Category: News

New dates announced to help shape Leatherhead’s future

New dates announced to help shape Leatherhead’s future following the success of Swan Centre and Bull Hill consultations. 

Following the success of the first public exhibitions and webinar concerning initial proposals for a new mixed-use development at the Swan Centre and Bull Hill, The Leret Partnership is inviting the residents to upcoming events in Fetcham, Ashtead, and Bookham to continue the feedback process to help shape the plans further.

The Leret Partnership, a joint venture between Kier Property and Mole Valley District Council, held events in Leatherhead over two weeks between 11th and 20th July 2024 to listen to the public’s views on its emerging proposals to develop new high-quality homes alongside a range of new commercial facilities, local shops and green spaces, as part of the wider Transform Leatherhead programme.

In total there were 584 visits to the public exhibitions, with 399 feedback forms completed in person or online to date. There were 46 individual registrations to attend the webinar, with a total of 30 viewers watching live.

Demographic data among responders showed a healthy balance of age groups and genders, and the vast majority of those filling out surveys were local residents of Leatherhead. The information contained within the responses has given The Leret Partnership’s project team an important steer as they adapt the proposals to better reflect the needs and desires of local residents. This feedback will be taken into consideration as the plans continue to evolve, before a further round of pre-application consultation in due course.

The upcoming drop-in events in Fetcham, Ashtead, and Bookham will be taking place between 5:30pm and 7:30pm at the following dates and locations:

DateVenue
Monday 19 AugustSt Mary’s Church Fetcham, 10A The Ridgeway, Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9AZ
Thursday 5 SeptemberAshtead Peace Memorial Hall (Ralli Room), Woodfield Lane, Ashtead KT21 2BE
Wednesday 11 SeptemberThe Old Barn Hall Bookham (Main Hall), 55 Church Road, Great Bookham, Leatherhead KT23 3PQ

These events offer local residents in these villages an opportunity to find out more about the proposals and have their say. The project team wants to hear what these nearby communities think about these initial proposals.

The proposals aim to:

      • Develop high-quality new housing that is multi-generational and accessible to all.
      • Bring new multi-use buildings and places to Leatherhead, better serving the local community and reinforcing connections across the town through high quality design and redesigned public open space.
      • Enhance the retail offer and increase footfall to Leatherhead town centre, improving the public realm.

The consultation process will close at midnight on Monday 16th September 2024.

 

Leigh Thomas, Group managing director, Kier Property said:

“We’re proud of our ambitions to revitalise Leatherhead’s town centre, and the events so far have given us much food for thought as we adapt our plans according to the needs of the local community. It was important to us to ensure turnout was as high as possible, and reflected the demographic profile of the community, which was a success on both counts.

“We look forward to further understanding what people want to see from the new developments in the next set of events.”

Cllr Keira Vyvyan-Robinson, Cabinet Member for Property and Projects, Mole Valley District Council, said:

“It’s great to see so many people engaging with our consultation. We’ve been actively seeking views from residents, businesses and key stakeholders who will be directly affected by the development. Additionally, we would like to hear from people in the surrounding areas to understand if our proposals appeal to them and whether they might visit Leatherhead more often or even consider moving here.

“To further involve the wider community, we’ve decided to add three additional sessions to our public engagement on The Leret Partnership consultation. Two of these events are scheduled for September, ensuring that everyone with an interest has an opportunity to find a suitable date.”

For anyone unable to attend the events, the project website theleretpartnership.co.uk has information about the project, including a recording of the webinar, and consultation along with a range of options for submitting feedback.

 

The deadline for submission of comments to this consultation is 23:59 on Monday 16 September 2024. Any feedback submitted after this date may not be considered.

 

For more information about this consultation, how to reach the event venues, or for any further questions people can contact the project team directly by calling 0800 915 3598 or send an email to [email protected].

www.transformleatherhead.com

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All Change at Surrey Connect Buses

Surrey Connect Bus service is changing from the 2nd September 2024.  

