Epsom and Ewell Times

20th November 2025 Weekly
ISSN 2753-2771

EV chargepoints in the South East grow by 29% in a year

  • Over 2,000 public chargepoints added to the South East charging network since April 2024
  • There are now more than 9,200 public chargers in the region, helping EV drivers in the South East get around with the confidence and peace of mind they’re always close to a socket
  • Government investing over £2.3bn to back British carmakers, power growth and protect jobs as part of the Plan for Change

Commenting on the stats, Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said:

“We want to make sure that drivers in the South East are always close to an electric vehicle charging device. That’s’ why it’s great to see the number of public charging devices in the region growing by 29% since April last year, taking us to more than 9,200 public charging devices in the South East.

“We’re investing £2.3 billion to help drivers switch to electric vehicles while putting money in the pockets of hardworking people by protecting jobs and backing British carmakers as part of the Plan for Change.”

There’s never been a better time to switch to EVs:

  • Drivers can save up to £1,100 a year if they mostly charge at home compared to petrol.
  • You can also run an EV for as little as 2p per mile if you charge at home.
  • Half of used electric cars under £20,000 and 29 brand new electric cars RRP under £30,000
  • The average range of a new EV is 290 miles – that’s about 2 weeks driving for most people, or from London to Newcastle.
  • Data suggests you should expect your EV to last as long as an internal combustion engine car.
  • Getting EVs repaired is getting easier with the increasing number of skilled technicians available.
  • Typically an EV emits just 1/3 of the harmful greenhouse gases of a petrol car during its lifetime.
  • 24/7 helplines, contactless payments, up-to-date chargepoint locations make charging easier than ever.
  • All data from Office of Zero Emission Vehicles, Charge UK, Autotrader and SMMT.

Department of Transport


1st May 2025

Community Council Health

Surrey Housing protocol agreed for people with mental health needs

An agreement between councils and NHS services in Surrey will help people with mental health needs find housing and avoid delays in leaving hospital. The Surrey Mental Health and Housing … Read More

Council Planning

Waverley not waiving planning fees spark protests

Waverley not waiving planning fees spark protests

Angry homeowners hit with hefty planning bills and court threats gathered outside Waverley Borough Council to protest against levies that have left some at risk of losing their homes, or … Read More

Council Housing Planning

A towering decision by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

A towering decision by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has approved plans for hundreds of new homes. The former SGN Gasworks site on East Street in Epsom will see all of its buildings and … Read More

Business Planning

McDonalds run out of Loch Fyne, Cobham

McDonalds run out of Loch Fyne, Cobham

Plans for a McDonald’s in Cobham have been thrown out.  McDonald’s had hoped to find a new home on the former Loch Fyne Restaurant in Portsmouth Road on the outskirts … Read More

Community Health

What is Buddy-Up?

What is Buddy-Up?

Buddy Up is an award-winning charity designed to offer mentoring to young people identified by schools as needing one-to-one support from an experienced youth worker and mentor. It was set … Read More

Council Education

Surrey SEND parents owed money

Surrey SEND parents owed money

Parents of children with special educational needs who were left with little choice but to use private educational psychologists may be due money back from Surrey County Council. So far … Read More

Community Council News

Epsom and Ewell Victory in Europe celebrations

Epsom and Ewell Victory in Europe celebrations

A number of commemorative events are planned to be held across the borough to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2025. VE Day marks the official … Read More

Council Council constitution Letters

Look to your own party’s dictatorship

Look to your own party’s dictatorship

Sir, I reply to Cllr Ames’ letter attacking Residents Association councillors in general and me in particular. It is a pity that he chose to quote me selectively. I did … Read More


£500 award for artistic contribution

The Epsom and Ewell Town-Twinning Association is delighted to invite applications for this year’s Cyril Frazer Award.

The Cyril Frazer Award is a legacy set up as a memorial to Cyril Frazer, who died in 2016. He was Mayor of Epsom and Ewell when it was first twinned with Chantilly in 1995 and was a founding member of the association. As well as Twinning, one of his other great passions was singing, and he was a keen member of the Epsom Male Voice Choir.

