Two men have been charged in connection with a ram raid at a jewellers in Old Woking Road have both been charged with burglary of a commercial property White has also been charged with dangerous driving driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and uninsured driving A third man who was arrested was taken to hospital for medical treatment The two men charged have been remanded to appear at Guildford Crown Court on 6 March Officers were called to Old Woking Road at 1.15pm following reports of a car reversing repeatedly into the front of Brooklands Jewellers and three men wearing face coverings getting out and stealing a number of high value items from the front window display Pictures and videos of the incident quickly circulated across social media and police are looking to speak to any witnesses or anyone with photo or video footage that could have captured all or part of the incident If you have any information that may assist the investigation, contact the police quoting PR/45250011338 via the website https://orlo.uk/8Uywv or call police on 101. If you do not wish to speak to police, contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Police are aware of the impact that the incident may have had on residents and local business owners. They would like to thank the community for their patience and support while officers were carrying out initial enquiries at the scene, and particularly thank those who came forward with information. No piece of evidence is too small in helping police build their investigation. Surrey Police have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the incident, due to an injury being sustained by one of the suspects following a police pursuit. Comments Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 Triumph West London are pleased to offer the stunning new Speed Twin 1200 RS finished in Sapphire Black We have just 5 of these stunning machines destined for our show room consisting of: 2x Sapphire Black 3x Baja Orange/Sapphire Black Fitted with shift assist as standard Rain & Sport Lean sensitive optimised cornering ABS LCD & TFT display This will be an amazing machine to ride so don't delay Demonstrator Available Finance & Part Exchange Available on request CALL US ON 01784 420 421 Triumph West London We are one of the largest Triumph motorcycle dealers in the UK Whether you are looking for a touring bike we have a Triumph motorcycle to meet your needs In addition to a wide range of new Triumph bikes we also have an extensive selection of used Triumph motorcycles for sale VISIT US - TRIUMPH WEST LONDON Trackside West Byfleet Surrey KT14 7NR Quickshifter A new listening bench has been officially unveiled at the West Byfleet Recreation Ground as the product of a partnership between the North-West Surrey (NWS) Samaritans and Weybridge Men’s Shed. The initiative began following the passing of longtime Samaritans’ volunteer and West Byfleet resident Graham Maguire, who left a legacy to the group. Inspired by Graham’s lifetime of community work, the Samaritans and the Maguire family created this listening bench in his memory so his commitment to bringing people together can live on. Retirement Villages Group (RVG), developers of the Botanical Place retirement community, who supported engagement efforts and helped site the location, were honoured to support this worthwhile cause. Designed and installed by volunteers from Weybridge Men’s Shed, the S-shaped bench allows two strangers to sit and chat without facing each other, providing a less daunting way to connect with new people. The community gathered at the Recreation Ground on Friday April 11 for the unveiling. The family and representatives from the organisations gave speeches praising those involved in the heartwarming initiative and the West Byfleet community for embracing it so openly. Project partners hope the bench will become a place where people feel welcome to sit and talk. Deborah Clarke, branch director at NWS Samaritans, said: “Special thanks to RVG, Weybridge Men’s Shed, the Maguire family and West Byfleet for helping us install our third listening bench. “We were enormously touched by the community’s warmth and support, and hope the bench can help bring people together and foster community connections within West Byfleet.” Graham’s daughter, Nicola Maguire, said: “I’m so happy to see a bench installed in West Byfleet, where my father lived for quite some time. After a lifetime spent bringing people and communities together, it’s wonderful that he can continue to do so in the village he called home.” Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Two men accused of ram-raiding a jewellers in West Byfleet have been remanded in custody while arrangements are made for a court case. Matthew White, 29, of Garfield Road, Addlestone, and Benjamin Brazil, 38, of West Drayton, were arrested last month in connection with a burglary at Brooklands Jewellers on January 29. Both were charged with burglary of a commercial property, while the former has also been charged with dangerous driving and driving without the correct licence or insurance. The pair were excused from attending a preliminary hearing at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday, March 6, as an additional charge is being considered. The court heard the pair have notified lawyers of their likely plea with an update likely on March 28. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Fears over pressure on local infrastructure LOCAL residents say they feel threatened by the inappropriate size of planned new homes and traveller pitches in West Byfleet, which would put significant extra strain on healthcare and education facilities and an over-congested transport system. The residents, who attended two public meetings last week over plans for 461 residential units and 15 traveller pitches built over three phases at West Hall, said they were concerned the planning application will be overseen by bureaucrats who have no empathy with the local community. The meetings were arranged by the three Byfleet and West Byfleet councillors, the Independent Amanda Boote, Daryl Jordan and Steve Howes. Cllr Jordan, a member of the planning committee, was present as an observer. Speaking to the News & Mail before the meetings, Cllr Boote said the planned development could worsen flooding, add more traffic to gridlocked roads and put further strain on the medical centre. “My main concern about the plans is that none of the infrastructure requirements have been met, despite years of us asking and pleading with Woking Borough Council for this,” she said. Cllr Boote said work had not been done even after an infrastructure study was carried out for the east of the borough after a petition was presented to the council. “I do appreciate that we need to build more housing in the borough but no one is thinking about putting the necessary infrastructure in place first. “The developers Barratt David Wilson Homes are planning to build a roundabout on the Parvis Road but they have a very poor track record with roundabouts.” Woking MP Will Forster and Anne Marie Barker, the borough council leader, were on the panel at both meetings and expressed their desire to listen to residents’ concerns and use these to apply pressure on the county council to mitigate the impact. Mr Forster said it was important to “fight the right battles” as it was unlikely the development could be stopped but there might be mitigations to restrict the impact. Local GP, Dr S. Soin, said all West Byfleet surgeries were full and he was astonished there was no consultation with his surgery on the planned new development. The application, PLAN/2024/0475, has already attracted more than 130 written objections and while the official deadline for comments is today (22 August), it is understood that they will be accepted up until the planning committee meeting, which could be as late as October. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Zebra crossings have been called “too ambiguous” for children as parents detail near-misses on a busy road in Surrey. More than a hundred people have asked for traffic lights and greater road safety measures on Camphill Road, near West Byfleet Infant and Junior Schools. Celia Ford, who started the road safety petition, said her child had a near-miss which could have been fatal on the crossing towards the West Byfleet schools. Speaking at a Surrey County Council (SCC) Highways, Transport and Economic Growth meeting on December 17, Ms Ford said: “I will forever have [it] etched in my memory, the moment my child was so close to such a horrific end.” She explained how in July, on a rushed and slightly stressful morning, she was taking her two children to school. At the crossing on Camphill Road, Ms Ford said she saw “to her horror” a black van fast approaching and her son ready to bolt across the road. She told the council she screamed loudly and “the speeding van whoosh[ed] past, inches from [her] son’s face”. She said: “I dread to think what would have happened if I had not screamed.” A petition signed by 127 people asked SCC to install a traffic light pedestrian crossing as the zebra crossing’s markings are faded and the beacon lights do not work. Ms Ford claimed the zebra crossing was “insufficient” for the volume of cars for drop off and pick up at a school with nearly 700 pupils. She said: “The only way every single child has a chance to safely cross that road is if they can press a button and the vehicle can see a red light.” Officers and Surrey Police visited the site on December 6 to assess the situation and a number of recommendations to make the area safer will be put towards the council. Duncan Knox, road safety and sustainable school travel manager, said he had “every sympathy” for Ms Ford’s experience. But Mr Knox said signal crossings are “not always the best option”, explaining a “gaggle of children and parents” can be left waiting to cross between one green man and the next, causing a build-up of a crowd. Instead, Mr Knox recommended the school keep the zebra crossing but enhance it with LED lighting to make the beacons brighter. He added road safety training should also be carried out in schools so pupils know how to use the crossing. Mr Knox reminded the council there are other sites across Surrey that do not have any crossing facilities at the moment, and where the county council is looking at prioritising funding to make it available in future years. The residents have also asked for the 30mph speed limit to be lowered on the road as well as signs in both directions, alerting the nearby school. The officer almost enthusiastically agreed with the petitioner’s request for a 20mph speed limit and said it will be recommended in the road safety report, hoping for it to be taken forward in future years. Mr Knox said officers will be talking to the local councillor, Cllr Amanda Boote, about whether they want to hand out funding from their annual allocation to reduce the speed limit. Maintenance issues raised in the petition have now been addressed, according to Mr Knox. He explained the white lining on the approaches and on the zebra crossing have been amended and the beleaguered beacon has been fixed. