RESIDENTS in Redhill will soon be able to have their say on Asda's plans to regenerate the Cromwell Road area of the town centre.
The supermarket firm has submitted its transport assessment for a new 30,000sq-ft store to Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, allowing the authority to formally register the planning application.
Asda wants to open in Redhill in 2014, bringing almost 300 new jobs.
Oliver Jones, property communications manager, said: "We are keen to bring this food store as quickly as possible for the people who want it there.
"It will bring 280 jobs to the area, a mix of full-time and part-time, which will all have access to training programmes.
"We are still waiting on planning permission, but we are ever hopeful and we realise this will be a big benefit for the community."
The land Asda wants to build on is currently occupied by a number of people living in flats owned by the Raven Housing Trust.
Susan Lea, communications officer for the trust, said: "While discussions have been taking place with Asda, no agreement has been reached on the terms for any purchase of Raven’s land.
"We remain open to discussions with Asda but do not anticipate much happening now until after the summer, and only then if Asda is successful with their planning application.
"If we do reach an agreement with Asda following a successful planning application, we will of course work with the council to find alternative homes and provide financial and practical help to residents affected."
And speaking for Asda, Mr Jones added: "Typically, [with] situations like this, they [the residents] are provided with a compensation offer or rehoused elsewhere. We will keep people informed as best as we can."
Local resident Hannah Rainford said that although she thought the site would be better used for something other than a supermarket, she would still prefer Asda to set up shop there rather than it remain in its present state.
She said: "I would rather that Redhill had one large supermarket and that the run-down Cromwell Road area was regenerated with restaurants and a cinema. Although I would rather that Asda took the site, over the option of it staying as it is."
Another Redhill resident, Gary Hawkins, believes the town has enough supermarkets already, saying: "I think the monster-sized Sainsbury's will be quite enough, but Cromwell Road does need some attention."
Source: www.getsurrey.co.uk
Senate OKs Paul Watford for federal appeals court - San Francisco Gate
[getrss.in: unable to retrieve full-text content]
The Senate confirmed President Obama's appointment of Los Angeles attorney Paul Watford to the federal appeals court in San Francisco on Monday after the nominee, a former prosecutor, lined up enough Republican support to derail a planned ...Source: www.sfgate.com
Police target car crime as vehicle break-ins escalate - Watford Observer
Police in Watford target car crime as vehicle break-ins escalate
3:44pm Tuesday 22nd May 2012 in News By Zoe Forsey
Police will be carrying out targeted patrols across Watford following a number of car break-ins over the past fortnight.
Police have been called to a number of thefts and attempted thefts from cars in central and north Watford this month. Cash, handbags, mobile phones, laptops and satellite navigation systems are among the things that have been taken.
Hertfordshire Constabulary is urging residents across the town to keep their valuables hidden.
Deirdre Dent, a neighbourhood inspector, said: "Some of the items stolen are incredibly valuable and contain personal information, such as iPads, laptops and mobile phones. Many of these items were left on show which, to a criminal, is an open invitation to break into your vehicle.
"Even if you’re leaving your car for a few minutes, make sure you remove all valuables from your car or van."
The police say exterior items are also being stolen including number plates, catalytic converters and spare wheels.
Inspector Dent added: "It’s important people are vigilant and I’d urge residents to contact police immediately if they see anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles."
For advice on how to keep your valuables safe, visit Hertfordshire Constabulary’s website at www.herts.police.uk or call the emergency number 101.
Source: www.watfordobserver.co.uk
Man fined for flytipping (From Watford Observer) - Watford Observer
Man fined for flytipping
12:36pm Tuesday 22nd May 2012 in News
A man has been fined more than £1,500 for dumping rubbish in a north Watford garage block.
In October Watford Borough Council received reports that some household waste has been flytipped in a residential area in Cow Lane.
An investigation by the council’s Environmental Crime team linked the rubbish to Tiberiu Hoffman of Everton Drive, Stanmore.
He was interviewed under caution at the Town Hall on December 1 and admitted that he had dumped the the waste, which belonged to another Stanmore resident, for a fee of £50.
