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issue 70

Borough

keeping you informed

It’s panto time! At the Epsom Playhouse

insight

Contact us Mayor’s Message

visit our website www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

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Mayor of Epsom & Ewell 2017-18, Councillor Liz Frost.

Liz Frost

It is a huge privilege to be Mayor - but it does appear to make time fly by! My consort, Chris, and I are having a memorable time. We have had the opportunity to meet many local residents and learn more about what goes on in our borough.

No two days are the same, events we’ve attended include story-telling to a pre-school nursery and delivering the card from the Queen to a lady on her 100th birthday.

The hours are varied, it was after 3am before I was able to announce the Epsom and Ewell General Election results, and attending the presentation of the New Colours to the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment involved leaving home before many of you were even up on a Saturday morning!

My themes for my mayoral year are promoting our racing and training heritage and encouraging more openness and a better understanding of our mental health. These I try to follow through when meeting people and when asked to ‘say a few words’.

My charities are Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, The Sunnybank Trust and the Lower Mole Countryside Trust. Thank you to all who have supported us.

Councillor

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Borough Insight is published by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council for residents and delivered free of charge to households in the borough.

If you have any queries on its contents please contact The Editor, Borough Insight, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5BY.

Tel: 01372 732000

Email: [email protected]

Designed and printed by: Frontline, Ashdown House, Charlwoods Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 2HJ.

Borough Insight is printed on paper from sustainable sources. Please read and recycle this copy.

Advertising opportunities in Borough Insight

Would you like the opportunity to promote your business to 32,000 households? Epsom & Ewell Borough Council offers advertising space at competitive rates in Borough Insight magazine.

For further information contact Frontline on Tel: 01342 312570 or email [email protected]

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council does not accept responsibility for, sponsor or endorse any, products or services offered by advertisers in this magazine.

Frontline are proud to be working in partnership with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.

e-Borough Insight

For the latest events, community information and lots more delivered straight to your inbox each month, subscribe to e-Borough Insight at insight.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/subscribe

News

For details of fundraising events please see www.mayorscharitiesepsom.org.uk

Council meetings November 2017 - March 2018

All meetings are held at the Town Hall, Epsom and start at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated. Meetings may be cancelled or additional meetings arranged as necessary. To view the full year’s calendar of meetings, download agendas or review minutes of previous meetings visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Agenda papers are available online to download five clear working days before a meeting and are accessible via the mod.gov app.

For further information please contact Democratic Services on 01372 732000 or email [email protected], quoting the Committee or matter you are interested in - we are always happy to help.

Epsom & Ewell Local Committee (Surrey County Council) meeting: Date: Monday 27 November 2017Time: 2pmVenue: Epsom Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom KT18 5BY

Date: Monday 12 March 2018Time: 7pm Venue: Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF

For more details and confirmation of the venue, please contact Nicola Morris on 0345 009 009, email [email protected] visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/epsomandewell follow on twitter @EpsomLC

November 2017

9 Planning Committee

14 Health Liaison Panel

23 Audit, Crime & Disorder and Scrutiny Committee

28 Strategy and Resources Committee

December 2017

5 Financial Policy Panel

7 Licensing and Planning Policy Committee

7 Human Resources Panel

12 Council


January 2018


22 Epsom and Walton Downs Conservators, 6pm

23 Community and Wellbeing Committee


29 Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee (10am at Nonsuch Mansion House)

30 Environment Committee - budget meeting

February 2018

1 Strategy and Resources Committee - budget meeting

6 Financial Policy Panel

8 Audit, Crime & Disorder and Scrutiny Committee

20 Council - budget meeting (determination of Council Tax)


March 2018


12 Epsom and Walton Downs Consultative Committee, 6pm

13 Health Liaison Panel

20 Community and Wellbeing Committee

27 Environment Committee

Our main key priorities which form part of our Corporate Plan for the next four years are:

Our key priorities 2016 - 2020

These key priorities are backed up with measurable targets for each of the four years which are published on our website.

Relevant articles within this issue have the above key priorities mentioned so you can identify how we are working towards achieving these targets.

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Keeping our borough clean and green

Key Priority:

Supporting our community

Key Priority:

Managing our resources

Key Priority:

Supporting businesses and our local economy

Key Priority:

Democracy

EventsBorough

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Friday 8 December Lights on Broadway Stoneleigh Broadway

Events and enjoyment for all the family, including the opportunity to indulge in some late-night shopping.

