Welcome to Issue 2398 of the Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper recorded on a beautiful springlike Thursday 6 March 2025.

The council is reaching out to owners of properties that have been empty for more than two years to bring them back into use. This initiative aims to address the housing shortage and provide accommodation for families in need. The council offers several options for homeowners, including leasing the property to the council, letting it privately, or selling it.

Toyota Epsom has donated two electric people carriers to the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People. The vehicles will enhance the charity’s transport services, supporting retail teams and residents with learning disabilities. This donation is part of a broader partnership between Toyota and the foundation to improve mobility for disabled individuals.

Doctors at Moorfield’s Eye Hospital in London have conducted an experimental trial of gene therapy that has significantly improved the vision of four toddlers born with a severe form of childhood blindness. The therapy involves injecting healthy copies of a defective gene into the back of the eye, leading to remarkable improvements in the children’s ability to see.

Barry Ahearn from Epsom has raised £12,000 for charity by running 27 half marathons in memory of his sister, Abbie, who died from epilepsy complications. Barry’s efforts aim to raise awareness about the seriousness of epilepsy and support research through the charity Epilepsy Action.

Epsom and Ewell have emerged as the fastest-growing local authority in the southeast of England for small businesses. The borough gained 100 new small businesses in 2024, representing a 2.88% increase. This growth contrasts with the regional trend of a slight decline in small businesses, highlighting Epsom and Ewell’s resilience and business-friendly environment.

Susan Hamilton, an NHS nurse, has been awarded £41,000 in compensation after accusing a colleague of bullying behaviour. The employment tribunal found that the trust failed to take adequate action over the colleague’s behaviour, leading to a breakdown of trust and confidence.

Jill Murray from Surrey, who had no symptoms, was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram. She urges others not to delay their screenings, as early detection saved her life. Jill underwent surgery and radiotherapy and was given the all-clear in April 2023.

Nescot College in Epsom hosted a darts event to inspire students and improve their mental math skills. Darts legends visited the college, played matches, and participated in workshops. The event aimed to promote arithmetic and numeracy, launching a college darts league and encouraging students to develop their maths skills.

Glynn School and Rosebery School in Epsom are participating in a pilot scheme to tackle smartphone distractions in the classroom. The initiative involves installing an app called Blackout, which blocks access to non-essential apps during school hours. The pilot aims to improve student well-being and classroom focus.

A 17th-century pub in Epsom is set to be transformed into a Sainsbury’s Local. The plans include refurbishing the historic building and creating a convenience store. The development will also create around 20 new jobs and provide a convenient shopping location for nearby residents and visitors.

The council’s local plan consultation has closed, and the next steps involve submitting the plan to the Secretary of State for examination. The Organ and Dragon site is set to become an 81-room care home. A new Popeyes restaurant is opening in Sutton High Street, creating 59 new jobs. Surrey Police are appealing for information after an attempted distraction theft. The Station pub in Stoneleigh has reopened following a renovation. A new mobile cafe has opened in Rosebery Park, providing a local spot for residents to enjoy.