All posts by ianr

More trips to Crawley dump allowed

As covid restrictions ease Crawley residents will be able to visit their local tip more.

The Council had put in place a booking system to manage demand meaning only one trip per week, but this will change to five a month from 1 June.

It is planned to run for six months after which it will be reviewed.

More information on how to book can be found here: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk

“Afternoon Stroll” cricket review – week 3

Another wet weekend saw success for South Nutfield and a kick start to Merstham’s league season, but there were setbacks for Horley and for Newdigate’s Sunday XI

Featured image: Regan Derham (left) receiving Horley cap from Charlie Robins

Jack Bowley of Newdigate

To include your club’s news, results and reports, please email your information to David.Jay@susyradio.com

Report by David Jay

Man jailed for sexual assault

A 35-year-old man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a child.

Benjamin Nichols, of Newdigate Road in Horsham, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and placed on the sexual offenders’ register.
Detective Constable Steven Cassidy of Reigate’s CID team was in charge of the investigation and thanked the victims for their brave actions which helped to bring Nichols to justice.

The case, which related to four incidents occurring between 2016 and 2017, marked the first time that victims have been cross-examined in a pre-recorded video in line with section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act.

Det Con Cassidy said: “This was a lengthy investigation so to get to this point and see a jury unanimously find Nichols guilty on four counts was a great result.

“The young victims were cross-examined beforehand and this was recorded and played out, so they didn’t have to relive their experiences in person before the courtroom. Giving evidence against someone who has assaulted you is a courageous thing to do however it is done, so I want to thank them for helping to bring Nichols to justice. I hope their brave actions and the fact that Nichols has been convicted and will suffer the consequences of his actions for some time to come, gives others who may have had experiences like this confidence to come to us for help.”

Nichols was sentenced on Monday. He was given 12 months for each of the four offences, to be served concurrently, and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years. A sexual harm prevention order was also granted which allows for monitoring of his digital technology use and restricts his access to children.

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

A chance to have your say on council plans for climate change

Residents can now have their say on Reigate and Banstead’s plans to tackle climate change.

The Borough Council has created a new Climate Change and Sustainable Construction document which will support and guide future planning decisions in the area. The consultation runs until 23 June.

The draft Climate Change and Sustainable Construction draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) covers ways to help reduce the impact of and adapt to climate change; careful use of resources, such as materials, water and energy; and other environmental issues that can be addressed through planning. It also considers a range of measures for sustainable development, demolition and construction methods, with the flexibility to accommodate new and emerging technologies.

A council spokesperson said: “Although SPDs don’t set new policies, they support existing Local Plan policy and provide detailed guidance. Their advice is also a material consideration in determining planning applications. The Council is legally required to consult on a draft SPD before it is adopted and this latest consultation was approved by the Executive at its meeting on 25 March.”

Cllr Richard Biggs, Executive Member for Planning Policy and Place Delivery, explains: “Our key planning priorities are to protect our environment, increase the affordability of new homes and support the local economy. Although the climate challenge is international, we can make changes on our own doorstep and develop planning policies that will benefit our local communities and improve the environment for everyone.

“When considering the borough’s target to achieve net zero carbon by 2050, it is also clear that effective planning policy plays a crucial role in this aim when granting planning permission – ensuring that new developments meet the highest standards of sustainable construction and help tackle climate change.

“We welcome everyone’s views on this important planning document – whether you are a resident, developer, member of the professional planning community, local business or any other interested party – your feedback matters. All your comments will help us to shape a more sustainable future for everybody who lives in, works in or visits our borough.”

Visit the council’s website to take part at
https://www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

New Cabinet formally announced at Council AGM

The new leaders of Surrey County Council have been chosen.

The latest council AGM was held in person, with Covid restrictions in place, at the council’s new headquarters in Reigate.

Surrey Conservative Group Leader Councillor Tim Oliver was re-elected as leader, having held the position since December 2018.
Councillor Helyn Clack succeeds Councillor Tony Samuels as Chairman.
He said: “It’s a great privilege for all of us to be elected to serve our communities, and even more so to be elected as Leader. I will stay true to our guiding principles of equal opportunity, improving life expectancy and ensuring that no one in this county is left behind.”

He announced a new Cabinet as follows:

  • Cabinet Member for Children and Families – Clare Curran
  • Cabinet Member for Education and Learning – Denise Turner-Stewart
  • Cabinet Member for Adults – Sinead Mooney
  • Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Property – Natalie Bramhall
  • Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources – Becky Rush
  • Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure – Matt Furniss
  • Cabinet Member for Environment – Marisa Heath
  • Cabinet Member for Communities – Mark Nuti
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    If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com