Surrey Connect is a digital on-demand bus service, known as a Digital Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) solution, that is available in  parts of Surrey. It is a safe and reliable bus sharing service that will connect you to your local community.

The connect service uses accessible minibuses, with journey bookings made on a first come first served basis. Our software cleverly groups customer demands together in real-time.

During the last 2 years, journeys on the Surrey Connect service have increased dramatically. The service is so busy that passengers can’t get journeys when they want them. It’s really encouraging that so many people want to use Surrey connect but S.C.C need to make sure that the service can carry as many people as possible. Continuing with a door to door service will not allow them to do this.

Using a stop to stop approach will allow them to have more people travelling on shared journeys and reduce travel times for passengers. They know from their experience over the last 11 months with their other Surrey connect services, all operating on a stop to stop basis, that a short walking distance for the passenger can have a high positive impact on service efficiency.

Passengers will continue to be able to choose from a huge number of pick up and drop off locations within the designated operating zone. These pick up and drop off locations are a mixture of existing bus stops and new ‘virtual bus stops’ that they are introducing. These virtual bus stops have been located to ensure that existing users are no more than 400m away (approximately 4-5mins walk) from their usual door to door pick ups.

The stop to stop service will go live on 2nd September 2024. Bookings for door to door journeys will close on 25th August 2024. All journeys booked from the 26th August will be booked using the stop to stop service.

If a virtual bus stop doesn’t look suitable for you, please do get in touch so we can investigate but please bear in mind that a review will not necessarily mean we will be able to move the virtual stop outside your house. If you require an additional virtual bus stop please contact them at  [email protected]

A map showing the new service area will be available on their website shortly www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreyconnect

 

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Surrey Police Seeks Move To Leatherhead

Surrey Police seeks to locate their Eastern Divisional Headquarters in Leatherhead. 

Surrey Police will seek to relocate their Eastern Divisional Headquarters from Reigate to Leatherhead, when the interim lease for Wray Park ends, following the temporary move in April 2024.

In 2018, Surrey Police purchased the former Electrical Research Association (ERA) and Cobham Industries site on Cleeve Road in Leatherhead with a view to developing a new, purpose-built headquarters from the ground up. However, following a review of the programme in November 2021, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Surrey Police Chief Officer team took the decision to retain Mount Browne, in Guildford, as the Force Headquarters, and redevelop the existing site.

The Leatherhead site has been on the commercial property market for sale since earlier last year. However, following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the construction of Reigate Police Station in September 2023, the Force has been reconsidering our wider operational requirements across the Eastern Division – comprising Reigate & Banstead, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, and Tandridge.

The Force relocated to the former Surrey Fire & Rescue Services (SFRS) headquarters at Wray Park, Reigate, on an urgent but temporary basis, agreeing a short-term lease of up to two years with Surrey County Council.

Since vacating Reigate Police Station, the Force has been working closely with commercial surveyors, Vail Williams, to explore numerous opportunities to locate the new Divisional HQ, including sites in Epsom, Dorking, Leatherhead, Reigate (including the redevelopment of Reigate Police Station itself) and Redhill.

Following this piece of work an operational recommendation was made to the Surrey Police Estates Board, chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, to retain part of the Leatherhead site and to build a bespoke, permanent, Divisional Headquarters which will be fit for policing East Surrey now and in the long-term.

This recommendation was approved on 6 August 2024 at the Estates Strategy Board.

Tim De Meyer, Chief Constable, Surrey Police, said, “The desired move to Leatherhead shows our commitment to retain an operational base in the heart of the East of Surrey where we can maintain a visible policing presence in the communities we serve, to fight crime and protect people.

“This is an opportunity to build a new divisional headquarters which will be operationally fit for purpose and serve the East of our County for many years to come.”

Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, said, “This is exciting news and if we get planning approval gives us a unique opportunity to build a bespoke divisional HQ that is fit for purpose for our hard-working police teams on the east of the county.

“The situation with RAAC at Reigate Police Station has presented us with some difficult and unexpected challenges and I would like to pay tribute to all those officers, staff and volunteers for their patience and understanding over the last year.

