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St Paul’s Camberley Makes The Nativity Mobile
Members of St Paul’s will be glued to their mobiles this Christmas as part of a Premier Christian Media and Church from Scratch drive to bring the real meaning of advent to Camberley.
The Christmas story will be told via social media ‘as-it-happens’ from the perspective of the Bible characters; be it Mary, Joseph, the inn keeper or the shepherds. These ‘personal’ messages could be received while working away in the office, standing in a queue at the bus stop, or picking veg at the local supermarket. Delivered via text message, Facebook, Twitter and email, anyone and everyone has a chance to take part.
Andrew Salt, Social Media Officer for St Paul’s says: “This is a new innovative way to tell an amazing story. We use social media at lot at St Paul’s, and we liked this accessible way of bringing the Christmas experience alive using modern technology. The story will never change – it’s just how we tell it that does.”
Peter Kerridge, CEO of Premier Christian Media says: “The Christmas Experience will be the only way some people will hear the nativity story this Christmas. This is a new and exciting way to connect with the story and make it a part of everyday life.”
Sign up is free. Log on to www.thechristmasexp.com/stpaulscamb , or text stpaulscamb to 07797 803730. Once signed up recipients will get about three messages a day. The messages will begin on the 18th December and run until the 1st January.
To find out more about St Paul’s and our Christmas services, please visit stpaulscamberley.org.uk or contact the office on 01276 700210.
Two arrested following discovery of cannabis factory in Pirbright
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis following a police enquiry at a farm in Pirbright yesterday (Wednesday, 30 November).
Detectives were at the site in Grange Road to carry out investigations in relation to a stolen vehicle offence when they discovered more than 300 cannabis plants in a number of large metal shipping containers.
A 48-year-old man from Leeds and a 45-year-old man from Redhill are currently on bail and are due back at Guildford police station on 2 February 2012 .
Detective Inspector Andy Haslam said: “This factory was discovered because officers were astute and read between the lines after talking to the occupants of a business unit on the site. It shows that cannabis factories are not confined to inner cities, as is often the perception. Even in a safe, leafy county like Surrey , people should be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.”
If you have suspicions about drug related crime in your area, you can contact Surrey Police on 101. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.
Don’t drink and drive this Christmas, Drive SMART
SURREY’s Christmas Drink-Drive campaign launches today reminding motorists of the consequences drinking and driving can have not only on their lives, but on the lives of others.
On average around three people a month are killed or seriously injured in Surrey as a result of impaired drivers, mainly through drink but also through drugs. During the festive season there can be even more temptation for people to drink and drive.
The campaign, which is part of Surrey Police and Surrey County Council’s Drive SMART initiative, supports the national drink-drive campaign, reminding drivers of the consequences if they flout the law and put lives at risk.
Enhanced operational activity by Surrey Police will be supported by information being distributed to pubs and clubs around the county, particularly targeting men aged between 17 and 29 who are statistically more likely to drink and drive.
Inspector Chris Colley, Head of Surrey Police Roads Policing Unit said: “Officers vigorously enforce the drink-drive law every day but with all the socialising that takes place over the festive period there can be an increased temptation for people to drink and drive”.
“Young drivers are more likely to be tempted to get behind the wheel of a car after having a drink or risk still being under the influence of alcohol and driving the following morning after a night out. They might feel fine but could still have alcohol in their system. Either way, if caught, they face the same consequences.
Anyone thinking of driving after having a drink should consider the consequences. They could destroy not only their own family but someone else?s family. If they get caught they could also face heavy fines of up to £5000, a ban and a maximum of 14 years in prison if they cause death. Why take the risk? It simply isn’t worth it.
Although there is a legal limit, any amount of alcohol in your body will affect your ability to react. The best way to stay safe is not to drink and drive. I would like everyone to have an enjoyable festive period but please remember the golden rule of any night out – plan how you will get home which won?t involve you driving?
Kay Hammond, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Surrey County Council, added:? The Festive Season is a time for people to enjoy themselves, however there is also a temptation to be less careful about drink-driving. Our Drive SMART campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage people to be less selfish in their driving habits.
