A MEMORIAL service was held on Friday, November 16 for a student who died at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham last year.

Kyle Hancock, who was 18, died on October 16, 2011, just five weeks after starting a degree in Sports Journalism.

Doctors attributed his death to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.

Kyle's family travelled to Surrey from Bradwell, Derbyshire, for the ceremony, which was attended by students and staff.

A memorial bench, commissioned by UCA Vice-Chancellor, Simon Ofield-Kerr, was placed in the grounds of UCA Farnham to provide a permanent memorial to Kyle.

There was also a collection to raise funds in Kyle's name on behalf of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). You can contribute via: www.c-r-y.org.uk.

TRAINS to and from London Bridge will be diverted as the station undergoes a complete refurbishment over the next six years.

The work, to include a total redevelopment of the platforms, track and concourse, is part of the £6 billion Government-funded rejuvenation of the Thameslink rail network in London.

Train operator Southern Rail, which runs a regular route to London Bridge from Redhill, Merstham, Horley, Oxted and Caterham, claims the work will not disastrously effect commuters at first. But Network Rail – which is overseeing the project – admits problems could surface as the work progresses.

John Daniels, of the Redhill, Reigate and District Rail Users Association, said: "At the moment the effect is not too great on us.

"But they are going to be taking out several platforms and I think we will certainly be affected later on.

"The service we get to London Bridge is awful in rush hour; there are too many new stops. If I'm still commuting in six years, I might see the benefits of this."

As part of the plans, some peak-time services between Redhill and London Bridge have already diverted to Victoria instead, namely the southbound services in the morning and London-bound services in the evening, in an attempt to minimise commuter disruption.

The project begins next month with the opening of Transport For London's London Overground extension between Victoria and London Bridge.

This will allow Southern Rail to close its service between the two stations.

Then, from May next year, platforms will be closed in sections, which will lead to some timetable changes.

Southern Rail spokesman Chris Hudson claimed the work would not necessarily result in a reduced service, but Network Rail admitted it cannot guarantee services will not be changed, or removed, as the work continues.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin added: "Train passengers will be the biggest winners from this investment, as London Bridge station is transformed from one of the capital's most congested stations into one of the most modern, accessible and passenger-friendly transport hubs in the UK."

For more information visit www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk

A PROPOSAL to separate school year groups across three village sites has received a mixed reaction from parents, prompting governors to consider an "alternative plan".

North Downs Primary School teaches children from Reception to Year 2 at each of its sites in Brockham, Leigh and Betchworth, while all older children are taught at the Brockham site.

But last week the Advertiser reported on the school's plan to create "centres of excellence" for early years teaching – meaning all Reception pupils would be based at Betchworth, all Year 1 pupils at Leigh and Year 2 pupils at Brockham.

Parents were asked for their views, and the Advertiser has received letters from people on both sides of the debate.

Sara Hudson, of Old Reigate Road, Betchworth, wrote: "I would urge local parents to support Angela Ewing (the head teacher) in her quest to retain the Betchworth and Leigh sites.

"As a parent of now grown-up children, I would have driven them miles to find the kind of atmosphere and quality of education that was offered in these two little unique schools.

"Being small and intimate, they offer a safe, yet stimulating environment for a small child first starting out at school."

She added: "What I do urge is that we all offer support, not criticism, to Mrs Ewing, who is trying her best to do a truly difficult job in the interests of our local children.

"North Downs Primary School – at Betchworth, Leigh, and Brockham – is a local gem which we should treasure."

But another parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said the idea was "unexpected and unwelcome".

"As a Brockham mum of three this will mean we will no longer be able to walk/scoot/cycle the 600 metres to school together," she said.

"Instead we will have to get in the car and rush around the various sites dropping the children off.

"Up to 70 families will now be driving around these villages trying to find parking spaces that do not exist, endangering children and harming the environment."

Mrs Ewing said: "We thank parents for their responses and we are carefully considering all the responses.

"We are considering perhaps an alternative, a better plan. But we are still in the process of discussing it.

"It was only ever a discussion and now because of the responses we are looking at whether there is a different way."

ANGRY campaigners have hit out at renewed plans for a dementia care home in Effingham.

In May the Minton Group was refused permission for a 72-bed home on land beside Church Street and Lower Road – but the firm has now sent locals leaflets outlining a new plan for a 60-bed facility.

Opponents have branded the idea "stupid", as the first application was rejected by Guildford Borough Council because the site is green-belt land surrounded by listed buildings.

Kevin Ladywell, of Norwood Road, Effingham, said: "It is ridiculous. While the size of the building was a reason for the council to reject it, mainly it was all the planning laws that it was breaking.