Tuesday 12 December to Saturday 16 December Gift Market Bourne Hall, Ewell

The popular five day gift market has become a regular fixture for those wanting to get a gift that’s a little bit different.

Friday 15 December Christmas Memorial Service Epsom Cemetery Chapel

Our annual service at 11am for those who like to remember lost loved ones as Christmas approaches. All welcome. The service is not a traditional religious service, though there will be some familiar Christmas music.

Saturday 16 December Christmas in the trenches; 1pm to 2.30pm

A special Bourne Hall Museum kids club Christmas special! Discover how the WW1 troops managed to celebrate the festive season (clue; it featured bully beef, plum jam and a lot of mud)! Cost £5 per child.

Christmasis coming!Some of the seasonal festivities

coming up, which start sooner than you might think!

Saturday 18 November Ashley Centre Christmas lights switch on

Join us for children’s entertainment with some special guests from midday and for the Ashley Centre Christmas lights being switched on at 5pm.

Thursday 23 November Epsom Christmas lights switch on Market Place, Epsom

A slightly smaller event than previous years because of the Plan E highway works, but still featuring the countdown to switch the Epsom Christmas Tree lights ON!

Friday 1 December Ewell Yule

The community and the local traders welcome Christmas in traditional style at this annual late night shopping extravaganza - it all kicks off at 5pm. Free parking in Ewell High Street and Dorset House car parks from 4pm.

Free Christmas parking in Epsom in December on Sundays 10, 17, 24 and Christmas Day in council car parks - Ashley Centre, Town Hall, Hope Lodge, Upper High Street and Depot Road.

Check out the What’s On section at www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

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Epsom Playhouse, Ashley Avenue, Epsom, KT18 5AL Box Office: 01372 742555 / 742227 www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk


Key Priority:

Four wishesChristmas at the Epsom Playhouse‘Tis the season to slip on your glass slippers, climb into your pumpkin coach and swing over to the Epsom Playhouse for some dazzling live festive entertainment!

Wednesday 29 November - Saturday 2 December Scrooge

Join award-winning Leatherhead Operatic Society, Jacob Marley and the Christmas spirits in Charles Dickens’ most loved story as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is shown the error of his ways in this heart-warming musical based on “A Christmas Carol”.

Sunday 3 December Epsom Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert

A Christmas cracker of a programme features West End star David Leonard narrating the story of Beauty and the Beast. The concert also includes seasonal favourites such as Swan Lake, the Cuckoo Polka, the Sleigh Ride and the exciting Polovtsian Dances. Plus audience carol singing led by local schools.

Friday 8 to 24 December Santa Claus and the Magical Christmas Journey

It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus is flying high above the clouds delivering presents to all the good boys and girls around the world. Hiding in the back are two

naughty elves Charlie and Kara who have snuck on-board for the ride. All is well until the sat nav goes haywire and breaks leaving Santa stranded without his list of postcodes to deliver presents to!

With the clock ticking and morning fast approaching, it’s down to Charlie, Kara and Muffin the bear to come up with a clever plan to save Christmas.

Panto and front cover pic credit: Steven Peskett, Friday Street Media Ltd. www.stevenpeskett.com

Friday 15 December - Sunday 7 January Cinderella

Are you ready for a gigantic sprinkle of Epsom Playhouse magic this Christmas? Then get set to join Cinderella on a pumpkin coach ride through panto land!

There’s only one problem, Cinders’

ugly sisters and wicked step-mum make her clean all day and it’s really not fair. She needs you (plus some support from her best friend Buttons) and maybe a bit of help from a certain fairy Godmother!

Find us on@EpsomPlayhouse

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Cost: £5 per child (includes one accompanying adult).

2017

Saturday 18 November; 1pm - 2.30pm Battlefield medicine

Discover how the treatment of the wounded in battle has changed over history and learn how the chances of survival and recovery have improved.

2018

Saturday 13 January; 1pm - 2.30pm The Crimean War and Florence Nightingale

Discover Florence Nightingale’s life story; hear about her famous lamp at Scutari Hospital and her later campaigns for nursing and health reform in England.

Saturday 10 February; 1pm - 2.30pm The Tower - escape, imprisonment and execution

Discover the lives and deaths of some of the prisoners held in the great royal palace and of those who passed through Traitors Gate.

Wednesday 14 February; 2pm - 3.30pm WW2 - a children’s war

Be prepared with gas mask training and air raid drill! Learn to play fag cards like wartime children, discover the size of your sweet ration, try a paper puzzle and write a postcard home after being evacuated.

