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Council leader to step down after more than a decade

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THE long-standing leader of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council is to step down. Councillor Joan Spiers, who has led the council for 11 years - from 2001 to 2007 and again since 2008 - will step down after the council elections on May 22. Cllr Spiers, the member for Kingswood and Burgh Heath, made the announcement a meeting of the council on Thursday. Councillor Graeme Crome posted on Twitter: "Leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Cllr Joan Spiers to step down as Leader after May 22 elections." Prospective future leaders are expected to announce their candidacy in the coming weeks and a new leader will be elected at the Conservative Group AGM following the election. In December, the Mirror reported how Cllr Spier was expected to step down following the elections. The news came not long after MP Crispin Blunt said he would find it "impossible" to work with people who did not support him in his battle for reselection to stand as Reigate's Conservative candidate in the 2015 general election. Since she first took over the leadership in 2001, Cllr Spiers has only been not of the top chair for one year, in 2007-2008, when Councillor Lynne Hack led the council.

Council leader to step down after more than a decade


Superb Whyteleafe back on top spot

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Whyteleafe have hit top spot in Southern Counties East Football League once again after seeing off Tunbridge Wells 3-2 this afternoon. In a fine game, fitting of a title battle, Leafe took a deserved early lead through Jensen Grant, before two stunning goals from Jon Pilbeam and Jake Beecroft put Wells in the ascendancy at half time. However, Leafe capitalised on Wells mistakes after the break to seal all three points, Roscoe D'Sane and Bentley Graham getting the goal – the latter a wonderful 45-yard strike into an empty net. Leafe settled the better and in Sam Clayton they had the man causing all sorts of problems for the Wells defence. Grant had their first big chance, good build up play from D'Sane and Bentley Graham played in the midfielder, but his effort from a tight angle was deflected over. In truth, he should have done better and Grant wasted another great chance, heading over the ensuing corner. Wells keeper Chris Oladogba saved superbly to deny Clayton, before Lee Radford almost turned a Clayton shot past his own keeper - the ball rolling inches wide. The hosts struggled to create any sort of pressure and rarely threatened the Leafe goal. And it was the visitors who took the lead on 27 minutes, Grant getting across his man and heading home Jason Thompson's corner. It was no less than they deserved. They nearly made it 2-0 moments later, but Oladogba denied Clayton once more, before Wells equalised out of nowhere. Jake Beecroft's corner wasn't dealt with properly, the ball fell to Pilbeam and his fired a beauty past Leafe keeper Sheikh Ceesay. On 43 minutes Wells turned the game on its head. Beecroft picked up a quick throw on the left edge of the area and curled a corker into the top corner. Pilbeam could have made it 3-1 before the break. Firstly he scuffed a shot and then lashed at an effort following a lovely pass from Chris Seenan. They would rue those misses. Leafe dusted themselves off at half-time and started the second period on the front foot. D'Sane and Clayton both went close before they equalised on 62 minutes. Lewis Mingle misjudged a ball over the top, D'Sane nipped in, knocked the ball around Oladogba and rolled it into an empty net. Wells should have retaken the lead a minute later. A long cross found Ian Parsons free at the far post, but he headed wide. It was another wasted chance that would cost them. With less than 20 minutes remaining, Oladogba raced out of goal to clear a long ball, but could only head it to Graham 45 yards out. He still had a lot to do, but with Oladogba and Mingle struggling to get back, he hammered a shot goalwards, that bounced into the net. Oladogba made some amends by pulling off a point blank save from D'Sane, before Wells had a chance to equalise. Pilbeam's cross ran through to sub Jack Funnell, he fired goalwards, but Ceesay's legs knocked the ball onto the bar and away to safety. Pilbeam then showed a great touch to get away from the Leafe defence, but his chance – and Wells' final one- went begging. It was the visitors who nearly added to their lead late on, D'Sane hitting a post and Bentley being denied by Oladogba at the end of a fine game.

Superb Whyteleafe back on top spot

Super South Park are crowned champions

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South Park have been crowned Combined Counties Premier League champions. Captain Dan Guscott lifted the trophy this afternoon after Park beat Camberley Town 1-0 at home. Kieran Lavery got the winning goal, heading home Chris Smith's near post corner.