“There is nothing more selfish than a drink driver; they endanger passengers, other road users and pedestrians. The impact and human cost is huge, the cost of a taxi pales into insignificance in comparison.”
Last year 1,131 drivers were breath tested in Surrey during the month-long campaign, with 50 arrests made ? about 4.5% of those tested. This was a positive result as the figures were down from 6% in 2009/10 and 9% in 2008/09.
This year?s campaign will run from 1 December 2011 to 1 January 2012 . If you have information about someone you know is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs you can contact Surrey Police or, to give information anonymously, the independent charity Crimestoppers.
Call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don’t want to leave your name.
Hundreds gather to celebrate the life of Detective Constable Heather Cooper
Hundreds gather to celebrate the life of Detective Constable Heather Cooper
HUNDREDS of police officers and police staff joined the friends and family of detective Heather Cooper today at a memorial service to celebrate her life.
The service took place at Guildford Cathedral and was attended by Heather?s parents, friends and police colleagues from across the Force. It followed her funeral which was held at York Minster on Monday 21, November.
Surrey Police Deputy Chief Constable Craig Denholm, who read a eulogy at both events, said: ?Heather was a tenacious detective who did everything she could to get the best outcome for victims of crime. She was a professional and dedicated officer and it is a testament to her that so many colleagues and friends have come together today to honour her memory and celebrate her achievements.
?Heather?s death is a huge loss to her family, in particular her two young children, and our thoughts remain with them. It is also a huge loss to policing. Heather dedicated her career to protecting the people of Surrey and was, as one victim called her, ?a remarkable person and a wonderful ambassador for your profession?. She will be much missed by everyone who knew her.?
The Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Christopher Hill, said: ?All I have heard of Detective Constable Heather Cooper tells me she was a wonderful Yorkshire girl who took Surrey and its policing to herself. She has been called by police in Surrey ?a super mum, a super person and a super cop.? What more can be said in affection and tribute? I add my condolences to all those grieving her memory. I know we all hold her children in love and prayer, and also continue to pray for the police in Surrey and their work within our community.?
In lieu of flowers charitable donations were made to two Surrey charities chosen by Heather?s family which linked to her work as a police officer – Your Sanctuary in Woking and Children?s Outreach in Guildford.
Tis’ the season to be jolly but party responsibly
With the festive season virtually upon us, Surrey Police is advising people to enjoy themselves but to be alert to their own personal safety – whether it is ensuring they pre-book transport home, to drinking responsibly and looking out for each other.
In a bid to promote safety to those out partying, officers are advising residents and visitors to the town’s many bars and clubs to ensure they follow some basic advice.
Guildford’s Neighbourhood Commander Chief Inspector Matt Goodridge said: “As the town becomes particularly busy over the next few weeks, it’s worth ensuring you have a fun night out by organising some practicalities in advance and keeping everyone as safe as possible as the evening goes on. In particular I would encourage people to plan to travel with others and for friends to look out for each other when they’re at a venue.
“Drinking responsibly and ensuring that you avoid any temptation to drink and drive by pre-booking a mini-cab or using a licensed taxi will give peace of mind. Similarly I would encourage anyone planning a night out to let family members or flat mates know where they are going and when they are likely to be home.
“Guildford is a relatively safe place, but taking a few simple measures can help to ensure everyone stays safe, especially when individuals makes themselves vulnerable – maybe by an excess of alcohol, a discussion which escalates or just simply making themselves a target for theft by carrying expensive gadgets which should be left securely at home. If everyone thinks about just three things – personal security, safe travel and alcohol and drug awareness – then a good time can be had by all.”
Surrey Police recommends the following advice in order that everyone can enjoy the local nightlife:
- Plan your journey so you don’t have to walk alone at night. Walk with friends or take a taxi (from a reputable firm).
- If possible, carry a mobile phone and consider a personal attack alarm.
- Look confident and act confidently.
- If you are walking, avoid short cuts in lonely areas. Keep to well-lit, busy streets.
- Always walk facing oncoming traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you.
- When approaching your car or home, have your keys ready so you can enter without delay.
