Road users submitted more than three times as many reports of potholes and damage to roads in Surrey in January than the previous month.

Figures from Surrey County Council show that the authority received 7020 report in January compared to the 2106 in December.

A spokes person from the council said the increase in road damage is due to “freezing temperatures and constant heavy rain”.

The local authority said it had increased its normal number of repair crews by 75% and encouraged residents to report potholes.

West Sussex County Council are asking drivers not to drive through flooded roads.

It comes after several days of constant rain which has left some roads closed due to flooding.

The council also stated that it also puts there highway operatives at risk, as on Monday a highways team members was struck by a white Land Rover which forced its way through a road closure.

Luckily the operative was not injured.

The authority also asks for patience as they try to resolve issues faced due the adverse weather.

A man from Horsham who sexually abused a girl over many years has been jailed.

Landscape gardener, Robert Aynsley, began abusing the victim when she was 12 years old, regularly subjecting her to sexual assaults until she turned 17.

The 56-year-old, was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court in November.

Last Tuesday, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Tandridge District Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a housing development on land south of Barrow Green Road, Oxted, remains in place after the appellant withdrew from the inquiry.

The appeal Inquiry started on Tuesday 27 January 2026 and was scheduled to last for nine days. The planning Inspector had heard evidence from the developer, the District Council, Oxted & Limpsfield Residents Group, Oxted Parish Council as well as representations from local residents.

The appeal was part of the way through its sixth day when the appellant, Croudace, decided to withdraw. No reason was given.  The Council will be seeking to recover its costs for the appeal.