Joining us for the other side of the coin regarding our articles on heating and insulation, Councillor David Gulland (College Ward – Liberal Democrat) goes over some topics regarding the Local Plan for Epsom & Ewell

Two of the many crises facing our residents are the dramatically increased costs of energy, which disproportionately hits those less well off, and the continued climate emergency. A third, more local, one is the slow evolution of the required Local Plan that sets out the long-term strategy and requirements for new homes in the Borough.

Why is the Local Plan important?
This document forms the basis for assessing building applications and without it, the Council has limited ability to challenge inappropriate development. A Local Plan also sets out how the local authority intends to meet, or why it cannot meet, the centrally set target for new houses. The Local Plan recently published by Mole Valley demonstrates how these centrally set targets can be robustly challenged, with the Plan now out for consultation proposing 353 new homes each year rather than the government’s target of 456. Our local Council recently approved a new timetable for producing our Local Plan, which means a full draft will not be ready for public consultation until September 2023 (although some initial consultation is expected to start in October this year). It will be interesting to see whether the ruling RA Party will accept the government’s basic target for Epsom & Ewell of 579 homes each year, or will provide a robust explanation of why the target is inappropriate and unachievable.

The win-win of setting high energy efficiency standards.
Well-insulated homes can save £671 a year in heating costs – even before the recent price increases. In the winter of 2018-19, 17,000 lives were lost due to cold housing conditions, the highest since 1976. A greater quantity than the cumulative deaths from breast and brain cancers in the same period. The UK has the second-worst cold weather mortality rate of 30 European countries, and when balanced for wealth, ranks amongst the worst in the world. However current national standards for energy efficiency are not good enough, and the government has recently canned the scheme to help households with the costs of insulation. The Local Plan for Epsom & Ewell should therefore impose higher requirements than the minimum, following the lead of Mole Valley.

Tackling the climate emergency – one home at a time.
Energy usage in our homes accounts for 14% of UK emissions. To tackle the climate emergency, we know that we must urgently reduce our carbon footprint. The phrase ‘activism starts at home’ could not be truer. It shouldn’t cost the earth to live in a healthy, comfortable dwelling. So as well as concentrating on insulation, the expectation should be that our Local Plan should require all new builds to do as much as possible to generate their own source of power and heating, through PV panels and air or ground-source heat pumps. Indeed, could our Borough show some innovative thinking and propose ideas such as solar panel structures over the surface car parks at Upper High Street, and micro-wind turbines on all buildings?

If this topic interested you, please read an Epsom resident’s experience with insulation and heating by clicking here.

Image Unsplash

Image: Unsplash

As part of our duo of articles regarding insulation and heating, Epsom & Ewell Times met Peter and his wife Elsa. Peter is a brave local resident who took the plunge with an air-heat pump system. The unit set him back a staggering £11,000 to heat a home of 8 rooms.

Why did you do it?

“I’m a bit geeky and regard myself as an “early adopter” of new technologies. The price of these pumps will go down in time. It strikes me as a no-brainer when for every kilowatt of energy you pay for you can get as much as four kilowatts of heat for free.”

How do you defy Julius Robert Mayer’s law on the conservation of energy?

“Read it in full: “The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed – only converted from one form of energy to another. This means that a system always has the same amount of energy unless it’s added from the elsewhere”. It’s that last bit that gives the free energy. You know the back of a fridge gives off heat when a liquid inside evaporates. Basically, the air-heat pump uses a liquid with a very low boiling point, about -5 degrees. A fan, you pay to power, blows air from the outside onto a mesh of tubes containing the liquid and the condensing of the evaporated liquid enables the release of heat.”

“I had to replace my gas boiler anyway that would have set me back about £5000 and when I invested  in the air-heat-pump the Government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme was open and I am eligible for payments of about £5000 over seven years.”

The scheme opened in 2014 and closed to new applicants on 31^st March this year. 