- If you think you’re being followed, walk to the busiest place you can find or knock on a door. Then call the police.
Planned national strike
On Wednesday 30 November a number of public sector unions are taking industrial action as part of a national dispute over pensions.
A significant number of Surrey state schools are expected to close and full details of closures can be found via the schools page.
So far, 190 schools have notified Surrey County Council that they will be closed or partly shut. There are 375 state schools in Surrey.
Other county council services, such as community recycling centres, libraries, adult social care and children’s social care, are expected to be largely unaffected as is Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
A spokesman for Surrey County Council said: “This is a national dispute between unions and the Government. It is not a dispute between staff and Surrey County Council.”
Olympic Inspire mark for child communication project
An innovative project helping children develop their communication skills has been awarded an Inspire mark by Olympic and Paralympic Games organisers.
The Every Child a Talker Communication Decathlon, run by Surrey County Council, is available to more than 2,000 nurseries, playgroups, childminders and other children’s groups across the county to help youngsters under five years old develop their language skills.
The project encourages children to work together and develop their speech, language and listening abilities through fun activities, including wellie throwing and paper plane flying.
The project is the fifth run by Surrey County Council to win an Olympic Inspire mark. Others to receive the accolade were the Surrey School Games 100 days of Sport, the international flag exchange, a sport history project and a series of business events aimed at getting Surrey firms to benefit from the 2012 Games.
Setting the world record for the most people to form the Olympic rings was one of Surrey County Council projects to awarded an Inspire mark.
Tim Hall, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Learning, said: “In the first five years of a child’s life they learn more about speaking and words than at any other time. A child’s vocabulary at five can be a strong predictor of GCSE achievement as a teenager. By developing their language skills now we’re laying strong foundations for success later in life.”
Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and the 2012 Games, said: “Inspire marks are awarded to exceptional projects that use the Olympic and Paralympic Games as an inspiration to create something truly special, with a legacy that goes on long after the final medal has been won. I hope these five projects will be among many in Surrey to receive this accolade.”
Lord Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like the Surrey ECAT Communication Decathlon are enabling people in Surrey to make positive life changes.”
Each month for the 10 months leading up to the London 2012 Games, Surrey County Council’s Early Years and Childcare Service will email an Every Child a Talker Communication Decathlon task to more than 2,000 nurseries, childminders, playgroups and other children’s groups.
The tasks range from the shot put, which sees children finding out how far they can throw a wellie, to javelin, where they find out how far they can throw a paper plane. The tasks have been specifically designed to help develop the language and communication skills of under fives.
Unsafe vodka sparks health warning
Unsafe ‘vodka’ containing potentially dangerous chemicals that pose a health risk has sparked a warning to drinkers and businesses from Surrey County Council Trading Standards.
‘Drop Vodka’ has been found for sale in off-licences, corner shops and petrol stations across Britain at rock-bottom prices, including just over the county border in Aldershot.
Tests on the illegal drink identified the presence of propan-2-ol, which is commonly found in industrial solvents, and methanol as well as other substances that could harm people’s health.
Surrey County Council Trading Standards has sent a warning to all relevant businesses in Surrey asking them to remove ‘Drop Vodka’ from sale if they have it in stock.
Steve Playle, from Surrey County Council Trading Standards, said: “Don’t buy Drop Vodka. It contains potentially dangerous chemicals that could be harmful to your health. If you already have the drink at home, pour it away or throw it in the bin, but please don’t drink it. If you do you’ll be playing Russian roulette with your health.
“Drop Vodka doesn’t actually contain enough alcohol to be legally called vodka. It’s not registered which means it hasn’t been through the rigorous testing process which all food and drink must go through before they can be sold.
“It’s likely criminal gangs are selling this stuff and are trying to make a profit at the expense of people’s health.”
The Food Standards Agency issued a warning about ‘Drop Vodka’ which has caused concern because:
- The levels of the chemical propan-2-ol detected in the ‘Drop Vodka’ product mean the product is a health risk.
- There are a number of labelling issues, particularly the lack of manufacturer’s details for traceability purposes.
- It has been found to contain 28.6% alcohol which is significantly lower than the required 37.5% to be called vodka.
