Tag Archives: news

Leatherhead Living 11:12 am on 6th May 2024
Tags: drop-and-collect, , news,   

Updated: Post Office services north Leatherhead

Contrary to some reports of complete closure, there is an ongoing limited digital Post Office service at One Stop in north Leatherhead as well as bill payment options (also offered by other convenience shops in the area)

The Drop and Go service is now available at the One Stop convenience shop in north Leatherhead and this includes the bank holiday and Sundays when the store is open.

https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder/4213521/kingston-road-(210)-drop-+-collect

https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder/4213521/kingston-road-(210)-drop-%20-collect

A similar arrangement is also being introduced in part of Bookham where a sub post office used to operate- the News and Wine shop on Guildford Road next to the fish and chip shop is reported to be offering Drop & Go in the near future.

The service does provide electronic bill payment facilities. Including Key top up for utilities.

QR codes are required to scan parcels – these can be printed off at home or office and taken in or in most cases scanned off a smartphone or tablet.

In addition the ATM at One Stop for cash withdrawal and also other non Royal Mail parcel services may be available.

But no cheque or cash deposit is available in the Drop and Go format.

One Stop head office clarified the services that will continue to be provided at their convenience shop in Kingston Road including bill payment and ATM :

A One Stop spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, due to the challenges of the current economic climate and evolving customer demand, the full Post Office service inside our Kingston Road, Leatherhead One Stop store will be closing. We will, however, be opening a lighter Post Office branch format, Drop & Collect, around the same time as the closure to offer customers a number of popular, prepaid parcel products and services. This means that customers will be able to post prepaid parcels including Royal Mail “signed for” and special delivery, as well as pick up and drop off parcels through Royal Mail and Parcelforce. We will also be offering bill payment services and customers will still be able to use our in-store ATM.

This has been a difficult decision, however we believe that our customers’ needs will be met through the new offer. This change will take place mid-March and we will communicate with our customers to keep them updated as our plans progress.

We apologise to those who may need to travel further to access services after the closure – full Post Office services are available from the branches at 1-3 High Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8AA and 50 High Street, Oxshott, KT22 0JP.”

Or for that matter in the two post offices in the neighbouring Ashtead KT21 postcode.

Sara News & Wine on the Plough roundabout are the nearest http://www.Payzone.co.Uk store with energy key and card services. The Kingscroft Service station also has some options including Amazon locker and the convenience shop next door.

Cash deposit options in Leatherhead are the ‘main’ Post Office 1-3 High Street Mon-Fri and Saturday mornings and Nationwide North Street Mon-Thurs.

As far as we are aware no other operator had come forward for the commercial opportunity open until mid April https://runapostoffice.co.uk/branch/leatherhead-common-post-office-kt22-7pb?search_term=leatherhead-common-surrey Tesco had explained that it does not fit with their business model for the larger supermarket.

Leatherhead Living 10:02 am on 4th May 2024
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , news, , , , ,   

M25 Weekend Closure Junctions 9-10 both ways

Plus local roadworks links this week below the M25 update

National Highways update warning on the next M25 closure weekend in May affecting Leatherhead Junction 9 this time

Do you live or work in the South East near M25 J9-10? Our planned weekend closure from 9pm Fri 10 to 6am Mon 13 May could mean your journeys are affected by diversions.

Updated information from National Highways April 2024

M25 J9 – J10 another full closure announced for May. 10th May 9.00pm to 13th May 6.00am

https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-east/m25-junction-10/

Traffic impacts likely around A243 Leatherhead-Chessington-A3 and A240/A217 Tolworth-Burgh Heath-J8. As well as A245/A244 Cobham/Oxshott

