Category: News

Council to review polling districts and places in the borough

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will launch a six-week consultation into proposed changes to the polling district and polling places within the borough from 21 November 2024 to 2 January 2025.

In 2023, the Local Government Boundary Commission for England carried out a review of Surrey County Council’s electoral boundaries. The resulting Surrey (Electoral Changes) Order 2024 is anticipated to be passed by parliament and will make changes to the County Council’s electoral division boundaries.

This consultation will propose changes to Court and Horton wards in order to bring the areas in line with their new County Council electoral division and ensure ballots are placed in the correct ballot box.

There are no proposed changes for any other wards, as issues arising from the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in May were resolved for the Parliamentary elections in July.

Image of Jackie King Epsom & Ewell CouncilJackie King, Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council said, “I would like to encourage all residents in the borough to have their say on the proposals in this consultation. It is important to review our polling district and places now to ensure the council is fully prepared for next year’s County Council election and the changes to the electoral divisions.”

The consultation can be accessed via the following link: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/council/elections-and-voting/electoral-boundaries

Funding approved for community projects in Epsom & Ewell

On 12 November 2024, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee approved funding for infrastructure projects to take place over the next few years across the borough.

The projects funded will create health and recreational benefits for the community, improve accessibility to key facilities and services for our residents and help biodiversity and the ecosystem.

A total of £331,966 has been allocated for five Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) projects following bids by community groups and organisations, and a total of £1,755,000 has also been allocated for three Strategic CIL funding projects.

The CIL raises funds from developers recognising that new development creates pressure on local infrastructure. It is spent on the provision, improvement, replacement, operation, or maintenance of local infrastructure.

Funding has been approved for the following projects:

Rebuilding Glynn Hall, Ewell Village to help make it a more accessible, and effective, community hub.

Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve Footpath Improvements to the Manor Drive entrance to Hogsmill railway tunnel to improve access and protect fragile habitats within the nature reserve.

A new Bourne Hall Woodland Play Area to be developed in a wooded area with equipment complementing the surrounding area.

Gateley Green Playground Improvements with new play equipment offering support to families with little or no access to private or outdoor spaces.

Gibraltar Playground Improvements with new equipment, providing access to better quality and educational, play spaces.

Waterloo Road Street Tree Planting with two trees planted, providing an environmental and aesthetical lift to the edge of the town centre.

Ewell Village public realm enhancements that will improve the high street including safer and more pedestrian-friendly spaces and improving local environmental sustainability, providing a platform for better connections between people and supporting businesses.

Priest Hill Football Development with full Football Association 3G football pitch offering affordable access to world class sporting facilities, both recreational for the community or more structured training and sport activities.

New Club House at Old Schools Lane, Ewell providing a home for community sports and an indoor space for activities including arts clubs, health and fitness groups, counselling services and the Sunnybank Trust which supports 250 vulnerable men, women and young adults with learning difficulties.

cllr Neil Dallen Epsom & EwellCouncillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said: “Our aim is to maximise the benefit for residents through the funds we have available. The Community Infrastructure Levy offers a significant opportunity to deliver projects that will not only benefit the community now but will also have a lasting impact on quality of life for future generations.

The borough has a wealth of outdoor parks and open spaces that support health and wellbeing, and most of the approved projects focus on improving these facilities.”

Council moves forward with Proposed Submission Local Plan

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is moving forward with its Proposed Submission Local Plan, which will be debated at the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee meeting on 20 November at 7.30pm. At this meeting members of the Committee will make their recommendation to Full Council, scheduled to take place in December.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy CommitteeCouncillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said: “The Local Plan is a vital and cross-cutting document which will shape how our borough develops in the future, from developing our local economy, supporting businesses and creating jobs, improving leisure and visitor facilities to identifying sites for new homes, including affordable accommodation; as well as protecting and enhancing our natural environment, ensuring environmental protection and higher standards for biodiversity, supporting more sustainable forms of travel, and securing much needed infrastructure improvements.

We recognise that there will be mixed reactions to the final document, and members must make some difficult decisions on behalf of all residents in the borough, both current and future.

There is now a full suite of Evidence Base reports to support the Proposed Submission Local Plan, including feedback from last year’s Regulation 18 consultation: this means the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee can debate the plan at Committee and make a recommendation to Full Council.