Both are reflected in the requirements for the award of £500, which is available to individuals and groups within the Borough and will be awarded to qualified applicants who meet some or all of the following agreed criteria:

  • Applicants live or study in the Borough
  • The award meets a special need, such as mental or physical health
  • It benefits young people
  • It has cultural/educational value
  • It is music or performing arts related
  • It furthers friendships or links with Chantilly
  • It supports a key twinning or community event

The prize will be awarded at the Twinning Association’s AGM in June, and the deadline for applications is May 31st 2025.

For further information and to apply, please contact: diana@epsomtwinning.com.


What is Buddy-Up?

Buddy Up is an award-winning charity designed to offer mentoring to young people identified by schools as needing one-to-one support from an experienced youth worker and mentor.

It was set up in August 2020, after a need was identified in the community. Following the return to school after the pandemic, many schools reported:

  • Increased anxiety
  • Reduced confidence
  • Struggles with attendance

While schools recognised the need for additional support, they lacked the time and funding to provide it.

Buddy Up has been delivering mentoring in schools across Epsom and Ewell for five years. To date, we have delivered over 1,500 mentoring sessions and still have a significant waiting list.

Our goal is to support young people early, believing that early intervention makes the biggest impact.


Who do we work with?

The young people we support may be dealing with:

  • Anger
  • Addiction
  • Self-harm and suicidal ideation
  • At risk of grooming
  • At risk of county lines involvement
  • Victims of domestic violence
  • ADHD
  • ASD
  • ODD
  • Bullying
  • Low self-esteem
  • Victims of abuse
  • Trauma
  • Disordered eating
  • Suicidal inpatients
  • Poor attendance
  • At risk of exclusion
  • Anxiety

Funding

Buddy Up is largely funded by donations and grants, allowing us to offer our services free to those in need.

However, in recent months, our funding has decreased dramatically. Like many charities, we are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are now in urgent need of funding to keep the charity running and continue supporting young people in Epsom and Ewell.

If you’re able to donate, we would be incredibly grateful. Please use the link below:

👉 https://www.justgiving.com/buddyupcharity


Contact Us

If you would like more information or to discuss anything further, please get in touch:

📞 07551 444 246
📧 info@buddyupcharity.org
🌐 https://buddyupcharity.org

Registered charity number: 1190942


Look to your own party’s dictatorship

Sir,

I reply to Cllr Ames’ letter attacking Residents Association councillors in general and me in particular.

It is a pity that he chose to quote me selectively. I did say that the RA Group could put through anything it wished – that is a simple fact as we hold 25 of the 35 seats. However I went on to say that we value the contributions of members from other parties. .

A council may use either the cabinet or committee system of government. We use the committee system under which all councillors may partake in all decision making, as Cllr Ames has done. Unlike many other councils, all councillors are involved.

It is also a pity that Cllr Ames did not mention the subsequent meeting of the Standards and Constitution Committee on 16 April of which he is a member. This was a long but amicable meeting where much of the two and half hours was spent dealing with suggestions from Liberal Democrat leader Cllr James Lawrence. Some of his proposals were accepted. On all the motions, James was congratulated on the effort he had put in to serve the council and the constructive way he worked with RA members. This is hardly the attitude of a dictatorial ruling group.

In contrast, let us look at the Labour government of his party. Last year in the general election it got about a third of votes on a 60% turnout. This means that only one in five electors voted Labour. Another two voted for other parties, and the remaining two did not vote at all. Subsequent opinion polls suggest that Labour has lost support since the election.

On the basis of getting just 20% support from the electorate, the Labour government has dictatorially decreed that the borough should provide more than 800 new homes each year building on Green Belt, and that the borough council should be abolished in 2027. On neither of these issues has the government consulted anyone to ask if they want all this extra housing or if they want the council abolished. I have yet to meet any resident who supports either policy. The Labour government does not listen to any voices other than its own, and sometimes does not even listen to its own voices.

I like Cllr Ames as a person, and I respect his right to criticise me and RA councillors. However I believe that this should be done fairly, and not by selective quotation wrapped up in bluster. If Cllr Ames does not like dictatorial government, he would be better advised to direct such views to his own party.

