It’s been a busy November, both here in Epsom & Ewell and in Parliament. I’ve been engaging with local businesses, volunteers, and public services – while also continuing work in Parliament to advocate for cancer care, public transport, and national policy issues. As always, your concerns and priorities shape my work, and I remain committed to delivering for Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead, Leatherhead, and beyond!

Update 1 December: SCC spokesperson: "Surrey County Council (SCC) remains in the early stages of discussion with Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) regarding surrender of the lease for the former Youth Centre site, The Bridge, in north Leatherhead."As part of these preliminary conversations, both councils are exploring the possibility of SCC undertaking the demolition of the existing building prior to any lease surrender.

As East Surrey is one of the highest property value areas outside London, it’s expected that many properties in private estates in Oxshott, Cobham, Esher, Weybridge and a few parts of Leatherhead and Fetcham could fall within the new charges announced in the 2025 Autumn Budget. The Government Valuation Office Agency has explained how this will be worked out. If the surcharge on £2m plus valued properties is included in Council Tax bills, this will only be with Councils as the collection agent.

News release from Sustainable Mole Valley below. This covers the council car parks at Swan Centre Leatherhead, Ashtead, Bookham and Dorking with one exception. But the EV charging rates at the Elmbridge car parks are already lower However of the future East Surrey Council predecessor authorities both Mole Valley and Elmbridge appear to be ahead of Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge Council on using government derived funding to provide EV charging points at all.

Pippbrook House Enters a New Phase as a Cultural Hub November 27, 2025 With roof works complete and scaffolding removed, the Grade II* listed gothic mansion Pippbrook House, close to the Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) offices in central Dorking, now heads into an exciting new phase as a vibrant hub of cultural and community events. Designed by distinguished architect George Gilbert Scott and built in the 1850s, this historic building boasts an impressive heritage and richly decorated interior.

Although the submitted planning application for Leatherhead town centre redevelopment is (at 28 November weekly list) not yet validated, key highlights are now on display in the Swan Centre. With QR code links for the next stage of the process. This final stage of a long process dating back to 2015 is to enable the council planning officers to review the proposals against local and national planning policies and consult statutory bodies including the highways water and drainage authorities.

Surrey County Council property department has now given notice of demolition for the disused youth and community centre The Bridge in North Leatherhead. SCC Cabinet has decided not to replace the building and focus on a new community building in Bookham opposite the Anchor on Lower Road to replace an old disused youth building there. The site at Bookham belongs to SCC.

The Goodwyns area in Dorking is proposed for a 20 speed limit. This proposal is by Surrey County Council as the highway authority: Goodwyns, Dorking - Proposed 20mph scheme Surrey County Council is proposing a 20mph scheme on roads around Goodwyns, Dorking. SCC says : “Your feedback is important to us. Public engagement gives residents and highways users the opportunity to comment on our proposals.

An investigation into doorstep frauds targeting elderly and vulnerable homeowners has resulted in multiple guilty verdicts for money laundering. … Trading Standards doorstep crime investigation leads to prosecution for money laundering An investigation into doorstep frauds targeting elderly and vulnerable homeowners has resulted in multiple guilty verdicts for money laundering. Between February and September 2019, fraudsters operating across Surrey, Essex and London pressured victims into paying large sums for unnecessary or poorly executed building works.

It’s been several years since many of the local playgrounds have been upgraded but funding from development levy has now been allocated in Mole Valley. Elmbridge has also made an announcement on splash pads and playgrounds this week. Both news releases from the councils below - both areas going into the new East Surrey Council 2027 :

Hot on the heels of their announcement on site searches for M&S Food stores expansion, the retailer has confirmed their intention to move in Dorking This will be from the split level store in St Martin’s Walk to a larger drive in store in Vincent Lane in the current Wickes premises. We understand M&S acquired the freehold. Cllr Paula Keay MVDC cabinet member for economic issues is quoted…

From Surrey Police : Crime Alert - Catalytic Converter Thefts We are seeing a rise in catalytic converter thefts across east Surrey. This is a metal device that sits under your car near the engine and helps to clean exhaust fumes. Your car insurance isn’t valid without one, and they’re crucial to the smooth running of your vehicle. Catalytic converters are stolen because they contain valuable metals such as platinum, rhodium or palladium.