BOURNE HALL MUSEUM Kids Club

For more information and to book contact David Brooks, Bourne Hall Museum, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF. Tel 020 8394 1734, email [email protected] website: www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Dear diary

2017

Sunday 19 November; 1pm - 4pm

Discover the days when steam engines ran through Horton Country Park. Meet at the Information Centre.

2018

Sunday 4 February; 1pm - 4pm

Discover the history of Horton Country Park. Meet at the Information Centre.

Sunday 18 March; 1pm - 4pm

Take a peek into Epsom Common’s past. Meet at the Stew Pond car park.

Thursday 15 - Saturday 17 February 2018 (10am - 8pm, ends 4pm on Saturday)

Epsom Charity Book Fair

Epsom Methodist Church, Ashley Road KT18 5AQ

Browse through thousands of books including collectables and out of print classics at Epsom’s enormously popular annual Charity Book Fair. At least 60,000 books will be on offer and the vast range includes children’s books, fiction and non-fiction, plus CDs, DVDs and records. Delicious lunches and refreshments are available throughout. Entrance 50p, children and students free. For more information visit www.epsommethodistchurch.org.uk or email [email protected]

All guided walks cost: £5 adults; £2.50 children (16 years or under). For more information and to book please visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk or call 01327 732000, email: [email protected]

Stay up to date with new listings of community activities and events each month in Epsom, Ewell and Stoneleigh. Subscribe to e-Borough Insight at insight.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Countryside guided walks

In September, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, introduced a new white paper to Parliament, increasing the amount of housing local authorities should be provisioning for within their areas.

He stated that the “methodology shows that the starting point for local plans across England should be 266,000 homes per year. Nationwide, this represents a 5% increase on the upper end of local authority estimates, showing that the local planning system is broadly on target.

“We are not attempting to micro-manage local development. It will be up to local authorities to apply these estimates in their own areas. All we are doing is setting out a clear, consistent process for assessing what may be needed in the years to come.

“How to meet the demand, whether it’s possible to meet the demand, where to develop, where NOT to develop, what to develop, how to work with neighbouring authorities and so on remains a decision for local authorities and local communities.

“Because the young people of 21st century Britain are reaching out, in increasing desperation, for the bottom rung of the housing ladder. For the comfortably-housed children of the 50s, the 60s, the 70s to pull that ladder up behind them would be nothing less than an act of inter-generational betrayal. One that our children and grandchildren will neither forget nor forgive.

If we’re going to avoid that, if we’re going to fix the broken market and build the homes the people of this country need and deserve, we must start with an honest, open, objective assessment of what is needed and where.”

Based on the figures presented by the Minister, this borough would need to provide 600 new homes per year for the next ten years.

a plan!Just like other areas in the country, we’re working on a new Local Plan for the borough. This is a Government requirement and will replace our current plan.

Having a Local Plan is important because it sets the direction for the borough’s future building development and it gives us more power to stop inappropriate development.

Putting together a Local Plan is a lengthy and complex process, and involves the gathering of lots of evidence, analysis, co-operation with other statutory bodies and consultation with residents.

Within the process, there are a number of stages, laid down by Government, and local residents are consulted along the way. We consider all responses alongside relevant evidence, guidance and national policy before progressing to the next stage of the process.

An initial stage in the process was the publication of an Issues and Options document. This sets out our initial thoughts about what a new Local Plan should contain and the issues it should address. It also sets out a number of possible options for where and how the future growth of the borough might be located. A six-week public consultation on this document concluded at the beginning of this month.

All responses and representations received from the Issues and Options consultation will be carefully considered and, because of the large amount of input we received, this will take the rest of the year.

From these responses, and using our evidence, we will finalise the list of issues that the new Local Plan will cover. From this we can then produce a new draft Local Plan setting out a development strategy for the borough, site allocations and policies against which planning applications will be considered.

In early spring of 2018, we will undertake another public consultation in preparation to submission of our draft Local Plan to the Secretary of State.

We are working towards the new Local Plan being adopted by the end of 2019.

The key documents and other information are being uploaded on the Council website as they become available - www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk - search for ‘local plan’.

Let’s make


Key Priority:

9Borough

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matter!We approached various organisations, representing different viewpoints, who have previously expressed opinions on how the borough should develop. We asked them what they would want you, the residents of the borough, and your elected representatives, to weigh up when considering the new Local Plan.

Regretfully only three organisations saw fit to respond to our request. We are grateful to the organisations who did respond.