"The site is green-belt-protected, it is next to a 14th-century church and a 17th-century shooting lodge and is in Church Street, a road that hasn't been built on in decades. To submit an application on the exact same site that it was rejected less than a year ago gives me great confidence that it will be rejected all over again."

Susan Bramwell, of High Barn Road, said: "The site is outside the settlement area and inside the conservation area, so it's never going to be approved. It's a stupid idea and a waste of time and money."

As well as the reduced number of beds, the Minton Group's new plan includes lowering the height and length of the building and reducing floor space by 20 per cent.

The developer has sent out details to local people and intends to submit an application by the end of the month which, if approved, could lead to construction work next autumn and completion in late 2014.

Minton Group director Adam Simpkin told the Advertiser: "Local people understand the real need for a care home and specialist dementia care in Effingham. However, earlier this year the planning committee effectively told us to rethink the details of the design.

"We have listened and will be submitting plans for a much smaller care home, which will be in keeping with the area and deliver the much-needed care for older people and dementia sufferers in Effingham."

Villager Ellen Berger agreed that a care home is needed.

She said: "My grandmother suffers from dementia and I can't think of a better use of empty space."

NEIGHBOURS of Caterham's most notorious eyesore say they are under siege from foot-long rats.

Gnawed food, disturbed sleep and dead rodents caught in the kitchen are blighting the lives of flat-dwellers in Croydon Road – who live next door to the derelict and decaying Rose and Young site.

The former car showroom has been the scourge of the town since shutting down 25 years ago. Now a sad wreck, pigeons are among the building's inhabitants.

Father-of-two Chris Reeve says he had to throw away £100 worth of food after a rat nibbled its way through a tub of Pot Noodle in his kitchen last week.

Mr Reeve, 45, whose kitchen wall adjoins the former showroom, said: "We have had to put sticky pad traps down and have caught two rats.

"We've heard rats scurrying around in the Rose and Young site, and seen some running along the boundary wall.

"My boys have been petrified."

Mum-of-two Sharon Hook, 42, said: "Sometimes I have to go to my dad's in Coulsdon to get a decent night's sleep.

"I can hear rats running about in the roof space all night long.

"That building next door has been in a terrible state for far too long. It's high time it was demolished."

Ms Hook, a self-employed hairdresser, said the lack of sleep was making her ill.

Meanwhile Steve Timmins, 22, a personal trainer who lives near the site, said: "I am on tablets for stress, and this situation has not helped at all.

"I am concerned for my partner's daughters, who are aged 8 and 12."

A spokeswoman for Tandridge District Council said an environmental health officer had visited the Rose and Young site on November 14 following a complaint about rats in the adjoining block of flats.

She added: "At the time of the visit there were no indications of an infestation of rodents, so the council has not asked the owner to take any action at this time.

"The owner of the flats has employed a pest control contractor to treat the property."

A legal notice requiring the shabby building be either radically improved or demolished took effect on October 11. The owners have until February 11 to comply.

If they do not, they face possible prosecution – with any fines being continuously imposed on a daily basis.

Site owners Caterham Properties Ltd, based in Derby, has appointed a planning consultant and an architect, who have met up with council planning chiefs pending a possible planning application for the land.

"HEARTLESS" thieves stole lead from the roof of The Children's Trust's Tadworth centre during two early morning raids.

Water then seeped into rooms wrecking fundraising equipment and donated goods.

Though volunteers worked hard to recover as many items as possible, some were damaged beyond repair.

Subsequent renovation and security installations have cost the trust hundreds of pounds.

Children's Trust chief executive Andrew Ross said: "It's hard to believe that people would take an opportunity to steal from a children's charity.

"It's a heartless and sad act that has shocked and disappointed us all at The Children's Trust.

"Unfortunately, it has taken a lot of money and time to repair the roof, but we have taken measures to increase security and installed additional CCTV equipment."

Police are appealing for witnesses following the two thefts, which were at about 4am on October 17 and between 1am and 5am on October 20.

During both raids, the thieves took lead from the roof of the charity's stables.

During the second incident, they damaged other areas of the roof and a golf buggy, which staff use to move around the 24-acre site.

The damage to equipment, some of which had been donated for sale in the trust's charity shops, caused an outcry from staff.

Angie Turner, head of corporate partnerships at the trust, said: "Our fundraisers and shop managers work so hard to raise money.

"It's so frustrating then that people can carry out a malicious act like this.

"However the team pulled together to ensure we could save most of the fundraising materials and shop stock."

Call police on 101 with information, quoting references RB/12/8498 or RB/12/8619.