He said he used a van from his employer without their consent, and that he was not licensed by the Environment Agency to carry waste. Hoffman pleaded guilty to knowingly causing or permitting flytipping under section 33 (1) (a) of the Environmental Act 1990 at Watford Magistrates Court on May 18.
He also pleaded guilty to the unlicensed carrying of waste under section S1 (1) Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 - Unlicensed Waste Carrier.
Hoffman was fined £500 and costs of £1,000 were awarded to Watford Borough Council, plus a victim surcharge of £15.
Councillor Derek Scudder, who is responsibility for environmental issues said: "This flytip took place in a residential area and caused much distress to local residents.
"It is unfair that the residents of Watford have to contribute to clean up costs due to a minority of anti-social people."
Comments(1)
Reg Edit says...
1:17pm Tue 22 May 12
Comment now! Register or sign in below.
Or
Source: www.watfordobserver.co.uk
Hodson in Northern Ireland squad (From Borehamwood Times) - Borehamwood & Elstree Times
Watford defender Lee Hodson in Northern Ireland squad to face Netherlands
1:23pm Monday 21st May 2012 in Sport By Anthony Matthews
Lee Hodson will be hoping to add to his seven international caps after being named in Northern Ireland’s 24-man squad to face the Netherlands next month.
The Borehamwood-based Watford full-back, who appeared alongside fellow Hornet Adam Thompson for the Under-21s against Macedonia on May 10, is one of seven defenders selected by manager Michael O’Neill for the match at the Amsterdam Arena on June 2.
The full squad is: Lee Camp (Nottingham Forest), Alan Mannus (St Johnstone), Roy Carroll (Olympiakos); Michael Duff (Burnley), Ryan McGivern (Manchester City), Lee Hodson (Watford), Colin Coates (Crusaders), Rory McArdle (Aberdeen), Daniel Lafferty (Burnley), James McPake (Coventry City); Sammy Clingan (Coventry City), Grant McCann (Peterborough United), Corry Evans (Hull City), Shane Ferguson (Newcastle United), Jeff Hughes (Notts County), Oliver Norwood (Manchester United), Pat McCourt (Celtic); David Healy (Rangers), Josh McQuoid (Millwall), Niall McGinn (Celtic), Josh Carson (Ipswich Town), Andrew Little (Rangers), William Grigg (Walsall), Rory Donnelly (Swansea City).
Comments(4)
SAHornet says...
3:07pm Mon 21 May 12
WFC4ever says...
5:55pm Mon 21 May 12
goldanboy says...
7:40pm Mon 21 May 12
radlettman says...
7:56pm Mon 21 May 12
Comment now! Register or sign in below.
Or
Source: www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk
Asda booze bandit’s got a lot of bottle - thescottishsun.co.uk
The man told Asda workers he agreed a ‘buy now, pay later’ deal with the store manager to supply drink for his party.
He claimed he would be back days later to pay and return any unused bevvy.
He then produced a list with scores of alcohol products on it — and staff were sent to the drinks aisle to fill trolleys. Checkout workers even had to over-ride the maximum sale limit of tills as they scanned the huge pile of bottles and cans. But the alarm was raised when it was reported the mystery shopper had NOT returned as promised.
The bizarre incident at the Bridge of Dee store in Aberdeen, on May 11, was only reported to police yesterday — hours after Scottish Sun reporters contacted Asda HQ for a comment. Grampian Police confirmed they were investigating a four-figure theft.
A source at the 24-hour superstore said: “The guy walked up to customer services and said he’d already spoken to the manager about a deal to return with booze that hadn’t been used and that’s when he would know exactly what to pay.
“Unbelievably everyone took his word for it and even worse is the fact staff were summoned to load the booze into trolleys and help take it out to the car park.
“The checkout staff were even told to over-ride tills as it was such a huge amount. Unsurprisingly he hasn’t been seen again. To say it’s been the talk of the store is an understatement. No one can believe the guy was able to walk out with thousands of pounds worth of alcohol and no one batted an eyelid.”
An Asda spokeswoman said last night the matter was in the hands of police.
However, just a few minutes later she claimed the customer had in fact returned four days after the incident to pay up.
She said: “The mix-up about whether or not the customer returned happened because only certain members of staff knew about the situation. Procedures will now be looked at.”