Cllr Robert Leach
RA councillor

Nonsuch Ward


24th April 2025

News Policing

Surrey Police know where they’re going with more of them

Surrey Police know where they’re going with more of them

Surrey Police will have ‘the highest number of officers in a generation” after locking up money for 40 more patrol cops. The estimated £2.5million in central government money is part … Read More

Council Council constitution Letters

Labour decries Residents’ Associations’ unfettered power on Epsom & Ewell Council

Labour decries Residents’ Associations’ unfettered power on Epsom & Ewell Council

Dear Editor, Thank you for your excellent reporting of last week’s meeting of Epsom and Ewell Council’s Standards and Constitution Committee, which highlighted some important and contentious issues about how … Read More

Council Council constitution

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Faces Scrutiny Over Constitutional Reforms

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Faces Scrutiny Over Constitutional Reforms

The Standards and Constitution Committee meeting of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council on 16th April was marked by heated exchanges and concerns over transparency, democratic participation, and officer-councillor relations. The … Read More

Council Planning

How did Aldi arrive at this Epsom junction?

How did Aldi arrive at this Epsom junction?

Plans for an Aldi store near an Epsom junction described as being “fraught with danger” have been green-lit after an appeal—but with conditions attached. For years, the budget superstore has … Read More


Labour decries Residents’ Associations’ unfettered power on Epsom & Ewell Council

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your excellent reporting of last week’s meeting of Epsom and Ewell Council’s Standards and Constitution Committee, which highlighted some important and contentious issues about how councillors represent our residents.

Your analysis that public trust and democratic scrutiny hang in the balance is spot-on. In my two years so far as a councillor, I have frequently sought to highlight these issues, often in conjunction with other opposition councillors and sometimes with the support of more independent-minded Residents Association (RA) councillors.

In this light, I would like to highlight Cllr Robert Leach’s comment concerning the committees that decide the bulk of what the council does, that “The RA group can put through anything it likes”.

This shocking comment goes to the heart of issues of democratic scrutiny and appears to reflect the approach of the ruling party and many RA councillors to a situation where it has two-thirds of councillors. Despite its councillors purporting to represent residents at a very local level, the RA can often operate as a monolithic block.

One major change that the RA administration has attempted to implement is to neuter the Audit and Scrutiny Committee, of which I am also a member, which should play a key role in scrutinising what the council does in the name of residents.

Despite, or perhaps because of this, the administration has proposed to remove the committee’s scrutiny function, on the grounds that scrutiny should take place on the committees that make policy and spending decisions.

Cllr Leach’s blunt assessment that “The RA group can put through anything it likes” on such committees should represent the death knell for this proposal, which the administration has already had to “pause” in the face of fierce opposition.

While Cllr Leach’s words represent the numerical reality, they neglect the role that opposition councillors can play in raising questions and challenges and, on occasion, influencing how other committee members vote.

Last month, for the second year running, the Audit and Scrutiny Committee amended its own annual report, as drafted by the administration, to record that it had carried out “limited scrutiny” over the past year.

While this is an unfortunate situation, to say the least, it does show that some RA councillors have an appetite for a stronger scrutiny role and, despite what Cllr Leach says, can vote according to their own individual judgement.

Democratic scrutiny of what the council does in the name of residents is essential to maintain the public’s trust in it. We need more of it – and less of a ruling party that thinks it can put through anything it likes.

Councillor Chris Ames – Labour – Court Ward


17th April 2025

Business Food Planning

Global fast-food giant targets Surrey village

Global fast-food giant targets Surrey village

A global fast food giant could be coming to a Surrey village as a new McDonald’s restaurant and takeaway might get the go ahead. Despite being famed for its ‘Happy … Read More

Community Faith News

Volunteers Join Forces with Councillor to Give Epsom a Spring Clean

Volunteers Join Forces with Councillor to Give Epsom a Spring Clean

Epsom Town Centre was treated to a thorough spring clean on Sunday 6th April, as a team of around 40 volunteers from the international youth group ASEZ WAO UK joined … Read More

Community Housing Planning

Shock as Surrey Council Puts Protected Woodland Up for Auction

Shock as Surrey Council Puts Protected Woodland Up for Auction

A surprise decision by Surrey County Council (SCC) to auction off a cherished woodland in the heart of Cuddington has sparked uproar among residents and elected councillors, who are now … Read More

Arts Culture

Epsom Choral Society Bids Farewell to Long-Serving Pianist Marion Lea

Epsom Choral Society Bids  Farewell to Long-Serving Pianist Marion Lea

Epsom Choral Society (ECS) has said a heartfelt goodbye to their much-loved accompanist, Marion Lea, who is retiring after an extraordinary 50 years. At a special farewell party held in … Read More