Charity starts at home with loose change boxes – Surrey Air Ambulance
Supporters Surrey Air Ambulance can now raise vital funds for the life-saving charity from home.
Family and friends can deposit their spare coins into branded home collection boxes to help keep both helicopters flying. The boxes are easy to use and give instructions on what to do when they are full.
Collection Box Co-ordinator Shirley Brown said: “Every penny raised will help keep this vital Air Ambulance service flying for your community.
“Loose change boxes are a simple yet effective way to raise not only money but awareness of our charity and an easy way to collect those odd coins at home.”
Last year, more than £100,000 was raised from collection tins in shops, pubs, cafes and other public venues. Just £1 will pay for a sheet of life-saving bubblewrap which is used to keep each patient warm.
To order a home collection box call 01622 833833 or email shirleyb@kaat.org.uk
Unsafe vodka sparks health warning
Unsafe ‘vodka’ containing potentially dangerous chemicals that pose a health risk has sparked a warning to drinkers and businesses from Surrey County Council Trading Standards.
‘Drop Vodka’ has been found for sale in off-licences, corner shops and petrol stations across Britain at rock-bottom prices, including just over the county border in Aldershot.
Tests on the illegal drink identified the presence of propan-2-ol, which is commonly found in industrial solvents, and methanol as well as other substances that could harm people’s health.
Surrey County Council Trading Standards has sent a warning to all relevant businesses in Surrey asking them to remove ‘Drop Vodka’ from sale if they have it in stock.
Steve Playle, from Surrey County Council Trading Standards, said: “Don’t buy Drop Vodka. It contains potentially dangerous chemicals that could be harmful to your health. If you already have the drink at home, pour it away or throw it in the bin, but please don’t drink it. If you do you’ll be playing Russian roulette with your health.
“Drop Vodka doesn’t actually contain enough alcohol to be legally called vodka. It’s not registered which means it hasn’t been through the rigorous testing process which all food and drink must go through before they can be sold.
“It’s likely criminal gangs are selling this stuff and are trying to make a profit at the expense of people’s health.”
The Food Standards Agency issued a warning about ‘Drop Vodka’ which has caused concern because:
- The levels of the chemical propan-2-ol detected in the ‘Drop Vodka’ product mean the product is a health risk.
- There are a number of labelling issues, particularly the lack of manufacturer’s details for traceability purposes.
- It has been found to contain 28.6% alcohol which is significantly lower than the required 37.5% to be called vodka.
The Surrey Sports Awards 2011
Sporting Professional of the Year - Jade Dernbach
On Friday 25 November, G Live in Guildford opened its doors to the Surrey sporting community. The Surrey Sports Awards, organised by Active Surrey, gives recognition to outstanding athletes, inspirational volunteers, great coaches and quality clubs.
This sentiment was echoed by Dave Goldsmith, winner of Outstanding Service to Sport, who in his acceptance speech emphasised the importance of recognising those who do not receive any thanks for their work in sport. He humbly thanked the thousands of people out there not being awarded, and described the Surrey Sports Awards as ‘a chance to remember all of those who work hard to bring sport to everyone’.
On the cusp of London 2012, as well as world and national champions, we had future Olympians in attendance. Already confirmed for Team GB was winner of the Sports Personality of the Year award, Liam Heath. Liam talked us through just a bit of his hectic training schedule, 3 times per day, 6 days per week – but said cheerfully, ‘every opportunity to I get to train, I grasp’.
This year, we introduced the Sporting Professional of the Year award. The public got to vote online for their favourite elite Surrey athlete. And it was Jade Dernbach, of Surrey Cricket, who took the prize on the night. We got a chance to catch up with Jade and hear about his love for hometown Guildford, his excitement about next year’s 20/20 World Cup and what he thinks of playing alongside Shane Warne!
Sponsored by the High Sheriff Youth Awards, this year was bigger and better than ever. The High Sheriff launched a new award this year – the Youth Sports Project of the Year, which went to the Boxing Inclusion Zone (the Biz). Through their work, the club has reduced youth-related crime in the area, and one of their young boxers, Kennedy, was described as on her way to Rio 2016!