Super South Park are crowned champions

Kissi double give Redhill three points, Merstham lose at champions

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Redhill picked up a fine win as they saw off Hythe Town 3-1 this afternoon. Gavin Gordon got their opener before a Richmond Kissi double either side of half time made sure of the points. Elsewhere, Merstham went down 3-1 at champions Peacehaven, while Chipstead drew 2-2 at home with Eastbourne Town.

Kissi double give Redhill three points, Merstham lose at champions

Caterham great-grandmother meets Princess Anne

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A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER from Caterham met Princess Anne – and got inside information on some royal babies.

Elizabeth Bennett, 83, was able to share family insights with the Princess Royal, who has two grandchildren herself.

The pair met when the royal VIP unveiled a commemorative stone to stage and screen actress Dame Anna Neagle – Mrs Bennett's aunt.

Princess Anne did the honours on March 6, at the City of London Cemetery in East London, where the star and her husband are buried

Mrs Bennett, who has three children, nine grandchildren and a great grandchild, said: "Princess Anne was incredible. She was charm personified. She told me what it is like to be a proud grandmother and how her grandchildren were really good and slept very well.

"It was a wonderful day.

"She spoke to each of my relatives who were present."

The entire family then joined their distinguished guest at a nearby reception.

Among Mrs Bennett's extended family who attended the unveiling was her daughter Sally Blockley, who travelled from Australia for the once-in-a-lifetime event. Dame Anna Neagle's most celebrated screen role was as Queen Victoria in two award-winning films. On the London stage, she starred in the musical Charlie Girl in 2,047 performances. The actress died in 1986.

When Mrs Bennett married in June 1954, she wore the Norman Hartnell-designed wedding dress which her famous aunt had worn in the 1949 film, Maytime in Mayfair.

Mrs Bennett, of Foxon Close, recalled: "My aunt was tremendously successful, especially in the 1940s.

"She was at the top of the tree and won many film awards."

The day was only marred by an unfortunate accident on their return to Caterham.

Mrs Bennett's husband Antony, a retired GP, fell and fractured his hip. He is now making a good recovery.

Caterham great-grandmother meets Princess Anne

CCTV: Do you recognise these people?

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POLICE would like to speak to the people in these CCTV pictures in relation to crimes in the area. If you are the person pictured, or recognise anyone photographed, please call officers on 101 quoting the reference number.

CCTV: Do you recognise these people?

Whyteleafe boss hails side after "must-win" game

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You only had to witness Whyteleafe's celebrations after their 3-2 win over Tunbridge Wells yesterday to realise just how crucial it was. The three points put Leafe back on top of the Southern Counties East Football League with just four games to play. If they win all four they will be champions. Afterwards boss John Fowler admitted that victory over title rivals Tunbridge Wells really was a "must-win" game. "It was a must-win for us," Fowler said. "With only five games to go and now four, it was a key fixture for us. I honestly thought, had we lost, Ashford would have been in pole position. I think Tunbridge Wells are out of it now, it's between us and Ashford. It was a good positive result for us. "We didn't deserve to go in at the break 2-1 down, their two goals were against the run of play. They had two chances and scored two goals. We had eight and got one. We told them to believe in themselves, to create chances and the goals will come." Now all eyes are on Easter Monday when Ashford visit Whyteleafe in what is surely the title decider. Leafe once again lead the race, not a position Fowler is too comfortable with. "We've pushed the self-destruct button in the past couple of weeks. I think, to be honest, we're better when we're chasing. Now we're back on top, it's a tough one. But it is tight. When we had too many points I think we took our foot off the pedal a bit – got a bit complacent. But now we're in a title challenge. It's all in our own hands. Every game is a cup final for us – we're looking forward to the challenge." He added: "Looking at the fixtures of who we've got and who they've got I think it'll come down to Bank Holiday Monday. It's going to be the one. I've watched them a couple of times this season and when they played us I thought they were a lot better that what I had seen of them in previous games. They raised their game for the big important one. The sending off had an impact on that game as well. Hopefully we can do the job at our place."

Whyteleafe boss hails side after

Knitted chicks and rabbits boost Caterham Dene Hospital

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CHICKS and rabbits are in huge demand at Caterham Dene Hospital.