The following are extracts from the responses we received. You can view their full responses and contact details on our website (please be aware that the views given are not those of the council).

Campaign to Protect Rural England

The borough’s green areas - its parks, gardens, allotments and other green spaces,

including the countryside adjacent to the built up areas - are in large measure what give Epsom and Ewell its character and makes it an attractive place to live and to work. To date, our councillors and their professional officers have

done an excellent job maintaining the borough’s vibrant economy whilst protecting its heritage, its open spaces, its biodiversity, and its quality of life.

However, recent national planning policy has required the borough to commission a Strategic Housing Market Assessment. This has proposed that the rate of new home generation in Epsom and Ewell should, in the future, be more than double the rate that we have been expected to achieve over recent years. In total, the borough would have to find room for over four hundred additional homes each year for at least the next fifteen years - that means that each year we would be expected to accommodate around a thousand extra people, despite having already housed several thousand recently on the old hospital sites around Horton.

There is insufficient previously developed land in the borough to

accommodate all these additional people. Consequently, there is every likelihood that unacceptable levels of ‘town cramming’ would result, with back garden development and high density redevelopment of existing housing areas. In addition, there would inevitably be the loss of large areas of the borough’s cherished Green Belt.

What is wanted in Epsom and Ewell is far more truly affordable housing for local people. Councillors should be asked whether the large-scale loss of our open spaces and town cramming is justified simply to meet the artificial housing targets wished on us by central government, councillors should also be asked to identify where the additional financing for the necessary extra infrastructure will come from.

Opinions

Feature - Local Plan Special

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Gatwick Diamond

These are some thoughts that residents might want to consider:

• Infrastructure and accessibility

Employees need to be able to reach their places of work conveniently and cost effectively. Employers need to be able to move goods and services efficiently. Will the Local Plan address the need for improved road, rail and bus access?

• Commercial property

Businesses need different types of commercial property throughout their lives. Does the Local Plan provide for small serviced office space for start-up and early stage

businesses, for graduates and the self-employed? Does the Local Plan take account of the need for office premises between 1,000 and 5,000 sq ft for those businesses that have grown and increased staff? And has the Local Plan identified larger sites to attract large businesses?

• Business growth

There are large businesses already in Epsom and Ewell, such as Atkins. How will their growth be encouraged? As key employers, how will the Local Plan ensure they do not move out of the area due to lack of support? How will the Local Plan support start up and early stage businesses during their fragile growth stages? Will the Local Plan encourage businesses to trade internationally, to network and collaborate?

• Skills

Epsom and Ewell is rich in higher educational establishments with UCA and Nescot. Many students graduate and leave the area. How will the Local Plan support those graduates to remain in the area to work, be self-employed or start a business? How will the Local Plan ensure that the right entrepreneurial space is available for students?

• Town centres

Has the Local Plan done enough to protect the vulnerable retail sector in the time of the internet? Will town centre plans attract visitors and residents to shop, dine and be entertained?

Feature - Local Plan Special

Surrey Chambers of Commerce

In order to try and keep people local and to encourage inward investment there are a number of actions necessary;

• Create a great business environment with easy access to business premises, business support and affordable housing (not requiring the higher London pay rates).

• Provide some easy in easy out start up business facilities to encourage start-up businesses to locate in the borough.

• Ensure there is access to business advice for start-ups, growing companies and those looking to export.

• Make the borough attractive for shopping and eating with good leisure facilities really important for larger companies and young people.

• Improve the roads into and around Epsom town centre to ease congestion suffered by many businesses in the area.

• Specifically encourage young people to stay in the area or travel into the area to take up local jobs.

• Campaign to get Epsom station included within Zone 6 area specifically making travel out of London into Epsom easier for shopping and working.

• Demonstrate investment in the locality to give confidence in Epsom & Ewell as a place to be based.

• Maintain the green spaces.

• Build on and exploit the differentiating factor of being the home of horse racing activities.

• The Epsom Business Improvement District is a key driver in some of the above actions and puts decision making in the hands of local businesses to make sure priorities are met.

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What is the difference between your Committee and the Planning Committee?

My Committee is responsible for all planning policy matters that support and control development within the borough, including the Local Plan.

The Committee also deals with a wide range of licensing matters, ranging from alcohol and entertainment premises, to our taxi and private hire car policies.

The Local Plan is currently by far the most important issue we are addressing. This is a major policy issue, not just for the committee but for all of us in the borough.

The Planning Committee, on the other hand, makes decisions about the planning applications based on national and local planning policies.

