Epsom & Ewell Liberal Democrats

The Lib Dem Group on Surrey County Council has called for the Council to reopen its Community Recycling Centres with social distancing measures to avoid fly tipping.

This follows the latest advice from the Government that stated that Household Waste Recycling Centres can be open, but should have social distancing measures in place.

Lib Dem Councillors are concerned the closure of local tips has started to result in a spate of very unwelcome fly tipping.

Local authorities are focusing on household rubbish and food waste and regard the collection of garden waste and recycling as less of a priority. This coupled with Community Recycling Centres being closed and people being at home, so having time for gardening and housework, has resulted in an increase in fly tipping.

Lib Dem Group Leader at County Hall, Councillor Chris Botten, said:

"I am calling on Surrey County Council to reopen our Community Recycling Centres in a limited and safe manner to enable gardeners to dispose of their plant material and also for householders, who may be using the time at home to catch up with domestic jobs, to safely dispose of waste."

"The County Council has been listening to concerns so far and I hope for a partial reopening of our community tips in the near future."

Following a request from Lib Dem Councillor Will Forster, Surrey County Council has agreed to postpone its planned increase of residential parking permits due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The County Council wants to increase the cost of residential parking permits in Controlled Parking Zones, and was intending to advertise and consult the public on the increase in April and then implement the increase soon after that. However, the consultation and increase will be now postponed until after the coronavirus pandemic.

Colin's family have decided to postpone the Memorial Service scheduled for 21st March. It will be held at a later date. Please forward this information as appropriate. Thank you.

The Lib Dems have selected a candidate to bring back community policing, tackle drugs and get a fairer deal for Surrey.

They are delighted to announce that Councillor Paul Kennedy has been selected as their candidate to be Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner in the election on 7th May 2020.

Paul Kennedy is a former barrister, accountant and actuary with over 30 years leadership experience working in both private and public sectors. Paul is hardworking and popular Mole Valley District Councillor, representing Fetcham West ward. He has previously overseen a number of professional and public bodies on behalf of the public, and is offering a fresh approach to policing in Surrey.

The Lib Dems have revealed there were 89 incidents involving offensive weapons on trains or at rail stations in Surrey since 2017. Guildford, Redhill and Woking each were home to 9 such incidents.

Lib Dem Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP has said the new figures "show the utter failure of Tory Ministers to keep people safe from crimes involving offensive weapons, especially knives."

There is to be a Memorial service for former mayor, borough and county councillor Colin Taylor on Saturday 21st March. It will be held at Christ Church, Christ Church Road, Epsom at 2.30pm. Everyone welcome. There will be refreshments in Christ Church Hall after the service.