Local News & Weather

 

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Council Approve Action Plan – 19/01/12

Dorking's future has been mapped out and planned for all to see following Mole Valley District Council's approval of the Dorking Town Centre Area Action Plan on Tuesday. The plan is designed to be used as a guideline for future development within the town, including areas for preservation and others for development. Included in the plan is the approval for a new supermarket site behind St Martin's Walk - the location that Sainsbury's have expressed interest in.

Drama Festival Loses Funding – 18/01/12

Mole Valley District Council have approved budget cuts of nearly £20,000 for the coming financial year which will mean that the popular Leatherhead Drama Festival will get no funding this year. Despite the shocking news, organisers have vowed to fund the event with private money. Other organisations that stand to miss out on council funds include Dorking Concertgoers Society and Arts Alive, who had planned to put on a street party during the Olympics.

Lidl Comes to Dorking - 12/01/12

The plans for a new Lidl supermarket to be built in Dorking have been approved by Mole Valley District Council's planning committee. The new store will be built in Vincent Lane, Dorking on an old industrial site and has been met with approval from many local residents and shoppers.

Jail for Football Hooligan - 10/01/12

A Dorking man caught on CCTV fighting with Welsh football fans has been jailed for two years and three months at Isleworth Crown Court. Matthew Frost, who runs his own electrician company in Dorking, was seen kicking anothe rman and throwing pieces of rubble into a crowd during a clash between Chelsea and Cardiff City fans in February last year.

Mole Valley A Great Place to LIve – 06/01/12

A quality of life survey conducted by Halifax has put Mole Valley in the top 10% of places to live in the UK. Mole Valley came 25th out of 275 in the survey which takes into account factors such as crime rates, average earnings, population density and average rainfall. Elmbridge, which includes wealthy Oxshott and Cobham came 2nd in the survey.

Lidl Gain Public Vote – 23/12/11

According to a readers poll conducted by the Dorking Advertiser, Lidl is the public’s first choice for a new supermarket in Dorking. More than 50% of the newspaper’s readers voted for Lidl ahead of 17.6% for a new Sainsbury’s and just 8.8% for Morrisons. Nearly a quarter of those voting stated that they would prefer none of the new supermarkets in Dorking town centre.

Arsonist Sentenced to Jail – 22/12/11

A man who set fire to his kitchen and then threatened to blow up the whole house has been sentenced to 15 months in prison this week. 47 year old Paul Pierce set fire to kitchen items at his home in Rothes Road, Dorking on December 27 last year, after an argument with his partner. Police were called to the scene and Mr Pierce barricaded himself in, held a lighter to a gas pipe and threatened to blow himself up. The police had to get the gas supply turned off before entering the house and arresting him. Although he was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, Mr Pierce has already served nearly a year on remand so will likely be released early in the new year.

Festival Plans Put on Hold – 16/12/11

Following the fierce public opposition to a proposal for a live music festival at a Charlwood farm, the event organisers have withdrawn their application. Dansell Multimedia were shocked at the extent of the local opposition to an event at Edolphs Farm and have withdrawn the application in order to review their proposal.

Woman Dies After Being Hit By Car – 15/12/11

Dorking became gridlocked on Tuesday after a woman was hit by a car on Deepdene Avenue. The woman in her 50s was struck by a Volvo whilst walking along the road at around 5.30pm. She was treated by paramedics at the road side by died at the scene. The police closed the road between South Drive and Chart Lane junctions, which were re-opened at around 10pm.

Plans for Farm Festival Opposed – 9/12/11

Angry residents joined forces at Stanhill Court Hotel on Tuesday to oppose plans for a Glastonbury-style festival to take place at a farm in Charlwood. The owners of Edolphs Farm in Charlwood have been in discussions with Dansell Multimedia regarding holding a live music event and festival in the grounds of their farm next year. Dansell arranged the consultation at Stanhill Court to discuss the plans with local residents, but they did not expect the level of fierce opposition and hostility that they received. Edolphs Farm has over 150 acres of open land that would make a perfect setting for a festival as well as other live events.

