Tandridge Buzz

A London man has had to fork out £1,430 after being spotted fly-tipping in Warlingham by an eagle-eyed resident, who will now receive a reward.

Celestin Dumitru of Wilton Road, London SE2 9RH pleaded guilty to fly-tipping and for failing to respond to a notice at Redhill magistrates court on 16 March.

He was fined £500 and ordered to pay the Council’s costs of £915, as well as £15 to the victim support fund.

On 30 June 2010, a local resident had seen a fridge-freezer being dumped from a white transit van in woodland in Farleigh Road, Warlingham.

He made a note of the time and number plate and contacted Tandridge Council.

On 1 July 2010 a council officer visited the Farleigh Road site and removed a large fridge freezer.

The Waste Enforcement Officer checked the van registration and a notice was sent to the registered owner, Celestin Dumitru, asking for details of the person driving the vehicle on 30 June 2010.

No reply was received within the seven-day period and a second notice was delivered personally by the Waste Enforcement Officer but again, no response was received.

Dumitru failed to attend the first court hearing and a warrant for his arrest was issued. He was arrested and appeared at Redhill on 16 December 2011 and again on 16 March 2012.

“We have to deal with about 100 fly tipping incidents a month, which costs around £5,000 to clear up,” said Councillor Tony Elias, Chairman of the Community Services Committee.

“We prosecute to deter others and to recover some of our costs.”

The witness is eligible for an award of up to £500 for providing information that led to a successful prosecution.

• To report fly-tipping and be in with a chance to receive an award of up to £500 – call  0800 783 4843 to report fly tipping or e-mail amenityservices@tandridge.gov.uk. There is also a flytipping appeals page on the Council’s website www.tandridge.gov.uk/appeals.

Residents in Johnsdale, Oxted have demanded that gas equipment installed on a vital community space be removed without delay.

The residents claim they were not consulted about the installation of a gas governor, which helps regulate gas pressure, on the road’s green.

“We are all so very unhappy about what has happened,” said resident Jennifer Kimber. “It has destroyed our social area.

“We are a little cul-de-sac with a big heart and we feel that without consultation, this has been imposed upon us.”

Daniel Sands, who has lived in Johnsdale for 18 months, said he had been impressed with the community spirit in the road, encapsulated by an annual street party on the green that is now at risk.

“We would have loved to have been consulted,” he said. “We feel that no-one spoke to us. We feel that there was an amazing opportunity for this equipment to be put somewhere else.”

Safety concerns

Fergus Bunning said the lack of consultation had been a “disgrace” and raised concerns over the safety of the equipment.

“I think this is a highly volatile piece of equipment to put in a residential area,” he said.

John Doyle, a Johnsdale resident for over 30 years, questioned why, if the equipment was safe, there was a notice informing people not to carry out work within 10m.

“My garden is within 10m – does that mean I have to inform them every time I want to pull a weed up?”

He added: “It has got to go. It is a blot on our properties, it is a blot on our landscape.”

Safe equipment

Laura Varney, spokeswoman for Southern Gas Networks, said: “There is absolutely no question whatsoever that our equipment is unsafe – on the contrary, this is standard gas equipment that is installed in residential areas all over the country and its wrong to suggest there’s a safety issue.

“This equipment is there so we can continue to provide a safe and secure gas supply to the area for many years to come.

“Throughout our work in the area, we have worked closely with Surrey County Council and Tandridge District Council which approved the installation of the governor.

“As part of an initial consultation with the Council, the local parish councillor was made aware of the plans to install the governor on the green.

“Letters were sent out to residents about the gas mains replacement work in the area and it did mention the gas governor.

“We do recognise the concerns of local residents and are determined to improve the appearance of the green. We are due to meet with the Council on 15 March to discuss all methods to ensure this happens. After this meeting, we’ll be talking to the residents about the possible options.”