“It does work”, he enthuses. But, an investment in a system that really works is not for faint hearts. There are many suppliers who may send salespersons to persuade you that their company’s system is a workable solution. “The best thing to do is to get as many quotes and free surveys as possible. Ideally, pay for a fully independent expert report from a consultant who is not tied in any way to a supplier. There is a lot of maths involved in determining the right solution, if any, that will work for your house. The older your house the greater the challenge. In my case to make it work I had to invest thousands in insulating my 120-year-old house. Cladding on the outside, improvements to double-glazing, cavity wall filling and also I converted to under-floor heating.”

When do you think you will break even?

“I don’t see myself doing that, as things are now, but with the massive increases in energy prices recently and further increases on the horizon, it is quite possible I will make savings in the long run. And if you live in a new build with high insulation standards you have a head start”.

Elsa interjects to say she needs to switch on an extra electric heater when Peter is not looking. That is why Epsom & Ewell Times are respecting this couple’s request for anonymity.

If this topic interested you, please read its twin article, a piece by Epsom LibDem Councillor David Gulland on insulation…

Share your thoughts with other readers on the pros and cons of ground-source and air heat pumps to replace your gas boilers. Contact us via Twitter @EpsomandET or via email at admin@epsomandewelltimes.com

READ MORE: Joe Wicks documentary: Epsom-born Fitness star shares his emotional family struggles

Image: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Legendary American Jockey Steve Cauthen has announced he will join ITV Racing to cover the Platinum Jubilee Derby in Epsom. Cauthen, born in Kentucky to a horse-trainer father, began his racing career in the USA before moving to the UK, where restrictions on Jockey weight are more relaxed.

He has enjoyed an extremely successful career, being the only Jockey to have won both the Kentucky Derby (1978) and the Epsom Derby (1985, 1987), he was even named Sport’s illustrated Sportperson of the Year in 1978, after becoming the youngest jockey to win the coveted U.S. Triple Crown.

Cauthen will be broadcasting in the UK for the first time ever, he’s more than familiar with Epsom and will be surely be warmly welcomed back by the racing community.

Joining Steve Cauthen on the podium will be Ed Chamberlain, triple Derby-winning jockey Johnny Murtagh and former jockey, Jason Weaver. They also be joined by ITV Royal correspondent, Katie Nicholl.

“Having won the Derby on both Slip Anchor and Reference Point, Epsom is a special place for me and to be presenting there for ITV on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend will be extraordinary,” said Cauthen.

READ MORE: Epsom Downs Racecourse: Brian Finch appointed New Chair

Pictured above: Musical artist and former X-Factor UK contestant Souli Roots and her daughter.

Epsom Rotary Club is about community, charity, fun and friendship. They run social events throughout the year and are involved in projects in both the local and international communities. Having been involved in many charitable events across the borough (They donated PPE and a seat to Epsom Hospital in 2020) they’re well known in the borough as a powerful charitable and social force.

They also run the Epsom and Ewell Showcase, which took place in April, featuring a number of performers and raising funds for multiple charities. Featuring artists such as Protogem, Souli Roots and the Epsom & Ewell Silver Band, the showcase is a fantastic event meant to raise money for good causes, and celebrate the local artistic talent in a community-driven way.

Sad you missed it? Fear not, read below a short write-up that the Rotary Club has kindly provided us with…

“Wow! What a great evening. I run a group, can we sign up for next year. Weren’t the Mencap group a joy. Can I get a CD?” These were just some of the comments we got after the hugely successful Epsom and Ewell Showcase which Epsom Rotary Club produced last night. (19 April 2022). It was a truly incredible evening which is what you get when you have performers who love to be on stage supporting a cause which they believe in. It’s just amazing the drive that is shown as everyone wants to do their best. People went home with a spring in their steps. When you saw some of the young dancers you felt that some stars were born last night. Pictures are of Protėgėm dancers and Souli Roots and her daughter arriving for rehearsals.”

