As we enter May, we bring you news of a planning application that may impact our recording studio. To lift the mood, there’s an update on the VE Day 80th Anniversary celebrations, as well as good news on police funding, unpaid carers and for SEND children. And don’t miss the news of a fascinating museum in the borough.

The document reports on several important planning applications, including the recent application for Swail House and the approval of five tower blocks up to 12 storeys high on the Epsom gas works site. Concerns raised by residents include the demolition of community facilities, pedestrian safety, noise and danger of construction, loss of garden and effects on wildlife, inadequate consultation with tenants, and the future of the talking newspaper premises.

Epsom and Ewell are preparing to mark the 80-year anniversary since VE Day on the 8th of May. Several commemorative events are planned, including a procession led by the mayor, a proclamation, the raising of a specially designed VE Day 80 flag, and a beacon lighting event on Epsom Downs. The celebrations will feature patriotic blooms, homemade bunting, food and refreshments, and entertainment by local performers.

Surrey Police has received government funding for more officers on the beat. The estimated £2.5 million will add to the 222 extra officers who joined the force since March 2021. The new recruits will likely comprise 25 full-time police officers and 15 special constables. The programme aims to strengthen the presence of officers in communities, build lasting relationships, and ensure support for victims of hidden crime types such as fraud, domestic abuse, and sex extortion.

Sutton Council is offering additional support for unpaid carers and extra school places for SEND children. The new plan for supporting carers has been developed with direct input from carers in the community and aims to ensure access to information and services as early as possible. A new purpose-built school for children with SEND has officially opened, providing more bespoke teaching accommodation and accommodating more pupils.

Surrey County Council advises residents with older type RTS electricity meters to update them before the system switch-off at the end of June. The signal that controls RTS electricity meters is being switched off due to the equipment reaching the end of its operational life. Residents will need to have their meters replaced with smart meters to avoid disruption to their electricity and water supply.

There is a Cockney museum in the borough, dedicated to London’s Pearly Kings and Queens. The museum contains the Cockney crown jewels, a large collection of sequinned suits, and historically significant artefacts dating back 180 years. The founder, George Major, has been Pearly King of Peckham since 1958 and is proud of the museum, which has attracted visitors from all over the world.

Several events are happening locally in May, including the Royal British Legion poppy hike, the River Hogs Mill walk, and musical entertainment by the Epsom Symphony Orchestra. There are also three upcoming tribute acts at Epsom Playhouse, featuring music from Fleetwood Mac, Sir Elton John, and the Electric Light Orchestra.