How are residents being involved in the Local Plan?

The government has asked all councils to prepare an up to date Local Plan. Since 2013 we have conducted a series of public consultations about this. We welcome the input from residents and local community groups to these consultations, which has proved invaluable. The council has a very experienced and professional team leading on this

project and I have full confidence that all your comments and views are given full consideration.

What happens next?

As part of this exercise, there will be a further consultation in the spring - so look out for it!

After that, some difficult decisions will then have to be made. We understand that the government wants us to build more homes so that our children and grandchildren, and others wishing to live in our borough, can find suitable places to live. This includes finding space for new infrastructure and the new community facilities needed to support them, such as roads and schools. In the late summer, the

government told us we should be building about 40% more homes than we had previously identified as needed. For a small borough like ours, this represents a huge challenge. Nevertheless, we will make every effort to identify as many sites as possible, while at the same time seeking to minimise the impact on the things that make our borough special.

What can I do to help?

Please continue to respond to our consultations so that we can take your views fully into account when we are considering the undoubtedly difficult decisions that lie ahead.

the CouncillorMeetCouncillor Graham Dudley, Licensing and Planning Policy Committee Chairman.

Councillor Graham Dudley, Licensing and Planning Policy Committee Chairman.

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insight 13Annual Report


Key Priority:

Planning & Development Management

£21.46

Parks, recreation grounds,

nature reserves

£61.35

Parking

- £85.21

Environmental Health

£17.43

Street cleaning & Graffiti removal

£23.55

Community Centres & Support for the elderly

and those in need

£11.81

Commercial property

- £36.05

Democratic and civic

£19.90

Housing needs and homelessness

£45.11

Community safety

£3.25Recycling &

Refuse collection

£53.01

Venues

£19.37

Sports & Leisure development

£4.78

Delivering Services

£1,743.14 Council Tax in this area is for a Band D property

76%13%

11%

Surrey County Council (£1,331.55)

Surrey Police (£224.57)

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (£187.02)

How your Council Tax is calculated: Per Band D equivalent £’000 propertyTotal cost of Council services (2016/17) £7,564 £236.26

IncomeRevenue Support Grant £510 £15.93Retained Business Rates £1,435 £44.82Prior Year surplus on Council Tax & deficit on business rates - £47 - £1.47Council Tax £5,829 £182.07Other Items - £163 - £5.09

Total

How we spend your council tax?

Please note, figures relate to 2016-17 and are expressed as Band D equivalents. Not all services included, some items have minus signs in front of them because these services generate income.

2017-18 Council Tax in numbersNot all council tax collected pays for council services; it also supports Surrey County Council and Surrey Police too.

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Refurbishment and investment news for two popular borough parks.

Alexandra Recreation Ground

We’ve recently completed the resurfacing of the tennis courts and basketball courts in Alex Rec which are free to use all year round.

Rosebery Park

Work is underway on the ornamental pond in Rosebery Park. This is a significant refurbishment and will take a number of months.

One of the pond’s sides has been collapsing, as water (which flows under the park from the Dorking Road side) has been undermining the structure and the paving around the perimeter of the pond. The work will require the draining of the pond and extensive repairs to the structure. We anticipate completing the work before the spring to minimise disruption to wildlife.

Did you know…Alexandra Recreation Ground was officially opened on 27 June 1901 and the tennis courts were installed in 1912. The park was selected for Epsom’s celebrations for both George V’s coronation in 1911 and for the town’s peace celebrations following WW1.

Did you know…Originally, Rosebery Park had two ponds; in 1915 a smaller one was filled in. There was always a wet spot to the west of the current pond and, when this became particularly marshy after a series of wet winters, the area was developed into the fenced off wildlife area.

Park life


Key Priority:

Autumn in Rosebery Park looking towards the pond

Alexandra Recreation Ground

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Key Priority:

SupportHigher needs group

We’re introducing personalised day care service for the over 50s who need some extra support.

With the withdrawal of some adult social care funding, we’re enhancing our services at the Community and Wellbeing Centre at the Longmead to provide an adult day care service.

We know that caring for a loved one can take a toll on family members, and our day care service can provide a much-needed break as well as benefits for your loved one.

The new Community and Wellbeing Centre higher needs group enjoy a friendly, comfortable environment filled with activities and socialisation designed to provide mental and physical stimulation and enhance self-esteem.

Our experienced team is friendly, welcoming and treats members with patience and respect. The team focuses on each individual’s abilities and interests.