Needless to add, all the performers enjoyed their experiences and the Epsom Rotary team achieved a massive sense of pride in being part of the show. The funds were raised for four charities involved, Age Concern, Dyscover, Mid Surrey Mencap and Mary Francis Trust and we were able to raise profits to the tune of approximately £2,400. The lineup was three dance groups – Ambition School of Dance, Bharatha Kalalayam Dance, Protegeim, bands – Badger Set, Epsom & Ewell Silver Band and Low Key Affair, solo artists, Daniel, Cam and Jamie respectively doing sets on vocals and guitar, and keyboard and Leatherhead Link for Mencap and not least duo act Souli Roots and with a tribute to the Queen’s Jubilee – the National Anthem where the audience all joyfully waved flags.

The Rotary Club’s Press officer Maria Antiss told me “Our aspiration for the future is to expand membership so that we can achieve more community work and raise funds for good causes both locally and internationally”

With the Rotary Club’s eye’s set on expansion, now would be a very good time to get involved with a great local organisation.

READ MORE: Council Committees: Everything you need to know

If you are interested in the work that Epsom Rotary Club does, or interested in helping out in their volunteering events, then please get in contact with them via their website or social media channels.

Image: Brian Finch | The Jockey Club

On Tuesday (17th May) it was announced that Brian Finch would succeed Julia Budd as the Chair of Epsom Downs Racecourse beginning June 5th. Budd’s term will end after the Cazoo Derby Weekend.

A passionate racing fan since his childhood in Zimbabwe, Brian has been involved in racehorse ownership for over 25 years and joined the Epsom Racecourse Committee in 2021. Currently retired, he is also a member of the Racecourse Committee at Sandown Park Racecourse and a Trustee of the National Horseracing Museum.

Brian Finch said: “I am delighted and hugely honoured to succeed Julia at Epsom Downs, a racecourse that will soon host the 243rd running of the iconic Derby.

“I very much look forward to working with the Jockey Club team to build on the great work of my immediate and past predecessors ensuring that the Derby and Epsom Downs racecourse continue to remain part of the national social fabric.”

Sandy Dudgeon, Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, said: “I am delighted that Brian has agreed to become Chair of Epsom Downs Racecourse following this year’s historic Derby.

“His experience both inside the racing industry and beyond, coupled with his huge enthusiasm for the sport and Epsom Downs will be a huge asset as our stewardship of this iconic racing venue and its most famous race enters a new and exciting chapter. 

“I must also thank Julia for her dedication, time and wise counsel in her time as Chair. Her guidance in navigating the unprecedented challenges of the last two years has been invaluable and this year’s Derby and its place in the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations will be a fitting way to end her term. She does so with my best wishes and the sincerest thanks of all at The Jockey Club.”

READ MORE: Joe Wicks documentary: Epsom-born Fitness star shares his emotional family struggles

Image credit: (BBC/Mindhouse/Phil Sharp)

In a new documentary titled Joe Wicks: Facing My Childhood, Epsom born and raised Joe Wicks, better known as ‘The Body Coach’ has shared his story regarding growing up with parents who suffer from mental health issues.

Many people have followed Joe’s work for years, he’s even been referred to as a ‘National Treasure’ by many. He truly became a household name during the early stages of the pandemic, releasing ‘P.E. with Joe’ videos on YouTube to help keep Britain fit and healthy during lockdown.

Born and raised in Epsom, Joe went to Blenheim High School in Ewell and attended college at NESCOT before undertaking a Sports Science degree at the University of Twickenham. After university, he briefly worked as a teaching assistant before becoming a personal trainer. Joe began posting workout and nutrition-based content onto his Instagram page in 2014, eventually amassing over 4 million followers. He has hosted a segment on Channel 4 titled ‘Joe Wicks – Body Coach’ and released a series of cookbooks that feature workouts and healthy recipes. He has also appeared on multiple talk shows, on top of being given an MBE in 2020.