Latest updates

  • the M25 will be shut between junctions 9 (A243 Leatherhead) and 10 (A3 Wisley) from 9pm Friday 10 May to 6am Monday 13 May 2024
  • We advise drivers to only travel this stretch if necessary.
  • This closure involves a different stretch from the closure which took place in March and this time a 19-mile diversion route will be in place which uses the A3 and the A243.
  • We expect long delays. We were so grateful to all drivers last time who made the closure a success by avoiding the stretch and completing their journeys in other ways. We urge drivers to do the same again. If you do have to travel this stretch, please follow the diversion and do not follow your SatNav. Drivers using the signed diversion route will not be subject to any Ultra Low Emission Zone charges that may usually apply. The Ultra Low Emission Zone will remain in force on all other routes in London across the weekend
  • We intend to close the M25 for three more weekends this year. There will be no weekend closures in June. The remaining closures will take place between July and the end of 2024. We will be in a position to announce the date of the next closure as soon as the May closure is over.
  • This closure is for the installation of a new bridge consisting of 68 beams, each weighing 16 tonnes, and another 4 beams weighing 40 tonnes.
  • Jonathan Wade, National Highways Senior Project Manager, said:“This is far from a repeat of the previous closure, as the alternative routes are longer and will be different for over height vehicles and all other traffic.“Drivers listened to our advice last time which reduced motorway traffic levels by over two thirds and meant delays were limited.“Our advice again is please only travel if absolutely necessary and make sure you give yourself extra time if you do choose to use the M25.”
  • The Junction 10 improvement scheme will see an increase in the number of lanes to make journeys safer and new junction layout to improve traffic flow. It will also make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25, and reduce the pollution caused by traffic jams.
  • Diversion routes:Diversion route clockwise for all but over-height vehicles:
    Leave M25 at junction 8, A217 (Reigate). Follow the A217 London, Sutton, (A240) Kingston. After 3½ miles turn left onto the A240 Epsom, Kingston. After 3 miles at the Esso roundabout, turn right onto the A24 (A240) Kingston. Continue for 3 miles and turn left onto the A3 Portsmouth, Guildford. Continue for 9½ miles to the M25 and re-join the motorway at junction 10.Diversion route anticlockwise for all but over-height vehicles:
    Leave M25 at junction 10 to join the A3 towards London. After 9½ miles at the Hook interchange leave the A3 turning right onto the A240 Epsom, Reigate. Continue for 3 miles to the Esso roundabout and turn left onto the A240 Reigate. Continue for 3 miles then turn right onto the A217 Reigate, M25. After 3½ miles turn left to re-join the M25 motorway at junction 8.

http://www.one.network is the best real-time guide to roadworks for both planned and reactive utility works

This link gives you the map setting for the next two weeks across Surrey https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roadworks-and-maintenance/roadworks

East Horsley – unplanned road closure Saturday 4th outside F Conisbee butchers – access from both ends but no through traffic

Kingston Avenue, Leatherhead, Surrey pavement works

Kingston Road near Esso this weekend 4/5 May temporary signals utility work

Kingston Road near Tesco https://one.network/?GB138617045 ongoing to 9 May SES Water temporary signals

Multiple utility works on various parts of Lower Road through Fetcham to Effingham all detailed on one.network

Bridge Street Leatherhead diversion 8-10 May https://one.network/?tm=GB137645890 followed by a planned closure for SGN utility work 13-17 May https://one.network/?GB138617089 which will involve bus route diversion also

Falcon Bus : Due to works taking place on Bridge Street, Leatherhead will be closed from 8th – 9th May. Due to the road closure the 479 service will be on diversion via Station Road and  Waterway Road.

During the closure the following bus stops will not be served:-

  • North Street (Lidl and outside ex HSBC)
  • Bridge Street

The same will apply to TfL bus 465 and Repton bus 478

Reports link :

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roadworks-and-maintenance/report-a-highway-problem

If the issue reported doesn’t get actioned you can ask the local county councillor to follow up. Some district councillors will also help.

Sign up using the online form to receive the SCC Your Highways Update via email each week. This update includes news stories and the weekly bulletin of upcoming and completed roadworks in your local area.

Weekly updates

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roadworks-and-maintenance/roadworks/in-your-area

Grass Cutting by SCC contractors

Grass cutting map now live

For information on grass cutting in your local area, please see SCC’s new interactive grass cutting map. 

Visit the map and click on any road with a verge (highlighted in green) to find out the date and type of the next cut. 

Please bear in mind that the dates given are estimates and may be subject to change if wet weather occurs. 

Leatherhead Living 6:11 pm on 3rd May 2024
Tags: , , , news,   

Local election results May 2024

The returning officers have declared the results from the 2 May local elections.

Lisa Townsend, Conservative, was re-elected as Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner.

Official declaration https://www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/info/20318/voting_and_elections/1564/pcc_election/7

Across Mole Valley, just under 40% of voters voted in the PCC election which was the highest engagement in Surrey. Although the runner-up Paul Kennedy led in some of the boroughs and districts, overall PCC Townsend was ahead by 95,538 to 82,213.

District Council Election Results – 2 May 2024

On the Mole Valley District Council, the Liberal Democrats gained another seat in the Leatherhead South ward from the Conservatives. Gareth Parsons is the new district councillor replacing James Chambers who did not stand this year.