I urge anyone who is interested in the borough’s Local Plan to read the Evidence Base reports on the council’s website and watch the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee meeting next week.

We are committed to delivering a Local Plan that benefits our residents and secures a thriving future for our borough.”

The next public consultation on the Local Plan (Regulation 19) will take place at the earliest opportunity following approval by Full Council. If you would like to be kept updated on when the next consultation is taking place, please visit https://epsom-ewell.inconsult.uk/(link is external), and enter your details via the ‘Register’ tab.

Save Epsom Green Belt are encouraging local residents to persuade councillors to remove precious green belt sites from the Local Plan. Epsom & Ewell Green Party have launched an ePetition to save Epsom & Ewell’s Green Belt. This ePetition runs till 02/12/2024 and needs at least 1500 signatures. For more details or  To Sign it, CLICK HERE

Calls For GP’s to be exempt from National Insurance Increase

Helen Maguire Calls for Urgent Reversal of National Insurance Hike 
that could put over 35,000 GP appointments at risk in Surrey 
 
According to the latest analysis, a rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions announced in the recent Budget could put 35,357 GP appointments at risk in Surrey.
 
In response, Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, has written to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, calling on the government to exempt GPs and other health and care providers from the National Insurance increase. She is working alongside other Surrey MPs to introduce amendments to upcoming legislation to protect local GP surgeries from the burden of this rise.
 
The Institute of General Practice Management has estimated that the rise will mean the average GP surgery’s tax bill will increase by around £20,000 a year. This could cost GPs in Surrey nearly £2 million for all 99 practices in the area. This is the equivalent cost of providing 35,357 GP appointments.
 
Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellMP for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, said:
“Our hardworking GPs are already under immense pressure, and this tax rise will only add to the burden. At a time when local surgeries are struggling to provide enough appointments for patients, this increase will take away valuable resources that could be used for patient care. Instead, it will mean fewer appointments and longer waits for people in Epsom and Ewell, many of whom are already facing difficulties accessing timely care.”
 
“The Chancellor must urgently rethink these proposals and exempt GPs from this damaging hike. We cannot continue to burden our local health services when they are already stretched to breaking point.”
“I will continue to press the government to reverse this decision and prioritise the wellbeing of patients, not further undermine an already struggling system.”

Possible Business Improvement District (BID) For Leatherhead

Mole Valley District Council funds viability study into Leatherhead Business Improvement District (BID).

On Wednesday 13 November 2024, businesses in Leatherhead are invited to The Leatherhead Theatre to have their say on the proposed idea of a Business Improvement District (BID) for Leatherhead town centre.

 

The event is being hosted by the newly formed ‘Leatherhead BID Steering Group’, facilitated by funding from Mole Valley District Council (MVDC), and will be followed by an online survey that will remain open for a further two weeks.

 

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business-funded body formed to invest in and improve a defined commercial area. BIDs can work collaboratively to increase footfall, reduce costs, and maximise the effect of marketing and promotion.

While BIDs are led by businesses, they can also provide benefits to those working, living, and visiting an area, for example through extra street cleaning or recycling initiatives.

The Leatherhead BID Steering Group will be hosting three drop-in events at the theatre on Wednesday 13 November, for businesses located within the town centre to come along to find out more and have their say on the possibility of a BID for Leatherhead. The drop-in timings are:

                  • 8.00am – 9.30am
                  • 12.00pm – 2.00pm
                  • 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Businesses interested in attending should register in advance at leatherheadbid.eventbrite.com.

All feedback and views will be incorporated into a feasibility report. If positive, the Leatherhead BID Steering Group will consider whether to move forward with a formal BID – agreeing the BID zone, developing a business plan in consultation with the business community and deciding when to hold a formal ballot.

Paula KeayCllr Paula Keay, MVDC Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy, said: “BIDs can be really effective in ensuring that businesses are represented and have a stronger collective voice on some of the issues that affect their trading area. We have been facilitating the conversation amongst local businesses interested in forming a BID in Leatherhead, by funding this viability phase, and look forward to seeing the results and supporting the next steps.”

For all enquiries, please email the Leatherhead BID Steering Group at [email protected].

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.