Communities - Egham

Feisty meeting debates barricade for Egham Hythe 'rat run'

2010-02-05T09:52:38Z

Angry residents packed a church hall to discuss controversial plans to barricade a road to stop speeding motorists.

More than 70 residents filled St Paul's Church Hall, Egham Hythe, to hear more about plans by Surrey County Council to put a barrier in St Paul's Road to prevent it being used as a 'rat run' by speeding motorists, getting from Chertsey Lane to Thorpe Road and vice versa.

The feisty meeting, chaired by borough ward councillor, Gill Warner, involved residents both in favour of the barrier, many from St Paul's Road and the Wapshott and Bowes Road estate. And also numerous residents vehemently opposed to the proposals.

]]> Cllr Warner said that any traffic problems on the road would be exacerbated when other homes on the newly redeveloped housing estate were filled.

Arguing against the barrier, one resident said: "The community of Egham has the right to use this road."

Bowes Road resident, Dennis Williams, added: "Why should we on this estate be penalised by other traffic that comes through?

"They should be penalised in some way, and speed humps would do it. The speeding motorists should pay the penalty - not us."

Len Blackwood, who has lived on St Paul's Road for 30 years, said the barrier proposals were 'marvellous'. When a discussion arose about whether the key issue was sheer volume of traffic, or the speed of motorists, he said: "Speed is the crucial issue. I see cars going down here at 60mph and there's young kids around. I don't like it.

"Blow the amount of traffic, it's the speed. I would put up with going the long way round - for safety."

Another resident claimed he had been overtaken on the road by a BMW which 'went through at 45 or 50mph'.

"So, how are we going to stop that?" he asked.

Many other residents expressed fears that with the level crossing barriers down, there would be no alternative route for traffic and it would become even more congested. They claimed this would get even worse if the Airtrack rail link was to be given the go-ahead.

The barrier proposals came following a consultation between residents on the affected roads and Surrey County Council. The residents were given options of various calming measures, including speed humps and chicanes, but the barrier proved the most popular.

Another meeting will take place at the church hall on February 22, at 7pm. Surrey County Councillor, Yvonna Lay will be on hand to answer questions.

Other opinions expressed at the meeting:

"I can't see how anybody can shut this estate off, it's a public road. Is there no other way of slowing the traffic down? I'm concerned as in my street alone the number of cars has doubled."
"The question is where will the barriers go?"
"All this talk about speed, I live in Farm Close and was going to Egham last night and a BMW came past me and they went through at 45 or 50mph. So how are we going to stop that?"
"When the level crossing barriers are down, it's as bad here as it is at Pooley Green."
"Because it's ex-local authority housing they are putting in the cheapest option they can."

Are you for or against the proposed barrier? What alternatives would you suggest? Post your comments using the button below.

Transport collectors fair comes to Egham

2010-02-04T12:46:57Z

A transport collectors fair takes place at the Hythe Centre, Thorpe Road, on Saturday, February 13, from 10.30am until 3.30pm.

The fair will feature collectables for bus, tram, trolleybus, rail and underground. Access is via the vintage bus service 441c from 10.10am via Staines bus station, stand 3.

And also served by First Bus route 71 and travel Surrey route 441. Hot and cold snacks all day. For more details call 01784 455955.

Singing workshop comes to Egham Hythe

2010-01-31T16:54:25Z

A special vocal workshop for aspiring singers will take place at the Hythe Centre, Thorpe Road on Saturday, February 6 at 10.30am.

The event, which runs until 3.30pm is oganised by the The Hythe Singers and costs £30 per person.

For more details contact Elaine Sturman on 0208 579 1809 or email thehythesingers@hotmail.co.uk

Songs of Praise for elderly in Egham Hythe

2010-01-30T16:47:29Z

A special Songs of Praise for older members of the community will take place at St Paul's Church, Thorpe Road, on Wednesday, February 3 from 2.30pm.

The event is organised by Age Concern Runnymede and will provide disability friendly transport for those who require it.

For more details call 01784 459444, or for transport help, call Ann Hawkes on 01784 452983.