Business News Planning

Paintball plans to entertain Epsom’s youth

Paintball plans to entertain Epsom’s youth

Plans for a new paintball and laser tag centre have been put forward in a former farm building. The new play shooting centre could be launched at The Paddock on … Read More

Council Planning

Pedestrian visions of Mole Valley

Pedestrian visions of Mole Valley

Masterplans for Dorking and Bookham are set to be signed off by Mole Valley District Council’s executive committee on April 16. These set out a bank of projects the council … Read More

Council Council constitution Finances

The cost of saving the cost of local government

The cost of saving the cost of local government

As of April 2025, Epsom and Ewell is actively engaged in Surrey’s significant local government reorganisation, aiming to transition from the existing two-tier system to a unitary authority model. The … Read More

Environment News Transport

On the Buses – Surrey going Green

On the Buses – Surrey going Green

Following a successful bid for funding to the Department for Transport, Surrey County Council has been awarded an additional £1.7m for 12 new zero emission buses. This follows a previous … Read More

Arts Culture

Epsom celebrates romance and revolution!

Epsom celebrates romance and revolution!

Another great concert from Epsom Symphony Orchestra, directed and conducted by Darrell Davison with Christos Fountos the piano soloist. The theme was Romance & Revolution. The concert began with Tchaikovsky’s … Read More


Epsom Choral Society Bids Farewell to Long-Serving Pianist Marion Lea

Epsom Choral Society (ECS) has said a heartfelt goodbye to their much-loved accompanist, Marion Lea, who is retiring after an extraordinary 50 years.

At a special farewell party held in her honour, choir members gathered to celebrate Marion’s remarkable contribution to ECS since she first joined in 1975. In a warm and emotional tribute, ECS President Jon Pullinger shared the story of Marion’s involvement with the choir, remarking, “What amazing good fortune for us” – her musicianship, support and professionalism have been a cornerstone of ECS for half a century.

In recognition of her long-standing dedication, Marion was presented with a series of personal gifts: a facsimile of Mozart’s C minor Piano Concerto (K491), a subscription for a monthly bouquet of flowers for the next year, and a set of four handmade, music-themed coasters. She also received a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a magnificent, personalised cake in the shape of a piano.

Members past and present paid tribute to Marion’s extraordinary skills, her quiet professionalism, and the musicianship she brought to every rehearsal and performance. As Jon Pullinger said of Marion: “The accompanist will pick out weaknesses in one part or another and come to their rescue with appropriately judged emphases. We have been so fortunate in having Marion with us as both fine soloist and consummate accompanist.”

ECS looks back with gratitude for all Marion has brought to the choir and with warm wishes for her retirement.

Nina Kaye


Epsom celebrates romance and revolution!

Another great concert from Epsom Symphony Orchestra, directed and conducted by Darrell Davison with Christos Fountos the piano soloist. The theme was Romance & Revolution.

The concert began with Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet Overture (Fantasy) – inspired by Shakespeare. The dramatic and forbidding opening, depicting doom and gloom, moved to a mood of lightness – a faster pace with dancing notes from the flutes – before reverting to solemn chords. The music captured the feud between the Montagues and Capulets. The love theme was special – lyrical notes first heard on the Cor Anglais, then the flautists’ melody rang through, and finally the distinctive notes of the harp. Flowing and haunting chords of the ending metamorphosized from hints of happiness to one of pessimism and death, demonstrated so convincingly by the timpani.

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninov was amazing. Christos Fountos played the piano with aplomb, his fingers racing up and down the keyboard. There were contrasting moments of lightness and solemn intensity. The lyrical melody on the piano was joined by flowing chords from the strings and then the wind, finally ending at a diminished pace on the piano.

Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 was a wonderfully deep symphony. A menacing theme from the cellos and double basses contrasted with the haunting notes of the violins. Spiky and unsettling chords added intensity, creating an ominous atmosphere. The serene notes of the flautists changed the mood – reinforced by the calming notes of the lower strings. Other sections were fast, with an atmosphere of expectancy and individual solo parts. The Largo movement was introduced by strings with moments of pathos. As the intensity built up, the mood changed. Was it anger? Or determination to overcome adversity? It resolved serenely. The final movement had a strident atmosphere which moved on to more tranquil waters. Unsettling chords and a melody with almost full orchestration concluded with triumphant notes, the timpani resounding through the hall at the finale.

Sue Haines

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