Tandridge Council is willing to use its powers to make a compulsory purchase of the derelict Rose & Young site, that has blotted the Caterham high street for years. 

The privately owned site has remained unoccupied for many years and is a source of annoyance to residents and the Council a-like due to its rundown appearance.

Despite discussions with the owner about potential redevelopment, no scheme has been submitted to the Council in recent years.

The Council has taken expert legal advice over a compulsory purchase of the site, which must be justified as being in the public interest.

The Council will need to identify a developer or be able to show there are developers interested in the site.

The greater the certainty of the development proceeding, the greater likelihood of any compulsory purchase order being confirmed.

As part of any redevelopment agreement, the developer would have to agree to cover all of the Council’s costs during the Compulsory Purchase Order process.

“The Council is very keen to see the site redeveloped and we hope this policy statement will help attract developers willing to do this,” said Councillor David Weightman, chairman of the Planning Policy Committee.

“Encouraging redevelopment of the former Rose and Young garage in Caterham is a long standing key corporate objective of the Council and this policy statement demonstrates we are committed to finding a long term solution.”

The Council’s policy statement will be made available to any developer and also to the owners so they are aware of the Council’s determination to encourage the site to be brought back into use.

(Picture by Northdownsman via Flickr)

Surrey’s leaders have vowed to do all they can to help people throw street parties to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Diamond Jubilee marks 60 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign and celebrations will centre around an extra bank holiday weekend from 2-5 June.

“The Diamond Jubilee is a cause of great celebration in 2012,” said leader of Tandridge District Council, Councillor Gordon Keymer.

“A street party is an ideal way to bring together friends and neighbours of all ages to celebrate. We work closely with Surrey County Council and Surrey Police to make sure we have a quick and easy road closure process, but residents should still apply as soon as possible.”

Anyone thinking of organising a street party to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, needs to apply to Tandridge District Council for a Road Closure Order. The Council liaises with the Police and Surrey Highways Authority. There is no charge, but at least 21 days notice of the event is needed.

Surrey County Council Leader, Councillor David Hodge, said: “There were more than 200 street parties in Surrey for last year’s Royal wedding and we want people to come together again and show the sense of community spirit that makes the county such a wonderful place to live.”

But the Council has warned that organisers should also have considered the risks posed by staging an event and have taken out any necessary Public Liability Insurance.

A Temporary Event Notice may be needed if the party involves the sale of alcohol or regulated entertainment

Tandridge residents will be able to recycle more waste with greater ease from 1 October in a move that could almost double recycling rates and save around £1m a year.

Tandridge is to introduce a new scheme which could see recycling rates rise from 33% to 60% based on evidence from other councils running similar schemes.

Under the new initiative there would be:

• A weekly collection of food waste from an animal proof container
• Alternate week collections of mixed recycling from a wheeled bin
• Alternate week collection of rubbish

The Council believes the new scheme will benefit residents as they will not have to sort recycling – it all goes in the same bin – and they will be able to recycle a greater range of products such as paper, cans, aerosols, foil, glass and most plastics.

It will also reduce the amount of landfill and reduce the mileage of collection trucks. Tandridge estimates it could make a saving of around £1m a year.

“This is great news for residents and the Council,” said Councillor Tony Elias, chairman of the community services committee.

“We will be sending out more details in the coming months and hope residents will welcome the new service and the benefits it will bring.

“The new service will meet residents’ demand for more recycling opportunities, in a way which makes it as convenient as possible for them.”

A woman has been fined over £3,000 for setting up a car park for airport users without planning permission.

Millie Stojanovic, of Old Orchard, Church Lane, Burstow was fined £3,300 and ordered to pay the Council’s legal costs of £680 and £15 to the victim support fund at Redhill Magistrates Court.

An enforcement notice was issued in 2004, following an investigation at Old Orchard where land was being used to provide car parking for people flying from Gatwick.

A further complaint was received in August 2010 but a site visit in November 2010 showed no evidence of the breach of enforcement notice and the case was closed.

