The Epsom and Ewell Talking News for the two weeks ending 8th August 2024 begins with Surrey Police’s response to the recent unrest, features borough news a Green Flag award and our regular What’s On events programme.
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Epsom and Ewell Borough Council News
Hook Road Multi-Storey Car Park
The Environmental Committee of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. is deliberating on potential contamination beneath the Hook Road Multi-Storey Car Park, which sits on a water aquifer near a former gas works site. The lack of detailed environmental research raises concerns about possible contamination from toxic byproducts. The committee awaits further assessments before making a final decision on redevelopment.
Council Reviews Pavement Licence Policy
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has decided to continue determining pavement licence applications under delegated authority rather than updating its policy to align with goverenment guidance. The licence policy, initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, allows cafes to place removable furniture on council-owned highways.
Campaign Against Moped Parking on Pavements
Russell Bailey, a blind Epsom resident, is campaigning against the illegal parking of moped delivery bikes on pavements in Epsom, which he argues poses a serious safety hazard, particularly to the visually impaired. The issue persists, despite multiple reports to Surrey County Council Parking Enforcement Team.
Call for Public Ownership of Horton Cemetery
In an update to our previous story Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have debated whether to bring Horton Cemetery, a site where 9,000 individuals from five psychiatric hospitals were buried, into public ownership. The Friends of Horton Cemetery argue that the land’s historical and cultural significance warrants its protection and preservation. We await news of the result of the debate.
Epsom and Ashtead Commons Receive Green Flag Awards
Epsom Common and Ashtead Common have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, recognizing them as two of the UK’s best-managed green spaces. Epsom Common has received this accolade for the 18th consecutive year, highlighting its excellence in environmental stewardship. Ashtead Common, managed by the City of London Corporation, was also honored for its exceptional conservation efforts. Learn more on the Keep Britain Tidy website.
A Life of Crime: The Story of Ronnie Field
Born in the Epsom Union Workhouse in 1946, Ronnie Field led a life of crime, as chronicled in his new book Nefarious: A Life in Crime, co-authored with local Epsom based author Martin Knight. The story recounts Field’s life as a prolific armed robber and his connections to notorious criminals like the Kray twins. The book, released in May 2024, is available as an Audible book and on Amazon.
What’s On in Epsom and Ewell
This August, enjoy a variety of events across Epsom and Ewell:
Epsom and Ewell Family Summer Activities
This summer, Epsom and Ewell families can look forward to a range of exciting activities. From nature hunts to crafts, Langley Vale Wood is celebrating its 10th birthday with the Woodland Trust on August 15th. The event is free, but parking charges apply.
St. Mary’s Vicarage Summer Jazz BBQ
St. Mary’s Vicarage in Ewell will host a Summer Jazz and BBQ event on August 24th, featuring local jazz musician Teresa performing 1940s vocal jazz with Beatles-esque melodies. Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets, and chairs to enjoy the music and atmosphere in the Vicarage garden. Tickets, including a burger and a drink, are £10 for adults and £5 for children. For more information, visit Epsom and Ewell Family website.
THE HORTON SUMMER EVENTS
Just two of the many events taking place this August at The Horton
Wind and Piano Summer Serenade at The Horton
The Waldegrave Ensemble will present a Summer Serenade on August 23rd at The Horton in Epsom. The concert, featuring wind and piano performances, promises to be a classical treat with music by Mozart, Arnold, and more. Tickets are priced at £20, with an additional £2 booking fee. For tickets and more information visit The Horton.
Horton Makers Market
On August 24th, The Horton will host a Makers Market featuring unique handcrafted items from local artists and artisans. The market will be open from 9:15 AM to 4:00 PM, offering a variety of products including jewelry, ceramics, artwork, and textiles. Free entry.
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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.