REIGATE Grammar School's U16 girls' hockey squad are looking to become the top hockey school in the south of England after qualifying for the South Finals Day next week.

After recently winning the U16 Regional South Cup, the squad has qualified as one of just four schools for the showpiece event.

And the school's head of girls' hockey and team coach, Becky Wickham, said it was an amazing achievement for the school.

She said: "This is reaching where we want to be and it is amazing to be at this stage.

"This is the best the school has ever done in this national competition and the success is a great credit to the girls."

The team gained their position in the finals after beating Burgess Hill 1-0, Notting Hill and Ealing School 4-1 and St Edwards School, Oxford 2-0.

They will be joined at the South Finals Day by Oxford High School, St George's and Cranleigh, meaning that three of the four schools are from Surrey.

Wickham said: "Hockey is very strong in the county of Surrey and so to get through that and to this stage is excellent.

"We have put an awful lot into getting professional coaches to work with the children and we are trying to take hockey to the next level. We are trying to make a name for ourselves."

Reigate have been handed a tough draw though, with Cranleigh next in the semis.

Wickham said it would be a difficult match: "They are particularly strong and we have been drawn with them first.

"We have seen some of the Oxford sides and we would be quite optimistic against them, while we have competed against some Surrey schools and we know this will be a tough one for us.

"But the girls are in a positive mood and working hard for each other and we will go there and give it our best shot.

"It will be a great experience for the girls and for the school to play at this level of a national competition. We are all excited and really looking forward to it."

The squad travel to Tonbridge for Finals Day on Wednesday, November 28.

FOUR cars and a van were destroyed when a vehicle transporter went up in flames in Leatherhead on Friday.

Crews were called to the A24 Leatherhead Bypass at about 4pm when the transporter caught light.

Nobody was hurt but the incident caused traffic delays and crews from Leatherhead fire station were on the scene until about 10pm.

A FARMER is backing a wildlife charity's campaign to persuade the Government to give more cash to bird conservation projects on farms.

Hugo Black, of Flanchford Farm, Leigh, is in the Higher Level Stewardship scheme and uses the funding to provide beetle banks, wildflower strips, pollen and nectar mix, wild-bird seed mixes and grass margins to fields.

His 250-acre mixed farm is home to barn owls, lapwings, skylarks, yellowhammers, reed buntings, swifts, swallows and starlings.

Mr Black said: "It would be an absolute disaster if these schemes were to stop.

"There has been a lot of good work done over the past 10 to 20 years but rising cereal prices and modern farming practices are putting real pressure on the ability of farmers to provide enough space and food for wildlife.

"Environmental schemes allow us to focus on providing these much-needed habitats and there is a real danger that all this progress could be quickly undone."

For the past 25 years, many Surrey farmers have become wildlife champions and have rallied to the plight of some of the country's most threatened species by creating the conditions they need to survive.

Using payments for wildlife-friendly farming – known as agri-environment schemes – some of these "champions" have reversed population crashes of those species most in trouble. Some species, including the stone-curlew, now largely depend on wildlife-friendly farmers for their future survival in the UK.

But just as conservationists and farmers are celebrating the 25th anniversary of these schemes and what they have achieved, the RSPB is fearful that cuts to European and domestic budgets mean the axe could be wielded close to this wildlife lifeline.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, will attend a European heads of state meeting in Brussels on Thursday and tomorrow to discuss the future of the EU's budget, including the amount of money spent on agriculture.

Gareth Harris, RSPB South East farmland conservation adviser, said: "We know that budgets are strained, but rewarding farmers for greater all-round environmental responsibility is excellent value for money, supporting farmland wildlife as well as improving water quality, land management and food production.

"The abundance of wildlife on these farms is simply an indicator of the health of the countryside."

A DEADLY disease which kills ash trees could have come to Surrey.

Lorraine Kordecki, of Dovers Green Road, Reigate, believes she found a case of the dreaded Chalara fraxinea, commonly known as ash dieback, in a sapling tree in her garden.

Since the fungus was first spotted in a Norfolk nature reserve last month, the Forestry Commission, which manages and protects the country's woodland, has carried out an extensive survey.

Though the survey – carried out by the Commission in partnership with the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs – found cases in 115 sites across six counties, Surrey was not on the list, nor were any private gardens.

However, Mrs Kordecki fears the disease, which can kill the trees and first shows when the leaves turn black and curl, was present in her garden. She believes the case may have gone unregistered when she spoke to the Commission.

"The response to the news of ash dieback has been so great," she told the Mirror.

"I think people would be upset if it came to Surrey.

"I was worried about the lack of response from the Forestry Commission. I sent an e-mail with a photo of my tree but got no reply.