“I am well aware of the importance Surrey residents place on local policing, and I want to reassure people living in Reigate and Banstead that the neighbourhood presence in their communities will not be affected by these plans.
“There have been some tough choices to make but I believe that Leatherhead presents us with the best option in providing both value for money for Surrey residents and an Eastern HQ that is fit for a modern police force.”

Councillor Paul Kennedy, Mole Valley District Council’s Cabinet Member for Internal Services and Security, said: “We are delighted at the prospect of Surrey Police’s Eastern Divisional Headquarters moving to Leatherhead. While any proposals remain subject to planning permission, this potentially signals yet another boost to the town, alongside the progress of our Transform Leatherhead initiative. With the addition of an HQ and around 400 members of staff comes the promise of a boost in footfall into the town centre and a positive impact on the local economy.”

As part of the Force’s commitment to having a physical policing presence in every borough and district, further decisions were made at the Estates Strategy Board to ensure that Safer Neighbourhood Teams will operate out of new sites, to be identified, in Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge. This will ensure the delivery of a consistent service, and coverage across the County. There will be a minimum of one Front Counter facility per division, enabling members of the public to access police services. While locations will be reviewed, there will be no fewer than we currently provide, and therefore no reduction in service.

The decision to retain Leatherhead as a key operating base comes as Surrey Police awaits a decision on their planning application for the redevelopment of the Mount Browne HQ which, if approved, could see redevelopment begin in Spring 2025.

 
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Mole Valley Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days celebrates 30 years this year. From Friday 6 to Sunday 15 September 2024, Mole Valley will be celebrating Heritage Open Days by opening the doors of its most fascinating buildings and offering talks on many intriguing, local subjects – all available free of charge. 

Heritage Open Days is the largest festival of history and culture in England and this year marks the 30th anniversary since its inception. In Mole Valley, more than 50 events and activities take place across the district over the ten-day period. With the diverse range of guided walks, talks, exhibitions and more on offer, there’s no doubt that everyone will find something of interest.

 

This year’s national theme is ‘Routes – Networks – Connections’. Our volunteers – who dedicate their own time to enable each event and activity to take place – will impart their enthusiasm and knowledge to educate and inspire visitors. Experience free access to a number of heritage sites, including historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and areas of natural beauty that might otherwise be closed to the public.

 

Heritage Open Days in Mole Valley launches with a fascinating event on Friday 6 September, with speakers from The Charles Close Society for the Study of Ordnance Survey Maps presenting an in-depth look at a variety of maps from many sources and ages. Pre-booking is required, so to secure your place and to find out more information, visit the Heritage Open Days website.

 

It is best to plan in advance, particularly as some events require pre-booking as spaces will be limited. An online version of Mole Valley’s Heritage Open Days brochure can be explored now, with hardcopy versions available to pick up from locations across Mole Valley including libraries, the reception at Mole Valley District Council’s Pippbrook offices and the Letherhead Institute in the coming weeks.

 

Heritage Open DaysCouncillor Nick Wright, MVDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: “This packed Mole Valley brochure shows that the Open Days will offer many fascinating and surprising events and activities across the district. The fact that this festival has reached 30 years speaks volumes for its enduring popularity and continued success. Make sure you don’t miss out this September, and discover what Heritage Open Days has to offer.”

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Let Us Play asks Epsom & Ewell Colts

Epsom & Ewell Colts FC, a grassroots football club that has been a staple in the community for years, is facing an impending crisis due to premier League Club’s foundation. 

Blenheim High School, a core training venue for Epsom Colts girl’s grassroot players for over 20 years, has cancelled their booking at short notice to make way for their selective Chelsea FC Foundation. This decision affects 170 girls from Under-8s upwards who now have no place to train and
play the sport they love. This is not the first time Epsom & Ewell have experienced such issues, with Chelsea being given preferential treatment over our previous existing bookings at Nonsuch Girls School.