The Body Coach has now released a documentary on the BBC regarding his childhood and family struggles with mental health. The documentary features Joe returning to his childhood home on Curtis Road in Ewell, and going back to visit his old school, Blenheim.

Wicks, whose father was a heroin addict and whose mother suffers from debilitating OCD, opened up about the anxieties and struggles he faced growing up, and how he felt like he was unable to process the strong emotions that his family situation inspired in him.

Speaking to O.K. Magazine, Joe says: “It’s so important. I just think a lot of men struggle with showing emotion and being vulnerable and crying. But if you can unleash that emotion it’s a superpower.”

He continues: “I’ve cried on TV, radio shows, my podcast. I’m a crier and I love it. I’m not embarrassed. I cry all the time because I’m proud and I get emotional.”

Reflecting on the documentary, Joe added: “I really don’t want it to be a heavy documentary that’s really sad and depressing. I want there to be a positive outlook on it.

The documentary was broadcast on Monday 16th May 2022, and is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.

READ MORE: Epsom Safe Haven moves to new location

With the Mayor Making ceremony last night at Bourne Hall, Epsom and Ewell officially have a new mayor, along with the new mayor, the policy, standards, advisory and regulatory committees have had new chairs and vice-chairs appointed.

Who chairs what committee? What do these committees do? Read on for all you need to know about the committees and their new chairpeople.

Audit and Scrutiny Committee

Chair: Steve Bridger

Vice-Chair: Nigel Colin

The Audit and Scrutiny Committee is an audit committee made up of 10 councillors and serves as the council’s primary form of internal scrutiny. The committee serves many vital functions, such as monitoring the progress of the Council’s corporate plan, reviewing and approving the annual governance statement and exercising scrutiny and review functions.

The committee will now be chaired by Councillor Steve Bridger of Stamford Ward, and Vice-Chaired by Councillor Nigel Colin of College Ward.

Community and Wellbeing Committee 

Chair: Alex Coley

Vice-Chair: Christine Cleveland

The Community and Wellbeing Committee is a policy committee dedicated to the promotion of sports, leisure, cultural and recreational activities in the borough. The committee is also responsible for the management of The Playhouse, Bourne Hall, Ewell Court House, The Rainbow Centre and Bourne Hall Museum.

The committee’s agenda is very broad, covering everything from parks and recreation to housing benefits, making it one of the most important vital committees for the day-to-day running of the council. The committee will now be chaired by Councillor Alex Coley of Ruxley Ward ad vice-chaired by Christine Cleveland of Ewell Ward.

Environment & Safe Communities Committee

Chair: John Beckett

Vice-Chair: Arthur Abdulin

The Environment & Safe Communities Committee is a policy committee responsible for transportation policy, waste management refuse and collection, as well as community safety and crime prevention. An extremely important committee, it manages many vital aspects of policy for the council.

The committee will now be chaired by Councillor John Beckett of Auriol Ward, and vice-chaired by Councillor Arthur Abdulin of Town Ward.

Licensing and Planning Policy Committee

Chair: Steven McCormick

Vice-Chair: Peter O’Donovan

The Licensing and Planning Policy Committee serves to consider and approve Local Plan documents for public consultation (including Development Plan Documents up to the Preferred Options stage and Supplementary Planning Documents up to the Consultation stage). The Committee also considers and approves (i) draft Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans for public consultation and (ii) the final version of Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans, as well as safeguarding the historic environment of Epsom & Ewell.

The committee is now chaired by Councillor Steve McCormick of Woodcote Ward, and vice-chaired by Councillor Peter O’Donovan of Ewell Court Ward.

Planning Committee

Chair: Humphrey Reynolds

Vice-Chair: Phil Neale

The Planning Committee is a regulatory committee in place to deal with regulatory matters required by and flowing from, Town and Country Planning legislation including matters relating to high hedges, and to develop and maintain communication and consultation with the public, local businesses and relevant organisations.