Prison Sentence for Man Who Attacked Police – 2/12/11

A 23 year old man who assaulted three police officers was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison this week. Carl Denby of Church Street was approached by the police officers on suspicion of stealing alcohol from Waitrose and Sainsbury’s in Dorking when he launched the vicious assault, punching, kicking, and pushing the officers before he was restrained. Mr Denby was extremely intoxicated and suffering from depression at the time of the incident.

PCSO Sent to Prison – 25/11/11

A Police Community Support Officer who worked in Dorking has been sentenced to 4 months in prison for wasting police time. 46 year old Kim Boichat from Horley was jailed for sending herself abusive and threatening messages and claiming that they were sent by a fellow PCSO. Mrs Boichat also encouraged members of the public and her own family by asking them to give false evidence. Her deception was discovered by handwriting experts and anlysis of phone data, forcing her to confess to her crime.

Olympic Torch Coming to Dorking – 11/11/11

The route for the Olympic torch was announced this week and Dorking residents were delighted to hear that it will be paraded through the town. When the torch arrives in the UK on 18th May, having been lit in Greece, it will be carried by 8,000 torch bearers through over 1,000 towns and cities throughout the country as part of a 70 day relay before it reaches the Olympic Village in London. The torch will appear in Dorking on 20th July and councillors have vowed to make the event special.

Council Prepared for Winter – 10/11/11

Surrey County Council aren't taking any chances with the bad weather this Winter and have invested heavily in ensuring that they will no t be caught out by snow and ice again. The council have bought 24 new gritting vehicles, taking their fleet up to 40 vehicles, and have stock-piled 17000 tons of salt - an increaae of 4000 tons on last year. These new measures will ensure that more roads can be cleared and kept safe in the event of another heavy snow period.

End of the Year, End of the Library – 03/11/11

Dorking Library will close it's doors for the final time on New Year's Eve this year. Despite significant public opposition, Surrey County Council took the decision to move the library from it's historic, current location at Pippsbrook House to new units in St Martin's Walk. The new library is due to open on 23rd January 2012.

Lidl Submit Plans for New Supermarket – 26/10/11

An application for a new Lidl supermarket in Dorking has been submitted to Mole Valley District Council. Lidl, a relative newcomer to the UK retail industry, have applied for permission to build the new supermarket in Vincent Lane. This latest application comes just months after Waitrose were granted permission to expand their South Street store and Morrisons were refused permission to build a new store in Curtis Road. The planning application will be discussed by the council early in the New Year.

Armed Robber Faces Wraith of Dorking Shoppers – 22/10/11

A would-be armed robber was chased through the streets of Dorking by members of the public following an attempted bank robbery. The man had entered Barclays in the High Street at around 3.20pm on Thursday and demanded money after threatening a member of staff with a knife. However, the staff member pressed the alarm and the robber was forced to leave empty-handed. However, he was spotted as he fled the bank and bystanders chased him. They were quickly joined by the police who arrested the man and took him away.

Dorking Police Crackdown on Crime – 17/10/11

Last weekend saw Dorking police take a zero tolerance approach to local crime, making 11 arrests in 24 hours in an attempt to reduce violence and drinking related crime. The most disturbing incident was a group fight that involved individuals wielding weapons such as baseball bats, lengths of wood and possibly even a taser gun. Seven people were arrested at the incident in Horsham Road on the outskirts of town at around 6pm last Friday.

Controversial Library Gets Hi-Tech Treatment – 7/10/11

The new library in Dorking, being constructed in three units at the St Martin’s Walk Shopping Centre, will have a host of new and hi-tech equipment to assist users. Work began last week on the library, which is expected to open early next year, and a list of features including a multimedia centre, free internet access and self-service terminals were revealed. Campaigners were disappointed at the announcement that the library was to be moved from Pippbrook House, but many residents are now eagerly anticipating the new opening.