The club, run solely by local volunteers, has provided access to football for boys and girls for half a century. They do this not only for the love of the game, but because they know how essential it is to our community, and the physical and mental well-being and of our young people. Often, their teams are the crucial ‘third space’ that children and young people need
outside of home and school.

Nicola Brown,Head of Women and Girls Development at Epsom and Ewell ColtsNicola Brown,Head of Women and Girls Development at Epsom and Ewell Colts. said “It’s hugely frustrating – having run every single initiative from Wildcats to Squad Girls, to encourage girls to play football, and to have increased our numbers in the club (from a
handful to 364 female players), to then have to undo all of that hard work because we have lost our training venue to Chelsea. It feels like a real kick in the teeth”, “It is not the kind of comradery that we need in girls and women’s football.’’

Mary Sheard, a parent from one of the U8’s Girls team said, “Caitlin was really looking forward to getting back to training with her football team after the summer, so we are really upset that their training venue had been lost. The girls in the team have formed such a great supportive bond, and they are all so worried about what will happen to the team.’’

The loss of the venue is being felt throughout the year groups.
Steve Luff, Manager and parent. said “This decision undermines the very essence of community sports. Grassroots football is the lifeblood and future of the sport, nurturing young talent and fostering community
spirit,” “It’s a grave mistake to prioritise commercial interests or go for the cachet of a professional club over the development of local athletes,
who represent the true future of football.”

He continues: “Our U18 girls grassroots football team faces immense disappointment as we have been ousted from our local school training facility and replaced by a professional club.” The vice-captain of the team, Elsie added “So much for encouraging girls, (and boys) football. How disappointing.’’

colts“The decision to displace our players in favour of a professional club’s pathway after so many years has been hard to take. It also goes against the objectives and aims of the
school listed in their last annual report,’’ said Pauline Russell, Chairwoman of the Club. ‘It
does not feel like the school has considered the needs for their facilities by the local community, which would have improved the lives of local inhabitants as noted in their Trustees’ report. We’d also welcome further conversations with Chelsea, to see if they could support us
with our venue crisis.”

Epsom & Ewell Colts Club has been actively campaigning for additional facilities and funding to meet the growing demand in the local area for many years. With no guarantees of new sites being built, the recent development only exacerbates the problem, leaving our young athletes without a suitable venue, potentially for years to come. The shortage of training spaces in the area has already been a significant challenge for
grassroots sports clubs over the years. Christchurch United, a local church-led mini soccer centre has also suffered from the recent changes at Blenheim.

With charges rising 220% to account for the expenditure to resurface their pitch, it is now unaffordable for the club to continue their sessions there. They are also now looking for an alternative location for their Saturday morning sessions – no small task when venues with availability are
scarce.

Pauline continues to say “Sports play a critical role in the development of young people, offering not only physical benefits but also teaching vital life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience,We are calling on the
community, local authorities, and Chelsea FC to recognise the importance of grassroots sports and to work with us to find a solution that allows these 170 girls to continue their training on Thursdays without disruption. We are not against the development of a professional academy, and we have had many players selected from our club to further themselves at academies, but it should not come at the expense of displacing grassroots players who rely on these facilities. We need to look after this ecosystem and protect the
sport at grassroots level.’’

When Blenheim School was contacted regarding the issue, they were apologetic but steadfast in their decision. An offer was made to reinstate a two-hour slot on a Tuesday until Christmas, but that only helps four teams that will face the same issue come January.

If any local schools, clubs or venues can help with their training crisis, please contact
[email protected]

A petition has been set up if you like to sign it CLICK HERE

Press release supplied by Epsom & Ewell Colts.

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MP Calls For The New Hospital At Sutton To Be Protected

New Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell Helen Maguire has called for the planned new emergency care hospital in Sutton and the upgrading of Epsom Hospital to be protected following this week’s Chancellor’s statement to the House of Commons 

In the Statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that a number of infrastructure projects were at risk of being cut in order to balance the books following years of Conservative economic mismanagement including plans to deliver 40 new hospitals.