Holloway Chorus looking for new members

2010-01-29T16:43:55Z

The Royal Holloway Chorus are looking for new members ahead of the new term's concert.

The chorus will present a full performance of Berlioz's 'Te Deum' and will be auditioning members of the public as well as students from Royal Holloway. The show will be perfomed in conjunction with the Royal Holloway Symphony Orchestra at Windsor Parish Church on Saturday, February 27.

Rehearsals are held on Thursdays, 7.30pm - 9.00pm in the chapel at Royal Holloway. The first rehearsal is on Thursday January 14. Members should be able to read music. For more information please visit www.rhul.ac.uk/choirs/chorus

Inspector hails Egham Hythe dispersal order a success

2010-01-28T16:41:59Z

Runnymede Safer Neighbourhood Inspector, Roger Nield, has hailed the Section 30 dispersal order operating in Pooley Green as a success.

The order which forms part of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, allowed officers to disperse groups of youths believed might cause a disturbance. I

nsp. Nield stated there had been a reduction of reported anti-social behaviour incidents by as much as 30%. The order will finish at the end of January, but an enhanced police presence will continue in the area.

Coffee and company from new Egham group

2010-01-27T16:38:42Z

A new group will enable people to get together for a hot drink and some good conversation.

Coffee and Chat is a new group run by the United Church along with St John's Church and is an opportunity for people to enjoy a coffee and some company. Toys will be provided for children and there is space for buggies.

Coffee and Chat is open at the United Church, in Egham High Street, every Wednesday 10am - 12noon.

Quilters to hear from textile artist in Egham

2010-01-27T16:35:30Z

A textile artist will give a talk to a sewing group in February.

Sandra Meech will be giving a talk to the Thameside Quilters on February 15 on the topic of 'connecting art to stitch.'

The event will take place in Magna Carta School at 7.30pm.
For more information call Paula Doyle on 0782 179 9548.

Runnymede Council to buy JCB to save money

2010-01-27T16:22:21Z

The council are hoping to save £3,500 per year with the purchase of a £15,000 ex-hire JCB for use at the Chertsey Depot.

The 'Loadall' telescopic handler, like a large fork-lift, would be used for daily loading and unloading of bulky items too large for manual handling. Members of the council's financial bosses, the Corporate Management Committee met earlier this month to agree to the purchase.

To buy the vehicle new would cost £30,000 or to continue hiring it on a five-year contract would cost £8,100 per annum. The net saving from the purchase is put at £3,500pa.

Egham Hythe bungalow destroyed by arsonists

2010-01-25T16:07:57Z

Arsonists torched a dereclict bungalow neighbours say was a den for drug users and homeless people.

The property, in Chertsey Lane, Thorpe, suffered 80% damage during the blaze, which was first reported to emergency services by a member of the public at around 5.50pm.

]]> Initially, crews from Chertsey, Staines and Egham attend the scene after being told that someone might be inside.

Four firefighters used breathing apparatus to enter and tackle the flames, but the building was found to be empty.

Staines firefighter, Richard Whale, said: "Initially it was difficult, as it was dark, and the crews had to battle their way through the property."

The fire was brought under control shortly after 6.30pm but the firefighters did not leave the property until 10.30pm.

The property became empty when the owner, an elderly lady, died just over a year ago. But a neighbour on Chertsey Lane, said he had recently seen a woman coming and going from the home.

He said: "I saw all the fire engines and the police and wondered what was going on.
"We had the feeling that someone had been living in there as we had seen people coming and going in an out every once in a while."

John Blake and Walter Richardson, of Riverside Drive, Staines, were sitting in Mr Richardson's house with another neighbour over the River Thames and opposite the bungalow, when the fire started.

Mr Richardson first saw the flames and alerted his friends, and it was Mr Blake who rang the fire department.

Mr Blake said: "We were all sitting down having a drink, and then Walter said he could see flames. At first I didn't think anything but then I heard a loud bang and saw the flames go up more than 20 feet in the air, so I thought must have been a petrol job.