Update on the East Surrey oil drilling saga near Horley from the Drill or Drop campaign: Horse Hill latest Key information needed for a new planning application for a controversial drilling site in Surrey will be submitted before Christmas, it was revealed today. The suspended Horse Hill oil site 2025. Image: Google Earth/Airbus 10/4/2025 Planning permission for the Horse Hill oil production site, near Reigate, was…

Extracts from Cobham county councillor David Lewis Newsletter HIGHWAYS UPDATEThere has been a lot of work taking place on the highways in and around Cobham. Some residents have expressed their frustration at the delays and congestion that have been caused, but much of it is unplanned emergency work and outside the control of Surrey County Council. M25/J10: The outside lane of the Painshill roundabout has been closed between the southbound A3 entry slip road and the northbound A3 exit slip road.

Fetcham/Leatherhead, Oxshott, Cobham, Ewell, Esher, Thames Ditton, Oxted, Weybridge, Stoneleigh, Banstead and Tadworth and Reigate all appear on a target list issued by M&S Food for potential new stores. The retailer is seeking sites and expressions of interest from landlords and developers as part of an expansion of its food only stores. In addition we understand Richmond could become a food only store, and in Dorking M&S are understood to have the freehold of the store occupied by Wickes in Vincent Lane next to Lidl.

Booking details in the article Surrey County Council’s popular tree giveaway events are back with an impressive 4,000 free trees up for grabs at … Free trees for Surrey residents at giveaway events Surrey County Council’s popular tree giveaway events are back with an impressive 4,000 free trees up for grabs at locations around the county. Surrey residents can visit one of the following community recycling centres (CRCs) to collect a free tree to plant at home: …

Eligible businesses in Leatherhead have until 5pm on Monday 1 December 2025 to cast their vote for or against the town having its own Business Improvement District (BID). Votes need to be returned to either MVDC Pippbrook Dorking offices or Civica (details on ballot papers) by the 5pm deadline on 1 December. The result will be announced on 2 December. For any lost or spoiled ballot paper enquires, businesses should email bids.uk@civica.com as soon as possible.

Earlier updates including free seasonal parking in local towns currently under different council arrangements: Christmas events including Oxshott with Sam Faiers

The budget setting for the final year of Surrey County Council before the creation of the two unitary councils. The draft SCC budget covers the bulk of your council tax on statutory services predominantly adult social care, children’s services, education, SEND provision and the fire and rescue service. With road maintenance also part of the county budget. District and borough councils will consult separately on their budgets.

Community groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charities, parish and town councils and schools can now apply for a Waste Prevention Grant … £25,000 of funding announced to support waste reduction in communities Community groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charities, parish and town councils and schools can now apply for a Waste Prevention Grant worth between £200 and £2,500, to develop or create initiatives that reduce waste.

Everyone has a person. You’re their person. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has launched their “You’re their person” campaign, urging loved ones, … Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to look out for vulnerable people this winter Everyone has a person. You’re their person. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has launched their “You’re their person” campaign, urging loved ones, carers and utility workers to look out for vulnerable people this winter by referring them for a free Safe and Well Visit.

Repair of the burst main in Oxshott is going to take until Wednesday or Thursday. As an unplanned emergency it cannot be postponed nor can other planned work nearby be paused. The cumulative impact of different roadworks, often to deal with leaks and resurfacing or replacement pipe work long overdue is probably inevitable. Residents in parts of Oxshott may have experienced reduced water pressure overnight due to a burst main and reactive repairs. Blundel Lane between … Burst water main Blundel Lane

With the announcement that a two unitary council structure has been chosen for Surrey, Leader of Mole Valley District Council, Councillor Bridget Kendrick, talks us through what this change means for the district and our residents. View on Facebook Earlier article: Some of the details of council decision making arrangements for the East Surrey Council ahead of its creation 2027 are now being worked up for … Joint Committee for East Surrey Council ahead of reorganisation

National news on rail fares freeze with impact across Surrey commuter areas and follows the introduction of contactless ticketing 14 December at Dorking Ashtead Leatherhead. First rail freeze in 30 years to ease the cost of living Rail fares frozen for the first time in 30 years in historic intervention to deliver real savings for millions of commuters. From:

From the Surrey Highways Service For works scheduled 24 – 30 November 2025 Improving Safety on Surrey’s Roads Surrey County Council is continuing its work to make Surrey’s roads safer for everyone who lives, works and travels in our county. As part of our Vision Zero commitment, which aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads by 50% by 2035, we have invested in a series of new road safety measures designed to cut collisions and improve driver behaviour.