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us West Byfleet Recreation Ground tennis courts have reopened following £117,000 investment by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and funding collected by Woking Borough Council Investment of more than £56,000 from the LTA was matched with £61,000 from West Byfleet’s share of neighbourhood CIL funding Following a successful application supported by the West Byfleet Neighbourhood Forum Cllr Ann-Marie Barker said: “I am delighted that these tennis courts are now open and ready for local residents to enjoy to give everyone the opportunity to be active and healthy “I welcome the significant LTA investment in these facilities and the use of local CIL monies to deliver these improvements “Now’s the time to dust off your tennis racket ask for new balls and book yourself a court!” LTA Chief Operating Officer Julie Porter added: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts at West Byfleet Recreation Ground back open to the public “Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis.” The new booking system and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability In addition, local residents can help others in their community learn to play tennis by becoming a Barclays Free Park tennis activator. Who help plan and lead fun activities on court so more people can enjoy tennis. As well as weekly Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the refurbished courts will host local tennis leagues. To celebrate the reopening, a free event will be held on Sunday, September 15 at the courts. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Surrey Police are currently investigating after a suspected stolen vehicle was used to ram raid a jewellers on Old Woking Road at around 1.15pm yesterday (Wednesday, January 29). After the car was used to ram the premises, the suspects who were wearing face coverings, entered the jewellers and stole a number of high value items. The suspects then left the scene and at Parkside in New Haw, the vehicle was found by officers and one suspect was located with injuries, including one to his arm. He was arrested on suspicion of burglary and was taken to hospital for treatment. Following an area search involving the police helicopter and the dog unit, the two other suspects were also located and arrested on suspicion of burglary. If you have any information, or witnessed the incident, contact police quoting PR/45250011338. Surrey Police is making a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the incident, due to an injury being sustained by one of the suspects following a police pursuit. Police are aware there are a lot of photos and videos being circulated on social media. They will provide an update with a link for the potentially evidential material to be uploaded to. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Residents at a West Byfleet care home had the honour of handing out prizes to the talented winners of the MT400 Woking Tournament 2024 The event at Woking Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club has grown in popularity around the world and is sponsored by Charrington Manor Care Home a record number of 261 players representing 21 different nations took part in 255 matches at the tournament across the week couldn't wait to congratulate the winners and chat to them about their own tennis playing days Greetje played tennis in The Netherlands where she grew up and at Richmond Lawn Tennis Club until her late fifties She said: "It's been wonderful to watch the players and it takes me back to when I played at Richmond I am delighted that Charrington Manor has sponsored the tournament." which took place from September 9 to September 15 Including players aged 55 to 84 years old who took part earlier in the week The 30 to 54 age categories competed in the final part of the event Woking Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club’s tennis director many thanks to the primary sponsor Charrington Manor Care Home “As well as Fila for providing amazing prize packs for all the finalists We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2025." The results can be viewed online at:https://tinyurl.com/MT400-Woking-2024-results. Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses after a suspected stolen vehicle was used to ram raid a jewellers in West Byfleet yesterday (Wednesday Officers were called to Old Woking Road at 1.15pm following reports of a car reversing repeatedly into front of Brooklands Jewellers and a 29-year-old man have all been arrested on suspicion of burglary Police are looking to speak to any witnesses or anyone with photo or video footage that could have captured all or part of this incident. Images and videos can be uploaded at: https://orlo.uk/gciou. If you have any information that may assist the investigation, get in touch with the police quoting PR/45250011338 via: If you do not wish to speak to police, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Police are aware of the impact that the incident may have had on residents and local business owners. They would like to thank the community for their patience and support while officers were carrying out initial enquiries at the scene yesterday, and particularly thank those who came forward with information. No piece of evidence is too small in helping police build their investigation. Surrey Police have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the incident, due to an injury being sustained by one of the suspects following a police pursuit. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd. | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 Win Happy PremiumSearch Rayo greatest hits surrey east hampshire newsTwo men charged in connection with West Byfleet jeweller ram raidThe burglary took place on Wednesday afternoon and a number of high-value items were stolen Two men have been charged in connection with a burglary that took place in a jewellery shop in West Byfleet on Wednesday A number of high value items were stolen from the shop on Old Woking Road in a ram raid A car reportedly reversed repeatedly into the front of Brooklands Jewellers before three men wearing face coverings were seen getting out and stealing a number of items from the front window display. 29-year-old Matthew White from Addlestone and 38-year-old Benjamin Brazil from West Drayton have both been charged with burglary of a commercial property A third man who was arrested was taken to hospital for medical treatment where he remains Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app. Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited Company number: 1394141Registered office: Media House Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern London NW1 2PL All registered in England and Wales VAT no 918 5617 01H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898) Triumph West London/ Trackside builds are proud to offer this absolutely stunning Bonneville T120 Icon So what's been done to this bike: Scrambler Slimmer Fuel Tank BAAK Handle Bars Triumph Balloon Grips SAVE £500 WITH TRIUMPHS VOUCHER This really does look the business & is sure to turn heads where ever you go £199 UK MAINLAND DELIVERY NOW with 3 years warranty & 3 years RAC!! Part Exchange returns may be charged at the normal rate of £199 Finance & Part Exchange Available on request CALL US ON 01784 420 421 Triumph West London VISIT US - TRIUMPH WEST LONDON Trackside West Byfleet Surrey KT14 7NR Traction Control © 2025 Country & Town House.All rights reserved If you’re looking for a luxurious abod in a leafy enclave Surrey is always a popular choice – particularly if you’re drawn to exclusive estates like Broadoaks Park this 25-acre gated community boasts 116 new-build homes and 10 restored a spectacular Grade II listed building which will soon be transformed into a two-bedroom home West Lodge occupies an enviable corner plot position overlooking the central green at Broadoaks Park two-bedroom property is now being extended and converted into a spacious house measuring over 1,200 square feet West Lodge was designed by Ernest Seth Smith an architect hailing from a renowned Scottish family (who served a major role in the development of wealthy London districts like Belgravia and Eaton Square) The vision for the lodge marries together this illustrious history with a sleek modern specification: think bay windows high ceilings and a shaker-style kitchen/breakfast room sitting within a breathtaking triple aspect living/dining/entertaining space The principal bedroom occupies the building’s brand new