A Grampian Police spokeswoman said: “We have been made aware of a theft at the Bridge of Dee Asda store. Inquiries are continuing.”
Source: www.thescottishsun.co.uk
Essex Fire Dispute-Strike Ballot Papers Go Out - Market Wire
ESSEX, ENGLAND--(Marketwire - May 22, 2012) - Ballot papers are going out to Essex fire crews this week in a strike vote over unnecessary frontline cuts and changes imposed without agreement. The ballot starts on Wednesday 23rd May and closes on 13 June. The law then requires at least seven days notice of any strike action after that date.
Essex Fire Brigades Union is writing today directly to Councillor Tony Hedley, chair of Essex fire authority, seeking his agreement to lift the block on allowing the national fire service conciliators and ACAS to work together on a possible way forward for conciliated talks.
The union says the ballot is necessary because the fire authority is imposing changes whilst also planning further cuts. 100 full-time fire station based crews have been axed since 2008 with retained 'on call' crews cut by 60. Further cuts now being planned will bring total losses of around one in five frontline firefighters since 2008.
Backroom staffing has risen by 7.5% - from 238 in 2008 to 256 today. The latest budget review shows underspends of £1.3 million on wholetime firefighters, £206,000 on retained and £136,000 on control firefighters.
Mick Rogers FBU brigade secretary said: "Essex fire crews are furious at what is going on and will be giving their verdict on cuts and imposed changes. Managers need to get their heads out of the sand and realise the strength of feeling.
"There is still time enough to resolve the issues between us and we are now asking the Chair to the Fire Authority to use his good offices to remove the barriers to serious talks getting underway. But if there is no genuine intention or positive moves to resolve the very real concerns of the frontline professionals then strike action becomes an ever increasing prospect.
"Essex fire crews are united and very determined on this matter. This is not the small group of disgruntled militants the chief's PR team is suggesting, but a huge swell of opposition.
"No firefighter ever wants to take strike action but it will happen if things go on like this. I'd urge the Fire Authority to wake up, understand the strong views of their own crews and kick start talks to resolve this dispute."
Source: www.marketwire.com
Essex Old County Courthouse pillars could fall - Press Republican
ELIZABETHTOWN — First, Essex County lawmakers' chairs were collapsing. Now, it looks like the roof itself is in danger of coming down at the Old County Courthouse.
The County Board of Supervisors meets weekly at that building in Elizabethtown, but members were told Monday that the four pillars out front are in danger of snapping off if they're not repaired soon.
Department of Public Works Superintendent Anthony LaVigne said each pillar has an outer shell around a wooden post in the center.
"I'd like to head toward repairing these pillars. The ones in jeopardy are basically rotted through."
The County Public Works Committee unanimously approved immediate repairs to the pillars.
LaVigne said he has an estimate of about $47,000 to do the work, using treated posts and putting more vents in. Those pillars should have a 75-year life, he said.
He said the Old Courthouse is a historic building, so the State Historic Preservation Office must be consulted.
"They're (pillars) not properly vented to dry out," LaVigne said. "We're looking at it as a restoration and repair project."
The next step is the design and bid of the work, he said.
"Those are load-bearing pillars," LaVigne said. "They're not ornamental."
The courthouse was built in 1823 and has been modified several times since. It is no longer used for County Court; a new building was constructed nearby for that purpose.
Money for the work will probably come from the fund balance, supervisors said.
Supervisors previously learned their meeting-chambers chairs were breaking, and Board of Supervisors Chair Randy Douglas (D-Jay) said Monday that replacing them was a priority.
"Half these chairs are over 100 years old. It's a safety issue," he said. "The bottom line is the chairs need to be replaced. You'll fall off the chair, break your neck — that's what's going to happen."
Douglas has offered to buy new chairs so taxpayers don't have to foot the bill.
"We're not going to throw them away. I don't know about a museum, but we'll refurbish them."
At least one member of the board likes his chair, however.
"I, personally, am happy with my chair," Supervisor William Ferebee (R-Keene) said.
The pillars should be repaired as soon as possible, Supervisor Daniel Connell (D-Westport) said.
"We have a major safety issue here. We can't have the roof falling down."
Email Lohr McKinstry:
Source: pressrepublican.com
Comment now! Register or sign in below.
Or