But it's not a pet invasion on the wards. It's a creative fundraiser which is generating vital funds for the much-loved hospital in Church Road.

Industrious members of the hospital's League of Friends have had their needles clicking to create hundreds of woollen rabbits and chicks– and they are being snapped up like hot cakes.

The miniature figures, each containing a cream egg, are on sale for £1.50 each at the reception desk.

While some ladies knit the yellow pattern, Natalie Norris finishes them off by sewing the pieces together and attaching the eyes and beak.

Mrs Norris, who lives in Whyteleafe, said: "We've already made more than 300 items this year.

"They get snapped up really fast – someone bought 20 in one go.

"I've made so many, I think I could knit them in my sleep!"

Kathy Delwiche, a former nurse at the hospital, is among those picking up a pair of knitting needles to do her bit.

Mrs Delwiche, who lives in Godstone, said: "I was so appreciative of the work the League of Friends does here that I thought I'd try and put something back.

"There is a lot of affection in the Caterham area for the Dene."

The League of Friends has raised more than £300,000 for equipment and patients' amenities, with natty knitters making loads of fun Santas, Christmas puddings and robins over the festive season.

As well as sales of knitted goods and greetings cards, the friends' group holds an annual autumn fair and occasional quiz nights.

The next quiz night is on May 10, at Caterham United Reformed Church.

Its annual summer fete in 2011, which raised £3,400, was its last for a while because of a lack of voluntary help.

The hope is the fete can be revived this summer, if enough assistance is forthcoming.

To volunteer, become a friend or book tickets for the quiz night, call 01883 342270.

The hospital's minor injuries unit is open from 9am to 8pm each day.

The number of patients treated there has doubled since the unit opened in 2011. There is no need to book an appointment and there is limited free parking on site.

Knitted chicks and rabbits boost Caterham Dene Hospital


Get rid of Horley taxi rank, residents plead

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A TOWN centre taxi rank is taking up valuable parking space, according to some residents.

Cabbies currently use the rank in Horley High Street to queue and wait for passengers. But the rank's apparent under-use is irritating some shoppers.

George Oddy, 89, who banks in Horley, said: "I have never seen a taxi there and like many other people I park there to use it and pop into the bank.

"Then one day I came out and there's a guy writing out a ticket which took me by surprise. I said I had been doing it for years, like many other people and he replied saying, 'well I was told to'."

"The rank just seems a total waste of space. I suggested [Reigate and Banstead Borough Council] could make it a short term one [parking area], so we could pop into the shops."

But a change such as this would not be welcomed by all. Abid Majid, chairman of the Taxi Association, admitted the rank is currently underused but said: "As the town increases, and there are pressures for the town to increase, it would become a viable rank at one stage. Once we give it up we would never get it back.

"I am sure given time it will be used."

Fiona Stimpson, chairman of the Horley and District Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that there is already a rank in Victoria Road.

Miss Stimpson added: "I can't see anybody hailing a taxi down the road. It is just not how people do it in Horley."

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council said it has taken the first steps to remove the rank.

Jacqui Joseph, the council's parking manager, said: "Reigate and Banstead Borough Council are aware of this issue for drivers and have previously requested that Surrey County Council remove the taxi rank. We're awaiting news from Surrey of the next steps for this process."

Lee Tobin, a Surrey County Council spokesperson, added: "Reigate and Banstead Borough Council are considering the removal of this taxi bay and are consulting our highways team about it. If the borough council decides it does not want the taxi rank in this spot, we would certainly consider some sort of parking scheme."

Get rid of Horley taxi rank, residents plead

Suspended jail sentence for Caterham sex pest who flouted smartphone order

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A "SEX PEST" has been given a suspended jail sentence for carrying a smartphone – in breach of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

Mark Lewin had previously been jailed for 30 months in January 2011, after admitting two charges of outraging public decency.

Lewin, of Banstead Road, Caterham, also pleaded guilty at the time to 12 counts of making indecent images after pictures at the less-serious end of the scale were found on his camera.

He was then banned by a Guildford Crown Court judge from possessing a mobile phone with internet access during the ten years he would serve on the Sex Offenders' Register.

But Redhill magistrates heard last month that Lewin had breached that ban on March 26 this year.