Also asked to join us onstage were 9 young people awarded with Surrey Volunteering Ambassador plaques, for giving up over 200 hours to help run sport. There was an inspirational talk from Pro Basketball player & Surrey Spitfires Academy Director Cory McGee. He used an encounter with a stingray to illustrate the need for coaches to help their charges face their fears, not just to tell them how! In addition, there was an Olympic music themed dance performance organised by Woking Dance Festival and Rhythmix Music.
Congratulations to everyone and we can’t wait to see who gets nominated in 2012!
Runnymede’s Register of Electors published 1 December 2011
Runnymede Borough Council’s Register of Electors 2011 has been published and the revised version is now available for inspection, under supervision, during office hours at the Civic Centre, Station Road, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2AH
Runnymede’s Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer Paul Turrell, said: “You need to be on the electoral roll to have your say in elections and incorrect details may result in residents not being able to vote – it really is worth taking the time out to check to see if you are on the register.”
In addition to elections, the Register of Electors is also used for credit reference purposes, and individuals may find that they are unable to obtain credit facilities if they have not completed and returned their voter registration form.
The Edited Register is also available for inspection and may be copied or bought by any individual or company. Residents who have returned their voter registration form and ‘opted out’ of the Edited Register have their names and addresses excluded from this register.
Your personal information will still be included on the full register for voting and credit referencing purposes irrespective of which option you chosen. The Council is legally required to supply any information you provide to other bodies exercising functions of a public nature, for example the prevention and detection of fraud.
Anyone who needs more information about how to register to vote, or about the electoral register, can contact Electoral Services Office on 01932 425650/5964/5652 or www.runnymede.gov.uk\elections
Guildford burglary prompts police appeal
Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses after a burglary at an address in Guildford yesterday afternoon (November 27).
The incident took place at an address in Guildford Park Avenue between 3 and 4pm, when three black men threatened and assaulted the occupant before escaping with a quantity of cash and other personal items.
The first man is described as black, aged 25-30 years, 5ft 9 tall, of a stocky build with a shaved head. He spoke with a London accent and was wearing a light blue jacket with the hood up. The second man is described as black, aged 25-30 years, 5 ft 10 tall, stocky build with a shaved head and gold tooth. He was wearing a black windbreaker-style jacket and also spoke with a London accent.
The third man is described as black, aged 25-30 years, 5 ft 11 tall and of a slim build, with a gold tooth and a shaved head. He was wearing clothing with white patches on it and spoke with a London accent.
Detective Constable Andy Greaves, who is investigating the incident, said: “These men have brazenly carried out this burglary in broad daylight in a busy residential street, viciously attacking the victim before making off with cash and other personal items. Although we do not believe this was a random attack and that the victim may have been specifically targeted, we cannot condone this level of violence on the streets of our local communities. I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, who recognises the descriptions of these three men or with any other information, to come forward straightaway.”
If you have any information which could progress the investigation, please contact DC Greaves at Guildford police station on 101, quoting crime reference number GD/11/11637, or, if you prefer not to leave your name, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Theft of thousands from ATM in Byfleet
Thousands of pounds have been stolen in a raid on a cash machine at a petrol station in Byfleet in the early hours of this morning (Friday, 25 November).
Thieves forced open the ATM on the forecourt of the Murco garage in Oyster Lane sometime between 1.15am and 1.45am . The offenders tried to cover their tracks by moving and disabling security cameras after they arrived at the location in a white transit van. They removed two grey plastic cash cassettes containing the monies, totalling around £9,000 before making off in the same vehicle.
Detective Constable Tim Barrett investigating is appealing for any witnesses who may have seen what is described as, a battered white transit van with a chain dragging behind it. He explained: ?I am asking for information from members of the public who may have seen this tatty van which was trailing a chain in the vicinity of this crime around the time of the offence. Similarly, if anyone notices a vehicle of this description being used or parked in the locality, I need to know its whereabouts and that of the cash boxes which may have been discarded.
?This type of offence ultimately affects the whole community and I would encourage anyone with even a snippet of detail which might help with the investigation to call me. Surrey Police will do everything it can to locate and bring these brazen offenders to justice.?
Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference WK/11/7998. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.
Surrey plans to trial all-terrain vehicle to tackle snow
Surrey County Council Cabinet Member Ian Lake with the all-terrain vehicle
This year Surrey County Council plans to trial a new mini all-terrain vehicle to tackle snow in places ordinary gritters just cannot reach.
Ian Lake, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “This is a new departure for us to try so we can get to those hard to reach places across Surrey.”
Surrey has been preparing for months to help keep the county’s road network moving in ice and snow.
A fleet of trucks has been making deliveries to take salt stocks up to nearly 17,000 tonnes from last winter’s 13,000 tonnes.
More than 40 gritters are standing by at depots including Merrow, near Guildford, Witley, Bagshot and Godstone to keep Surrey moving in the event of snow and ice.
The mountain of salt will allow the county council to regularly treat around 110 extra miles of road – the equivalent of nearly 5,300 extra miles of gritting runs across an average winter.
It has also allowed the council to double the amount of grit available for borough and district councils to spread in town centres to 40 tonnes each.
All Terrain – Snow Plough (Video)
See local democracy in action – December meetings of Surrey County Council’s local committees
Residents of nine Surrey boroughs and districts are invited to attend meetings of the county council’s local committees in December.
The local committees, which have borough and district council members too, were set up in 2002 to bring the council’s decision-making closer to the people it serves. They make decisions on certain local services, particularly highways, and monitor the quality of all services locally. They talk to local people to find out what their concerns are and try to address them locally, while also trying to influence countywide plans in the light of local needs.
The meetings happening in December are:
Epsom & Ewell Local Committee – Monday 5 December at 2pm
Venue: Epsom Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom
Contact: Nicola Morris on 020 8541 9437
Key items on the agenda include:
- report from joint task group on street decluttering proposals
- libraries update on community partnering
Reigate & Banstead Local Committee – Monday 5 December at 2pm
Venue: Reigate Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate
Contact: Sarah Albert on 01737 737695
Key item on the agenda: Removal of bus bollards in Frenches Road, Redhill
Runnymede Local Committee – Monday 5 December at 6.30pm
Venue: Runnymede Council Chamber, Runnymede Civic Centre, Station Road, Addlestone
Contact: Sylvia Carter on 01932 794081
Key item on the agenda: Youth Service transformation from April 2012
Surrey Heath Local Committee – Tuesday 6 December at 6pm
Venue: Collingwood College, Kingston Road, Camberley
Contact: Simon Griffin on 01276 800269
Key item on the agenda: Youth Service transformation from April 2012
Mole Valley Local Committee – Tuesday 6 December at 2pm
Venue: Mole Valley District Council Chamber, Pippbrook, Dorking
Contact: Victoria Jeffrey on 01372 371662
Guildford Local Committee – Wednesday 7 December at 7pm
Venue: Park Barn Day Centre, Park Barn Drive, GU2 8EN
Contact: Carolyn Anderson on 01483 517336
Woking Local Committee – Wednesday 7 December at 6pm
Venue: Woking Borough Council Chamber, Gloucester Square, Woking
Contact: Sarah Goodman on 01483 518095
Key items on the agenda include:
- Youth Local Prevention Framework – As part of the Local Prevention Framework, Surrey County Council has given Woking Local Committee £114,000 to commission services to help prevent young people becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) or entering the youth justice system. The local committee will be agreeing the needs and priorities for young people in Woking.
- a review of on street parking charges and parking in Woking
- an update on the Olympics time trial which took place in the summer (14 August) and preparations for next summer in relation to the local area
Tandridge Local Committee – Friday 9 December at 10.15am
Venue: Tandridge District Council, Station Road East, Oxted
Contact: Janet Johnson on 01737 737422
Waverley Local Committee – Wednesday 16 December at 2pm
Venue: Godalming Parish Church, Queen Street, Godalming
Contact: David North at 01483 517530
Committee papers for all meetings are available seven days beforehand either from the contacts above or by visiting the Surrey County Council website at www.surreycc.gov.uk.