Lib Dem gain from Conservative.

In other wards the Lib Dems held all their councillors/wards including Leatherhead North, Fetcham and both Bookham wards. Ashtead Independents holding both wards there with new councillor Andy Smith replacing Professor Hawksworth.

Further updates will be added to this blog when other results are declared. Email subscribers may want to revisit the home page http://www.newleatherheadliving.wordpress.com to check back over the weekend.

No other seats changed hands in Mole Valley, two new Lib Dems were elected in the southern villages ward of Capel Leigh Newdigate and Charlwood, so the party totals are now Lib Dem 31, Ashtead Independents 6, Conservative 2.

The annual meeting of the Council is on 21 May. The current vice chairman of the Council, Elizabeth Daly, might be expected to be Chairman for 2024/25. The Leadership, Cabinet and committee roles would be confirmed at that meeting. There would need to be a different chair of the all-party Scrutiny committee as David Hawksworth did not seek re-election in Ashtead.

Ward boundaries in Leatherhead – from 2023 the South ward became larger to include all of the town centre
Leatherhead Living 11:25 am on 28th April 2024
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , news, , , ,   

M25 Weekend Closure Junctions 9-10 both ways

National Highways update warning on the next M25 closure weekend in May affecting Leatherhead Junction 9 this time

Do you live or work in the South East near M25 J9-10? Our planned weekend closure from 9pm Fri 10 to 6am Mon 13 May could mean your journeys are affected by diversions.

Updated information from National Highways April 2024

M25 J9 – J10 another full closure announced for May. 10th May 9.00pm to 13th May 6.00am

https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-east/m25-junction-10/

Traffic impacts likely around A243 Leatherhead-Chessington-A3 and A240/A217 Tolworth-Burgh Heath-J8. As well as A245/A244 Cobham/Oxshott

Latest updates

  • the M25 will be shut between junctions 9 (A243 Leatherhead) and 10 (A3 Wisley) from 9pm Friday 10 May to 6am Monday 13 May 2024
  • We advise drivers to only travel this stretch if necessary.
  • This closure involves a different stretch from the closure which took place in March and this time a 19-mile diversion route will be in place which uses the A3 and the A243.
  • We expect long delays. We were so grateful to all drivers last time who made the closure a success by avoiding the stretch and completing their journeys in other ways. We urge drivers to do the same again. If you do have to travel this stretch, please follow the diversion and do not follow your SatNav. Drivers using the signed diversion route will not be subject to any Ultra Low Emission Zone charges that may usually apply. The Ultra Low Emission Zone will remain in force on all other routes in London across the weekend
  • We intend to close the M25 for three more weekends this year. There will be no weekend closures in June. The remaining closures will take place between July and the end of 2024. We will be in a position to announce the date of the next closure as soon as the May closure is over.
  • This closure is for the installation of a new bridge consisting of 68 beams, each weighing 16 tonnes, and another 4 beams weighing 40 tonnes.
  • Jonathan Wade, National Highways Senior Project Manager, said:“This is far from a repeat of the previous closure, as the alternative routes are longer and will be different for over height vehicles and all other traffic.“Drivers listened to our advice last time which reduced motorway traffic levels by over two thirds and meant delays were limited.“Our advice again is please only travel if absolutely necessary and make sure you give yourself extra time if you do choose to use the M25.”
  • The Junction 10 improvement scheme will see an increase in the number of lanes to make journeys safer and new junction layout to improve traffic flow. It will also make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25, and reduce the pollution caused by traffic jams.
  • Diversion routes:Diversion route clockwise for all but over-height vehicles:
    Leave M25 at junction 8, A217 (Reigate). Follow the A217 London, Sutton, (A240) Kingston. After 3½ miles turn left onto the A240 Epsom, Kingston. After 3 miles at the Esso roundabout, turn right onto the A24 (A240) Kingston. Continue for 3 miles and turn left onto the A3 Portsmouth, Guildford. Continue for 9½ miles to the M25 and re-join the motorway at junction 10.Diversion route anticlockwise for all but over-height vehicles:
    Leave M25 at junction 10 to join the A3 towards London. After 9½ miles at the Hook interchange leave the A3 turning right onto the A240 Epsom, Reigate. Continue for 3 miles to the Esso roundabout and turn left onto the A240 Reigate. Continue for 3 miles then turn right onto the A217 Reigate, M25. After 3½ miles turn left to re-join the M25 motorway at junction 8.