extension (although you’d never know it since the brickwork and roof tiling is identical to the original building) The home will be complete with two bathrooms a utility room and a verdant private garden with a detached garden room also stroll through the extensive landscaped grounds at Broadoaks Park encompassing immaculate communal lawns and even a huge children’s play area Life in suburbia never sounded so tempting… West Lodge is set to be completed and ready to move into in spring 2025, at a guide price £1 million. broadoakspark.co.uk Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Subscribe to Country & Town House in print or the app to make sure you get the very best of property Country & Town House is an introducer appointed representative of Wealthify Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Country & Town House acts as an introducer appointed representative for the purpose of promoting Wealthify products and introducing customers to Wealthify Ottershaw-based Home-Start Runnymede and Woking gives emotional and practical support to parents with at least one child under five years old. A TOURNMENT at West Byfleet Golf Club has raised more than £15,000 for a charity that gives support to families going through a difficult time. More than 150 golfers took part to help Home Start Runnymede and Woking. The Ottershaw-based charity provides emotional and practical support to parents with at least one child under five years old. In 2022/23 Home Start Runnymede and Woking supported 298 families with 478 children. The golf tournament was sponsored by Charrington Manor Care Home in Hobbs Close, West Byfleet. The winning team was the ladies four-ball of Ann Heffernan, Joyce Nash, Rita Thomas and Jennifer Aitken. “Team Charrington Golf Four Ball were a superb partnership, and we were all so proud to have such enthusiastic sportspeople to represent us on the day.” As well as the all-day tournament, the event at the club also included an auction. Members of Team Charrington also helped sell raffle tickets on the day. Lesley added: “Team Charrington was made up of family members of one of our wonderful residents, which was very appropriate considering the Home-Start charity is all about supporting family. “It was fantastic to meet the Home Start volunteers on the day who were so passionate about their work and the people they serve. “We are thrilled to have worked with the club to create a wonderful event for a very good cause.” Charrington Manor is part of Hamberley Care Homes, which won Residential Care Home Provider of the Year at the 2022 HealthInvestor Awards. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us A Surrey care home is celebrating after being shortlisted in a prestigious national care competition Charrington Manor in West Byfleet, has been nominated in the Care Home of the Year category in the National Care Awards. Home Manager Simona Varga-Pali and her team will find out whether they have won at a dazzling event on November 29. The Care Home of the Year category focuses on care homes with 15 or more residents that can demonstrate an exceptional quality of care across all the services it offers. Simona said: “This is a testament to the incredible team here at Charrington Manor, where everyone is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to all our residents. “We are all very proud to be shortlisted and look forward to this amazing event.” The National Care Awards marks its 26th year, and is the second year running that Charrington Manor has been shortlisted. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Rayo greatest hits surrey east hampshire newsWest Byfleet jewellers ram raided in broad daylightPolice believe the car used in the raid was stolen A jewellery shop in West Byfleet has been targeted in a daytime ram raid The masked suspects stole a number of high value items from the premises on Old Woking Road on Wednesday afternoon (29 January) and police believe the car used during the raid was stolen the vehicle was found by officers and one suspect was located with injuries He was arrested on suspicion of burglary and was taken to hospital for treatment Following an area search involving the police helicopter and the dog unit the two other suspects were also located and arrested on suspicion of burglary Surrey Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct after a suspect was injured during a police pursuit contact Surrey Police quoting PR/45250011338 Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app. Golfers dug deep into their pockets to ensure that more than £6,000 was raised at the Woking District Rotary’s recent charity golf day. Both the raffle held on the day and the auction over dinner generated the largest amounts ever for the Rotary’s golf day, enabling a bumper donation to the Surrey Women’s Support Centre in Woking. Club president Roger Gratwick said: “We were blown away by the generosity of our golfers this year. They made the day so special for this charity, which does such good work locally.” The Women’s Support Centre is based in Woking High Street and supports women who are dealing with abuse, discrimination, trauma, homelessness, or financial difficulties, and those navigating the criminal justice system. Rotary’s annual golf day has been run for many years at West Byfleet Golf Club, and this year attracted 68 golfers. The best three scores out of the four in each team counted towards the team’s total Stableford points. The Barney David Cup, for the overall winning team, went this year to a team of West Byfleet members called KCFS with 128 points. Best overall player, on 42 points, and winning the Bob Cherrett Memorial Trophy, was Tony Pittas of Mitcham Putters. Kelly Kennedy, chief operating officer of the charity’s parent organisation Catalyst, highlighted the work of the charity to golfers over dinner, and commented: “We are so grateful to Woking District Rotary for nominating us as their chosen charity for this event. “The money raised will make a huge difference to our work in Woking.” Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us August 15 from 6pm to 8pm at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Madeira Road and on Saturday August 17 at Byfleet Village Hall from 10am to midday no one is allowed to park in the church car park that evening as it is a Holy day The proposed development at West Byfleet would see 461 residential units and 15 traveller pitches built over three phases Cllr Ann-Marie Barker and a representative from Woking Borough Council Invites have also gone out to Surrey County Council other councillors and resident and neighbourhood associations Deadline for comments is August 22 and can be made at: https://tinyurl.com/West-Hall-Application Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Clearbell Property Partners IV LP (Clearbell) has entered into a joint venture with Deva Capital as part of plans to grow its presence in the logistics sector Clearbell has also recapitalised its existing portfolio acquired new assets and implemented sustainability-led asset management initiatives Its joint venture with Deva Capital will focus on driving the acquisition and repositioning of industrial assets across the UK and delivering high-quality logistics spaces through ESG-led enhancements which is targeting acquisitions of up to £150m purchased an 18,000 sq ft industrial asset in West Byfleet in December last year and has also acquired Project Plus a portfolio of two industrial assets in Gloucester and Manchester totalling 179,000 sq ft Clearbell has also completed the sustainability-led refurbishment of the Coventry78 industrial asset to enhance its operational efficiency senior investment manager at Clearbell Capital said: “Our joint venture with Deva Capital allows us to build further momentum in our logistics strategy expanding our ability to acquire and reposition industrial assets in key locations We are excited to develop this new partnership and keep unlocking further acquisition opportunities in near future “The acquisition of Project Plus and West Byfleet strengthens our portfolio with high-quality well-located assets that offer strong rental growth potential ensures that we’re enhancing sustainability while meeting occupier demand.” which represented Clearbell on the West Byfleet and Project Plus acquisitions added: “We are delighted to have advised Clearbell on the acquisition of Project Plus and the Ford Retail warehouse in West Byfleet Project Plus comprises a portfolio of reversionary urban logistics assets located in Manchester and Gloucester “West Byfleet comprises a single let warehouse in an excellent location adjacent to the M25 All of the properties present a fantastic opportunity to improve ESG credentials and bring the units in line with modern institutional standards.” Don’t miss our top stories and need to know news every day in your inbox delivered straight to your inbox – for FREE BE News is the only free-to-air online news service to cover the entire built environment industry its mission is to connect and inform the whole community – spanning commercial property planning and engineering – via one platform WEBSITE DESIGNED & BUILT BY WHITE LABEL Please register (for free) below or login to continue reading A planning application for 461 residential units and 15 Traveller pitches on land at West Hall, Parvis Road in West Byfleet has provoked a storm of public opposition. As the News & Mail went to press there had been 30 public comments on the application, 28 objecting, one supporting and one neutral. Those against the application largely cited common themes, namely that the area is prone to flooding, the development will further overload an already congested Parvis Road, pile pressure on stretched local education and healthcare provision and reduce green space. Will Forster, the recently elected MP for Woking, said: “I spoke to a lot of local residents in Byfleet, Pyrford and West Byfleet who were concerned about the likely plans for West Hall during the recent election campaign. I will represent their views now the application has been submitted.” Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Surrey Fire and Rescue were called to a commercial property on Oyster Lane on Thursday evening (18 May). At 10:30pm ten pumps and an aerial ladder platform were in attendance. In an update on Friday morning (19 May) Surrey Fire and Rescue confirmed they were still at the scene dealing with the fire: "We remain in attendance at the incident on Oyster Lane, with 9 fire engines and 3 aerial ladder platforms at the scene. Our control room are receiving a high volume of calls reporting the fire this morning. Please note that we are aware of the smoke, and expect to be at the scene throughout the day. We continue to advise that local residents keep windows and doors closed." Oyster Lane is closed in both directions from Byfleet and New Haw Station to The Retail Park Roundabout. A serial burglar who was wanted for 48 burglaries, including ones in Farnham and Woking, has finally been jailed - after being deported from Australia. Miles Connors, 27, was connected to crimes across 13 counties in 2018, which were branded a "huge" conspiracy to burgle by Surrey Police. But, that same year, he fled the country on a false passport before he could be brought to justice, the force said. However, after being convicted of burglary and rogue trader offences in Australia last year, Connors was then deported back to the UK. He arrived back at Heathrow Airport in August last year, where he was immediately arrested. Connors, from Hillingdon, Uxbridge, was later found guilty of conspiracy to burgle following a six-day trial at Guildford Crown Court and sentenced to five years in prison. The two other defendants in the UK case were sentenced to a combined six years for their roles in the conspiracy back in 2018 after pleading guilty. Investigating officer, PC Simon Laidlaw from Surrey Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: “This has been a long running and complex case and although the two other defendants were convicted and sentenced to prison back in 2018, we have now been able to finally arrest the last person involved in the conspiracy and bring him to justice. “Even if you run to the other side of the world, we will eventually catch up with you and Connors was arrested as soon as he touched down on UK soil. "He will now spend five years in prison, and we are really pleased that this case has finally been brought to a close.” Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us We use cookies. Read more about them in our Privacy Policy West Byfleet in Surrey is the site for the first of Retirement Villages Group’s (RVG) new sustainable close to existing amenities and services at the heart of the local community the mixed-use scheme will offer 196 1- and 2-bedroom apartments for sale and rental leisure and catering operators will operate on the ground floor facing the new public square and on to the main roads to generate vitality and a shared amenities space with the wider community This will create a community hub and a great lifestyle for residents in an inclusive and lively environment for everyone’s benefit One of the challenges faced was around how the return value of the extra investment needed to achieve lowest feasible operational carbon could be quantified As a result a detailed ‘carbon calculator’ was developed to evaluate the operational savings both for the operator and future residents to demonstrate the value of this approach in the long term The voice of our sustainable built environment You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. For more details, review our privacy policy. Woking MP Jonathan Lord has launched a petition to seek residents’ views across Byfleet West Byfleet and Pyrford regarding proposals for 461 homes and 15 traveller pitches on land near West Hall Mr Lord said he joined hundreds of residents in attending the public exhibition last month to see the proposals for himself and ask many questions of the developers about their plans Mr Lord said: “Protecting and enhancing our green spaces remains a top priority of mine I presented a strong Protect Our Green Belt Petition to Parliament about this particular site (and two smaller sites in Byfleet) and I have continued to work closely with the Byfleet West Byfleet and Pyrford Residents’ Association to oppose any development on our green fields in the three villages I have huge concerns about the potential impact on Byfleet West Byfleet and Pyrford’s infrastructure – particularly with regard to the roads but also our healthcare and educational facilities and services “I also have significant concerns about whether the proposals sufficiently alleviate the surface water flooding that the site is so prone to “I remain implacably opposed to what I regard as totally inappropriate development of these beautiful green fields.” Independent borough and county councillor for “the Byfleets” “It’s disappointing that a planning application is being brought forward given that none of the major infrastructure problems that I have campaigned about relating to this development have been addressed,” she said the A245 Parvis Road is almost permanently grid-locked and the medical centre in West Byfleet over capacity with more than 30,000 patients.” News & Mail readers can make their views known at www.jonathanlord.co.uk/West-Hall-Proposals by adding their name to the petition and completing a short survey. Woking historian David Rose concludes the story of a murder that hit the headlines 100 years ago. You can read last week's story here. This week we continue the story of the murder at the Blue Anchor Hotel in Byfleet 100 years ago, when landlord Alfred George Poynter Jones was poisoned with strychnine by Jean-Pierre Vaquier, who was having an affair with the landlord’s wife. After Vaquier’s arrest, his picture was published in newspapers in an appeal for information regarding the poison he had been accused of having used. Horace Bland of W. Jones & Co, Southampton Row, London recalled Vaquier had visited his chemist’s shop to buy various chemicals that he said were for wireless experiments. However, on 1 March he sold 20 grains of perchloride of mercury and 12 grains of strychnine to Vaquier. Mr Jones was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard, Byfleet on 4 April, 1924. However, on April 25 his body was exhumed by the authority of the Home Office. The News & Mail reported the exhumation party arrived at 11.30pm. It was raining and the work was performed by the light of lanterns, thus creating an eerie effect. The coffin was raised shortly after midnight and taken to a mortuary in West Byfleet. Sir Bernard Spilsbury, the renowned Home Office forensic pathologist and expert on poisons, conducted a second post-mortem examination. He found that the corpse’s stomach contained one-fifth of a grain of strychnine, one-third of a grain in the liver, and in the small intestines one-thirteenth of a grain. A fatal dose being half-a-grain. The News & Mail extensively reported the murder as more items of evidence came to light. Initially there was an inquest at Byfleet Village Hall, various hearings at Woking Magistrates’ Court and then the trial. Vaquier’s trial took place at Guildford Assizes from July 2 to 5, 1924. Sir Bernard Spilsbury’s evidence was a detailed account of the conditions of the body, the effects of strychnine and the constituents of Bromo-Seltzer, an efferent powder remedy, taken with water. Taking the witness stand, Vaquier adopted a vain and confident disposition. He denied all responsibility for the murder and tried to blame staff at the Blue Anchor. In spite of having just a few shillings to his name, he spoke of lending Mr Jones £150 and buying 25 grammes of strychnine to destroy a dog. He called no witnesses in his defence and the jury returned a guilty verdict. Vaquier was sentenced to death and was dragged from the court shouting abuse. On July 9 Vaquier divulged the location of the hiding place of his poison – within a hole in a wall, covered with some loose bricks, behind a shed of the Blue Anchor’s garden – presumably in the hope of clemency for his death sentence. Police officers went there and found two glass bottles with metal screw caps, one containing a corrosive strychnine poison in liquid form, and the other containing no less than 23 grains of strychnine crystals. Apparently enough strychnine to kill 700 adults. If the police had located this large stash of strychnine prior to Vaquier’s trial, and it had not been able to prove all of it belonged to Vaquier, it may have resulted in a different outcome. However, the police never discovered exactly where and by whom this large quantity of poison was obtained. The day of Vaquier’s execution was set for 12 August 1924 at 9am. Outside the prison gates hundreds of people gathered. Vaquier went to bed at 8pm the previous day still under the illusion that the hanging would not be carried out. On the morning of his execution Vaquier wore his black coat and waistcoat that he had worn at his trial. He had a small breakfast of bread, butter, several coffees and a French cigarette. There was a priest present and just before his execution Vaquier exclaimed “Vive la France!” And in just over a minute that was it – the murder at the Blue Anchor had been avenged, in what was described at the time as one of the grimmest known at any recent London hanging. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us has teamed up with residents to launch an Easter egg appeal to help give local The appeal will also support local charities and organisations across the area Cllr Brown said: "I am delighted to help support this Easter egg appeal and to help make a child feel special at Easter We are working with a series of local organisations and also with the family centres team at the council to make sure that the eggs will be going to the right family." The appeal will run until Thursday, March 28. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us POLICE are searching an address in West Byfleet linked to the continuing investigation into the death of ten-year-old Sara Sharif the family’s address before the property in Hammond Road where Sara’s body was found in the early hours of Thursday As the hunt intensified in Pakistan for three people police want to question – named as Sara’s father Faisal Malik – details of the investigation continue to emerge with police appealing for help from the public as they try to piece together Sara’s lifetsyle Although a post-mortem examination on Tuesday last week failed to establish the cause of Sara’s death – further tests are being carried out – it did reveal Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time from the Surrey Police and Sussex Police Major Crime Team said: “We are appealing for anyone who knew Sara Sky News reported Sara was a Year 5 pupil at St Mary’s Primary School in Byfleet with headteacher Jacquie Chambers saying she would be “dearly missed” by classmates and teachers alike confident little girl who had the most beautiful smile She was full of ideas and was very passionate about the things she believed in we are all deeply affected by this tragedy.” Anyone who has any information which could assist the police investigation is urged to use https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4523K72-PO2 Alternatively, information can be reported by quoting Operation Unison via https://www.surrey.police.uk/ Anyone who would like to leave information confidentially, and does not want to talk to the police, can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Blaze brought under control after 14 hours with users of facility ‘bracing for total loss’ News | UK A huge blaze at a self-storage unit near the M25 has been brought under control on Friday morning after 14 hours but the fire brigade says it is likely to burn “for the next couple of days” London schools and nurseries told to shut as recycling plant fire burns for fifth day More focus needed on ‘left behind’ people and places – Social mobility report PCSO denies stabbing herself for bogus damages claim Dozens of firefighters have been at the scene at Access Self Storage in West Byfleet, Surrey which is also connected to a car garage and builders merchants and thick black smoke was till spewing from the premises around 11am on Friday The extent of the damage is not yet clear but Pride in Surrey which organises LGBTQ+ events in the county and has long stored equipment at the facility said: “We are bracing ourselves for total loss.” incident commander at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said the brigade was called by “an automatic fire alarm” but there’s also a car workshop and a builders merchant attached to the building,” he said Firefighters entered the storage facility in Oyster Lane around 8.50pm and established nobody was inside hampering efforts to tackle the flames as the building is deemed unsafe to enter Photos from the scene on Friday morning showed the building’s roof and corrugated metal sides caved in A Surrey Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Our crews were able to access the building initially and ascertained that there were no persons inside due to the reduced structural integrity as the fire has progressed our firefighting activities are now limited to the building’s exterior.” the brigade told the Standard the fire had been brought “under control but likely to continue burning for the next couple of days” Ten fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were initially scrambled to the scene Nine fire engines remained there on Friday morning Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene over the weekend The fire brigade asked people to stay away from the scene and urged those living nearby to keep their windows and doors closed it added that it had received a “high volume of calls” from people reporting the fire National Highways shared a photo on Twitter showing it clearly visible from the M25 with huge amounts of smoke issuing high into the air above the busy orbital Pride in Surrey said it was notified about the fire on Thursday night the organisation said: “We are bracing ourselves for total loss The unit housed lots of sentimental items that form our history along with most of our assets that reduce the cost of pride year-on-year.” Access Self Storage has been approached by the Standard for a comment Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer New visa crackdown as Home Office plans to restrict applications from nationalities most likely to overstay New visa crackdown as Home Office plans to restrict applications worst and wackiest looks on the red carpet — Rihanna worst and wackiest looks on the red carpet Residents in Byfleet and nearby areas are concerned about a proposal to install an experimental 18 tonne environmental weight restriction on a number of roads in Weybridge The Surrey County Council (SCC) proposal has been met with opposition as vehicles that exceed the weight restriction would have to find alternate routes Residents claim these would include Byfleet Road The alternate routes could mean a potential increase in traffic in Byfleet SCC launched an online public consultation on July 5 SCC said: “Following concerns raised by residents a petition relating to HGV’s on Brooklands Road was presented to the Cabinet Member for Highways Transport and Economic Growth on 30 January 2024 “The response to the petition was that an informal consultation will be carried out the feedback will be assessed and discussed and will be communicated to the petitioners and published The online consultation will close on Wednesday, July 31. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us CloseA Post Office worker who was jailed after being wrongly convicted of stealing £75,000 said she contemplated suicide a former sub-postmistress from West Byfleet was jailed for four months after the Post Office accused her of the theft in 2008 Last month her conviction was quashed when it became clear that the Post Office's accounting software The Post Office agreed to pay nearly £58m to settle with 557 of its former workers after a long-running dispute over the system Seema said she would have killed herself had she not been pregnant when she was jailed Follow BBC South East on Facebook, external, on Twitter, external, and on Instagram, external Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreJailed Post Office worker contemplated suicide 00:02:33Jailed Post Office worker contemplated suicide 2:33 Up Next 'It’s been a big relief to get my name cleared' Video 00:02:19'It’s been a big relief to get my name cleared' 2:19 Postmaster emotional at quashed conviction 00:01:38Postmaster emotional at quashed conviction 1:38 Postmaster's widow: 'I will never forgive them' Video 00:01:58Postmaster's widow: 'I will never forgive them' 1:58 'It was all about clearing my name - I'm not a thief' Video 00:00:43'It was all about clearing my name - I'm not a thief' 0:43Editor's recommendations Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 00:01:44Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 1:44 Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 00:01:25Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 1:25 Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster Video 00:01:21Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster 1:21 'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 00:01:20'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 1:20 Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 00:02:54Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 2:54 Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 00:01:32Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 1:32 Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 00:01:11Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 1:11 Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 00:00:50Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 0:50 Ros Atkins on.. What's in the US-Ukraine resources deal 1:23 Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 00:01:18Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 1:18 Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released 00:00:46Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released A WEST Byfleet development will set new standards for retirement communities, says the company behind the scheme. Retirement Villages Group (RVG), which is building Botanical Place on the site of the Sheer House office block and retail units in the centre of the village, has unveiled its Thrive Living collection, with plans to develop 40 integrated retirement communities nationally by 2032. RVG says its aim is to transform the sector and accelerate positive ageing opportunities in the UK. Thrive Living communities are designed to help older people to live independent, social and active lifestyles for longer, and help unlock housing supply, ease social care pressure and regenerate town centres. The new developments are designed with amenities and outdoor spaces that are open to the local neighbourhood, bringing everyone together in a positive contribution to local life and the local economy. Botanical Place, with 198 apartments, is the first Thrive Living community, and it will be followed by a similar development at Boughton Heath, Chester. The Thrive Living communities are also market leading in terms of their sustainability. Each is designed to be net zero carbon across their entire development and operational lifespans. RVG chief executive Will Bax said: “This marks a huge day for Retirement Villages Group and an exciting moment for the sector. “Our team is using its decades of experience to set new standards, with state-of-the-art, sustainable communities located in and around town centres. “Most importantly, our goal is to put older people back at the heart of our communities and help them to live amazing, purposeful, active lives for longer.” Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us WEST Byfleet has won a gold award in the Stations in Bloom competition The station was adopted by the West Byfleet Community Gardening Group three years ago and two of its members were recently presented with the gold award certificate by Stuart Meek chief operating officer at South Western Railway More than 70 stations entered across the South Western Railway and Great Western Railway networks Diane said: “This Stations in Bloom gold award is recognition of the huge amount of work by our volunteers to make West Byfleet station and the environs more attractive to commuters “The planting at the station is sustainable and wildlife-friendly as everyone can see by the number of bees flocking round the flowers If anyone would like to join the friendly gardening volunteers we usually meet at the station on Tuesday mornings “We have about a dozen volunteers but they don’t all work at the same time Generally about six to eight volunteers turn up 9.30am on Tuesdays “Anyone wanting to join us should email [email protected] or just turn up at the station and bring gloves and hand tools. “The work is not too strenuous and involves lots of chat and laughs. “As well as gardening at the station, we have been planting hedging and bulbs on Birch Green and started tending the four big wooden planters on Old Woking Road in front of the shops. “Woking area Men’s Shed built four wooden planters for Platform One which we planted up with colourful, sustainable, drought-tolerant plants, and we also planted the raised bed outside the rail underpass.” Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us The Man Who Pays His Way: ‘A beautiful serenity’ deserves to be appreciated I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice “By Byfleet station we emerged from the pine trees and found the country calm and peaceful under the morning sunlight.” I recalled that line – from H G Wells’s War of the Worlds – at West Byfleet station in Surrey as I emerged from the first train of the morning from London on Saturday In this leafy corner of the home counties, all was “calm and peaceful under the morning sunlight” – until the first Bulgarian truck came thundering through. The lorry had been diverted from its planned trajectory by the unprecedented closure of a stretch of the M25 orbital motorway around London And the A245 between Byfleet and West Byfleet has become part of a diversionary route – as well Byfleet and West Byfleet became estranged in the early 1980s What came between them was an 80-yard-wide cutting carrying six lanes of traffic – later “densified” to eight lanes lorries and buses barrel through this deep divide Ten miles to the north: Europe’s busiest airport if you can’t access it from a motorway or A-road junction on the M25 Since Margaret Thatcher opened the full circuit in 1986, the M25 has become one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in Europe. For the first time, a daytime closure is taking place. A stretch of the motorway southwest of London is shut for the weekend, until 6am on Monday. where the M25 meets the A3 trunk road linking London with Guildford and Portsmouth (not to mention Chessington World of Adventures) The only way to do this is to close the entire five-mile stretch to Junction 11 I am not in a position to judge how much bathroom decoration is happening in the home counties, but many people seem to have heeded the advice about staying off the roads. I spent several hours on the bridge where the A245 crosses the temporarily deserted M25. The most notable sign that not all was normal: the frequent passing of eastern European trucks, their drivers presumably unaware of the disruption until they arrived at the scene of the closure and were directed off the motorway. Yet a Balkan lorry every minute or so does not comprise an invasion on the scale of War of the Worlds, even when augmented by an impressive number of National Express coaches. Despite the fears of many local people, the threatened traffic standstill has not (so far) materialised. On Saturday afternoon one of my local informants, Jackie M, concluded: “It looks like people have heeded the warnings. Just the usual hold up from Byfleet to Painshill caused by the traffic lights at Seven Hills Road.” The absence of gridlock is one welcome surprise; the other is the presence of sightseers. I was joined on the bridge by a steady flow of locals who wanted to “take a few pictures and take in the marvel that is an empty M25” – the words of Simon Vassallo, who has lived in the area for 35 years. Another local man, Terry Craig from West Byfleet, also savoured the sight. “It’s quite extraordinary to see the motorway, all of these lanes, just shut off,” he told me. There will be more opportunities for such sightseeing this year, since four further closures of the same stretch are planned. And while National Highways will not thank me for saying so, I hope the tourism potential of the closure is properly exploited. Simon Calder, also known as The Man Who Pays His Way, has been writing about travel for The Independent since 1994. In his weekly opinion column, he explores a key travel issue – and what it means for you. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies A COMMUNITY gardening group aiming to improve the local area have got the green light to transform the outdoor space at West Byfleet railway station The West Byfleet Community Gardening Group (WBCGG) applied to “adopt” their local station and are now on track to brighten its appearance while making a difference for wildlife “A century ago railway stations had raised beds and gardens and were tended to by train staff: the station was a celebration of plants and flowers that welcomed passengers to the village,” said Rebecca Bradshaw who helped set up the group and applied for the railway adoption “By planting up at the railway we have an opportunity to be proactive in making a positive difference to local wildlife With fantastic support from the station manager and railway staff in West Byfleet the adoption of the railway station is a real opportunity for the community to make the space a haven that encourages wildlife as well as increasing wellbeing for passengers “We are now thinking about planting and planning next steps It’s exciting to see how we will be making a difference to the station’s appearance through planting,” said Rebecca The aim is to include a diverse range of plants so that natural ecosystems can flourish Plants good for pollinators will be planted “We are really excited to see the difference this will make to West Byfleet station,” said Fiona Brown the station manager and sustainability lead for the area “South Western Railway through their sustainability programme encourages and promotes the health and biocapacity of the environment of our stations as well as supporting the well-being of individuals and communities.” The group’s working party were provided with hi-vis jackets and a full safety briefing before beginning weeding and planting for next year “It’s exciting to see how we will be making a difference to the station’s appearance through planting,” said Rebecca “Stations make up a large amount of space in many villages towns and cities and we hope that this initiative will encourage other groups to get onboard with their local station and transform their station space into a green oasis for wildlife and for everyone to enjoy.” For more information about the group or to follow its progress search for West Byfleet Community Gardening Group on Facebook Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us SUB-POSTMISTRESS Seema Misra thought her son’s tenth birthday would be a good day. Eight weeks pregnant with her second child, Seema dropped her son at school. As she kissed him goodbye, she told him his favourite curry would be waiting for him when he got home. Instead she was sentenced to 15 months in prison for the theft of £74,000 from the Post Office. But the staggering £74,000 shortfall wasn’t her fault. The faulty Horizon IT system was rolled out across all of the UK’s Post Offices in 1999, meaning it had been in operation and causing shortfall errors for six years before Seema took over the West Byfleet Post Office in 2005. Horizon’s errors led to more than 700 sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses being wrongly convicted for fraud and theft, with four even taking their own life. Seema, now 47, said: “I lost everything. The Post Office took everything from me – my job, my dignity my life.” Pregnant and in prison, Seema Misra was left on the brink of suicide after being wrongly convicted of false accounting and theft in 2010. She explained: “From the first day we had issues. When I checked the takings at the end of the day I realised we were £80 short.” The recent ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office has caused nationwide outrage for what has been called the greatest miscarriage of justice in UK legal history. One scene shows Jo Hamilton on the phone with the Horizon helpline over a shortfall at her Hampshire branch. After going through each step at the direction of the helpline, the shortfall figure doubles before Jo’s eyes. This happened at the West Byfleet branch during Seema’s training. “The man from the Post Office was teaching me how to work the system when the shortfall doubled right in front of us. When I asked him how to fix it, he shrugged it off, telling me to just call the helpline and they would know what to do. His hands were tied.” Seema and her husband Davinder were told