In response, Epsom & Ewell’s new Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire said that this should not include the new emergency care hospital at Sutton. Helen said that her constituents “cannot wait any longer” for the previously promised investment in the new hospital as it is designed to relieve pressure on Epsom and St Helier hospitals, by offering a new centre of excellence and a state-of-the-art facility for the most serious emergency hospital cases.

The new Lib Dem MP said that without it, staff and patients in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead would continue having to put up with sub-standard buildings on the two current over developed sites – both of which will also need to be upgraded once the new hospital relieves pressures on them.  She said that she looked forward to taking up the Chancellor’s offer of a meeting with the Health Secretary for those MPs whose constituencies are affected by changes to the scheme.

In that meeting Helen said they would put across her, and her constituents’ concerns, about any withdrawal of funding and the consequences this may have on local people.

Helen Maguire MP for Epsom & EwellHelen Maguire MP said, “We must be clear. The Conservative party’s economic vandalism decimated the public finances, left our services in tatters and stretched household budgets to breaking point. The Conservative various promises to build our new hospital were clearly not worth the paper they were written on.

“My constituents have been crying out for improvements at Epsom and St Helier and so it is vital that this project must go ahead.

“That is why I look forward to taking up the Chancellor’s offer of a meeting with the Health Secretary where I can relay the concerns of the people of Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead directly, and to call on the government to protect funding for the new Emergency Care Hospital at Sutton.

“My constituents should not have to wait any longer for this desperately needed investment in our area and for our local health service to get back on its their feet after years of decline under the Conservatives.”

To contact Helen email [email protected]

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Epsom Common awarded the Green Flag Award

Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve has been awarded the coveted Green Flag Award and officially recognised as one of the country’s best green spaces 

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is celebrating receiving the prestigious Green Flag Award – the international quality mark for parks and green spaces – for an 18th consecutive year, for Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

Epsom Common LNR dates back to Saxon times and is a nationally and internationally important wildlife site, as well as being designated a ‘Site of Specific Scientific Interest’ due to its rare insects and its importance of breeding bird habitat. Epsom Common LNR contains oak woods, open pasture woodland and wetland habitats including large ponds and hosts species including cotton spotted orchids and purple emperor butterflies.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said: “Epsom Common is a beautiful and biodiverse space that is available for people, horse riders and cyclists and we’re incredibly proud to receive this award for an 18th consecutive year. This award is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and partners including the Epsom Common Association, the Lower Mole Partnership and Natural England.

Thanks to staff and volunteers for continuing to provide a safe, green space for residents to enjoy.”

To find out more about the walks and tours taking place, managed by the Countryside Team at the council, take a look here: What’s on | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (epsom-ewell.gov.uk).

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council on achieving a Green Flag Award. Epsom Common LNR is a vital green space for communities in Epsom and Ewell to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement. It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”

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Free Tennis Sessions in Epsom & Ewell

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to offer free morning tennis sessions over the school summer holidays. 

Continuing the enthusiasm for tennis following Wimbledon, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will be offering bookable free tennis sessions from Tuesday 23 July to Monday 26 August, between 8am and 12pm.

Courts can be booked by visiting Epsom & Ewell Parks Tennis / Home (lta.org.uk).

The free summer sessions follow the council’s move earlier this year to introduce a new ‘pay as you play’ scheme across all tennis courts. The scheme seeks to make the borough’s tennis courts more self-sufficient, with all income raised being reinvested into the courts.

The council has also implemented free coaching opportunities at Court Recreation Ground and free booking slots on Saturdays to enable those of all ages, experience, and socio-economic background to participate.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee, said: “The decision to extend free, bookable morning sessions at our tennis courts during the summer holidays gives residents, particularly our younger ones, a greater opportunity to keep active and have fun during the break.”

“We hope that this this will encourage those who have otherwise not considered playing tennis the incentive to give it a go and if they enjoy it, join as members in the future.”

