Hurst Green - What Concerns Us

So what are the main issues in Hurst Green at the moment? This was a question I was asked yesterday afternoon by a journalist new to one of the local papers.

Good Question. I didn't think that there was one overall answer but I said that the following are all subjects of interest to some local people:

The Ajax Fire and the proposals for redevelopment of that site are of interest, both to those living by the site and more generally as additional heavy traffic goods traffic along the Hurst Green and Holland Roads would be unwelcome.

Crime and anti-social behavior isn't too much of an issue, but big groups of kids hanging around on street corners can be intimidating and the riding of mini-motos on roads and in public spaces by a small minority is an accident waiting to happen.

Back garden developments continue to be an issue for those directly affected and the building of more and more homes without an consequent improvement to local infrastructure concerns many.

The extension of weekly recycling from the beginning of the month which now includes plastics has been positively received.

However, in terms of comments I am given, probably the biggest issue and this is common across the whole of East Surrey is the state of our local roads. Popes Lane remains a disgrace. It is an example that even when work is done the quality is sometimes substandard.

Fire 1

It was good to see reports that someone has been charged over the fire that destroyed the Ajax Factory in Hurst Green on June 17.

A 17 year old from Battersea has been sent by Redhill Magistrates for a Crown Court hearing. I hope this sends a cear message that those committing Arson will be caught.

Leisure Centre Update - Pool to reopen by end of August

Tandridge Leisure have annouced that they are aiming to reopen the pool at the end of this week following the completion of all temporary repair work. Permanent repair work on the pool will be undertaken over the next 2-3 months and this is expected to cause very little disruption to service as it can be done overnight, however we are anticipating a very short closure period prior to completion of works. For full details see their website.

Ajax Update

Regular readers may remember I blogged some months ago about the fire at the former Ajax Factory in Hurst Green.

While Police investigations into the fire continue, the new owners of the site have submitted a planning application to redevelop it. Instead of another factory, a mixed development is proposed with a Nursing Home, medical (dental of veterinary) facility, offices and some small light industry/warehouse units being planned. The developers also plan to re-site the access road to make it easier for lorries to access without blocking the whole of Holland Road.

My first reaction is that this is a positive development for Hurst Green as it will hopefully provide employment opportunities without a step increase in heavy goods vehicle using the Woodhurst Lane/Hurst Green Road/Holland Road route. However I would be interested in views from local residents. To view the plans see Tandridge District Council's Planning Interactive website. The application number is 2007/1142.

Fire, Fire, Pour on Water

Given the recent fire at the Ajax site in Hurst Green I was please to see today two initiatives from Surrey County Council to reduce the risk to Oxted South residents.

A brand new state of the art fire engine has just been delivered to the Surrey Fire and Rescuse Service at Godstone. The new appliance boasts new technology which is both more effective at fighting fires, uses less water, causes less water damage and is better for the environment.

The County Council have also lauched an anti arson campaign at teenagers. I think it is vital that this message gets across. Last month's fire mercifully involved no injuries, but so easily could have done, if the gas cyclinders found on site had not been old and empty So well done Surrey for working to deal with these risks.

Hurst Green Fire - 3 Arrests Made

Surrey Police have announced that following Sunday's fire at the Ajax building 3 young men have been arrested, two aged 17 and one aged 16.

Surrey police are keen to speak to witnesses in relation to the matter.Particularly if you saw people at the industrial estate on Sunday 17th June between 12.00pm and 3.00pm. If you have any information please call 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Hurst Green Fire Update:

According to the BBC website, 21 families were evacuated from Barnfield Way to St Agatha's Hall after a gas cylinder exploded in the fire. [I am not sure what happened to them all, as Aggies looked all shut up as I walked past it to the station this morning.]

However the BBC reports that an exclusion zone remains in place around the old Ajax factory, in Holland Road, to allow other gas cylinders to cool. Firefighters used ground monitors to cool the gas cylinders and are keeping a "watching brief" as it is still unsafe to enter the building. Police said Barnfield Way and Holland Road would remain closed to traffic and residents until the area was declared safe, which is expected to be this afternoon at the earliest.

Fire investigators and police are looking into the cause of the fire. Fortunately it appears that no-one was injured in the fire.