Police found 33-year-old Lewin in Dorking carrying an iPhone, which could connect to the internet.

He was given a four-month jail term, suspended for 24 months, after admitting the offence.

Lewin was also ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge.

At the original hearing, the court heard Lewin had been seen trying to film up a woman's skirt while in Tesco, in Coulsdon Road, Caterham.

A mother-of-three was shopping in the store when she saw a man crouching near her by the baby wipes.

Shortly afterwards, she saw the man's hand near her thigh with an iPhone pointing up her knee-length skirt.

The woman alerted a guard who detained Lewin.

At the time, Rupert Hallowes, his defence solicitor, told the court: "This was low-level behaviour by a low-level sex pest.

"But his probation report says he has 'fantasies of a serious nature'."

And back in 2008 Lewin was jailed for 100 weeks after admitting two offences of voyeurism for the purposes of sexual gratification and six of possessing indecent images of youngsters.

The court heard he was twice caught peering over the cubicles at Tandridge Leisure Centre in Oxted to watch young girls changing.

The offences were committed while Lewin was on bail for having obscene images of children as young as two on his laptop, the court was told.

Suspended jail sentence for Caterham sex pest who flouted smartphone order

Should there be a second runway at Gatwick Airport? Have your say

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NOW is the time to have your say on a second runway at Gatwick Airport.

A six-week public consultation into the proposal began on Friday. The results will be forwarded to the Government's independent airport commission which will rule on the future of air travel in the South East next year.

But critics have already branded the consultation "plush but bogus" saying it gives affected residents no chance to reject the scheme outright.

In December, the commission short-listed an extra runway at both Gatwick and Heathrow as options to maximise the region's air capacity.

Now both airports' applications will be considered in depth before a recommendation is made after next year's general election.

Gatwick chiefs say the consultation, which provides information about the options available and offers the public a chance to voice their preferences, will help them refine and decide on their final submission.

Currently there are three options for the siting of the second runway at Gatwick – all of which are south of the existing runway towards Crawley – and airport bosses say they will decide which they prefer after the consultation has concluded.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick's chief executive, said: "We are keen to encourage as many local people as possible to respond to our consultation as this feedback will have a key role in helping us to refine our runway proposals."

Website www.gatwickobviously.com has been set up to promote the airport's proposals and the consultation.

At one point it cites support from local authorities for another runway at the airport.

Among the supporters is Wendy Bell, general manager at Sussex Enterprise, who said: "A second runway at Gatwick is not just economically vital for the area in terms of employment and supply; it will ensure that the region has a gateway to the world."

But environmental group the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC) has slammed the consultation as "bogus" saying people cannot choose "no runway" as their preference.

The consultation allows residents to choose "none of the above" as their favourite option for a new runway, but GACC members say that is not enough and there should be a "no runway" option.

The group's chairman Brendon Sewill said: "GACC's objections remain as strong as ever.

"We will campaign vigorously against any new runway because we believe that making Gatwick larger than Heathrow today would alter the character of Surrey, Sussex and west Kent forever."

The consultation will finish on May 16. Visit www.gatwickairport.com/ consultation for information.

Consultation meetings GATWICK bosses are holding consultation events in surrounding towns to discuss the plans for a second runway with residents.Epsom Date: Tuesday, April 15 Time: 4pm to 7.30pm Venue: The Ebbisham CentreReigate Date: Wednesday, April 23 Time: 4pm to 7.30pm Venue: Reigate Community CentreHorley Date: Saturday, April 26 Time: 11am to 3.30pm Venue: The Studio, Horley Leisure CentreCharlwood Date: Monday, April 28 Time: 4pm to 7.30pm Venue: Parish Hall, 92 The StreetDorking Date: Thursday, May 1 Time: 4pm to 7.30pm Venue: Masonic Hall, Dorking Halls