The committee is now chaired by Councillor Humphrey Reynolds of Ewell Ward and vice-chaired by Councillor Phil Neale of Cuddington Ward.

Strategy and Resources Committee

Chair: Neil Dallen

Vice-Chair: Hannah Dalton

The Strategy and Resources Committee is a policy committee that is responsible for the Budget and Policy Framework, for submission to the Council, and for implementation and monitoring of treasury management policies. The committee is also responsible for Human Resources management and investment strategy.

The extremely important committee also has jurisdiction over electoral matters, including polling stations and ward boundaries.

The committee is now chaired by Councillor Neil Dallen of Town Ward and vice-chaired by Councillor Hannah Dalton of Stoneleigh Ward.

Standards and Constitution Committee

Chair: Liz Frost

Vice-Chair: Hannah Dalton

The Standards and Constitution Committee is a standards committee responsible for assisting and advising the Council in meeting its duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by members, to monitor and review the effectiveness of the Code of Conduct for members and To ensure that the general public are informed of the effectiveness of the Council’s promotion of high standards of conduct by members and effectiveness of arrangements to deal with breaches of the Code of Conduct for members.

The committee is chaired by Councillor Liz Frost of Woodcote Ward and vice-chaired by Councillor Hannah Dalton of Stoneleigh Ward.

Financial Policy Panel

Chair: Neil Dallen

The Financial Policy Panel serves to advise the Strategy and Resources Committee on all matters relating to budget and policy framework (including the setting of staff pay) and all matters legislation or policy related to local government finance. The committee also serves to scrutinise treasury management, for both strategy and policy.

The panel is chaired by Councillor Neil Dallen of Town Ward.

Health Liaison Panel

Chair: Christine Cleveland

The Health Liasion Panel advise the Community & Welling Committee on preparing, promoting and monitoring the Council’s Health Strategy in association with National Health Service bodies, Social Services and the voluntary sector; providing leadership and liaising with NHS bodies, the County Council and other agencies to promote the effective use of all resources and the delivery of best value Health and Social Services to the community.

It is chaired by Councillor Christine Cleveland of Ewell Ward

Human Resources Panel

Chair: Peter Webb

The Human Resources Panel serves to advise the Strategy and Resources Committee on employment policies and good practice (excluding the setting of staff pay); staff wellbeing.

It is chaired by Councillor Peter Webb of Auriol Ward

Picture credit: Nathalia Anzola photography

Councillor Clive Woodbridge was officially recognised as the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell for this year at the Council’s annual Mayor Making ceremony at Bourne Hall, Ewell on Monday 16 May.

As Mayor for the year 2022/2023, Clive will have a full diary from day one with a number of civic events planned through the year including visits to residents, community and sports groups, as well as representing the borough’s residents at formal Platinum Jubilee activities.

On becoming Mayor, Clive said, “It is a real honour to be chosen by my peers to be Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, a borough that has been my home for more than 40 years. I’m really looking forward to using this time as an opportunity to highlight the many individuals and groups who do so much to make this a very special place, where people care for one another and take great pride in where they live. I hope to visit as many residents and local organisations as possible in my term of office and showcase what a truly wonderful community this is.”

Clive has been a councillor representing the residents of Ewell since 2007. Over the past 15 years, he has fulfilled a number of different roles at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, including being Chair of both the Leisure and Planning committees. Clive has also played a leading role nationally within the Local Government Association (LGA) and is currently Deputy Chair of its Safer and Stronger Communities Board, having recently been Deputy Leader of the LGA Independent Group. During his time as Mayor, he has to remain politically neutral.

Community roles have included being a Governor at two local schools. For a number of years, he has served on the committees of the 2nd Ewell Rainsters scout group and the Ewell Parochial Trust and he is active within the local Town-Twinning Association.

For 40 years Clive has been a freelance technical journalist, specialising in shipping and ports and is a recognised contributor to many different international trade publications.

