Regeneration of the Upper High Street shopping area in Epsom is being aimed at by council planners. A recent proposal from developers to build on part of the car park, as well as the adjoining Allam's garage and Iceland store, was approved by a government inspector after being rejected by Epsom & Ewell's planning committee. This could not go ahead, because the car park is owned by the Borough Council. However to try and attract more shoppers into the town centre, the planners are now considering an alternative development as a supermarket, by new site owners Helical Bar.
The Fairtrade Foundation has declared 1 to 13 March as its "Fairtrade Fortnight". In Epsom, members of the local steering group will be canvassing support in the High Street on Saturday 12 March. This steering group was set up by Cllr Jonathan Lees, following the refusal of Epsom & Ewell Council to support proposals to make Epsom a "Fairtrade Town".
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council passed their budget and agreed a 4.9% council tax increase, virtually the maximum 5% allowed under government capping rules. Opposition leader Cllr Colin Taylor (Lib Dem) moved an amendment drawing attention to the looming financial crisis predicted for just after the next borough council elections - and the optimistic nature of the proposals to reduce spending. He pointed out that if this year's overspend was repeated the crisis would happen even sooner. He said "Much as I would like to see a smaller increase in Council Tax, the council's finances are in such a state that it would be irresponsible to propose this."
Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate Jonathan Lees was asking people for their views on parking restrictions in South Street and High Street, Epsom last Saturday. He was joined by other members of the Lib Dem FOCUS team, including County Councillor Colin Taylor and Woodcote ward borough council candidate Lionel Blackman. Over 200 surveys were completed in one morning.
For the Woodcote by-election, the Liberal Democrats have chosen the well-known local solicitor Lionel Blackman, who lives in the heart of Woodcote ward. Lionel wants to see Woodcote get a better deal. He says "I think Woodcote residents have been well served by their Lib Dem councillors in the past. They were utterly committed, reliable and professional. I am determined to carry on their good work."
In January 2005 there were cheers from the public gallery as Epsom & Ewell's ruling RA Party overturned their own decision to dispose of Ewell Court House (ECH).
Despite strong opposition from the Liberal Democrat group, the Conservative majority on Surrey County Council has forced through a sell off of Surrey school support services to warship makers Vosper Thornycroft.
The Liberal Democrats on Surrey County Council have successfully forced the Conservative administration to reconsider their decision to cut bus services from September, even though they refused to debate a Lib Dem motion before the summer holidays.
The Conservative Executive of Surrey County Council have decided to withdraw large numbers of evening and weekend bus services right across Surrey with effect from September 2003. This was agreed at their meeting on the 10th of June.
Surrey County Council has increased its share of council tax for 2003-2004 by 17.9%. Cllr. Janet Maines, Lib Dem group leader said: "This Tory-run County Council has got to move away from crisis management, with its ever spiralling costs, by investing in preventative measures that are good value for money and that better meet the needs of Surrey residents".
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