Memory Walk has the route to a cure

September 27, 2013, 4:15 pm

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STEPPING out for sufferers of Alzheimer's on Sunday was television presenter Ruth Langsford.

The This Morning star swapped the studio sofa to join 300 others walking their choice of a 3km or 10km route around Denbies wine estate.

The walk raised £30,000 for the Alzheimer's Society and is one of hundreds of other sponsored walks taking place across the country in September.

Speaking after officially starting the event, Mrs Langsford said: "'It is an honour to be taking part here today at Denbies and to see all these people here to support the Alzheimer's Society work.

"Having lived through the experience with my dad, I know how difficult it can be, not just for the person with dementia, but also those around them. It's vital we keep on showing our support and come to wonderful events like this."

Leatherhead resident Craig Smith walked the route in memory of his mother. The 43-year-old said: "We're striding out today to make a better future for people with dementia.

"Moving forward, we need to raise more awareness and get funding for a cure, so people don't need to suffer like my mum."

Meanwhile Samantha Hewson and her fiancé, both of Crawley, were walking for their granddads Arthur and Jock.

She said: "We've both got family members who have dementia so we're stepping out today to contribute to Alzheimer's Society, a great cause which supports people with the condition."

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Coffee shop owner cleared of raping student, 21

September 27, 2013, 6:00 pm

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A COFFEE shop owner has been cleared of raping a 21-year-old female student.

Terry Sleet, who owns Robertsons tea room in Station Road West, Oxted, walked free from Chichester Crown Court last Wednesday.

Following legal submissions made, Judge Robert Fraser had directed the jury to return the not guilty verdict.

Crown court clerk Peter Dingle told the Mirror: "At the end of the prosecution case, the defence made an application of no case to answer. This application was successful, and the judge directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict."

A Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said: "The prosecution decided there was sufficient evidence to charge the defendant with rape and it was in the public interest to present this evidence to a jury.

"The evidence was tested under cross-examination and consequently the judge decided there was no case to answer."

The Mirror understands this decision was made in light of the evidence presented in court, which revealed the alleged victim was actually less drunk than first thought, and therefore seemingly more capable of her own actions.

Mr Sleet, 53, of Sheridan Place, East Grinstead, gave the "tipsy" student a lift from fast food joint KFC in Brighton in 2006.

He accepted he and the woman had sexual intercourse in the back of his car, but maintained it was consensual.

Mr Sleet declined to comment when approached by the Mirror, but said he was "confident" the record would be set straight.

'Biggest ever' schools expansion programme

September 27, 2013, 6:45 pm

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AN EXTRA £93 million will be invested in creating additional school places in Surrey over the next five years.

The investment represents Surrey's biggest-ever school expansion programme, as hundreds of parents scramble to find places for their children.

The funding, approved by Surrey County Council's cabinet, is on top of the £261 million already earmarked for school expansion and the £28 million from the Government to create more than 2,300 extra school places in 14 county schools. The Greville Primary School in Ashtead is among the schools and could see as many as 210 extra places created in the next five years.

It comes after Butterflies Nursery, which used to share the school's Stonny Croft site, closed in July to make way for a new reception class at the school from the start of this term.

Head teacher Max Depree told the Advertiser: "The school is aware that capital has been identified for potential expansion. We are holding discussions with Surrey County Council to see if expansion is feasible and appropriate for our school.

"Our key priority would be the continuation of our high standards and to ensure that any permanent expansion is in line with the quality of provision in place for our existing pupils.

"If there are any developments we will ensure that our community are kept informed."

Elsewhere, two of the schools selected for expansion are in Reigate, as the county council plans to accommodate 120 pupils at Holmesdale Community Infant School and about 120 extra pupils at Reigate Priory Community School.

The authority said the investment represents the biggest school expansion programme in the county's history.

Linda Kemeny, cabinet member for schools and learning, has welcomed the funding.

She said: "We've experienced a huge rise in demand for places at our high-quality schools and this surge is continuing.

"That is why we embarked on the biggest school expansion programme Surrey's ever seen with more than £350 million being invested in creating the 16,000 places we need to find.