He has also been a head judge for the British Curry Awards since its inception.

Born in High Wycombe in 1958, Clive attended Wycombe Royal Grammar School, Warwick University and London School of Economics. He moved to Ewell in 1982, married Mary in 1985, and brought up three boys.  

Clive is a keen West Ham supporter and season ticket holder, which, he says, has over the years brought him pain and pleasure in fairly equal measure.

During his Mayoral year Clive will aim to raise awareness of, and funds for seven charities, all of which have a connection to causes close to his and Mary’s heart. These are:

•           Epsom & Ewell Foodbank

•           Shine Cancer Support

•           Epsom Sports Club

•           Cardiac Risk in the Young

•           Racing Welfare

•           Bliss

•           JDRF Diabetes Research

READ MORE: Epsom’s House of Fraser closing date revealed

The Epsom Safe Haven from today, 16th May, has been moved and will now be based at Brickfield Centre, Portland Place, KT17 1DL, and will be ready to see people from 6 pm tonight.

The Epsom Safe Haven has moved.

From today, 16 May, the Safe Haven will be based at Brickfield Centre, Portland Place, KT17 1DL and ready to see people from 6pm. See the full story https://t.co/I5tEbYfQl2 pic.twitter.com/geDnIWuplr

— Surrey and Borders (@sabpNHS) May 16, 2022

The Safe Haven program is a series of out-of-hours clinics available for people suffering from a mental health crisis, it operates as a drop-in service. It’s meant to serve as a safe alternative to A&E for people suffering from mental health issues. It has branches all over the country, including Epsom.

The relocation follows a decision by commissioners from Surrey County Council, funders at Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System, as well as service providers Mary Frances Trust and Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP) that the current building is no longer suitable to deliver the service. After an extensive engagement period to gather views from people using the service as well as partner organisations and local stakeholders, it was decided that the best location for the service was at the Brickfield Centre in Epsom.

For more information about Epsom Safe Haven, please visit their website.

Epsom & Ewell F.C. have announced that Anthony Jupp will become their new head coach, following the departure of Jamie Byatt. Jupp was formally the manager of Horley Town F.C.

Epsom & Ewell finished in 6th place in the Southern Combination League this season, and no doubt be looking to strengthen their squad over the summer.

Anthony will assume this position immeadlety, as Epsom & Ewell F.C. look to take on their pre-season friendlies…

Epsom & Ewell Times would like to congratulate Anthony wholeheartedly, as we all look forward to watching Epsom & Ewell F.C. again next season.

Image: www.visitlondon.com

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is just around the corner, and excitement is growing for the many events being held to commemorate it. A classic staple of the Jubilee is the RAF Flypast that will take place this summer (June 2nd) to close off the Queen’s Birthday parade.

Spectators will be able to witness the stream of red, white and blue smoke as the RAF makes their flyover Surrey, going over Guildford, Reigate, Woking and, of course, Epsom.

READ MORE: Platinum Jubilee: 5 things to do in Epsom!

The timetable for the Platinum Jubilee Flypast shows the approximate timescale of the event and shows you when you will be able to see the event in your area. The jets are expected to be over Surrey between 12.50 pm and 1.30 pm.

Are you planning out looking our for the RAF on June 2nd? Let us know on Twitter: @EpsomandET, and keep checking epsomandewelltimes.com for more jubilee stories!

READ MORE: Epsom Derby: Queen’s horse pulled out of race

Sunday 15^th May 2022 local music lovers gathered for Epsom Symphony Orchestra’s second concert of the year. Long-standing conductor Darrell Davison introduced the programme with his customary relaxed style. Edward Elgar, the 20^th century’s quintessential English composer, borrowed his 18^th century predecessor, George Handel’s strings and two oboe Overture in D Minor and converted the work for a full symphony orchestra. The unmistakable Elgarian tones overlaid a familiar Handelian form.