http://www.one.network is the best real-time guide to roadworks for both planned and reactive utility works

This link gives you the map setting for the next two weeks across Surrey https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roadworks-and-maintenance/roadworks

Guildford Road, Fetcham, Surrey SCC work as below and also https://one.network/?GB138446388 utility SES water work temporary signals 25-29 April near to the Cobham Road roundabout. And telecoms work Guildford Road, Fetcham, Surrey 29 April – 01 May Roadworks, Delays possible Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Kingston Avenue, Leatherhead, Surrey as above

Kingston Road near Esso next weekend 4/5 May temporary signals utility work

Multiple utility works on various parts of Lower Road through Fetcham to Effingham all detailed on one.network

Reports link :

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roadworks-and-maintenance/report-a-highway-problem

If the issue reported doesn’t get actioned you can ask the local county councillor to follow up. Some district councillors will also help.

Sign up using the online form to receive the SCC Your Highways Update via email each week. This update includes news stories and the weekly bulletin of upcoming and completed roadworks in your local area.

Weekly updates

Grass Cutting by SCC contractors

Grass cutting map now live

For information on grass cutting in your local area, please see SCC’s new interactive grass cutting map. 

Visit the map and click on any road with a verge (highlighted in green) to find out the date and type of the next cut. 

Please bear in mind that the dates given are estimates and may be subject to change if wet weather occurs. 

Leatherhead Living 2:38 pm on 24th April 2024
Tags: , , news,   

Teenagers arrested in attempted murder investigation after Leatherhead serious assault

Mole Valley Beat (Surrey Police) update posted Wednesday afternoon 24 April 2024:

Following the serious assault in Cleeve Road on 22 April there has been a significant police presence in the Leatherhead area. This is both so we can carry out our investigation and provide public reassurance.

As a result of our enquiries so far, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and both remain in police custody at this time. Enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate the other two persons involved.

We believe the parties involved were known to each other and we do not anticipate a wider risk to the public at this time.

We continue to ask for anyone with information that may assist our investigation to come forward. If you were in the area around Cleeve Road between 11pm and 11.30pm on Sunday 21 April, or have any CCTV, dash cam or helmet cam footage that might have captured all or part of this incident, please get in touch quoting PR/45240044610.

Inspector James Green, Mole Valley Borough Commander, said, “The Leatherhead community is served by a variety of police officers from different teams within Surrey Police. This includes dedicated local resources such as our Safer Neighbourhoods Team and Neighbourhood Policing Team, as well as central resources such as Roads Policing, Investigations, Casualty Reduction Officers, and Armed Response units.

“The Safer Neighbourhood Team for Mole Valley will regularly conduct patrols of the borough and respond to local issues that require a problem-solving approach, such as antisocial behaviour.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team provide a 24-hour response to emergency calls for service that pose an immediate risk to a person or property.

“Visible policing is only a small part of the service that Surrey Police provide, and even when you cannot see us out and about on the beat, our officers are working hard behind the scenes to make Mole Valley a safe place for our residents to live and work.”

Leatherhead Living 11:25 am on 21st April 2024
Tags: , , , news, , ,   

Local roadworks 22 April and M25 J9-J10 closure update

Summary includes :

Local roadworks sourced from http://www.one.network with SCC links further below;

National Highways update warning on the next M25 closure weekend in May affecting Leatherhead Junction 9 this time:

Updated information from National Highways 15 April 2024

Surrey Highways links to current roadworks and grass cutting further below

M25 J9 – J10 another full closure announced for May. 10th May 9.00pm to 13th May 6.00am

https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-east/m25-junction-10/

Traffic impacts likely around A243 Leatherhead-Chessington-A3 and A240/A217 Tolworth-Burgh Heath-J8. As well as A245/A244 Cobham/Oxshott

