The Epsom and Ewell Talking News for the 25th July 2024 features council announcements, a new beginning with MP Helen Maguire, good news from Epsom hospital. A news item to motivate Leatherhead residents and our regular What’s On events programme.
To listen to this week’s audio news click the Play button
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council:
Financial Support
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is collaborating with local charities to distribute nearly £90,000 from the Household Support Fund to residents in need. The council is working with The Good Company, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, and The Meeting Room to provide financial aid to vulnerable groups. This initiative aims to support families, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers, and disabled people before September 30, 2024.
Seeks Landlords
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is urging landlords to lease properties to reduce spending on emergency housing. The council currently provides temporary accommodation to 250 households and seeks additional properties to manage costs effectively. Landlords will receive advance rent payments and long-term leases. This initiative aims to provide stable housing for families in need.
Free Tennis Sessions
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is offering free bookable tennis sessions from July 23 to August 26. The initiative follows the council’s successful pay-as-you-play scheme and aims to promote physical activity among residents. Free coaching and booking opportunities are available at various tennis courts.
Surrey County Council News
Free Cycling and road safety training
Surrey County Council has received funding to provide free cycling and road safety training to primary school children eligible for free school meals. The program aims to enhance road safety skills for children in Year 3 and offer bike training for those in Years 4-6. This initiative ensures all children can benefit from vital road safety education.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
New electric vehicle charging points are planned for Guildford, Woking, and Leatherhead as part of Surrey County Council’s initiative to expand EV infrastructure. The project, in collaboration with Connected Kerb, aims to install thousands of charging points by 2027. The council is currently seeking suggestions for additional sites.
Surrey Liberal Democrat MPs Challenge Thames Water
A coalition of Surrey Liberal Democrat MPs, including Helen Maguire, has called for urgent action from Thames Water to address pollution in local rivers and improve water supply consistency. The MPs seek a meeting with Thames Water CEO Chris Weston to discuss infrastructure improvements, water quality monitoring, and plans to end sewage overflows.
Epsom Hospital’s Surgical Hub Success
Epsom Hospital’s pioneering surgical hub is making headlines as patients are now able to go home just hours after knee or hip replacements. The Southwest London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC) at Epsom Hospital has significantly reduced waiting times for planned operations, boasting efficiency and advanced post-operative care. The hub operates six days a week and includes a dedicated team of specialized surgeons, nurses, and physiotherapists, ensuring rapid patient recovery and reduced hospital stay durations.
Leatherhead Residents Become Planning Experts
Leatherhead has seen a surge in self-proclaimed town planning experts amidst ongoing urban redevelopment discussions. Residents are voicing strong opinions on housing, park usage, and retail trends, influencing local planning decisions. For more information on local developments, visit the Mole Valley District Council website.
McDonald’s Plans New Branch in Worcester Park
McDonald’s has submitted plans to Sutton Council to convert a Poundland store in Worcester Park into a new restaurant and takeaway. The proposal includes dining space for 25, job creation, and parking improvements. However, some residents oppose the plan due to traffic and competition concerns.
Sadiq Khan Rules Out Double Deckers on Busy Bus Route
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has ruled out the introduction of double-decker buses on the busy 293 route between Morden and Epsom Hospital. Despite high demand, recent data shows current bus capacity is adequate. Transport for London will continue to monitor the route to ensure appropriate service levels.
No More M25 Weekend Closures in 2024
National Highways has announced there will be no further full weekend closures of the M25 in 2024. The decision follows three successful closures for junction 10 improvements. Remaining closures are postponed to spring 2025, with plans to notify the public well in advance.
What’s on in September!
What’s On locally from previous episode:
Epsom Playhouse
Old Time Sailors at The Playhouse: On Tuesday, September 24th, enjoy a one-night-only performance of Old Time Sailors at The Playhouse. This award-winning show features 21 musicians, singers, and dancers performing sea shanty classics.
For more information and to book tickets visit Epsom Playhouse or Telephone: 01372 742555 / 742227
Finally
Listen to this week’s episode for full details of these and more news stories.
Sources
Many of this fortnight’s news articles come from the Epsom and Ewell Times, Surrey Live and Surrey Comet
Community information is available from the websites: Surrey County Council, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council and Leatherhead Living.
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.