Man Dies After Hospital Attack – 4/10/11

A 90 year old man who was attacked in his hospital bed by another patient has died from injuries resulting from the attack. Fred Clark was asleep in his bed on 19th September in Dorking Hospital’s Ranmore Ward when he was attacked by the fellow patient, sustaining cuts and bruises to his face and body. Four days later, Mr Clark died from a severe lung infection. The attacker was arrested by police but a motive has not been revealed. An investigation is ongoing at the hospital.

Shed Fire Destroys Antiques – 28/09/11

A fire at a group of sheds in South Holmwood spread so quickly that even the superb response from Dorking Fire Station could not prevent it from destroying a collection of precious books and antiques. The fire started at around 3pm last Friday and destroyed the sheds within minutes before spreading to nearby bushes and trees.

Sick Thieves Steal from Crematorium – 27/09/11

Randalls Park Crematorium in Leatherhead has been the latest victim of sick and callous thieves who will stop at nothing to steal valuable metal. The crematorium was targeted between September 15th and 16th when the thieves stole the brass memorial plaques. A similar incident happened at the Surrey and Sussex Crematorium in Horley a few days before. As the price of metal continues to rise, thieves have targeted many premises to steal metal, but the crematorium crimes are the sickest yet.

Business Owners Campaign Against Parking Charges – 8/9/11

Retailers and business owners in Dorking are calling for Surrey County Council to drop plans to install parking meters on streets throughout the town. The council have already axed plans for parking meters in Leatherhead, Bookham and Ashtead but have not withdrawn the plans for Dorking. At a time when retail spend in High Street stores is already struggling, new charges could deter shoppers from coming into town and will be detrimental to small businesses.

Troubled Hospital Plans New Temporary Ward – 2/9/11

Having come under fire on numerous occasions already this year, East Surrey Hospital have submitted plans to build a new temporary ward in an attempt to increase capacity and improve the service they can give to patients. The new prefabricated two-storey ward is in addition to the much-needed improvements to the Accident & Emergency department which will commence this month.

Suspected Arson Destroys Barn – 25/08/11

A fire that destroyed a barn on Monday night is being treated as arson by police. The fire broke out at a farm in Wellhouse Lane, in Strood Green at around 10.30pm on Monday. Firefighters were quick to respond but the building could not be saved. With no electricity or fuel anywhere near the building, the cause of the fire is suspected to be arson.

Flat Fire in High Street – 16/8/11

Fire crews were called to Dorking High Street in the early hours of Sunday morning to tackle a blaze in a flat. Just hours before the Olympic cycle race came through town, the emergency services from Dorking, Reigate and Guidlford battled with the fire in the flat above the Studio 82 clothes shop. Nobody was hurt in the blaze and it is thought to have started due to an electrical fault.

Dorking Hails Olympics Rehearsal – 15/8/11

Dorking came to a standstill on Sunday as 1000’s of people lined the streets to watch 140 international cyclists take on the route that will be used in the Olympics next year. The 87 mile race took riders through Gomshall, Westcott, Dorking High Street and Box Hill. 

Riot Threats Close Town Centre - 11/08/11

Following the horrific riots in London and Croydon last weekend, public fear and an element of scaremongering saw many businesses throughout Dorking close their doors early on Tuesday for fear of the riots spreading south. Despite the gossip on social networking sites, there were no reported incidents of violence in the town. Officers from Surrey Police were called to assist the MET police with the mayhem.

Scavengers Wreck Allotment – 10/08/11

Thieves searching for scrap metal damaged the allotments in Ranmore Road during a raid of mindless vandalism. The thieves forced their way through padlocked gates and ripped down internal fencing whilst searching for tools and scrap metal to steal.

Man Saved From Burning Flat – 26/07/11

A 50 year old man was rescued by firefighters on Monday when his home in Horsham Road, Dorking caught fire. When a neighbour raised the alarm at around 6.30pm, fire crews from Dorking, Reigate and Leatherhead raced to the scene and forced their way into the blazing flat. Ian Swan, who lives alone in the flat and suffers from Hunitington’s Disease, was found unconscious on his bed and carried to safety. He was taken to East Surrey Hospital for treatment after inhaling the smoke and fumes but is said to be in a stable condition.

