Tandridge Buzz

Tatsfield residents still do not have access to broadband internet  – with speed still on a par with the old dial-up connections.

The shocking news comes from a survey into broadband speeds conducted by Surrey County Council.

Internet users in areas such as Tatsfield, Ripley, Ottershaw and Frensham have reported speeds between 0.2mbps (mega bits per second) and 0.47mbps – making it almost impossible to download large files like music or watch videos on YouTube.

A speed of 2mbps is regarded as a basic broadband service with the UK average at 6.8mbps.

In some areas of Surrey, including Guildford and Woking, users are able to access broadband with speeds of more than 20mbps – allowing a music album to be downloaded in 30 seconds and a movie in five minutes.

The council is in the process of selecting a company to provide the superfast broadband infrastructure for up to 20% of Surrey residents and businesses – around 100,000 premises – not included in BT’s current plans to provide the service nationally.

“The sound of a landline phone connecting to the internet should be firmly in the past. But some residents and businesses still have to put up with poor connectivity standards and their service running at a snail’s pace. Our goal is to put an end to this digital divide,” said Peter Martin, Surrey County Council’s deputy leader.

“We’re doing everything possible to ensure that everyone has access to high quality broadband and make sure that those in rural areas and other parts of Surrey where service is patchy are not left behind.”

Four out of 10 respondents also said they would like to work from home but are unable to because of inadequate broadband speeds and more than half of the residents and businesses (53%) saying their internet service at present is unreliable.

More than 2,000 responses have been received and surveys are still available at http://www.superfastsurrey.org.uk/.

Surrey Police have released a photo of an £8,000 horsebox stolen from stables in Tatsfield on Monday 8 August.

The distinctive green and aluminium Iveco vehicle, which has Surrey Ponies written on the front, was stolen between 1am and 1.20am after thieves gained access to the rural location.

Thieves reversed into a fence before driving through two locked metal gates to flee the scene.
The owner was disturbed during the theft and using his car he followed muddy tyre tracks towards the A25, Westerham.

“We need information from the equine community regarding the re-sale of this horsebox and I encourage anyone who has any information regarding this theft to contact Surrey Police or Crimestoppers anonymously,” said Investigating Officer Detective Constable Dale Brunt.

• Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen horsebox is encouraged to call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference TD/11/3827 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police have issued an e-fit photo of a man wanted in connection with an attempted burglary in Tatsfield.

The suspect was seen hiding in the driveway of a house in Ricketts Hill Road when the owner came home at approximately 5pm on Friday, 24 June.

When he realised the owner had spotted him the suspect fled on foot.

No entry had been gained to the house but a downstairs window had been tampered with.

The suspect is described as a white man, in his early 20s, with short brown hair, a slim face and clean shaven. He was wearing a blue shirt.

Officers are linking this offence to a burglary in Westmore Green, Tatsfield, which occurred on the same day. Nothing was stolen but hundreds of pounds worth of damage was caused.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who recognises this suspect or who perhaps was in the Tatsfield area on the afternoon of Friday, 24 June,” said Investigating officer Detective Constable Portia Andrews.

“Officers have made house-to-house enquiries and where possible forensic evidence has been obtained but we need your help.

“If anyone recognises this suspect please come forward and speak with an officer. The local Safer Neighbourhood Team is aware of these incidents and has provided crime reduction advice along with high-visibility patrols.

“I would appeal to the community to work with us in order to identify the man responsible.”

Do you recognise this man? Do you remember seeing someone matching his description in Tatsfield on Friday, 24 June?  Anyone with information should contact DC Andrews at Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference number TD/11/3043.

A Tatsfield woman has been arrested and charged under the Dangerous Dogs Act for failing to comply with a court order.

Jackie Newark, 50, of Old Lane, Tatsfield, has been bailed and will appear at South East Surrey Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 3 September.

The charge relate to two incidents, one on Thursday 19 August and the other on Sunday, 22 August where two dogs were running loose.

In the first incident, two dogs escaped from an address in Tatsfield and were later found in Kent. The second occurred in the Westmore Road area of Tatsfield where a dog had attacked and killed a pet rabbit.

Two Rottweilers and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier are currently in the custody of the police.

“I know dangerous dogs are a real concern to residents as this is an issue which has been raised at my panel meetings,” said PC Martin Bassom.

“I hope the action we have taken reassures the community that we take their concerns seriously and will act swiftly on the information we receive.”