"I phoned and asked what to do and they said 'what does it say on the website?'

"It could just be unusual rot, but I think it was this disease."

After taking advice from a groundskeeper at a nearby playing field, Mrs Lordecki cut down and burned the three-year-old tree, in case the disease spread to others in her acre of land.

But she maintains the photos taken of the shrivelled black leaves at the top of the tree on November 6 suggest the disease has come to the county.

René Olivieri, chair of The Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: "We are concerned about the spread of this disease.

"Ash trees, as hedgerow and field trees, are an important feature in our landscape and also a key component of ecologically unique woodlands that support rare species."

The Forestry Commission had not responded before the Mirror went to press.

HORLEY'S cinema dream could soon become a reality.

Council officers have opened talks with providers – and if an agreement can be secured with one of them, a cinema will be built.

The move comes as a direct response to last month's public outcry at the news that the council had rejected proposals for a cinema on the Newman House site in Victoria Road, favouring a shopping and housing development instead.

Councillor Natalie Bramhall, executive member for regeneration at Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, said space is available for a cinema but stressed that an operator would have to be found first.

She said: "We are not turning our back on it. If we get cinema operators that say 'yes we are interested', then we will look at it.

"It is not that we don't want anyone to come to Horley because we do, but we have to have the confirmed interest.

"We are doing this because of the interest shown by Horley traders."

Shopkeepers have welcomed the news. Horley Association of Traders chairman Andy Parr said: "It's fantastic. I am glad they're listening.

"With all the new houses being built and the new people coming in, it puts us in a strong position for something like this."

Limes Avenue resident Mark Legg said: "A cinema would expand the cultural offering in the town.

"We used to have one and it would be nice for people to spend their 'leisure pound' in the town."

Cllr Bramhall would not be drawn on where a cinema could be built in the town, but she said that building one on the former Newman House site was never a realistic proposition.

She also rubbished suggestions that there had not been adequate consultation on what to do with the landmark site.

She said: "That is completely untrue. There is the Horley Regeneration Forum and they were consulted three times and it was agreed, so it is wrong of people to say they weren't consulted.

"It went through the executive committee and there were Horley councillors who attended, and not one of them raised issues.

"Now the plans have come in and people will make their views known."

A planning application was submitted last week for a multi-use shops and flats development at the Newman House site.

A ROW has erupted over "grossly misleading" comments published by the developers of a luxury hotel and golf course.

Longshot, which won a bitter planning battle over the Cherkley Court estate, printed its second edition of The Cherkley Express on Friday.

The paper, delivered to homes near the estate, features articles claiming those who opposed the project were "obsessed" and trying to "undermine a democratic process".

Longshot director Joel Cadbury is quoted saying people who complained about the conduct of a councillor during the process were "motivated purely by malice and self-interest".

Givons Grove resident Martin Newey, one of those who complained, said: "I find it most regrettable that Longshot are able to put into the public domain comments of this nature which are incorrect and grossly misleading.

"If Longshot had seen a copy of the report into the complaint they would know Mr Lingard [the independent expert] made it quite clear that he didn't question the complainants' integrity or truthfulness.

"If they haven't, I regard their comments as reckless."

But Nick Kilby, of Cratus Communications, who handles PR for Longshot, was unapologetic.

"Joel Cadbury has expressed a personal view and that is how he feels," he said.

"We may be very direct about how we feel but people have been extraordinarily rude and direct about how they feel and in my personal case accusations have been made."

The Cherkley Express includes a letter from Mr Kilby claiming Kristina Kenworthy, founder of the Cherkley Campaign that opposes the development, is on a "mission to retain her private views".

Speaking about Longshot, he added: "I have never worked for a client that puts so much into ensuring that, even when they didn't like it, views were heard.

"People may think it was bad timing [publishing The Cherkley Express] but we think it is appropriate timing because of the moves by this group to bring a judicial review forward, which we believe is completely inappropriate behaviour."

Mr Kilby was also keen to point out the positive aspects highlighted in the publication, including golfer Tom Watson agreeing to co-design the course and Leatherhead builders Wates being appointed to redevelop Cherkley Court.

PLANS for a seven-screen cinema and shopping complex in Redhill town centre are expected before the new year.

The multiplex proposal was announced last year, with the news that two providers were interested in running a cinema on the Marketfield Way site, currently occupied by a car park and stores including Argos, Oxfam and Coral.

But this week Reigate and Banstead borough councillor Natalie Bramhall, executive member for regeneration, told the Mirror a planning application could be lodged as early as next month.

It will mark the latest stage of the town's regeneration plans, with proposals for an Asda in Cromwell Road and the extension of the town's Sainsbury's already submitted.

