation residents, visitors and local businesses can comment on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound, in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework. Guidance on how to respond will be published on the council’s website.

Responses collected as part of the consultation will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate with the Proposed Submission Local Plan and the evidence base documents.

Helen Maguire MP Launches Local Business Survey

Helen Maguire MP Launches Local Business Survey and Helps Out at Local Businesses Ahead of Small Business Saturday 

Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, has launched a new survey for local businesses and will visit several local companies ahead of Small Business Saturday on 7th December.
 
As part of her commitment to supporting small businesses, Helen will roll up her sleeves and help out at three local establishments: Fatima’s Hair Boutique in Epsom, All Things Nice Café in Ewell, and Lavender Flowers in Ashtead.
 
 
During her visits, Helen will be serving customers and gaining hands-on experience to better understand the daily operations of these small businesses. This initiative underscores the vital role that small enterprises play in fostering community spirit and economic growth.
 
As a previous small business owner herself, Helen understands the challenges of running a small business. She previously ran a charity fundraising consultancy and founded her own fitness company. Her firsthand experience gives her unique insight into the dedication and resilience required to operate a small business.
 
Helen Maguire, who has launched the small business survey on her website, aims to give businesses in the area the opportunity to share the challenges they are facing and explore what needs to change to ensure their continued success. Maguire will use these insights to advocate for local businesses in Parliament.
 
 
The Liberal Democrats have been pushing for the government to scrap their employers’ National Insurance tax rise, which will burden businesses in Epsom and Ewell with higher costs at a time when many are struggling following years of Conservative financial mismanagement.
 
Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellMP for Epsom & Ewell,  Helen Maguire said:
“Local businesses like All Things Nice and Lavender Flowers are the backbone of our community and provide great services to people in Epsom and Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead. We should be doing all we can to support them and I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping out wherever I can”
 
“I am also excited to launch this new survey so I can fully understand just what businesses in our area need to ensure they can keep providing those great services to everyone here in our community.
 
“Our small businesses, both here locally and all over the country have been dealt too many blows. This is why it is so important that the government rethinks and scraps its National Insurance hike on our local small businesses. They have been hit with increased costs and less support. This urgently needs to change, and I will be pushing the government every step of the way to ensure it does.”
 
To take part in the survey CLICK HERE

£2.6m secured for Ewell Village improvements

Earlier this month Epsom and Ewell Borough councillors met to agree their contribution of £1.25m Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding toward the Ewell Village improvement project. This funding will match the £1.35m that Surrey County Council have committed to the project.

This is an important milestone for the Ewell Village project and will ensure the improvements go ahead as planned in 2026. The improvements, which include the introduction of new pedestrian crossings, greenery, improvements to footways and the public realm and a 20mph speed limit in the village, aim to improve safety along the High Street and make Ewell a great place to live, work and visit.

The plans were finalised earlier this year, following several public exhibitions and an online engagement, in which over 1400 responses were received from local people. The results of the engagement helped decide the way forward and plans were approved by Surrey County Council’s Infrastructure Board and Capital Programme Panel in August.

Councillor Matt Furniss, SCC Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic GrowthMatt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, Surrey County Council said, “It’s great news that Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have agreed their funding contribution to this important project. Now that all necessary funding is in place, we are in a good position to deliver this work as planned in 2026. Delivering these improvements to Ewell Village will bring about much needed safety enhancements to the High Street, whilst still allowing vehicle access. We know this was important for many local people and believe the plans deliver necessary change, whilst reflecting what the community want in their village.”

EwellCouncillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “I’m very pleased that we can support this substantial infrastructure project which will hugely benefit residents, businesses, and visitors to Ewell Village.

This project shows partnership working at its best. I would like to thank Surrey County Council for working so diligently with our residents and businesses to ensure that the planned improvements are tailored to their needs, and that Ewell Village maintains its unique, and historical, characteristics for many years to come, whilst improving accessibility and safety throughout the village.”