"By next September, almost 6,000 of those places will have been provided and we'll continue to work on plans for the rest so that we ensure every child gets the best possible start in life."

Royals and MPs support our Route to Work campaign

November 12, 2013, 11:00 pm

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MEMBERS of the Royal family and MPs have backed our Route to Work campaign.

Since the Mirror launched the scheme just over a month ago, businesses in and around East Surrey have pledged to create 25 apprenticeships.

The initiative to help unemployed young adults into work was started after we revealed this is one of the hardest areas in the country to get into a business.

Following support from Surrey County Council and a number of royals, this week Reigate MP Crispin Blunt, East Surrey MP Sam Gyimah, and the Duke of Gloucester have joined in.

Mr Blunt said: "I very much support this scheme.

"Apprenticeships are an important alternative route to a successful career. It's excellent."

Mr Gyimah, who ran his own successful campaign to find 100 apprentices in 100 days earlier this year, added: "I'm fully behind this great initiative to get young people into work and learning essential skills.

"Earlier in the year my local campaign exceeded its target, demonstrating a clear appetite for young talent amongst businesses in our area.

"So congratulations to the Surrey Mirror on picking up the baton and I fully support the campaign."

The Queen, Prince Charles, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have all sent their best wishes regarding the scheme, which already has the support of the Duke of Kent.

In a letter to the Mirror this week, the Duke of Gloucester, the Queen's cousin, said: "This campaign comes at a time when unemployment remains high, when competition for jobs is increasingly hard, and when it remains extremely difficulty for unemployed young people to get on to the first rung of the work ladder."

He added: "I therefore commend the 'Route to Work' campaign to employers in East Surrey and wish you all the best of luck with this excellent initiative."

To keep the ball rolling, e-mail editor@surreymirror.co.uk

Reigate Cubs meet David Beckham and Ellie Simmonds

November 12, 2013, 11:00 pm

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FIVE Reigate Cub Scouts had a day out to remember when they met sporting heroes David Beckham and Ellie Simmonds

The Cubs, from the 30th Reigate group, attended a training session hosted by the superstars as part of the Sainsbury's Active Kids initiative earlier this month.

They were among 170 youngsters at the event at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre in London.

Scout group members won the opportunity to take part after completing all 24 activities in the Active Kids challenge earlier this year.

At the event, footballing legend Beckham and multi-gold medal-winning Paralympian Simmonds ran activities such as shuttle run challenges and gave healthy lunchbox tips.

Cub Scout leader Judy Clark said: "It was an amazing day for the children to meet David and Ellie – two sporting icons that they all look up to. We had great fun taking part in the Active Kids challenge earlier this year and it was really inspiring to see David and Ellie in action.

"The children really learned a lot and it's certainly an experience we'll never forget."

New conservation area to protect Redhill's Victorian heritage

November 12, 2013, 11:00 pm

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REDHILL town centre's Victorian heritage has been given a new level of protection.

A new conservation area, covering many buildings in Station Road, has become the borough's 21st, after councillors gave the scheme the green light.

Natalie Bramhall told last Wednesday's Reigate and Banstead Borough Council planning committee: "I know when we talk about conservation areas in Redhill people tend to raise their eyebrows as if 'do we have anything to save?'

"We managed to find a few nice buildings. Unfortunately we couldn't save the old post office [in London Road, which is to be remodelled], we did try.

"So it's nice we can put the buildings we do have left that are old in a conservation area. I know one of them is a pub, but it is actually a nice old building. It is good, it is positive."

The conservation area includes the north side of Station Road, from Nobel House to London Road, and the south side of Station Road, from London Road to the station roundabout. The Junction pub and neighbouring buildings are also included.

The council says the designation will "help to conserve the historic and architectural interest still remaining and minimise further loss of character", while not affecting regeneration projects planned for the town centre.

40-home scheme will prevent "spaceships" arriving in Merstham

November 12, 2013, 11:30 pm

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FORTY homes could be built on a derelict site in the heart of Merstham.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's planning committee has approved a full planning application by Raven Housing to build the 24 houses and 16 flats in Purbeck Close, off Portland Drive.

The site has already been cleared, after planning permission was granted in 2010 for a different scheme for 49 homes, most of them flats, but construction work has not been started.