Latest updates

  • Announcing our second full weekend closure
  • We can now confirm that the M25 will be shut between junctions 9 (A243 Leatherhead) and 10 (A3 Wisley) from 9pm Friday 10 May to 6am Monday 13 May 2024
  • We advise drivers to only travel this stretch if necessary.
  • This closure involves a different stretch from the closure which took place in March and this time a 19-mile diversion route will be in place which uses the A3 and the A243.
  • We expect long delays. We were so grateful to all drivers last time who made the closure a success by avoiding the stretch and completing their journeys in other ways. We urge drivers to do the same again. If you do have to travel this stretch, please follow the diversion and do not follow your SatNav. Drivers using the signed diversion route will not be subject to any Ultra Low Emission Zone charges that may usually apply. The Ultra Low Emission Zone will remain in force on all other routes in London across the weekendWe intend to close the M25 for three more weekends this year. There will be no weekend closures in June. The remaining closures will take place between July and the end of 2024. We will be in a position to announce the date of the next closure as soon as the May closure is over.This closure is for the installation of a new bridge consisting of 68 beams, each weighing 16 tonnes, and another 4 beams weighing 40 tonnes.
  • Jonathan Wade, National Highways Senior Project Manager, said:“This is far from a repeat of the previous closure, as the alternative routes are longer and will be different for over height vehicles and all other traffic.“Drivers listened to our advice last time which reduced motorway traffic levels by over two thirds and meant delays were limited.“Our advice again is please only travel if absolutely necessary and make sure you give yourself extra time if you do choose to use the M25.”The Junction 10 improvement scheme will see an increase in the number of lanes to make journeys safer and new junction layout to improve traffic flow. It will also make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25, and reduce the pollution caused by traffic jams.
  • Diversion routes:Diversion route clockwise for all but over-height vehicles:
    Leave M25 at junction 8, A217 (Reigate). Follow the A217 London, Sutton, (A240) Kingston. After 3½ miles turn left onto the A240 Epsom, Kingston. After 3 miles at the Esso roundabout, turn right onto the A24 (A240) Kingston. Continue for 3 miles and turn left onto the A3 Portsmouth, Guildford. Continue for 9½ miles to the M25 and re-join the motorway at junction 10.Diversion route anticlockwise for all but over-height vehicles:
    Leave M25 at junction 10 to join the A3 towards London. After 9½ miles at the Hook interchange leave the A3 turning right onto the A240 Epsom, Reigate. Continue for 3 miles to the Esso roundabout and turn left onto the A240 Reigate. Continue for 3 miles then turn right onto the A217 Reigate, M25. After 3½ miles turn left to re-join the M25 motorway at junction 8.

http://www.one.network is the best real-time guide to roadworks for both planned and reactive utility works

Cleeve Road, Leatherhead, Surrey 22 April – 23 April Virgin Media temporary traffic signals in the 20mph section

Stoke Road, Cobham, Surrey 22 April – 26 April SES Water temporary traffic signals

Guildford Road, Fetcham, Surrey SCC work as below and also https://one.network/?GB138446388 utility SES water work temporary signals 25-29 April near to the Cobham Road roundabout.

Kingston Avenue, Leatherhead, Surrey as above

Reports link :

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roadworks-and-maintenance/report-a-highway-problem

If the issue reported doesn’t get actioned you can ask the local county councillor to follow up. Some district councillors will also help.

Sign up using the online form to receive the SCC Your Highways Update via email each week. This update includes news stories and the weekly bulletin of upcoming and completed roadworks in your local area.

Weekly updates

Grass Cutting by SCC contractors

Grass cutting map now live

For information on grass cutting in your local area, please see SCC’s new interactive grass cutting map. 

Visit the map and click on any road with a verge (highlighted in green) to find out the date and type of the next cut. 

Please bear in mind that the dates given are estimates and may be subject to change if wet weather occurs. 

Leatherhead Living 10:35 am on 20th April 2024
Tags: active-travel, , budget, hybrid-working, , , , news   

MVDC statements on Debt, Assets, Hybrid Working and funding for Active Travel studies

Three statements from Mole Valley District Council setting out the factual position on three areas that may have been described differently in local literature circulated in recent weeks.

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) Debt and Asset Values

Debt

As per MVDC’s audited Statement of Accounts for 2022/23, the Council’s total Debt (represented by the Capital Financing Requirement (CFR)) is £110 million, of this there is £103 million of actual external borrowing. This debt predominantly relates to investment property acquired by the Council and its wholly owned property investment company, MOVA.

Asset Values

The total value of all long-term assets on the Council’s balance sheet, as per the 2022/23 audited statement of accounts, is £243 million. The net asset value on the Council’s balance sheet, which includes all its assets (not just investment properties) less all its liabilities, is £159 million. The Capital, Investment & Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25 to 2027/28 shows Investment property assets, some of which were funded by borrowing, are held by the Council (£82.5 million) and MOVA (£46.9 million), a total value of just over £129 million. The investment properties are located both within and outside of Mole Valley.

https://news.molevalley.gov.uk/2024/04/17/mole-valley-district-council-mvdc-debt-and-asset-values

Council Staff Hybrid Working

https://news.molevalley.gov.uk/2024/04/17/council-staff-hybrid-working

Approximately 30% of Council staff carry out roles which can only be delivered from the council offices, the Fairfield Centre or Dorking Halls. The remaining 70% of staff can split their working time between Council owned premises and working remotely. While the split varies depending on business need, as a minimum all staff must work from council owned premises at least twice a week.