Should there be a second runway at Gatwick Airport? Have your say

Assault outside Redhill snooker club

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Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses after three men were assaulted outside a snooker club in Redhill. The incident happened at 2am on Saturday, April 5 when three Latvian men were attacked by two males outside Q's Entertainment in Queensway. Fifteen minutes earlier the two groups were involved in a verbal altercation inside the address and were asked to leave by door staff. The victims each received facial injuries including a suspected broken jaw, a swollen cheek and a large cut above the eye. The first suspect is described as white, 5ft 10inch, short dark hair, skinny build, thought to be in his mid 20. He was wearing a silver ring on the middle finger of his right hand, black t-shirt and black jeans. He also had a cut on the centre of his chin. The second male is white, 5ft 6inchs, with blond/gingery hair, of a stocky build, with a northern accent. He is thought to be in his late 20s, early 30s. He was wearing a white or light coloured t-shirt with blue jeans. Anyone with information should call police on 101 (999 in an emergency) and quote the reference number 45140026687.

Assault outside Redhill snooker club

Whyteleafe skipper hopes Tunbridge Wells can do side a favour

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Whyteleafe skipper Jason Thompson is hoping Tunbridge Wells can do his side a favour by taking points of Ashford United on Saturday. Speaking after Leafe beat Wells 3-2 to put them back on top of the Southern Counties East Football League, Thompson said everyone is geared up to a massive Easter that will surely decide the fate of the league title. Wells – out of the race now – visit second placed Ashford on Saturday, before Ashford travel to Whyteleafe on Easter Monday. "It was a massive win [on Saturday]," Thompson said. "We've still go a long way to go, but that looks like Tunbridge Wells out of the running. It was a hard test, but we've got four games left now. It was a massive crunch game for us, but now we're really looking forward to the run-in. "We've got a hard game against Corinthian on Saturday and then Ashford on the Monday. It's going to be a good weekend. Tunbridge Wells have got Ashford on the Saturday. They are a good team, they have done well to get where they are, they are probably the ones to watch next season. Hopefully they can do us a favour at Ashford on Saturday." And Thompson hailed his team-mates for coming through their "blip" just in time for the finale to the season. He also praised match-winner Bentley Graham whose stunning 45-yard strike saw off Tunbridge Wells. "He doesn't score many of them, but when they come off they're amazing," Thompson said. "He's been on the bench a couple of times recently, but he's come in a proved the manager wrong."

Whyteleafe skipper hopes Tunbridge Wells can do side a favour

PICTURES: RAG Week fun at Oxted School

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FUN with a fundraising intent formed Oxted School's action-packed RAG Week.

A girls' rugby match, pouring baked beans over selected students, musical events and a staff versus students hockey match were among the elements of the week, which culminated on Friday.

Run by and for sixth form students, it also saw pupils dress as everything from cowboys and superheroes to characters from TV's Little Britain.

The brave individuals who had baked beans poured over them were head boy Zak Tait, head girl Hannah Gauntlett, deputy head boy Robbie Belok, deputy head girl Alice Williams, the head of sixth form Adrian Bennett and head of Year 12 Lisa Starnes.

The overall proceeds will be divided between the Orpheus Centre in Godstone and the Hospice in the Weald, in Kent.

However the half raised for the Orpheus Centre will be matched by Barclays in Oxted.

Year 13 student Ciara Redmond, one of the main organisers of the week, said: "A former student is the head fundraiser at The Orpheus Centre, which is an excellent local charity providing life skills and performing arts to young disabled adults.

"The centre offers lots of exciting work experience and voluntary work for Oxted students.

"As a sixth form we feel that the money raised will be used in a fun and useful way to benefit many of the young adults who attend."

A total of £1,156.36 was raised from the girls' rugby, the bean bath and a quiz night alone.

PICTURES: RAG Week fun at Oxted School

Oxted store break-in

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Detectives from East Surrey CID are appealing for information after a large quantity of cigarettes were stolen at a store in Oxted. The incident occurred at around 1.50am on Sunday, April 13 when three offenders forced access to the front of the Co-Op store on Station Road by smashing a window with a paving slab. It is believed the offenders left the scene in a dark coloured, possibly black Volkswagen Golf in the direction of Gresham Road. Investigating officer Detective Constable Kirsty Webb, said: "I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious either around the time of the offence or in the days leading up to it to contact officers with information. "I would particularly like to speak with anyone who has information on the Volkswagen Golf which we believe may connect to the incident. "Officers are working closely with the store on how they can improve their security and prevent future incidents like this." Anyone who can assist officers with their investigation is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45140029363. The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Oxted store break-in


The UK's Top Takeaways Are Near You!