We offer two options; a full day session, at £40 per day starting at 9.30am and finishing at 4.30pm, Monday to Friday; and half day sessions, which are charged at £20. Lunch can be provided, at an additional charge, or the client can bring in their own packed lunch.

If the Community and Wellbeing Centre is somewhere that you or your loved-one would like to join, then first there would be a half day session as an assessment, this ensures that the Centre can meet the individual requirements of the client (and they can see if they like the Centre).

Transport from home

Following feedback and suggestions from our clients, we’ve overhauled our Routecall service and rebranded it ‘Transport from home’.

The service exists for those who are not as mobile as they once were, cannot drive and who no longer feel they can manage regular public transport.

In September, we introduced a new fleet of accessible vehicles. Our new vehicles offer a range of features providing a safe and comfortable

journey. Our drivers are fully trained and are able to provide assistance to passengers as required.

We provide a door-to-door transport service in and around the borough for people of any age with limited mobility and are Epsom and Ewell residents. We understand the importance of people needing to be involved within the community and not feel isolated.

Transport from home offers four types of journeys:

• Day centre which is to the Community and Wellbeing Centre based in Longmead.

• Shopping to Epsom town centre or Sainsbury’s.

• Private for medical appointments, to visit a friend or even a trip to the hairdressers.

• Excursions are outings to local garden centres, pubs and restaurants.

If you feel that ‘Transport from home’ is for you or a loved-one, then contact us to register. Membership is £14.65 for a year and then there is a competitive cost per journey.

when it’s needed!

Email: [email protected] or phone 01372 732000

For further details email [email protected] or phone on 01372 72758.

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Our car parks are a mixture of pay and display, barrier control and permit holders only and with the exception of Hook Road car park, operate 24/7. We charge a commercial rate for car parking to cover maintenance and running costs, as well as the business rates we have for the car parks. Any additional income is used to support our other services.

6am: Warren is the duty officer and opens the Ashley Centre car park. As part of this he is performing a security, health and safety check (including looking for damage and evidence of anti-social behaviour). He will also check that barriers are operational. One of our Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) will later perform the same tasks at Hook Road car park.

Between 7.30am and 8am: The CEOs who are on the early and middle shifts arrive at the office. Warren briefs each of them on their beats for the day and any particular issues to be aware of. This includes visiting the parking suspension in Woodcote Side, checking the yellow lines in Chuters Grove are kept clear and assigning a school for the officers to visit at collection and drop off time.

The CEOs start the day by checking the machines in the car parks, ensuring that there are sufficient tickets and tokens.

8am: Kush, the parking officer administrator arrives at work and immediately has to deal with an incident at Hope Lodge car park -

the exit has been blocked by a lorry delivering to a local business, there is no sign of the driver and the resident is going to be late, Kush

Car park teamWe operate several off-street car parks across the borough used by approximately 5,000 drivers per day.

A morning in the life of our…

entered the car park. Richard goes to steward the driver reversing out.

10.30am: The CEO dispatched at 10am calls in to report that, while issuing an enforcement notice, he was racially abused. Warren reports the incident to the police and the CEO is instructed to return to the parking office to complete an incident report, which may subsequently be used in a criminal prosecution.

10.50am: It’s raining heavily but a CEO has been dispatched to Ewell Court House car park; someone has called in to say they have been blocked in by inconsiderate parking ‘and we need to do something about it’! Richard is looking in to the logistics of a parking suspension request on a Saturday in Epsom High Street.

11:05am: A CEO reports in that a signplate has been damaged in Kingston Road, Ewell and needs replacing.

11.15am: The Town Hall calls. A resident has called in to complain that London commuters have parked in Marshalls Close, Epsom - despite it being designated residents parking only - there is now no room for residents. Kush requests a CEO to attend. Meanwhile Richard is on the phone to a resident of Hudson House who has reported that he almost hit a teenager who was out of control on a BMX bike in the car park.

11.35am: A car has rolled out of its bay in the Ashley Centre car park and is causing an obstruction. Kush and Warren attend - the car’s hand brake has been left off and the vehicle is carefully pushed back into place, the wheel wedged, a message left on the windscreen and the Ashley Shopping Centre security staff made aware so they can put an announcement out over the public address system.

dispatches a CEO to investigate.

A phone call comes in from a car park user to report that a machine in one of the Epsom car parks has taken their coins without issuing a ticket and they are late for an appointment. A CEO is immediately dispatched to assist.