Funding for Feasibility Studies of Potential Cycle Corridors and Walking Zone Schemes:

During 2023 Mole Valley District Council agreed to make a total maximum contribution of up to £160,000 available to Surrey County Council to assess the feasibility of two cycle corridors and four core walking schemes. The funding came from Community Infrastructure Levy receipts which are paid to the Council by developers.

The assumed estimated total cost to MVDC of the six studies was £129,030 (or £21,505 per scheme).

https://news.molevalley.gov.uk/2024/04/17/funding-for-feasibility-studies-of-potential-cycle-corridors-and-walking-zone-scheme

We’ve added a link to the county council’s website with further background on the Local Cycling and Walking Improvement Plans across the county area, which are in line with Government policy

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/cycling-and-walking/plans

Leatherhead Living 2:43 pm on 19th April 2024
Tags: , , cocaine, , drugs, local-news, news,   

Bookham drug dealer jailed 9 years as 11 members of Surrey crime group convicted

‘Encyclopaedia’, ‘coursework’ and ‘head tutor’… code names help crack open a multi-person drug dealing operation

News from Surrey Police

Published: 13:37 19/04/2024

Eleven members of an organised crime group that concocted an elaborate conspiracy to deal drugs throughout Surrey, have now been sentenced at Guildford Crown Court to a combined total of over 50 years in prison.

  • Saad Arshad, born on 13/04/1996, of Albert Drive in Woking, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and conspiracy to supply class B drugs. He was given seven and a half years in prison.
  • Harvey Edmonds, born on 18/08/1995, of Rye Close in Guildford, pleaded guilty to four counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and class B drugs and sentenced to three years behind bars.
  • Rosie Fulk, born on 17/07/1996, of Swallow Rise in Knaphill, pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, conspiracy to supply class B drugs and money laundering. She was sentenced to six years in prison.
  • Serena Linsley, born on 14/02/1969, of Thorneycroft Close in Walton-on-Thames, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering and given a 12-month suspended sentence.
  • Samuel Linsley, 27, born on 22/04/1996, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs and money laundering. He was given a sentence of eleven and a half years in prison.
  • Harvey Penton-Stewart, born on 30/06/2002 of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to supply class B drugs and handed a one-year suspended sentence.
  • Jasmin Penton-Stewart, born on 20/02/1992, of Plaistow Road in Dunsfold, pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, conspiracy to supply class B drugs and money laundering. She was handed four years in prison.
  • Tom Ross, born on 09/12/1992, of Devoil Close in Guildford, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and money laundering. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
  • Harry Turner, born on 10/09/1993, of Church Road in Bookham, pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, conspiracy to supply class B and money laundering. He was given a nine-year prison sentence.
  • Dominic Scott, born on 20/07/1994, of Downside Common Road in Cobham, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and attempting to pervert the course of justice. He was given nine years behind bars.
  • Frederick Sherlock, born on 11/06/1991, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and conspiracy to supply class B drugs. He was handed a two-year suspended sentence.

The investigation into the conspiracy first began in October 2019 after a car owned by Jasmin Penton-Stewart was proactively stopped in Godalming, after being flagged for having no insurance. Whilst pulled over, officers noticed that the vehicle smelt strongly of cannabis and a thorough search was conducted. The search uncovered a handbag that contained cannabis, cocaine, and cash.

A warrant was then executed at her home address and 50 grams of cocaine and 316 grams of cannabis were located and seized. Whilst reviewing her mobile phone, a large number of messages were then found that referenced the supply of drugs from a number of other members of the organised crime group (OCG).

From the phone evidence it was clear that the leader of the group was Samuel Linsley, who was already serving time in prison after being convicted of previous drug offences. Investigations revealed that he had a smuggled mobile phone and was using this to direct criminal activities of the gang from behind bars and that his own mother Serena was intimately involved in the movement of money for her son.

Based on intelligence gathered throughout the investigation, officers conducted a search of the home address of Dominic Scott and located a kilo of cocaine in the bathroom.  They were also able to piece together extensive text messages that used code names such as ‘encyclopaedia’, ‘coursework’ and ‘head tutor’ (meaning drugs and money), to identify and arrest the other members of the drug running gang.

