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East Grinstead: Water Supply Issues

Photos credit:  South East Water

South East Water has apologised to its customers in East Grinstead and the surrounding area for the loss of water supply over the weekend. 

The company says it’s delivering supplies to those on its priority register. 

Bottle stations were set up at Queensway Car Park in Queen’s Road, and at East Grinstead sports club on Saint Hill Road, although yesterday morning many residents had a wasted journey to the Sports Club when bottled water was not available as advertised.  On Saturday the town was gridlocked due to queues for the original bottle station in the Sainsbury’s car park.  The congestion was made worse by a rail replacement bus service in operation over the weekend. 

South East Water said Storm Goretti and the cold weather were to blame for the supply issues in East Grinstead. 

Mims Davies, the Conservative MP for East Grinstead and Uckfield has assured residents that the Queen Victoria Hospital has its own tanker and is managing to run as normal.

Rail passengers advised to plan journeys ahead of major works

Passengers are being advised to plan ahead before travelling as Network Rail is due to carry out improvement works on lines between Brighton, Gatwick Airport and East Croydon.

The works are due to take place on 17-18 January and 24-25 January.

Network Rail said buses would replace trains on the Brighton Main Line as well as lines between Reigate and Redhill and Redhill and Tonbridge.

Man, 53, setenced to six years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving

A 53-year-old man has been convicted for causing death by dangerous driving.

In March of 2023, David Haggard was driving his car along Croydon Lane, Banstead when he clipped a kerb three times before drifting into the path of Jack Charalambous who was driving in the opposite direction.

The two vehicles collided and sadly Mr Charalambous died at the scene.

Haggard was sentenced to six years in prison.

Gatwick Drop-off fee increase criticised

An increase in the drop-off charge at Gatwick Airport has been criticised.

The fee, which allows drivers to stop outside the terminal for 10 minutes, was hiked to £10 on Tuesday.

Gatwick Airport said it had not taken the decision lightly, but it faces increasing costs, including a more than doubling of business rates.

Travel writer Andy Mossack described the hike as a “money-making exercise”.

Redhill Medical Teams Raise Thousands for Patients Benefit

The Godstone Ward, at East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, has raised £5,000 in donations through Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Charity’s Cancer Fund to redecorate its Quiet Room, creating a more calming space for its patients undergoing cancer treatment.

The medical team on Godstone Ward set out to raise the money to create a more peaceful, comfortable environment for patients to have private moments and receive, what can be challenging news, from their care team.

Staff, patients and members of the public took part in fundraising efforts through numerous activities, including running half and full marathons, launching online appeals and receiving a donation from local business, the Stoneman Funeral Service.

Emmanuel Dimaisip, Ward Manager and Chemotherapy Nurse on Godstone Haematology Ward at East Surrey Hospital, commented: “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who supported the Godstone Ward Quiet Room project.

“The collective work, compassion, and willingness to help wherever needed has made a meaningful difference for our patients and their relatives, who we are already receiving a lot of positive feedback from.

“Thanks to generous donations, we have been able to bring comfort, clarity, and care to the people we look after.”

The money raised has transformed the once empty, aged, white walls into a warm space with tranquil scenes that inspire a sense of calm.

Andrew Bickerdike, Head of Charity at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Charity, added: “Thank you to everyone who raised money or donated to the Cancer Fund to help make this happen.

“We know being in hospital can be hard, and as a charity, we are on a mission to change that. The transformation of this room in Godstone Ward is a great example of what a difference donations and fundraising can make.”