Planning enquiry officers returned in July 2011 following a further complaint and saw around 50 cars parked in the area.

Stojanovic was informed by the officer she was parking cars illegally and in breach of an enforcement notice. She was also told this was a prosecutable offence and she was cautioned.

Stojanovic explained she ran a company called Airport Direct, parking cars her customers left at Gatwick airport when they went travelling. She knew she was not allowed to use her land to park motor vehicles unconnected with the residential use of the property.

“This was an ongoing breach of planning regulations and Ms Stojanovic was fully aware of the enforcement notice and the restrictions this placed on using her land for off airport parking,” said Councillor Gill Black, chairman of the Planning Committee.

A Lingfield man has been banned from the area surrounding Lingfield Primary School and contacting staff or governors at the school.

Robert Dalton, 52, ofGrove Road, Lingfield, appeared at South East Surrey Magistrates Court on Friday (9 December) where he was given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), which will run until8 December, 2013.

He is banned from:

• Making any threats to commit arson which may cause criminal damage to property and/or endanger life.
• Entering into the school grounds and/or school building ofLingfieldPrimary School, Lingfield,Surrey, and the surrounding area.
• Contacting directly or indirectly by any form of communication any member of staff or governor of LingfieldPrimary School.
• Behaving in a manner or inciting others to behave in a manner either verbally or physically that would cause alarm, harassment or distress to one or more persons not of the same household in Lingfield,Surrey.

“Mr Dalton’s increasingly aggressive and threatening behaviour has not only caused distress to his victims but also had a detrimental effect on the local community as a whole,” said Neighbourhood Sergeant Chris Goodman.

“We have worked with Tandridge District Council in obtaining this ASBO and I hope the action taken against Mr Dalton demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Lingfield remains a safe and pleasant place to live and work.”

A woman who falsely claimed £81,000 worth of benefits has been given a six-month custodial sentence.

Lorraine O’Sullivan of Clare Cottages, Barfields, Tandridge, pleaded guilty to benefit fraud on 2 December at Croydon Crown Court.

In 2002 Mrs O’Sullivan applied for Housing and Council Tax Benefit in her former name of Swain, while living at Aspen Way, Whyteleafe on the basis she was a single parent. She also applied for Income Support.

O’Sullivan failed to notify either the Jobcentre Plus or Tandridge District Council her partner had moved in with her in May 2005.

O’Sullivan was interviewed by Fraud Investigation Officers from the Council and Jobcentre Plus in 2009 and again in 2010. She denied her partner was living with her during both interviews.

As a result of Mrs O’Sullivan’s failure to notify the change in her circumstances to either organisation she received £81,430 in Income Support, Housing and Council Tax Benefit, which she was not entitled to.

She is currently repaying the debt to Tandridge District Council.

After initially pleading not guilty, O’Sullivan changed her plea to guilty at a hearing on 14 October 2011.

The judge gave her credit for her guilty plea and the fact she had spent the money on household expenditure.

He was also aware of the impact of taking her away from her children. But he said there were no signs she would have stopped claiming the benefit and the amount of public funds lost was so great it was unrealistic to expect it would be paid back.

“We worked with JobCentre Plus on this investigation and for both agencies prosecution is always a last resort,” said Councillor Martin Fisher, Chairman of the Resources Committee.

“This was a large amount of money claimed fraudulently and we will continue to seek recovery of the Housing and Council Tax Benefit debt, although it is unlikely the total amount will ever be paid back. “

Time is running out to nominate someone as Tandridge Citizen of the Year.

Chairman of the Council, Councillor Brian Perkins and Vice-Chairman Councillor Sakina Bradbury, are looking for selfless service to a voluntary body or the community, or someone whose service brings distinction and quality to everyday life in Tandridge District.

But nominations must be in by 31 December.