The two remaining committees will meet during the coming months, and details will again be found on the website.
Blow the whistle on Olympic fakes
School children are being asked to blow the whistle on fraudsters peddling fake goods in the run up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as part of a sport-themed National Consumer Week (November 21 to 25).
Surrey County Council Trading Standards has sent teaching packs to Surrey secondary schools to help pupils identify counterfeit goods, including sports equipment, clothing and merchandise. The youngsters are being asked to report any fakes they find.
National Consumer Week is also highlighting the sale of fake tickets for sporting events. Surrey County Council Trading Standards has previously warned against unofficial websites selling London 2012 tickets illegally online.
It was revealed people from Hindhead, Walton and Dorking bought Olympic tickets unofficially, with a combined value of almost £1,500. On realising their mistake they contacted the sellers but struggled or failed to get a full refund.
Kay Hammond, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Fraudsters may see the Olympic and Paralympic Games as a golden opportunity to cash in but we’re determined to do everything we can to stop them ripping people off. Teaching school pupils how to spot fakes and the consequences of buying them will help.
“These are not victimless crimes. The sale of fake goods damages legitimate businesses in Surrey and doesn’t provide value for money for customers. For example, clothing will usually be made from cheap materials that will wear out long before the clothing of the brands they are imitating.”
Olympic gold medal winning javelin thrower Tessa Sanderson said: “It’s so important to make sure that the goods we buy online and elsewhere are the real deal. Buying counterfeit goods is like throwing your money down the drain and only serves to fund the illegal activities of the criminals behind the scams.
“It can also lead to huge disappointment in the case of fake tickets to events like the Olympics, or even injury if we buy sporting equipment that hasn’t gone through the correct quality procedures.”
National Consumer Week’s theme for 2011 is called Good Sports Don’t Fake it. It is being run by the Trading Standards Institute with the support of trading standards services across the country. For more information visit www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
Man found on canal tow path in Woking identified
Surrey Police can confirm that the body of a man found on the canal tow path in the St John’s area of Woking has been identified.
Formal identification has yet to take place following the discovery of the body on Friday afternoon last week (18 November).
Officers would like to thank the public and the media for their help in response to the police appeal for help in identification.
Ram raid at Eashing Service Station
Two masked raiders jumped out of a car after ramming it into the front of the shop at the Eashing Service Station in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday, 23 November).
The balaclava wearing intruders attacked the member of staff on duty in the BP garage kiosk and demanded the till contents, at around 2.30am. An ATM machine was also stolen from within the building during the smash and grab offence.
As a result of the incident the 20-year-old victim suffered minor injuries. The suspects got away with £50 from the till but the cash machine was empty.
Detective Constable James West investigating said the vehicle used in the raid left behind a rear bumper and this is believed to be from a black Ford Mondeo car.
He explained: “I am asking for information from members of the public who may have seen this type of Ford, which is possibly a 1993 -1996 model, in the vicinity or at the service station, around the time of the offence. Similarly, if anyone notices a car of this description with a bumper missing being used or parked in the locality, I need to know its whereabouts and that of the ATM machine which may have been discarded.
“This was a terrifying ordeal for the employee who was attacked as he was carrying out his normal duties. Surrey Police will not tolerate such violence in our communities and will do everything possible to catch these offenders and bring them to justice. Please pick up the phone and call me with any details which could help the investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference GD/11/11460. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.
Public sector industrial action on 30 November – Public statement from Surrey Police
Surrey Police will be doing everything possible to maintain public confidence on 30 November and plans are in place to ensure that critical policing services such as 999 and response to serious crime are maintained throughout the county.
However, the implications of strike action for the force include the possibility of police staff striking, but also the consequences of other public services participating and the increased demand this may place on the Force.
To help the force manage demand and prioritise its services, we ask the public to adhere to the 999 calling guidance which states that this number should only be used for an emergency, such as endangered life or a serious offence in progress.
Other matters should continue to be reported appropriately via other contact methods such as online and 101, the non-emergency number. Police Counter services will be open at Guildford, Woking, Staines and Reigate and the Surrey Police website will be updated if service is disrupted at other locations.