Now warmed up ESO’s 52 players embraced Brahms’ violin concerto with gusto and together with young Moldovan violinist Ionel Manciu demonstrated the acoustic prowess of Epsom Playhouse’s main auditorium. Not a single nuanced whisper of Manciu’s strings could be missed from the back of the Hall. As if Manciu’s technical skills had not been demonstrated enough during his improvisations in the 2^nd movement he treated his audience to an encore of Grigora Dinicu’s “The Clock,” where the tick-tock of time was plucked from the neck of his instrument with his left-hand rather that the usual right bow-hand near the bridge.

The concert ended with Dvorak’s next most popular symphony after “The New World” 9^th, namely the 8^th. If there is any doubt about the value for money and time attending your local orchestra performing in a local venue, then the final stupendous bars of the Symphony, being played with an energy and precision equal to anything you might hear in a London concert hall, set those doubts to rest.

ESO’s next concert is on Saturday 15^th October 2022 featuring Nielsen’s Helios Overture, Grieg’s Piano Concerto and Sibelius’s Second Symphony. Visit www.epsomsymphony.co.uk and Epsom Playhouse for tickets. Do support your local orchestra. In particular encourage the Borough’s younger generation to experience the excitement of 54 skilled musicians on stage “rocking” with sounds that only ignorance stands in the way of enjoying.

By our special and independent music correspondent – Lionel Blackman.

Epsom’s House of Fraser is shutting it’s doors for good on June 24th, leaving Epsom residents wondering what shop could take it’s place. There’s been much discussion on the topic of House of Fraser’s succession, so we’ve curated a list of 5 possible shops that could appear after it closes… read on!

Primark

Our first option is quite an obvious one, and there wouldn’t be any surprises if Primark did indeed turn out to fill the vacant spot that House of Fraser is leaving behind. Doubtless it would pump some well-needed life into Epsom’s retail heart, and it’s reasonable prices are something that everyone can agree on.

A well known household brand, it would provide easy access for shopper to come in and pick up essential clothing items, as well as gifts and other items, at a very good price.

READ MORE: Surrey musical quartet to play Jubilee concert to fundraise for their local NHS

H&M

It’s worth noting that there used to be not one but two H&M stores in the Ashley Centre, H&M and H&M Kids, both stores ended up closing their doors. Since then, H&M has opened a successful store in Sutton, could it be time for Epsom to give H&M another chance?

The prices are good, the selection is pretty decent as well, although it’s very unlikely to take House of Fraser’s spot in the Ashley Centre.

Flannels

Could Flannels replace House of Fraser? The high-end streetwear store is doing well in Sutton and other places, so is it so out of the question that the luxury brand could open up a shop in Epsom?

This is very unlikely to happen, all in all, the demand for shops like this in Epsom is low, and it’s hard to imagine such a risky investment paying off, especially considering the luck that some clothes shops (H&M, House of Fraser) have had in the Ashley Centre.

If it does happen though, Epsom will have a new go-to for brands such as OFF-WHITE, Stone Island and Hugo Boss.

UNIQLO

A slightly left of field option, UNIQLO is a Japanese casualwear shop, mostly located in Central London, a UNIQLO store in Epsom could draw shoppers from all over the south to the Ashley Centre, and end up being exactly the kind of retail injection that the town needs.

UNIQLO would be welcomed by fashion enthusiasts and casual alike. With their sleek, elegant designs and futuristic minimalism it would certainly be a breath of fresh air in the Ashley Centre.

However, the prices of some of their items may put shoppers off, they’re hardly comparable to H&M and Primark, but there’s an argument to make that you get what you pay for, quality wise.

Crazy golf

Now for something a little bit different. Why not forgo the retail route and implement some entertainment into the Ashely Centre? It would certainly bring in more families and would get people talking about Epsom!

Crazy golf is normally an outdoor affair, but more and more indoor golf venues are opening up, could Epsom have it’s very own indoor golf course?