“If you know someone who has made a significant or outstanding contribution to the community, give them the recognition they deserve and nominate them for the Tandridge Citizen of the Year Awards,” said chairman of the Council, Councillor Brian Perkins.

East Surrey MP Sam Gyimah said: “I am delighted to support these awards, which recognise those people who selflessly give their time to the local community.”

There is no age barrier, but the person nominated must live within the Tandridge District.

How to nominate

• Nominations should be made in writing to: The Chairman of Tandridge District Council, Council Offices, Station Road East, Oxted RH8 0BT, e-mail chiefexecutive’soffice@tandridge.gov.uk.

• The closing date for entries is 31 December 2011. The awards will be presented by the Chairman at the Civic Reception being held on Thursday 23 February 2012 at Surrey National Golf Club, Chaldon.

• For more details please contact Lesley Ayers on 01883 732701, e-mail chiefexecutive’soffice@tandridge.gov.uk

The hunt for those who have made an outstanding contribution to the community is on as the Tandridge Citizen of the Year Awards are launched.

Chairman of the Council, Councillor Brian Perkins and Vice-Chairman Councillor Sakina Bradbury, are looking for selfless service to a voluntary body or the community, or someone whose service brings distinction and quality to everyday life in Tandridge District.

The awards are being backed by East Surrey MP Sam Gyimah.

There is no age barrier, but the person nominated must live within the Tandridge District.

“If you know someone who has made a significant or outstanding contribution to the community, give them the recognition they deserve and nominate them for the Tandridge Citizen of the Year Awards,” said Perkins.

MP Gyimah added: “I am delighted to support these awards, which recognise those people who selflessly give their time to the local community.”

How to nominate

• Nominations should be made in writing to: The Chairman of Tandridge District Council, Council Offices, Station Road East, Oxted RH8 0BT, e-mail chiefexecutive’soffice@tandridge.gov.uk.

• The closing date for entries is 31 December 2011. The awards will be presented by the Chairman at the Civic Reception being held on Thursday 23 February 2012 at Surrey National Golf Club, Chaldon.

• For more details please contact Lesley Ayers on 01883 732701, e-mail chiefexecutive’soffice@tandridge.gov.uk

Tandridge District Councillors will now cast the final vote on whether the Soper Hall in Caterham should be run by a community group or by Caterham Baptist Church on 21 July.

The Council’s Resource Committee considered that the bid by the Caterham Baptist Church has the greatest chance of success and is the least risky but it also recognised the support of residents and councillors for the bid from the Soper Hall Community Centre Limited.

SHCCL aims to manage the Hall as a community centre and rival bidder Caterham Baptist Church is looking for new premises to develop its activities, as its Beechwood Road site is not large enough.

The Church has vowed that the Soper Hall could also be used for community use although its primary activity would be for church activities.

Tandridge District Council has agreed to provide up to £100,000 matched funding over two years to either organisation, on the understanding the Caterham and Warlingham Citizens Advice Bureau, Tandridge Voluntary Service Council and Lions Talking Newspaper would continue to be based at the building.

In addition, Surrey County Council has approached Tandridge District Council and would like to explore the potential for setting up a public services Hub in the building, similar to the one in Oxted.

The Soper Hall used to be the council offices until it moved to Oxted in 1974.

“This is an incredibly complex decision to make, we have discussed it four times at Committee and during this process have considered a lot of detailed information and rejected a number of alternatives,” said chairman of the Resources Committee, Councillor Martin Fisher.

“Both options are viable as presented and would provide a future for the Soper Hall as a community centre. Whatever the outcome, we need to make sure we have made the best decision for the community and have secured the building for the community.”

Community bid

SHCCL is to hold a two-day open event  on Friday 8 July and Saturday 9 July to explain its community strategy to residents and will be writing to residents as part of its final push.
Councillor Sally Marks is fully behind the bid from SHCCL.