Councillors unanimously approved the latest proposal at their meeting last Wednesday.

Committee chairman and ward councillor Mark Brunt said: "This is an improvement on the last one, which was generally regarded as [looking like] a number of spaceships were landing in Merstham.

"I am a lot happier with these buildings. They will stimulate regeneration in the area which is very keenly needed. I am also happy to see more houses rather than flats as family homes are needed in this area."

Ten of the units will be for private sale but the rest will be affordable homes.

Carshalton boss looks at positives after Wealdstone defeat

November 13, 2013, 5:46 am

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Carshalton Athletic boss Ian Hazel was not too despondent after seeing his side succumb 3-1 to high-flying Wealdstone on Saturday, writes James Barrett.

The result, coupled with Cray Wanderers winning at Lowestoft Town, means the Robins have slipped to second from bottom in the Ryman Premier but Hazel looked on the bright side at full-time.

"This was always going to be a difficult game for us but I felt the lads acquitted themselves well," he said. "If we play like we did today against teams not challenging for promotion, I'm confident we'll pick up points."

Defender Adriano Moraes brought Carshalton level in the first-half with a stunning volley from a corner, his first goal for the club, but the hosts grabbed two scrappy goals in the second-half to knock the wind out of the Robins' sails.

"We bolstered our midfield to try to stifle their typical passing style. It worked up to a point although Dean Snedker did make three great saves to keep us in it at 0-0," Hazel added. "Their lad looked offside for their second but, once we did go 2-1 down, it was a case of 'do we stick or twist?'. We bought on three attack-minded subs but Wealdstone shut up shop well."

Carshalton play host to Whitstable Town on Saturday 16th November as the Robins look to secure a place in the FA Trophy first round proper. Kick-off 3pm.

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New Redhill striker Elliott denies he is too similar to Kissi

November 13, 2013, 7:07 am

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NEW Redhill signing Marcus Elliott denies he is too similar a player to form a potent partnership with Richmond Kissi, insisting the only way the two strikers are alike is their lethal finishing skills. Elliott re-joined the Lobsters this week, making his third debut for the east Surrey team on Tuesday night, and is confident he will perform well alongside the Reds top-scorer Kissi, who is currently suspended. "We have spoke about this," Elliott said. "Once he's back from his ban we are going to be a good partnership. I don't think we're too similar, the only way our game is similar is that we're both good at finishing. "If we both get a chance, we'll both score, that's how we're similar. Other than that, we're two different strikers." Elliott joined Redhill from their Ryman League rivals Three Bridges, insisting it time he was "more selfish". "At Bridges I was unhappy at playing out wide," he said. "Yes I was helping out the team, but I wasn't the one getting chances, I was the one creating chances. "For me personally, I want to be the one on the end of chances. I've been too nice for too many years so I've been told to be more selfish and that's what I'm doing." And Elliott admits Redhill manager Mike Maher made him an offer he could not refuse. "It wasn't anything against anyone at Bridges," Elliott said. At training on Thursday, Paul [Faili] pulled me aside and said Redhill had put in a seven-dayer and he said it was up to me but he wanted me to stay. "I spoke to Mike the same evening and he made me an offer than was too good to turn down, it wasn't money motivated. "I may or may not be starting on Saturday but either way, if I come on up top and get a chance I'll score."

Brompton folding bike dock arrives at Redhill rail station

November 14, 2013, 9:49 am

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Folding bikes are now available to hire at Redhill rail station. A Brompton Dock was installed outside the station entrance today (Thursday), with 20 cycles available to hire, for £2.50 per day. Southern now has three stations with Brompton Dock hire facilities, with Redhill joining Peckham Rye and Three Bridges. For the full story,click here

Police appeal after driver sped off after collision

November 14, 2013, 9:52 am

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POLICE are appealing for the owner of a silver 4x4 vehicle to get in touch, after it failed to stop following a three-vehicle collision in South Godstone on Thursday, November 7. The incident happened at around 10.30am on the A22 Eastbourne Road, at the junction with Miles Lane, and involved a silver Ford Focus, a silver Peugeot box van and a silver 4x4 vehicle. Fortunately the drivers of two of the vehicles suffered only minor injuries. But the driver of the silver 4x4 did not stop to give details after the collision. Officers are appealing for this driver or anyone who can help them to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference P13339524.