9.05am: A phone call comes in to the contact centre from a resident who has safety concerns about the way people are dropping children off and parking in their street during the school run - they have talked to the police who have advised them to contact us. The details are passed to Warren who includes the street on that week’s schedule for the CEOs.

9.20am: Kush receives a call over the car park intercom. Someone who has parked in the Town Hall car park has lost their token and is objecting to the £5 lost token fee. Kush explains that the token is not just a disk of plastic but an electronic device which costs us to replace.

9.30am: The car park office passes control of the intercom system to staff at the Town Hall (at 5pm control of the intercom will be returned to car park staff). The Town Hall will deal with all enquiries throughout the day relating to the car parks and their specific machines.

9.45am: Warren is helping an elderly resident with a shopmobility scooter in the Ashley Centre car park. Richard is auditing figures provided by our cash collectors of what they have collected from our car park machines.

10am: The car parks team receives a case from the Town Hall. Cars are parked on a yellow line causing an obstruction. Kush calls a CEO to investigate.

10.20am: The Ashley Centre height alarm has gone off. A driver forgot that they had a roof box on and has

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insight 17Feature

Supporting businesses and our local economy

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Councillors have approved plans for the creation of a council owned commercial property investment company to develop and manage our growing property investment portfolio.

Are you struggling to get into your home?

The setting up of the company is in response to the need to increase investment income following the cessation of funding from Central Government and to assist us to become more financially ‘self-sufficient’.

The new company EEPIC (Epsom & Ewell Property Investment Company Ltd) will be run as a commercial operation outside of normal council functions. The council is the sole shareholder of the company and has ultimate control, with a small staff of experts in the sector with elected councillors as shareholders.

Our existing investment properties are tenanted by some of the most well established companies in the area from a variety of different sectors. As we expand the business, we will be ensuring the portfolio is diversified and balanced to reduce risk.

Assistance can be provided for those who may be at risk of suffering health and safety problems as a result of poor housing conditions in situations where they do not have the resources or support to undertake remedial action themselves and who meet the eligibility criteria. Funding is available from the council via the Better Care Fund.

Support is now available through our grants and hardship fund to help with safety, security and warmth in the home. Examples

of work could be replacing or repairing a boiler, fitting keychains and other security measures, fitting grab rails, remedying dampness, fixing an electrical fault or mending a front door.

This initiative is in addition to the existing disabled facilities support grants which offer adaptions to the home to help with issues such as bathing, stairs and access to the home.

Come along and meet us between 10am to 3pm at the Ashley Centre, Epsom on Wednesday 22 November or at Bourne Hall, Ewell on Wednesday 6 December.

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In brief

News


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For more information, and to see if you are eligible for either scheme, contact our Housing Grants team at the Town Hall on 01372 732000 or visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Do you need help to be safe and healthy in your home? We may be able to help.


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The jewels are shining a little bit brighter with the news that this summer Epsom Common, Ewell Court Park, Alexandra Recreation Ground and Rosebery Park received the prestigious independently judged Green Flag Award - the mark of a quality park or green space.

All the parks and green spaces within the borough are managed to the same standards. The four green spaces that were put forward for judging for the award were selected, as they are broadly representative of the different green spaces in Epsom & Ewell.

In September Nonsuch Park won Silver Gilt in both the Heritage Park and Large Park categories at the South & South East in Bloom awards. We manage Nonsuch Park jointly with the London Borough of Sutton; we are responsible for the day-to-day running of the park.

These awards are a reflection of the hard work of our staff but would not be possible if not for the effort and dedication of various volunteer groups, who are the real jewels in the crown!

Celebrating success

Green accoladesFor many, the parks and other open spaces are the jewels in the borough’s crown.

Hosted by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council in partnership with the Epsom & Ewell Sports and Leisure Council, the awards reward the borough’s sporting success over the past 12 months. Each individual award has been sponsored by a local organisation or business.

Tyri Donovan - Epsom Gymnastics & Trampoline Club Young Sports Personality of the Year

Epsom Embers Mens Vets Hockey - Epsom Golf Club Sports Team of the Year

James Peters - Active Surrey Coach of the Year and Surrey County Playing Fields Association Young Volunteer of the Year

Epsom Sports Club - Epsom & Ewell Sports & Leisure Council Sports Club of the Year

Adam Boothroyde - Epsom & Ewell

Colts Football Club Volunteer of the Year

Blenheim High U13s Girls Football Team - AFC Ewell Young Sports Team of the Year

Alan & Jackie Cunningham - The Rotary Club Outstanding Service to Sport

Daniel Wolff - Epsom & Ewell Football Club Disability Sports Award

Michael Helps - Better Sports Personality of the Year Award

Epsom and Ewell Sports Awards 2017We celebrated the borough’s talented athletes, hard-working coaches, committed volunteers and pro-active sports teams and clubs at this year’s seventh annual Epsom and Ewell Sports awards. Congratulations and well done to all our nominees and winners!