Investigating Officer DC Mikki Mayhew of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit said; “This sentence is a huge success for the team who worked really hard to build a watertight case, but also the residents of Surrey who can be so negatively impacted by drug dealing. The long sentences reflect the seriousness and scale of these crimes; over the course of the investigation over a kilo of cocaine was seized from the OCG.

“We take drug dealing and organised crime extremely seriously and wherever possible will always pursue a conviction and prison sentence for those involved. If you think someone you know may be involved in drug dealing, please report it to us via our online reporting tool or by calling 101.”

Leatherhead Living 10:02 am on 19th April 2024
Tags: , , , council, , , news,   

Residents Associations empty chairs – Update April 2024

We understand that the motion from (we thought) one of the Ashtead Independent councillors (but their leader says it was a motion from a road steward ARA member) to keep the Ashtead Residents Association committee completely non-political was approved by a relatively low number of members at its AGM 17 April (though this was a clear majority of those present). So the proposed rule changes by the committee which had conducted an advisory ballot will not be made.

The prospective new Chairman, former councillor David Harper, who is or was a member of a national political party, withdrew his nomination and it’s reported there were several other committee and road steward resignations.

So it probably means the ARA are going to be seeking volunteers to fill some of the gaps to keep it functioning. Alternatively, it may wind down and the Independent councillors will be the only Ashtead representatives on local matters eg. planning and environmental issues, liaison with Network Rail, litter picks etc

Leatherhead RA has its next meeting 13 May with a local speaker David Stoves talking about scams. They completed a litter pick supported by local councillors and activists 14 April. LRA continue to seek new helpers and members and the chairman has already deferred her retirement once if not twice. LRA is non-political but does allow members of national parties to get involved alongside each other.

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Musical chairs in Ashtead. Empty chair in Leatherhead. Article below published earlier in April before the AGM

Not an April fool but an update for readers in Ashtead including the Grange Road, Ermyn Way, Quarry Gardens, Hatherwood etc areas whose postal address is Leatherhead but come under Ashtead for electoral purposes.

While residents there may be most concerned about traffic from any potential new housing developments off Ermyn Way, there is a further chapter in the vital debate about whether committee members of the Ashtead Residents Association should be allowed to be members of national political parties.

This is apparently the key issue for the six Ashtead Independent councillors at the ARA AGM and their new candidate standing to replace one who is retiring – Professor Hawksworth, who has a further motion for the ARA to debate on 17 April. https://www.ashteadindependents.org/post/is-the-ara-going-political

Meanwhile in a further twist to this saga, the vacant post of ARA chairman is proposed to be filled by none other than David Harper, who was an official Ashtead Independent councillor 2016-22 but stood as an independent independent 2023 when the number of councillors for Ashtead reduced to six.

https://www.ashteadresidents.org.uk/blog/post/21725/david-harper-welcomed-as-prospective-new-chairman-of-the-residents-association

The Committee of the Ashtead Residents’ Association is very pleased to announce that David Harper has agreed to become the new Chairman of the ARA. After a period away from public service, David brings with him his experience as a valued Local Councillor at Mole Valley District Council as well as his business experience locally and nationally.

David will be proposed at the forthcoming AGM on 17th April. All members of the Residents’ Association will be welcome to attend when as well as endorsing David’s appointment there will be opportunity to ratify the result of last year’s ballot bringing about changes to the Constitution.

AGM agenda https://www.ashteadresidents.org.uk/blog/post/21720/ashtead-residents-association–annual-general-meeting/

Hopefully the retirement of Prof Hawksworth as a councillor and the new role for Mr Harper will allow matters to move on between the two groups.

Commenting in the ARA Newsletter and AGM agenda the current Independent group leader, Cllr Chris Hunt, does refer to the Ermyn Way development issue and the need to ensure the highways infrastructure at the junction with the A24 is upgraded and improved.

“…The Government has now said that the draft Mole Valley Plan had been progressed too far for these sites to be excluded at this stage, but plans that have not been progressed
so far can have Green Belt land removed! Thanks to such decisions and subject to the final parts of the process being completed, it now looks like this land will be allocated for housing and Ashtead will grow bigger. Key issues like the Ermyn Way / Leatherhead Road junction will have to be sorted at any planning application stage.”

The ARA AGM takes place 17 April at the Peace Memorial Hall as usual. The bar is open at half time.