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Guildford’s Boathouse Cafe set to sizzle this summer

Guildford’s unique riverside restaurant set to sizzle this summer as they announces new Head Chef and seasonal summer menu

The independently run, award-winning riverside restaurant, The Boathouse Cafe, (theboathousecafe.co.uk) has officially launched its summer menu – created by their new Head Chef, Rafal Milarski, with the restaurant now reopen for dinner.

While soaking up the atmosphere from the restaurant’s riverside terrace, guests can expect to enjoy a delicious and fresh summer menu, which focuses on British fare with a twist. The new all-day menu is inspired by local, seasonal produce, offering an array of mouth watering dishes including crab and prawn plates, cod ‘schnitzel’, poke bowl, primavera tagliatelle, and premium ‘Surrey Hills’ ribeye steak.

The Boathouse

With a career spanning top-tier establishments across Europe, new Head Chef, Rafal Milarski, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the chic riverside restaurant. Having discovered his love for cooking at the young age of eight, when at home watching his mother in the kitchen, Rafal was educated in Poland with certificates in Culinary Arts, Professional Cooking and Baking. Rafal was previously Head Chef at The Harbour Hotel Guildford and The Drummond at Albury, and is known for his creativity, leadership, and dedication to quality.

The Boathouse Creative Director, Jessica Meins says: “We are delighted to announce Rafal Milarski has joined The Boathouse Cafe, working alongside our talented team – led by The Boathouse Cafe General Manager, Justyna Cichocka. Rafal’s impressive background and shared vision for seasonal British food makes him an exciting culinary leader to take our independent, destination restaurant into the next chapter. We look forward to welcoming all our guests dining with us this summer!”

Having opened its doors in July 2023, The Boathouse Cafe has been described as a “hidden foodie gem upon Guildford’s River Wey”. Located at the bottom of Guildford high street, the former 1960’s Boat House has been meticulously reimagined by the Meins family and now provides the perfect location for meeting friends and enjoying alfresco, riverside dining.

The Boathouse Cafe maintains a unique position as one of a handful of Guildford’s remaining independent restaurants. The destination restaurant is also offering a series of events this summer, including live music nights, health and wellness events, and boat hire.

The restaurant is open for dinner Thursdays – Saturdays, as well as Tuesdays – Sundays for breakfast and lunch.

More information can be found on The Boathouse Cafe website (theboathousecafe.co.uk) and Instagram channel – @theboathousecafeguildford.

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Local CCTV Monitoring Arrangement

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and partners agree to local CCTV monitoring arrangements to help promote nighttime safety and combat retail crime 

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, alongside partners Go Epsom, Surrey Police and The Ashley Centre, today announce they have entered an arrangement for town centre CCTV cameras to be monitored locally by The Ashley Centre’s security team, Mercury Security.

The Ashley Centre team’s knowledge of the local area and persons of interest will prove invaluable in tackling retail crime, supporting Epsom’s nighttime economy and improving safety in the town centre overall.

Last year, 15 new, fully digital, high definition CCTV cameras were installed in the town centre as a result of a successful bid for government funding by the council, Go Epsom, Surrey Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner in 2022. The funding made it possible to implement measures to make the streets of Epsom safer – including upgrading CCTV cameras in the town centre.

Councillor Shanice GoldmanCouncillor Shanice Goldman, Chair of Crime and Disorder Committee, said: “I’m very pleased we and our partners have come to an agreement with The Ashley Centre and their partner security firm, Mercury Security, to monitor the town centre’s CCTV.

“Over the past two years, the council and our partners have implemented many measures to improve safety and reduce crime in Epsom. Moving to a locally monitored CCTV service, with personnel who are familiar with the area and likely perpetrators, can only improve results.”

Karen Pengelly, BID Manager at Go Epsom, said: “Epsom should be welcoming and safe for all residents, workers and visitors. Lots of hard work by the BID, Surrey Police and the Council is now seeing tangible results, information on offenders is being gathered and shared and now, active CCTV monitoring will mean another step forwards in public safety”

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