The Nonsuch award is accepted by Peter Steel, our Grounds Maintenance Senior Gardener (left) with Alison Whitehead Maclean (right) from volunteer group the Nonsuch Voles.


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insight 19News

For information on the Epsom and Ewell Sports awards visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/sportsawards

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insight20Feature

Following the Big Switch to Simply Weekly Recycling, our first two full months’ collections in July and August have shown a 20% rise in ‘dry’ mixed recycling - paper, card, cans, cartons, plastics and glass. Thank you for giving the new service such a warm welcome.

Thank you!

Top tip!You can choose whether to put your bins out or not. You know we’ll be back again next week. Refuse is a great example as typically you’ll only have a small amount in your refuse bin. So you can decide whether you want to put it out, or not!


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Overall, in August 2017 we’re now recycling at over 55% compared to total recycling of about 48% in 2016/17.

Recycling up

2016 - 48%

2017 - 55%

Did you know?Our new collection vehicles are able to collect mixed recycling collections. Result - fewer vehicles, more recycling and less refuse to dispose of, helping us to reduce the cost of collections and your carbon footprint!

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Did you know?Putting the wrong waste into your recycling bins is expensive, because it has to be removed after collection. It’s residents that pay for this. Please help us to keep your costs down by using your recycling and refuse bins as they are intended.

Top tip!With simply weekly collections you no longer need a collections calendar. You can simply choose whether or not to put each bin out on collection day. Not sure of your collection day? Use the ‘Where I Live’ section on our website.

Christmas and New Year week’s collections.As collections for Christmas and New Year week’s vary, please check our website for collection details along with details for free recycling of real Christmas trees which will commence after Christmas.

Simply weekly collections - know your bins!It’s incredibly important to put the right thing in the right bin.

2017 - 55%

Mixed recycling in your green wheelie bin - paper, card, cartons, cans and plastics. Textiles in a bag by your bin. NO GLASS.

Glass recycling in your recycling box - glass bottles and jars ONLY.

Food waste recycling in your food bin - all food waste.

Refuse in your black wheelie bin - if it can’t be recycled in your other bins. NO FOOD WASTE PLEASE.

Garden waste and leaves in your brown wheelie bin - will remain a fortnightly subscription-based service (reusable garden waste sacks are also available).

All houses in the borough had the Big Switch to Simply Weekly Recycling over spring and summer this year. We’re now converting flats as well. Look out for new leaflets and bin labels at your flats which explain the changes. Visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/thebigswitch

Get expert advice

Always seek advice from your pharmacist at the first sign of a cough or a cold before it gets more serious.

Buy over-the-counter medicines

Many over-the-counter medicines (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) are available to relieve symptoms of common winter ailments such as colds, sore throat, cough, sinusitis or painful middle ear infection (earache).

Get the free flu jab

If you have a long-term illness (and in Surrey if you care for someone with a long-term illness) or you are pregnant, you should get your flu vaccination - it’s free, because you need it!

Keep warm

Keeping warm, both inside and outdoors, over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and

Grants of up to 100% towards the total cost are available for the following home improvements, subject to eligibility and availability:

• A new boiler.• Cavity wall insulation.

more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. You should:

• Wear several layers of light clothes, as these trap warm air better than one bulky layer.

• Heat your home to at least 18C (65F).

• Stay active - try not to sit still for more than an hour or so.

Keep out the cold at night

Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights - breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections.

• Loft insulation.

As winter is now just round the corner, it is essential to make sure you can heat your home to a safe level, and as cheaply as possible.

Stay well this winter


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Do you think you’ll be too cold this winter?In partnership with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Action Surrey has developed a scheme that makes it easier for residents and landlords to pay for essential heating and insulation.

To see what support you can get, call Action Surrey on 0800 783 2503, email: [email protected] or fill out an enquiry form at: actionsurrey.org/enquiries

Winter weather can be seriously bad for our health. Being cold can aggravate existing conditions and raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. However, there are lots of things you can do to stay well this winter.

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insight22Community Spotlight

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