What are your thoughts? Please let us know on Twitter @EpsomandET, or email in at admin@epsomandewelltimes.com

For more stories like this, please click here

Image: Surrey Police

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision in Ewell this morning (Thursday, 12 May).

Officers were called to report a collision between a white Honda car and two pedestrians at around 8.25 am on the A24 Ewell By-Pass. The collision occurred on the southbound carriageway near the junction with Castle Avenue.

A child was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the vehicle involved remains at the scene and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

The southbound carriageway of the A24 Ewell By-Pass is currently closed between the junctions with Cheam Road and London Road (Organ Crossroads). It is likely to remain closed for the next few hours.

Surrey police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any dashcam footage, to contact them straightaway quoting reference number P22098231. Please get in touch via:

• Webchat on their website https://www.surrey.police.uk/
• Online https://www.surrey.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
• Calling them on 101

If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Epsom & Ewell Times enjoyed spending part of an afternoon at the U3A Open House at Bourne Hall in Ewell. U3A is a non-profit organisation that includes over 1000 charities, encouraging people who can no longer work to come together and learn for fun.

With activities such as chess, beer & wine tasting, racket sports, flower arranging and even belly dancing, spoilt-for-choice would be an understatement. With their youngest member being 49, and their eldest being 101, the only requirement to join (on top of the very fair £15/yr. membership fee) is not being in full-time employment.

The atmosphere in the hall was bustling as members (current and prospective alike) browsed the various stalls and chatted with organisers about their preferred activities. Member’s artwork was on display, examples of chess openings were proudly laid out on tables and an assortment of beers and wines (for display purposes only) were presented on the Beer & Wine tasting table. There was truly something for everyone.

READ MORE: Queen misses opening of Parliament – Derby in question?

U3A was initially called the University of The Third Age, the name refers to the phase of life that begins after you retire (The titular third age, the first being education, the second being work and family building) in which you are free to pursue artistic or intellectual interests that you enjoy. U3A looks to act as a guiding hand for people entering this age, to allow them to pursue lifelong hobbies they love or expose them to new ones that they didn’t have time to try before retirement.

Upon speaking with a green-fingered gardening group, I was informed that Epsom, last year, entered Britain in Bloom and took silver. This year, Ewell Village themselves have entered, and are working with the council, focusing on Bourne Hall Park, looking to add even more colour and beauty to the vibrant park.

They also informed me that Gertrude memorial Garden has been neglected for nearly 7 years, and they will be focusing on that too. Friends of Bourne Hall will be planting brand new plants in the garden, working alongside the council. The endeavour will take around 2 years. The project was started as a mix of Local Pride and Horticulture, the volunteers told me that they see this as a big project, members of the group told me that previous experience in project management roles is proving invaluable to the task.

For more information regarding the amazing work that U3A does for people in our community, and up and down the country, please visit their website.

https://www.u3a.org.uk/

Read: Epsom’s House of Fraser closing date revealed

Epsom’s House of Fraser store will be shutting it’s doors for good in a matter of weeks, according to a store employee. The department store has been synonymous with the Ashley Centre for years, and will no doubt be missed by Epsom’s shoppers.

The store was originally slated for closure in 2018 , when the company announced that the Epsom branch would close along with 30 other House of Fraser stores across the country. The fire of hope was brightened in 2020 when a short-term lease extended the lifespan of the store, but it now looks like the shop will be closing indefinitely.

Having already shut their flagship Oxford Street branch earlier this year, it looks like another House of Fraser store has bit the dust. It’s worth mentioning that there are still House of Fraser stores in London, as well as a branch in Guildford and Croydon.

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According to SurreyLive, the Epsom store’s final day of trading will be Friday 24th of June, just over a month away.

The absence of House of Fraser from the Ashley Centre will undoubtedly leave a big retail hole in Epsom, leaving residents curious about what shop could step up to take its place in the shopping centre…

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