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Advertisement Feature Remember those nights when you had to sort through a sad stack of old takeaway menus to find something - anything - for supper? Well those days of disappointing dinners are well and truly over now hungryhouse.co.uk is on the scene! hungryhouse is the UK's leading online platform for ordering takeaway food. We're all about finding the best takeaway restaurants, making ordering easy and home delivery a breeze. Convenience and deliciousness are what drives us. Whether you crave your favourite takeaway or want to try something new, you can order with ease at hungryhouse. Our website has menus from over 9,000 restaurants. This means there's no better way to find the dinner of your dreams! You can search by postcode, dish or cuisine and read customers reviews to find the best takeaway near you. With just a few clicks, it's the quickest way to order takeaway. This year hungryhouse made it our mission to find the Top Takeaways in the UK. From analysing customer reviews to star ratings and returning customers, we crunched (and munched!) data to discover the best takeaways around. The results? A stellar list of restaurant partners we're proud to have on the hungryhouse platform. So next time the need for seriously delicious takeaway strikes, consider these Top Takeaway winners in Surrey!Royal Gurka in Guildford 57 Broad Street, Guildford GU3 3BG Those lucky Guildford locals have it good with Royal Gurka on the doorstep. By serving superb Nepalese and Indian cuisine to loyal customers the restaurant has nabbed a well- deserved Top Takeaways Award. We're bonkers about their beautiful menu, which starts with tempting items like Momo (Nepalese style dumplings), crispy Onion Bhajis, smoky Chicken Tikka skewers and aromatic Prawn Puri. Meat eaters and vegetarians will be joined in their communal love of Royal Gurka's curries. Boasting carefully judged spices and the best ingredients around, this is food to make your heart sing and taste buds dance. Go for an old fav like Korma, Rogan Josh, Vindaloo or Daal, or try something new like their Dhansak or Khazana curries. You won't be disappointed. Food Stop in Woking 24 Ash Road, Woking GU22 0BH Food Stop have struck a winning formula with their wicked array of fast food favourites. Perfect for ordering in with a group, they have something to please every palate. Pizzas are a classic takeaway option of course and Food Stop serve up a slew to keep the wolves at bay. The burgers are juicy, kebabs pack a serious flavour punch and the sides are enough to send any foodie into a swoon. Ribs, potato skins with cheese, garlic mushrooms, sausage with chips, chicken popcorn…need we go on? Food Stop have it all, do it well and offer home delivery. House House in Guildford 38 Barrack Road, Guildford GU2 9RU The food is so good at House House the name is worth repeating! Well, that's our theory and we're sticking to it. Authentic Chinese cuisine is name of the culinary game and House House have it mastered. From the get-go the menu is a symphony of delicious dishes. Consider Crispy Aromatic Duck, Mandarin Chicken Wings, Peking Dumplings or Malaysian Mummi Chilli Ribs to get your Chinese feast started. Feel like seafood? Check out their sumptuous King Prawns with Bamboo Shoots and Chestnuts, Spicy Szechuan Squid or Mussels with Black Bean Sauce. Or perhaps it's Roast Duck, Sweet and Sour Pork or tender Beef in Oyster Sauce that has your tummy rumbling. The only problem with House House is deciding what to order, but when the food is this good it's a cross we're happy to bear. To find and order from a Top Takeaway in your area head to hungryhouse now!

The UK’s Top Takeaways Are Near You!

Pavement parkers are 'threatening the lives' of blind people

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A PENSIONER has called for action over parked cars blocking pavements.

Brian Gardener, 77, who is blind in one eye and has only 25 per cent vision in the other, is fed up with the difficulties careless parking causes him.

Mr Gardener said: "The problem is primarily that I can't get past them without walking into the road or, in many cases, there are things parked that I just do not see and I walk straight into the back of them.

"It is very, very dangerous when we have got to walk out into the road."

As it currently stands, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's enforcement officers only have the power to issue penalty charges to vehicles parked on the pavement where parking restrictions, such as yellow lines, exist.

Jacqui Joseph, the council's parking manager, said: "We do not have the power to issue penalty charge notices to cars parked on pavements away from lowered kerbs and, instead, this is a police matter if the vehicle is causing an obstruction.