"I haven't seen anyone living there for a while, but up until a year ago there was an old lady living there.

"I phoned the fire brigade and they came very quickly and were very efficient and put the flames out quickly."

Mr Richardson said: "At first I thought it was some idiot burning rubbish but then the flames went whoosh and reached higher than the trees, one of which was very tall."

A resident from Ferry Avenue, opposite the bungalow in Egham Hythe, said: "We didn't see the fire, but we saw all the police tape this morning and thought that someone had been murdered.

"There's been people living in there, doing drink and drugs. The police know all about it."

Police are currently treating the incident as suspicious whilst investigations to establish the cause of the fire continue.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Surrey Police immediately on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference RM/10/440 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Motorcyclist killed in Egham crash

2010-01-20T17:17:21Z

A motorcyclist was killed after being involved in a collision with a car on Tuesday (January 19) morning.

The incident took place on Stroude Road, Egham, near the Great Fosters Hotel, around 8.09am when a blue Mercedes A-class car was in collision with a Triumph motorcycle.

The rider of the bike, a man in his fifties, sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.

]]> Stroude Road was closed in both directions outside the hotel shortly after the collision for police collision investigators to examine the sceen. The road was fully reopened at around 3pm.

Following the collision a 53-year-old woman from Staines was arrested, and is assisting police with their enquiries.

She has since been released on police bail until April while investigations continue.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have seen either vehicle prior to the incident is asked to contact the Surrey Police Collision Investigation Unit, quoting references, CIU/006/2483/10 or RM/10/333 on 01483 639922.

Did you see or hear the collision? Maybe you were caught in the traffic afterwards. Let us know your comments using the button below.

Firemen try and locate car which plunged into river in Egham

2010-01-20T16:34:25Z

Firefighters raced against the clock to try and locate a car which plunged into the Thames late on Monday evening.

Emergency services, which included appliances from Staines and Egham and a boat crew from Walton and the police helicopter, rushed to the scene at Truss's Island, Thorpe, where members of the public had reported a silver saloon car, believed to have a person on board, had driven into the river at around 11.34pm on January 18.

]]> The recent snow thaw caused very fast flow of water and by the time the crews arrived on the banks of the river there was no sign of the vehicle.

Fireman from White Watch, Egham, Peter Amiss said the firemen all spread down the banks of the river to try and locate the car, but were ultimately unsuccessful.

He said: "It was first reported to us around 11.35pm that someone was in the car, then later reported that no one was in it.

"We were told it had gone in with the lights on and floated downstream towards Penton Hook Weir.

"But when we got to Truss's Island we could not even see the car. The river is running so high it could be anywhere.

"We searched up and down the river bank for about two hours along with the crew from Staines."

Officers from Surrey Police carried out a thorough search of the surrounding area, including despatching the force helicopter to search the river using its high-tech equipment.

A police spokesman said officers were continuing to carry out an extensive investigation to establish the exact circumstances of the incident, as it is still unclear as to how the car ended up entering the water. It is also working closely with a number of partner agencies, including the Environment Agency, to locate and remove the vehicle from the river.

Residents from Chertsey Lane, immediately opposite Truss's Island, were unaware of the drama unfolding just yards from their front doors. Speaking on Tuesday, one resident said: "I didn't see a thing, I did hear the police helicopter hovering but didn't think anything of it."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information should call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference SL/10/441, or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Nominations are being invited for the Runnymede Sports Awards

2010-01-15T14:36:25Z

Sport Runnymede is seeking nominations for the 2010 Runnymede Sports Awards.

The event, to be held at Royal Holloway University on 24 March, recognises the successes of clubs, individuals and volunteers who participate in sport within the borough.

Runnymede Borough Council's Sports Development Officer Kate Carey said: "This award scheme is a great way to show appreciation for all the hard work put in to the clubs to keep them running, as well as the hard work the athletes put into their sports."

]]> 12 categories have been drawn up including 'Coach of the Year' and an award for 'Outstanding Service to Sport', along with a number of 'Young' categories created to acknowledge the contributions of those under 18.