“Thousands of people have now signed the Petition to Save the Soper Hall.  There can’t be a better example of ‘Localism’ than the community itself working together to ensure that the largest conurbation in the District of Tandridge can secure its own community space for this generation and for generations to come.

“I am so pleased that Surrey County Council wants also to be involved in this exciting project and may be able to contribute by providing the Caterham Library within the Soper Hall — thus ensuring a sustainable and secure future for our local library service as well. Another example of excellent ‘partnership working’.”

She added: “I am sure that the Tandridge District Councillors, when they understand the strength of feeling amongst Caterham residents, will want to support this community scheme — and will indeed be envious of the good community feeling that now exists here in this previously somewhat neglected area of Tandridge.

“If we lose the Soper Hall now, the community will lose out forever — but I am quietly confident that all elected Tandridge District councillors will see the merit of listening to the people and doing something really positive — saving the Soper Hall for all the people of Caterham.”

Former Eastenders star Lucy Speed, who played Natalie Price, will be at the Soper Hall lending her support to the community campaign over the weekend.

Tandridge Council is carrying out a survey of 1,500 homes to help evaluate its services as it grapples with looming budget cuts.

The Have your say about council services questionnaire will help the Council find out what residents think about the services the council provides, the area they live and how well the Council communicates with them and to see where improvements could be considered.

Tandridge Council has previously vowed to innovate to beat budget cuts of around 7-8%.

“These are challenging times and we have to prioritise our budgets carefully,” said Councillor Martin Fisher, chairman of the Resources Committee.

“We want to make sure we are providing the services residents want and value. In addition, keeping residents and businesses informed is a key objective of the Council and we want to make sure we get it right. If you receive a survey please take the time to fill it in. Your views are important.”

A copy of the survey is available on the website www.tandridge.gov.uk/survey, or by calling Amanda Hawkins on 01883 732710.

By Sam Gyimah

As some of you may have heard, we have successfully managed to fight the parking charges that Surrey County Council were planning to force on Tandridge.

Unfortunately it looks like Horley will still be included in the proposals.

I was especially glad that Surrey County Council recognised Tandridge’s unique character as an area — small towns dotted among rolling countryside — and are now willing to root the process firmly in local opinion.

Tandridge is a different case to the rest of Surrey because it benefits from a great deal of free parking already, and indeed this has been an active strategy by Tandridge District Council to support our town centres.

But the parking charges were a real threat to businesses: 88% of local businesses who responded to a survey by the local Chamber of Commerce said that parking charges would be a threat to the future of their own business, with over a third of businesses considering relocating out of Oxted if the proposals went ahead.

It was crucial that we managed to find another way.

The team effort that occurred to achieve this change in policy was enormous — from my initial discussions with the local Chambers of Commerce about their Business Impact Assessment and with Gordon Keymer at Tandridge District Council, to crucial interventions by Councillors Nick Skellett and David Hodge — the local input was fantastic and really helped to make a strong case for supporting our local businesses and changing the policy as it then stood.

Thank you to all who were involved; it was a great effort all round and one which has meant the right result was achieved at the end.

A woman from Hurst Green has been given a conditional discharge for 18 months after pleading guilty to benefit fraud.

Sonia Dyer, of Bramble Close, Hurst Green, was also ordered to pay the Council’s costs of £490 at Redhill Magistrates on 12 April.

In May 2009, Sonia Dyer claimed housing and council tax benefit. She stated she only had one job and failed to declare her employment with Sussex Home Care Ltd.

The following year she was sent a review form, in which she again did not state she had two jobs.

In October 2010 it emerged Mrs Dyer had been continuously employed by Sussex Homecare Ltd since 25 May 2008, until the summer of 2010.

Her benefit claim was reassessed back to the initial date of her claim and an overpayment calculated at £3594 for housing benefit and £780 for council tax.

Mrs Dyer attended an interview under caution.

“The housing benefit overpayment is already being collected and the council benefit tax debt has been added to her account,” said a Council spokesman.