This Week’s EETN Local Audio News, for the two weeks ending 3rd October 2024 features borough and county council news, a Thameslink audio guide and NHS nominations as well as our regular What’s On section.
To listen to this week’s audio news click the Play button
Epsom Town Centre and Cycling Plans Approved
On 24th September Epsom and Ewell Borough Council‘s Licensing and Planning Policy Committee approved the Epsom Town Centre Masterplan to revitalize the town centre, focusing on health, sustainable green infrastructure, development and transport. The council also endorsed the Epsom & Ewell Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan aimed at providing networks and improving connectivity across the borough to encourage residents to walk wheel and cycle. For more information visit EEBC Licensing and Planning Committee Public Document Supports Pack 24th-Sep-2024
Epsom Housing Targets Under New Policy Framework
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is preparing for potential new housing targets set by the government’s revised National Planning Policy Framework. Cllr Peter O’Donovan, (RA Ewell Court) Chair of the Licensing, Planning and Policy Committee (LPPC), said in his statement: “The Council has submitted a response to the recent ‘proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system,’ and ‘Subject to approval by Council, we intend to commence consultation on our Proposed Submission (Regulation 19) Local Plan in mid-January 2025.”
One-Stop Shop for Home Energy Upgrades
Surrey County Council has launched a new pilot scheme in partnership with Furbnow, providing residents with access to energy-saving upgrades like insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels. The scheme supports residents by covering 60% of the cost for eligible households. It’s free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with a Home Energy Plan or the installation of measures. For more information about the One Stop Shop scheme, visit www.furbnow.com/surrey.
Audio Guide for Thameslink Trains
Dave Smith, a blind passenger from Redhill, Surrey, is part of Thameslink’s Accessibility Advisory Panel and worked with Thameslink to produce an audio guide for blind and visually impaired passengers. The guide, available on Thameslink’s assisted travel pages, provides vital information about accessible carriages, doors, and facilities, improving travel independence. This project, supported by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, is the first of several planned accessibility enhancements. Find the guide on Thameslink Assisted Travel website.
Nominations for NHS Heroes
Jan Ehtash, a COVID-19 survivor, and Sutton schoolboy Jackson Hall, a leukaemia patient, and their families have called on others to nominate the incredible NHS staff of St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group. Nominations for outstanding care and other categories are open until the awards ceremony on December 10 at The Oval cricket ground. To make your nomination, visit www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/about/gesh-care-awards or www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/gesh-care-awards by Tuesday 22 October.
Epsom Man Completes 125 km Charity RUN
Local man, Lucas Mee, CEO of S.A.L.V.E International, completed a 125 km run around Epsom in under 24 hours to raise funds and awareness for children living on the streets of Uganda. Joined by MP Helen McGuire and the Epsom and Ewell Harriers Athletic Club to cross the 100 km mark. The run is part of a month-long campaign to raise its £10,000 fundraising goal. S.A.L.V.E International’s ongoing work in Jinja, Uganda, supports children through education and empowerment. Learn more at Salve International.
What’s on in October!
Here are some upcoming events happening in Epsom and Ewell:
Faraday Reopens After Major Refurbishment
The iconic Faraday pub in Epsom has reopened following a six-figure renovation by the Stonegate Group. The revamp has transformed the venue into a contemporary hub for socializing, complete with HD screens for live sports and an updated beer garden. The pub offers a range of craft beers and cocktails, with deals like two-for-one available all day.
Love Me Love My Mind: Week of Healing
This year’s Love Me Love My Mind week of healing theme, Be Kind to Your Mind, offers free events from October 5-13 focused on mental health and well-being. For full details, visit Epsom and Ewell Times Love Me Love My Mind.
Learn to Play Music Event
UK charity Music for All hosts its annual Learn to Play event held at Guitar Guitar in Epsom, from October 11-13. Open to all ages and skill levels, this free event offers hands-on music-making experiences. Find out more at Music for All.
Conquest Art Exhibition
Conquest Art is hosting its Annual exhibition at The Horton in Epsom from October 16-26. The exhibition will showcase the diverse work of artists with disabilities, with visitors invited to purchase artwork, cards, and calendars. For more information visit Conquest Art event.
Finally
Listen to this week’s episode for full details of these stories and events including an appeal by the Good Company charity for donations for Epsom and Ewell Food Bank as stock levels reach a three-year low. Residents can donate essential items at local supermarkets or arrange deliveries to their Ruxley Lane hub. For more information visit Good Company.
Sources
Many of this fortnight’s news articles come from the Epsom and Ewell Times, Surrey Live, Surrey Comet and Epsom Local Guardian.
Community information is available from the websites: Surrey County Council, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council and Epsom and Ewell Families.
The Go Epsom website has a calendar of What’s On featuring local events which you can add to.
The local news is just one of three sections of the Epsom and Ewell as described on the About Us page.