"We understand that some plans for the cinema could be coming in before the end of the year," Cllr Bramhall said. "We have got confirmed interest in the site. If you get the cinema operators, you get restaurants and other businesses too."

The proposals are currently out to tender in the Official Journal of the European Union, which all public sector projects above a certain value must be published in.

News the plans could soon become reality were welcomed by other traders in the town.

Belfry Shopping Centre manager Andy Nash said: "It would be a big change and it would bring some real vibrancy to the heart of the town.

"It would give a whole new lease of life with the evening business."

Shopper Sarah Singleton, 39, said: "It would be good for the town. We go to Crawley at the moment but this would keep us in Redhill."

The town's Harlequin cinema will remain but show more "art house" films if the plans go ahead, but the future of the shops currently on the site is unclear.

Keith Pearce, who runs Cash Zone in Redhill High Street, has another two-and-a-half years to run on his lease, with a break clause next year.

"We always hear about all these plans, but nothing comes of it," he said.

"This is a dying town. There are all these plans for supermarkets and shops but who is going to spend millions to come here?"

ONE Lingfield woman was just dyeing to fundraise for the village's Christmas lights.

Jackie Chilcott, 43, has decided to dye her hair purple to help raise the £3,000 needed to put up and take down the 700-bulb strings of lights.

The Saxby's Lane resident said: "It is something different, and it is for a good cause, so I thought 'why not?'"

In preparation for the Lingfield Evening on December 7, hundreds of pounds have been raised by Lingfield businesses for this year's festive lights and shopping evening.

The total currently stands at £1,575. But the Chamber of Commerce, which organises the event, is hoping to receive a donation of £1,000 from Lingfield Parish Council.

Among the businesses which have helped raise the money so far is Costcutter, on East Grinstead Road, where staff, including Jackie with her sponsored dye, have raked in about £700.

Manager of the shop Tom Carter, 31, said: "There has been a bucket for a collection at the till and Jackie has also been sponsored to dye her hair purple.It is a great thing for the community and we want to help in any way we can."

The shop has also donated £350 to provide presents for local children from Santa on the night.

Mr Carter added: "It feels good to be able to give something back to the community."

Martin Cundey, one of the organisers, said: "Tom and his team have done a fantastic job. I am absolutely amazed with the way the team have pulled together to raise such a huge amount."

Planning for the Lingfield Evening started in September, but excitement is now building up.

Mr Cundey added: "What I really look forward to is when the whole community come together and you see the children getting really excited."

Jackie has not decided when she will dye her hair but it will be before the Lingfield Evening.

A MAN believed to have been murdered and found in a Thames Ditton ditch could have been there for nearly two weeks, it has been revealed.

The body of James Lambert was found dumped in Imber Cross, Thames Ditton on Friday November 23 by a Surrey Police officer.

But the 33-year-old could have been there for nearly a fortnight, a BBC report claimed.

He was reported missing to the MPS on November 14 with Surrey Police informed of his disappearance a day later. 

A post mortem carried out on Saturday (November 24) at the Royal Surrey County Hospital was unable to establish the cause of death and further tests are to be carried out.

Two men were questioned by police in connection Mr Lambert's death and were released without charge. 

Anyone who may have information about this incident is urged to call Surrey Police on 101, or pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A POLICEMAN was taken to hospital with facial injuries after being assaulted in a pub brawl in Shalford yesterday afternoon (25 November).

Police were called to The Seahorse in Shalford just after 4pm following reports of a disturbance involving a large group of around 30 diners. An allegation was also made that one of the group assaulted a member of staff.

A response officer was first on the scene and identified two of the suspects from the group. Whilst attempting to arrest one of the suspects, the officer was viciously assaulted.

The officer's injuries required treatment at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford. He is now recovering at home.

One of the suspects is described as a white male, aged 35-40 years, 6 ft tall and of a large build with short, brown hair. He was clean shaven and wearing a long-sleeved blue and white checked shirt, blue jeans and dark shoes.

Detective Constable Jim Hilton, who is investigating the incident, said: "Police were called after receiving reports of a large group of people who were causing a disturbance in the pub. One of them is also understood to have assaulted a member of staff."

"In attempting to arrest one of the suspects, one of our officers has been seriously assaulted. Thankfully he is making a good recovery but to have been attacked in this way while he was just trying to do his job is abhorrent and cannot be tolerated."

"An investigation is underway and we are already making good progress. We are determined to identify the suspects and ensure that they are brought to justice."

If you witnessed the incident or have any information which could assist police in their investigation, please contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting crime reference GD/12/10593, or, you prefer to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.