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Welcome! The Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper is a charity producing a weekly* sound recording of news and other items primarily for blind and partially sighted people. Please explore our site to find out more about what we do.

*Recordings are currently fortnightly.


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Local News week of 6th February 2025

Welcome to the third audio news of 2025, with another wide ranging selection of interesting articles. We hope you enjoy listening.

To listen to this week’s audio news click Play

In this week’s issue:

Online Fraud in Epsom and Ewell

Online fraud, particularly through fake retail websites, has become a significant issue both nationally and within the local community of Epsom and Ewell. Helen Maguire, the Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom and Ewell, is advocating for the establishment of a dedicated online crime agency to combat online fraud and related cyber-crimes.

Parliamentary Vote on Compensating WASPI Women

 Helen Maguire expressed her disappointment after a parliamentary vote on compensating WASPI women failed to gain cross-party support. The bill sought to address the injustice affecting thousands of women due to changes in the state pension age.

Tree Management Plan in Epsom and Ewell

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has started planting 6,000 new trees across the borough as part of its climate change action plan. The project aims to mitigate ash dieback and help the council achieve its goal of being carbon neutral by 2035.

Former Epsom Estate Agent’s Fraudulent Scheme

Dominic A O Williams, a former Epsom estate agent, made over £60,000 by making bogus travel and home insurance claims during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

Energy Efficiency Improvements at Bourne Hall

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has installed solar panels on the roof of Bourne Hall and secured funding to develop a heat decarbonization plan. These measures are part of the council’s climate change action plan to be carbon neutral by 2035.

Rising Water Bills in Epsom and Ewell

From April 2025, households in Epsom and Ewell will see a substantial increase in water bills, with Thames Water implementing a 31% rise. Helen Maguire has criticised the government’s failure to regulate water companies more effectively.

Bank Closures in Surrey

Lloyds Banking Group revealed plans to shut 136 branches across the UK, including seven Lloyds and Halifax branches in Surrey. The closures are part of the bank’s efforts to cut costs and digitise its services.

Appointment of Sir Mark Lowcock as Chair of GESH

Sir Mark Lowcock KCB has been appointed as the chair of Saint George’s, Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, effective from April 1, 2025. He brings a wealth of experience from his career in the UK Civil Service and the United Nations.

Warwick Davis to Receive BAFTA Fellowship Award

Warwick Davis, known for his roles in Harry Potter and Star Wars, is set to receive the BAFTA Fellowship at this year’s Film Awards. The award recognises his exceptional contribution to film, television, and games.

Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey

Surrey faces a significant overhaul of its local government structure, with the potential financial repercussions for residents of Epsom and Ewell. The proposed reorganisation may lead to the merging of the county’s 11 borough and district councils into two unitary authorities.

Fire at Yule House

Firefighters spent five hours tackling a blaze at a home on Yule Road on February 2nd. Emergency services, including the London Fire Brigade and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, were involved in the operation.

Young Artists Brighten Up Tattenham Corner Station

Year six students from Epsom Downs Community School have created artwork for display at Tattenham Corner Station. The project is part of the national Art at the Station initiative, supported by the Art Society Epsom and Southern Railway.

Surrey Police Hikes Council Tax Share

Surrey Police’s share of council tax bills will increase by 4.3% to maintain the level of service. The increase is needed to cover police officer wage increases and inflation.

Sources

Sources for this fortnight’s news articles include the Epsom and Ewell Times, This is local London, e-Borough Insight, Surrey Live and the BBC News Surrey.

The local news is just one of three sections of the Epsom and Ewell as described on the About Us page.

If you have any local stories or information that you think will be of interest to our listeners, please Contact Us

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