"Our officers endeavour to cover as much of the borough's roads as possible on their regular patrols but residents can, and indeed do, contact us where there are persistent problems."

Mr Gardener's complaints are part of a wider, national call for new laws to prevent vehicles parking on pavements.

Research by Guide Dogs has found the majority of British adults and local authority councillors back its call for new laws.

Seven out of ten (69 per cent) people who took part in a YouGov survey, commissioned by the charity, supported the idea, and eight out of ten (78 per cent) of local authority councillors said they would support the introduction of such a law.

James White, campaigns manager for Guide Dogs, said: "It can be frightening for anyone who is forced to step into a road because the pavement is blocked by a van, car or other badly-parked vehicle.

"Now, imagine you have to step into a road where you can't see on-coming traffic. People who are blind or partially sighted have to face this shocking reality every day.

"We want politicians to act, to prevent this inconsiderate and dangerous parking."

Surrey Police spokesman James Baker said Safer Neighbourhood Team officers carry out regular patrols to target anti-social and obstructive parking.

He added, in some cases, fixed penalty notices can be issued and any residents with concerns about their area should call 101.

Pavement parkers are 'threatening the lives' of blind people

Life-saving Hurst Green boy, 9, wins prestigious award

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A PROUD mum was in "floods of tears" after her life-saving son won a prestigious award.

Cameron Harden came to the rescue when his epileptic older brother Elliot had a severe seizure last August.

Elliot, now 12, slipped into unconsciousness and turned blue. But Cameron did not panic.

He dragged a heavy oxygen cylinder towards his stricken brother and gently placed the oxygen mask on Elliot's mouth until his colour returned, all the while encouraging his brother to "Please come back, Elliot, please".

He then put Elliot into the recovery position until his mother could step in.

On March 26, nine-year-old Cameron of Coldshott, Hurst Green, won the shining star category of Young Epilepsy's Champions Awards.

A pupil at St Francis School in Caterham, he received the charity's award at London's City Hall where he got to meet several cast members from EastEnders, Waterloo Road and The Bill.

He also had his picture taken with TV newsreader and Reigate resident Nicholas Owen, together with actress Roberta Taylor who has appeared in both The Bill and EastEnders.

Elliot needs 24-hour care and cannot speak, but devoted Cameron can feed his brother and can give emergency medication if necessary.

The boys' mother Julie said: "I am extremely proud of him and his amazing achievement.

"I was in floods of tears when he received his award. I realise what an incredible young man he is."

Hospital admissions of his older sibling are an accustomed part of family life in the Harden household, she added.

Cameron has shown videos at school of Young Epilepsy students and their achievements, has done a sponsored run for the Lingfield-based charity and organised fundraising days at school.

The youngster's ambition is to teach at the charity when he grows up.

Lisa Farmer, Young Epilepsy's director of development, said: "Cameron is an inspiration and a hero.

"I am humbled by the stories of Cameron and others – people that have gone above and beyond to try and make the world a better place for those living with epilepsy."

Life-saving Hurst Green boy, 9, wins prestigious award

New generation of motorway opens on M25

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The first section of the newly-refurbished M25 has opened - and next month the Surrey stretch will also be reopened. An eight mile section of the motorway in Hertfordshire is the first in the country of a new style of 'smart motorway' schemes - which will also come to Surrey. Pioneering technology and use of the hard shoulder as a permanent running lane have been combined to reduce congestion and ease traffic flow, improving the reliability of journeys. One more section on the southern part of the M25 is due to open next month, with a third later in the year on the northern section, with similar schemes being rolled out across the country including the M1, M3, and M62. Smart motorways deliver additional road capacity more quickly and at less cost than traditional road widening schemes, while remaining at least as safe. Roads minister Robert Goodwill said: "The additional capacity on the M25 is part of the government's record investment in the strategic road network, with £15.1 billion being invested to add over 400 lane miles of capacity on our busiest motorways by 2021. "Our motorways are the backbone of Britain and vital to building the UK economy, with approximately four million vehicles using them each day." Graham Dalton, Highways Agency chief executive said: "The Highways Agency is a world class roads operator and we have built upon our experience of operating the M42 pilot scheme. "The design changes have meant that smart motorways are quicker to build, more intuitive for drivers and more efficient to operate, while maintaining safety." The improvement work on the M25 has been carried out by Connect Plus. A similar scheme, between junctions 5 and 6/7 has completed construction and after a period of essential testing and commissioning of systems, is due to open next month. The hard shoulder will be a permanent running lane between junctions 5 and 6 with a traditional hard shoulder between junctions 6 and 7 where there are already four lanes available to traffic. The new technology has been added to the road to provide drivers with safe and reliable journeys. This includes infra-red CCTV, being used for the first time by the Highways Agency, to enable staff in the control centres to have increased visibility of the network and will be able to respond even quicker to incidents.