to balance the books themselves. They used takings from their shop, their own savings, with Seema even selling her jewellery to try to break even. “We were screaming for help, but there was just no support. The Post Office told us again and again that we were the only ones having this issue. We were alone.” After being in charge of the West Byfleet Post Office for three years, Seema was suspended after an audit carried out by the Post Office and was charged with theft and false accounting in 2008. In 2010, on her son Aditya’s tenth birthday, her case came to court. She was pregnant after eight years of trying to conceive. “I had faith in the system. I thought I would get justice because I knew I had done nothing wrong. I never thought I would get sent to prison.” Seema fainted on hearing her 15-month sentence. That morning she had promised Aditya she would make him his favourite curry as a birthday treat, but she couldn’t even call him to tell him why she had broken her promise because she was in hospital. After she had recovered, Seema was sent to Bronzefield Prison in Ashford, Surrey, where she served four months before being released early for good behaviour. “If I hadn’t been pregnant I would have killed myself,” Seema said. “I was living a nightmare. I feared for mine and my son’s life every day. There were people doing drugs everywhere and I was so scared all the time. I still get nightmares.” And while Seema was living a nightmare in prison, Davinder was also suffering. He was beaten up three times by people who believed he and his wife were thieves who had taken money from the elderly. “He was pushed around outside the house,” said Seema. “But he didn’t want to make a big deal of it because he didn’t want our son to see his dad being beaten up.” Despite being released from prison after four months, Seema was given a curfew and had to wear an electronic tag. She was wearing this tag when she gave birth to her second son Jairaj, now 12, in hospital in June 2011. “I was so scared the police would burst in and arrest me the moment I gave birth because I was breaking curfew.” Seema spent her labour in fear of arrest, sure she would be punished for breaking curfew and terrified the midwife would think she was a “terrible mother” because of her tag. The family moved after Seema’s release but her conviction meant finding work was impossible and the family have suffered financially and mentally since their ordeal first started. Seema was officially declared innocent when her conviction was quashed by appeal court judges in 2021. But she is still fighting to get the compensation she deserves. “The Post Office and Royal Mail acted like the Mafia. They used dirty politics and I lost everything. I have been fighting for 18 years of my life, but we can’t let the Post Office get away with it,” she said. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us A trial of work to reduce noise from the concrete section of the M25 that has plagued Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford is working well, according to National Highways. The agency gave an update on the M25 Southwest Quadrant Pavement Strategy to the M25 J10-11 resurfacing action group and Woking MP Jonathan Lord. The latest trial on the London orbital motorway between junctions 8-9 involved removing the old damaged concrete edges, filling the gaps with a bespoke epoxy-based hardened concrete and then using a grinding machine to provide a new quieter surface. The grinding technique was previously trialled on the M1 from 2018 to 2022. Representatives from National Highways and Connect Plus described the details of the trial, explaining the difficulties, and said that they were working in collaboration with the M25 Junction 10/A3 Wisley Interchange project team to use planned closures on the network and were hopeful to start the work next year. The work will be carried out at night to cause the least disruption. Amanda Boote, the borough and county councillor for Byfleet and West Byfleet and chair of the M25 J10-11 committee, said: ‘‘We are delighted to hear that the trial is showing a successful reduction in the noise levels on the concrete stretch of the M25. ‘‘This will not only be beneficial to my residents but it will also benefit the drivers and motorcyclists who use this stretch. We will continue to work with National Highways and Connect Plus to monitor the progress and will keep residents informed of any new updates. ‘‘It has taken an incredible amount of lobbying to get us to this point and I am thrilled that we have some good news to share with the thousands of residents and many drivers who are adversely affected by this.’’ Mr Lord said: ‘‘I am extremely pleased to see the progress made on this M25 concrete project.’’ Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us A MAN from West Byfleet has been jailed for sexually abusing a teenage girl and exploiting her into dealing drugs. Martin Davison, 46, of Birchwood Road, was sentenced to seven years in prison when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court. The court was told his offending began in July 2019, when he started supplying the 15-year-old girl with cocaine. Throughout the summer, Davison manipulated the girl into believing they were in a loving relationship. He coerced her into dealing cocaine for him and would threaten her with violence to keep her from disclosing the relationship to anyone else, telling those around him that she was 18. A police investigation into Davison’s activities began in January 2020, when detectives from the Surrey Police Child Exploitation and Missing Unit began building a case of evidence, which included phone records, to show his abhorrent pattern of offending. Davison had been found guilty by a jury on May 10 of two counts of sexual activity with a child, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and arranging/facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation. Detective Constable Lisa Larkin, who investigated the case, said: “I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward and persevering with our investigation and the criminal justice system with such tenacity. “Davison is a dangerous sexual predator who will manipulate and exploit vulnerability for his own selfish gain. “Often, this type of exploitation is happening in plain sight. “It’s vitally important that, as a community, we know how to spot the signs so we can root out predators like Davison and safeguard children who are vulnerable to criminal and sexual exploitation. “I would urge anyone exploited as a child to report it so we can support you and seek justice.” Davison was sentenced to six years in prison for the offences outlined to the court and an additional one year in relation to a separate, unrelated offence. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Independent Woking Borough Council (WBC) ward councillor for Byfleet and West Byfleet and Surrey County councillor for "The Byfleets" has expressed serious concerns over the proposed development at West Hall in West Byfleet who has just been made deputy mayor-elect for May 2024 and will be mayor next year detailed her misgivings for the News & Mail “I am extremely concerned about the proposed development at West Hall and I with my fellow Independent ward councillors have been fighting for the land in question to remain in the Green Belt for many years,” she said “I took a petition to Parliament on this issue in February 2019 as well as serving one to Woking Borough Council and we have lobbied both WBC and the Government to make them aware of why we feel that building on this land would be a ludicrous idea “West Byfleet is the second largest centre in the borough and has been designated as the only District Centre and it is appropriate that West Byfleet should contribute to the provision of additional housing within the borough “According to the West Byfleet Neighbourhood Development Plan (July 2017) West Byfleet had a population of 5,626 across 2,320 households “Since that time more than 500 new dwellings have been approved by WBC in West Byfleet and the proposed development on land adjacent to West Hall in West Byfleet would add a further 461 meaning the number of dwellings in West Byfleet will have increased by approximately 50% over the 10 years to 2027 “This is something like one third of the borough’s new housing target of 292 new dwellings per year over the same period The West Hall proposal also includes the provision of 15 Travellers’ pitches some 79% of the requirements of the whole of Woking borough “West Byfleet is contributing much more than its fair share of new housing and Travellers’ pitches within the borough As part of the recent site allocation DPD we also lost 50% of our Green Belt “I am in favour of the provision of more housing in our borough But this needs to be done in a joined-up way with the provision of the supporting infrastructure: roads given West Byfleet’s population has already increased by approximately a quarter since 2017 with no material enhancement to those local infrastructure items I’ve listed “This contributes to the widely held belief locally that residents of The Byfleets are ignored by Woking Borough Council “My key concerns are the further gridlock that the additional traffic will create and provision of additional primary healthcare capacity as well as provision of education and the impact of flooding.” Woking MP Jonathan Lord has launched a petition seeking residents’ views on the proposed development at www.jonathanlord.co.uk/West-Hall-Proposals. Residents can add their name to the petition and complete a short survey. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us THE Botanical Place development is progressing well despite some often unfavourable weather, notably Storm Antoni hitting the UK. The scheme, being built by long-standing retirement community developer Retirement Villages Group (RVG), is under construction on the site of the old Sheer House office block and retail units in the heart of West Byfleet. Residents and community groups were among those invited to show their creative side by putting forward names for the buildings, reflecting West Byfleet’s historic links with the cultivation and distillation of essential oils, botanical perfumes and remedies. Five buildings were named: Bergamot House, Cassia House, Copper Pot House, Juniper House and Tea Tree House. Botanical Place is the flagship development in Retirement Villages’ new Thrive Living collection and, aside from the retail, restaurant and public library will provide 198 apartments. They will all be situated around the main public square, which is called Botanical Place and features flowing water, trees, plants and seating. Tea Tree House has had its ground floor slab recently poured and the building core, which will form the stairwells, has been completed to the top level. Copper Pot House now has its decking completed to the roof level and is ready to have concrete poured. However, utilities works which were scheduled to take place on Station Approach during the summer holidays will not now happen this month and are expected for mid-September. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us XFASTINDEX Retirement Villages Group (RVG) says that – thanks to offsetting – its 196-home mixed use development at West Byfleet in Surrey will be the UK’s first ‘net zero carbon’ scheme over its whole development and operational lifespan in the later living sector RVG is the first developer to use UK Green Building Council’s net zero carbon buildings framework definition in this sector The embodied carbon will be offset at practical completion; the operational carbon will be offset every year It recently announced plans to acquire and develop up to 40 new later living schemes across the UK over the next 15 years and is committed to achieving ‘net zero carbon’ across the whole development and operational lifespans for all its projects ‘Offsetting’ usually means handing over money to a third party agent for remote ‘save the rain forest’ type projects RVG is establishing a decarbonisation fund (which it has set at £70/tonne of carbon) that will offset embodied carbon from all its future developments The offset funds will be used in decarbonisation projects across RVG's existing operational assets the removal of gas boilers and replacement with all electric heating systems that use renewable energy as it seeks to achieve net zero carbon across their estate well in advance of the 2050 deadline Chief executive Will Bax said: “Our West Byfleet project sets a benchmark that I actively encourage others to follow by looking beyond industry requirements and assessing the carbon emission of a building throughout its life “The past year has given us all an opportunity to step back and reflect There is no longer a choice of whether to act it is imperative that we all recognise the need to do more and find a way to reverse the climate tide we’re looking for partners to work with us on our journey to be net zero carbon by 2030.” Graph shows the indicative carbon use in a building over a 60-year life RVG worked with consulting engineer Hoare Lea on the West Byfleet scheme and to develop its sustainability strategy across the business Hoare Lea partner Mark Wilkinson said: “RVG aren’t just addressing the obvious net zero energy requirements for their scheme but are embracing every aspect of sustainable design and are creating fantastic spaces for people to live.” UK Green Building Council chief executive Julie Hirigoyen added: “Make no mistake achieving net zero carbon for construction lifts the bar on expectations for developers Investing in a transition fund to accelerate wider decarbonisation of RVG’s portfolio is additionally commendable.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk 4 hours Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is undertaking early market engagement for infrastructure works. 20 hours Following a recent expansion into North America, Murphy Group has now entered Australia. 3 hours Innovative tracked carrier manufacturer among 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise recipients 3 hours Modular construction business Integra Buildings has received royal recognition for its approach to sustainability. 4 hours MTX Contracts has been selected as the preferred bidder to build a diagnostic centre in Pitsea, Essex. 4 hours House-builder Springfield Properties has promoted Darren Thomson to construction director for its north of Scotland operations. © 2025 The Construction Index [Company No ' + response[i].created_nice + ' ' + response[i].description + ' MORE than 140 golfers enjoyed a day of glorious sunshine as they helped raise around £20,000 for a charity that aims to transform the lives of children and young people They were taking part in the main fundraising event of the year at West Byfleet Golf Club Players enjoyed a great day of competitive top quality golf on one of Surrey’s most well-regarded courses that was in superb condition on Friday 29 July despite the hot weather They finished the day with a traditional post-match dinner and a charity auction which runs Charrington Manor in West Byfleet saw a keenly fought encounter on the golf course Cathy Dawson and Rosie Shepheard with a score of 100 points The golf club has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities over the years The auction proceeds of £10,000 were added to the money raised through sponsorship to make an estimated £20,000 for Eikon which supports children and young people in overcoming difficulties to help them develop into confident adults said “We are only able to help the large number of young people that we do because of the support of kind and generous people “We are so grateful to the captains of West Byfleet Golf Club for choosing Eikon as their charity in 2022 and the fantastic members of the club for such wholehearted support.” West Byfleet Golf Club General Manager Kevin Mullen said: “We are very proud of our reputation in supporting local charities and Eikon which is based less than a mile from the clubhouse at Fullbrook School “Eikon is an excellent and award-winning charity who provides long-term support to some of the county’s most vulnerable young people thriving and resilient young adults who make a positive contribution to society “Over the past 40 years the club’s members have raised nearly £1million for local good causes a tremendous contribution to their community from this flourishing local club.” Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us A THIRTEEN year old schoolgirl from Pyrford is working hard to make her neighbourhood bloom. Allegra Cesar volunteers with the West Byfleet Community Gardening Group and what started out as a need to amass volunteering hours towards her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award has now become a labour of love for Allegra on Saturday mornings. A Year 9 pupil at St George’s College, Weybridge, Allegra particularly likes studying English and biology. She has been weeding, planting spring bulbs and plants, and sweeping up leaves at West Byfleet station, Birch Green and in the centre of the village. She also tops up and tidies the community bookcase in the station booking hall. “I didn’t know what to expect when I joined the group,” said Allegra, “but I found that I enjoy gardening and helping my community. The volunteers are friendly and made me feel part of the group. I feel I’m making a difference. I look forward to gardening on Saturday mornings as it gets me out of the house, working in the fresh air and I’m learning new things. I don’t even mind if it’s raining!” Recently the group has taken over tending the five big wooden containers in the centre of West Byfleet which Woking Borough Council used to maintain. “After speaking to the council, we put out a call for plants and were overwhelmed with donations,” said the group’s Diane Cozens. “Allegra has helped us plant up these containers too, making the village look cared for again.” Recently Allegra helped to weed the kerbs in her Pyrford street, much to the delight of her neighbours who came out to help. Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us 13 Apr 2021 By Tim Clark A retirement village developer plans to build up to 5,000 new retirement homes at 40 sites across the UK which is backed by French giant AXA Investment Management plans to invest £2bn to build on urban sites across the UK The company said the way the pandemic had accelerated changes to the high street meant they were ripe for regeneration The announcement comes after the firm gained consent to develop a £110m retirement community of 196 apartments in central West Byfleet on the site of a former commercial offices It also plans to deliver a new £65m community of 147 retirement homes in Chester its schemes will allow older residents to stay connected to the places where they live and also benefit high street businesses Chief executive of RVG Will Bax said: “New generations of older people prize independence security and community connections more than any other Increasingly they are looking for a lifestyle choice that promotes independent living and keeps them fit and active for longer “The current options for people looking to downsize are not good enough We want to change that by putting older people back at the heart of our communities and building homes that enable them to live rich connected lives safe in the knowledge that support is available when This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth Who is Harmsworth?… Construction on the redevelopment of Leeds United FC’s Elland Road Stadium could… This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth McLaren Construction Midlands… Three people have been arrested as part of a Serious Fraud Office…