The Ashtead Independents are a registered political party, and have the right to use the wording Working with Ashtead Residents on the ballot paper as they have this registered with the Electoral Commission. But they are now separate from the ARA. There is a long tradition of Independent councillors for Ashtead, going back to the era when most councillors were non-political in the former Leatherhead Urban District pre 1974. A tradition that carries on in Epsom and Ewell.

Meanwhile the Leatherhead Residents Association, who have also been looking for a new chairman for some time, has a litter pick starting out from Bull Hill on Sunday 14 April. The current chair is determined to step down this autumn if at all possible, but that was also the case last year.

Residents Association chairs are afforded almost a similar status to Parish Council chairs in Mole Valley and meet with the Council officers on a regular basis for briefings and updates. David Harper will be the second experienced ex councillor to take on one of these roles, following Simon Edge in Bookham. Fetcham RA has a co-chair arrangement at present. Apart from Ashtead, the issue of whether a committee member or helper is also a member of a political party does not seem to arise.

Leatherhead Living 9:17 pm on 16th April 2024
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Updated – Planning Applications April 2024

Updated with 24 April committee agenda and latest lists – see below.

Nationwide has now implemented their planning and listed building consent for their new dark blue corporate branding

Latest applications, decisions and information on major development sites.

12 April list including McDonalds Leatherhead shopfront and a new light industrial building at the Axis Centre off Cleeve Road

5 April list including McDonalds signage and the latest application at Pixham End

29 March list

12 April decisions

5 April decisions including committee approval of new warehousing complex off Cleeve Road (brownfield site)

29 March decisions

Murreys Court Ashtead – summary from Ashtead Residents Association on a recent refusal determined by the officers following ARA objection. The developer (Beechcroft) may either appeal this or resubmit a revised proposal for retirement living.

24 April Committee Agenda and Reports

including report recommending permission for Padel Tennis facilities at the old boating lake area behind Leatherhead Leisure Centre

Alternatively, real-time weekly lists of applications registered or decided are also available.

Comment on a Planning Application

If you wish to comment on a planning application that has yet to be decided, you can find more details at Comment on a Planning Application

In late January 2024 the Minister for Housing issued MVDC with a direction not to withdraw its Local Plan

There are currently four main sites in Mole Valley where major development is either proposed, applied for or at appeal

All of them have been through the Local Plan process and are accepted by MVDC and the Government Inspector as ones that in principle will be developed – though there is still one further stage before the Local Plan is adopted. A consultation on modifications required by the Inspector runs to 23 April https://futuremolevalley.org/main-modifications-council-note-35-consultation/

1. Thakeham application for outline permission on the Green Belt site at Preston Farm Little Bookham which is zoned for release in the draft now unpaused Local Plan.

Bookhams Residents Association has submitted a detailed objection https://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/post/21603/bra-response-to-preston-farm-planning-application-submitted/

2. Ermyn Way – Ashtead / Leatherhead. a pre-application environmental impact screening request was made to MVDC – but not required- ahead of an outline proposal for 270 homes by Countrywide. (This would be in addition to possible brownfield redevelopment of the Exxon site which would be deemed traffic neutral). This site is included in the Local Plan. https://newleatherheadliving.wordpress.com/2024/03/16/updated-ermyn-way-ashtead-planning-application-for-270-homes-expected-soon/

3. Hookwood, in Charlwood Parish on the edge of Horley and Gatwick. An appeal by Rydon Homes on a 446 home Green Belt site on Reigate Road. This was refused by MVDC in 2023 on the basis of the current 2000 Local Plan policies on Green Belt but also on highways and other grounds. But it is now included in the draft Local Plan, though MVDC may no longer be defending the appeal on the Green Belt reason for refusal.

4. MVDC’s own site at Bull Hill Leatherhead within the one-way system. The Leret Partnership Joint Venture with Kier Property will begin engagement on mixed use plans for the site, and for Swan Centre, in late May/June, with an outline hybrid planning application targeted for late 2024 and consent 2025. The Bull Hill site counts as brownfield/ previously developed, with some commitment to a plaza and public space with play facilities in a fundamentally reconfigured site. https://newleatherheadliving.wordpress.com/2024/03/12/leatherhead-town-centre-february-2024-briefing-replay-now-online/

Other significant brownfield sites include Clare and James House on Leatherhead Riverside; Pixham End, and Regent House (Clarion Housing site next to the main station) in Dorking. A Green Belt site west of Dorking, Sondes Place was approved for Gleeson Homes on appeal by a Government Inspector November 2023 while the MVDC Local Plan process was paused.