New generation of motorway opens on M25

The UK's Top Takeaways Are Near You!

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Advertisement Feature Remember those nights when you had to sort through a sad stack of old takeaway menus to find something - anything - for supper? Well those days of disappointing dinners are well and truly over now hungryhouse.co.uk is on the scene! hungryhouse is the UK's leading online platform for ordering takeaway food. We're all about finding the best takeaway restaurants, making ordering easy and home delivery a breeze. Convenience and deliciousness are what drives us. Whether you crave your favourite takeaway or want to try something new, you can order with ease at hungryhouse. Our website has menus from over 9,000 restaurants. This means there's no better way to find the dinner of your dreams! You can search by postcode, dish or cuisine and read customers reviews to find the best takeaway near you. With just a few clicks, it's the quickest way to order takeaway. This year hungryhouse made it our mission to find the Top Takeaways in the UK. From analysing customer reviews to star ratings and returning customers, we crunched (and munched!) data to discover the best takeaways around. The results? A stellar list of restaurant partners we're proud to have on the hungryhouse platform. So next time the need for seriously delicious takeaway strikes, consider these Top Takeaway winners in Surrey!Royal Gurka in Guildford 57 Broad Street, Guildford GU3 3BG Those lucky Guildford locals have it good with Royal Gurka on the doorstep. By serving superb Nepalese and Indian cuisine to loyal customers the restaurant has nabbed a well- deserved Top Takeaways Award. We're bonkers about their beautiful menu, which starts with tempting items like Momo (Nepalese style dumplings), crispy Onion Bhajis, smoky Chicken Tikka skewers and aromatic Prawn Puri. Meat eaters and vegetarians will be joined in their communal love of Royal Gurka's curries. Boasting carefully judged spices and the best ingredients around, this is food to make your heart sing and taste buds dance. Go for an old fav like Korma, Rogan Josh, Vindaloo or Daal, or try something new like their Dhansak or Khazana curries. You won't be disappointed. Food Stop in Woking 24 Ash Road, Woking GU22 0BH Food Stop have struck a winning formula with their wicked array of fast food favourites. Perfect for ordering in with a group, they have something to please every palate. Pizzas are a classic takeaway option of course and Food Stop serve up a slew to keep the wolves at bay. The burgers are juicy, kebabs pack a serious flavour punch and the sides are enough to send any foodie into a swoon. Ribs, potato skins with cheese, garlic mushrooms, sausage with chips, chicken popcorn…need we go on? Food Stop have it all, do it well and offer home delivery. House House in Guildford 38 Barrack Road, Guildford GU2 9RU The food is so good at House House the name is worth repeating! Well, that's our theory and we're sticking to it. Authentic Chinese cuisine is name of the culinary game and House House have it mastered. From the get-go the menu is a symphony of delicious dishes. Consider Crispy Aromatic Duck, Mandarin Chicken Wings, Peking Dumplings or Malaysian Mummi Chilli Ribs to get your Chinese feast started. Feel like seafood? Check out their sumptuous King Prawns with Bamboo Shoots and Chestnuts, Spicy Szechuan Squid or Mussels with Black Bean Sauce. Or perhaps it's Roast Duck, Sweet and Sour Pork or tender Beef in Oyster Sauce that has your tummy rumbling. The only problem with House House is deciding what to order, but when the food is this good it's a cross we're happy to bear. To find and order from a Top Takeaway in your area head to hungryhouse now!

The UK's Top Takeaways Are Near You!

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