Bogus policemen try to force their way into a home

November 14, 2013, 9:54 am

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RESIDENTS are being warned to beware bogus police officers arriving at their front door following incidents in neighbouring counties. Police forces have advised people to "call 999 immediately" if anyone approaches their door claiming to be police officers but refusing to show ID.For the full story, click here

Nando's wings its way to Gatwick Airport

November 14, 2013, 9:56 am

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NANDO'S is set to open its first branch in the area – at Gatwick Airport. But fans of the famous chicken restaurant will have to buy a plane ticket to get their hands on some peri-peri goodness because the new eaterie will be opening airside in the South Terminal next summer. The development comes after Nandos topped a list of chain restaurants passengers want to see at the airport - with a third of those included in a survey asking for one at Gatwick. To read more, click here

Reigate 22-year-old hanged himself while drunk, inquest hears

November 14, 2013, 9:57 am

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A POPULAR 22-year-old plumber hanged himself while drunk, an inquest heard. Jonathan Wooff, known as Jonny to his friends, was in good spirits on a night out in Reigate, just hours before he died, and family and friends were left stunned by what happened. The inquest into his death on April 28 this year, held in Woking on Tuesday, heard it could have been the result of a prank gone wrong and ruled there was no evidence he intended to take his life.Click here for the full story

Train passengers angry at having to wade through ankle-deep water

November 14, 2013, 10:00 am

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PASSENGERS were forced to wade through ankle-deep water after heavy rain swamped a train station underpass. Dozens of people were left without any alternative after getting off the train at Earlswood Station and making their way down to the subway at platform two. Many passengers took to Twitter to vent their anger,Click here for the full story

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Major work begins on Redhill roads - and it won't end until summer!

November 15, 2013, 3:52 am

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WORK is under way to convert Redhill's one-way system into a two-way road network. Traffic cones and diversion signs have sprung up around the town centre as the multi-million pound project begins – and it could be finished by next summer, according to one of the councillors who has masterminded the scheme. While the development is designed to "unlock" traffic in the town, councillor Natalie Bramhall admitted there will be disturbances while the work is carried out.Click here to read the full story

Reigate and Banstead councillors agree to council tax rise

November 15, 2013, 3:58 am

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TOP decision-makers at Reigate and Banstead Borough Council have agreed to put up council tax from April. The authority's executive met last night (Thursday) to agree the draft budget for the next financial year. It includes cuts in spending totalling £1.7million, plus some areas of budget growth and losses in income, totalling £566,000, and a two per cent hike in the council's share of council tax - the maximum rise the council can introduce without holding a costly referendum. Click here to read the full story

Horley man Darren Lansdown killed at Gatwick Airport station

November 15, 2013, 4:11 am

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A HORLEY man died after being hit by a train at Gatwick Airport station. Darren Lansdown was struck by a train travelling from London Victoria to Brighton last Wednesday night. Emergency services raced to the scene and one line through the station was shut as paramedics attended to Mr Lansdown, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Click here to read the full story

Crispin Blunt critic resigns in bitter row over Reigate MP's re-selection

November 15, 2013, 4:51 am

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THE row over Crispin Blunt's reselection as Reigate MP has led to one long-serving top Tory resigning her post. Priscilla Rhodes, a critic of Mr Blunt's, says she is "disgusted" at being barred from a meeting at which former foreign and defence secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind addressed members of the Reigate and Banstead Conservative Association in Lower Kingswood. The meeting on October 31 was part of Mr Blunt's campaign to win the party's candidacy for the 2015 election. It follows his sensational rejection by a vote of the 22-person association executive, of which Mrs Rhodes was a memberFor the full story, click here

Seven-year-old boy bitten by dog in Woodhatch

November 15, 2013, 7:22 am

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Police have appealed for the public's help after a seven-year-old boy was been bitten by a dog in Woodhatch. Officers have today released an image of a man they want to speak to in relation to the attack.Click here to see the full story