Chairman of Sport Runnymede Matthew Griffin said: Last years awards were a great success but we want make this years bigger and better and would encourage all sports clubs to participate and nominate those deserving of the local recognition."

Nominees must be a resident of Runnymede or attend a club, school or sports organisation based in the borough, and nominations must be received by no later than 26 February.

For more information or a nomination form, contact Kate Carey, Sports Development Officer on 01932 425683 or email at kate.carey@runnymede.gov.uk

Tributes given to lifelong Ashford man who died in a frozen lake

2010-01-14T17:15:45Z

A husband and father of two boys who died in a frozen lake was 'one of the most caring and loving people.'

Philip Hughes, 45, known as Beano to his friends, passed away at the World Professional Darts Championship when his body was found in an icy lake at Lakeside Country Club, in Frimley Green on Thursday January 7.

Mr Hughes, who grew up and lived in Ashford for nearly all of his life, has been described as popular, loving, caring, funny, and kind by his family.

Wife Cherie Hughes, 44, said: "He was such a caring person who would have done anything for anybody. We were the complete opposites but were soul mates."

His funeral will be held in Englefield Green.

Please see the January 21 edition of the Staines and Ashford/Egham News and Surrey Herald Shepperton and Sunbury edition for the full interview and pictures.

Runnymede Council issues services update

2010-01-13T18:44:36Z

Runnymede Council has released an update of council services during the adverse weather conditions.

The new update was released on Wednesday, January 13, but is subject to change daily, depending on the weather. It states that the Met Office predicts that the outbreaks of snow will continue through the first half of the afternoon but could turn to rain by the afternoon.

The evening will see drier conditions but remaining cloudy. Mist and fog patches will form overnight and road surfaces could fall to below freezing. light snowfalls could occur in the South East on Wednesday.

Visit the Met Office web site, www.metoffice.gov.uk for further information.

]]> The Civic Centre in Addlestone giving access to Addlestone Police Station and the Library closed early at 4pm on January 13.
Refuse and Kerbside Recycling Services were to continue as normal, but many roads still present a danger so the council has urged the public to be patient with the collection crews.

The refuse services are collecting as normal. However, if the roads are deemed too dangerous to collect from, they will be going back the following day so please put your bins out on your normal collection day and leave them out until they are collected.

The collection crew will accept excess waste so please put your extra bags next to your bin ensuring that they are sealed correctly.

The kerbside recycling teams managed to complete approximately one-third their work on Monday, January 11. They will not be working to catch up this week and will collect any missed boxes or excess next week.

The team was out doing Tuesday's collections obviously hoping to reach as many properties as the road conditions will allow. Collections for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will proceed as normal, weather permitting.

The normal green waste collection service was not running. If clients are due to have a collection this week and really can't wait till the next collection day, a collection can be arranged through the council on request. For any additional information please contact the Runnymede Recycling Hotline on 0800 052 0067.

Runnymede's two Leisure Centres are open, but closing tonight at 9.00pm. please check with Addlestone, 01932 858966 or Egham Leisure Centre, 01784 437695, directly about the exact times of opening.

Chertsey Museum is open normal hours today. The Museum opens Tuesday to Saturday. Please call 01932 575 764, for opening hours this week.

Runnymede Day Centres will be operating as usual this week. They are not open on the weekend.

If you have a vulnerable or elderly neighbour living close by please check to see if they need anything. If you are concerned about them, or if you need help yourself, then ring Runnymede Borough Council on 01932 838383, or Surrey County Council's Social Care Team on 0300 200 1005.

Surrey County Council would like to urge as many of our residents and businesses who are able, to consider adopting a 'shovel, sweep and salt' approach to clearing their footpaths. Naturally we would encourage care to be taken but would greatly appreciate such assistance from our more able residents.

A full Community Meals Service is running weekdays with additional help from extra drivers, including the Police today. Our 24-hour Community Meals number is 01932 425010

Surrey County Council are continuing to grit the A-roads and enquiries about road conditions should go to the county council on 03456 009 009.