Shoplifter Attacks Police – 20/07/11

Three police officers were viciously attacked when they tried to arrest a shoplifter last Saturday. PC’s Gaynor Grout, Briony Cole and Richard Hart were called to the Sainsbury’s supermarket in Dorking High Street at around 7.50pm. When they tried to detain the man, he became extremely violent, kicking and punching them. He was eventually subdued and arrested.

Recovering Alcoholic Caught Growing Cannabis – 07/07/11

A recovering alcoholic from Dorking has been sentenced to 140 hours of community service for cultivating cannabis plants. Martin Willey was caught growing the plants after he reported his bi-polar partner as missing. When police visited his home in Capel they discovered around 300 cannabis plants along with a hydroponics system and cultivating equipment. Mr Willey, dry from alcohol for over 3 years, claimed that he needed the drug to relax and could no longer afford to purchase the drug at ‘street’ prices.

Livestock Attacked by Pet Dogs – 24.06.11

Police are supporting a farmer in calls for dog owners to control their pets whilst walking near livestock. In recent weeks, sheep, horses and cattle have been attacked by dogs whilst grazing, resulting in some of the animals having to be put down. The owner of Sondes Place Farm in Dorking has witnessed numerous attacks and one lady dog-owner appears in court next week after an incident at the farm in March.

Attempted Robbery by Big Issue Vendor – 20.06.11

A Dorking Chiropractor was targeted by a brazen thief last Tuesday when the man attempted to steal his phone from his practice. The man entered Dorking Chiropractic Clinic carrying a bundle of Big Issue magazines and asked if he could leave them on the table. Chiropractor Graham Allen was confused by the request and before he knew what was happening, the man demanded £2 as payment for the magazine. Dr Allen refused to pay and ordered the man to leave the shop before realising that his I-Phone was missing from the desk. He then shouted at the retreating man, who dropped the phone and fled.

Prison Officer in Court – 16.6.11

A prison officer from Westcott is in court accused of six charges of misconduct in a public office. Simon Dykes, 45, is accused of having sex with four inmates at Downview Prison in Banstead as well as other incidents of sexual misconduct. Also in court is a fellow prison officer from the all-female prison, Russell Thorne, who is accused of similar charges.

Dorking Football Club Vandalised – 13.6.11

Mindless vandals have caused considerable damage to Dorking FC’s clubhouse just weeks after the club invested in post-season refurbishments. The vandals broke in to the club and then scrawled graffiti on the walls and mirrors, smashed windows, kicked down doors and threw paint around. Police believe that the break in occurred between 30th May and 6th June.

New Playground Revealed – 08.06.11

Mole Valley District Council have released details of the Chart Down’s Playground refurbishment. Following a thorough pitch process, designs submitted by Playdale Playgrounds were chosen and work will commence in July, with an expected completion date of the end of August.

New Mobile Police Service - 03.06.11

Surrey police have announced plans to launch a new Mobile Counter service this month. The move comes following the closure of many local stations across the county due to a reduced need for stand alone police stations. The new service will visit 12 locations including Oxted, Lingfield, Capel and Horley on a fixed timetable giving local residents a more convenient way of speaking with police.

Waitrose Store Plans Agreed - 02.06.11

At a meeting of the Development Control Committee yesterday, an application to redevelop the current Waitorse store in Dorking was agreed. The new store will have a sales area of 2201 sq. metres, more than doubling the existing store size. The agreement comes after months of consultation to establish the best interests of residents and other businesses in Dorking.

Local Residents Choose Waitrose - 25.04.11

62% of local residents and shoppers voted for Waitrose to win the supermarket battle in Dorking town centre. Mole Valley District Council have concluded their consultation with businesses and residents on how the supermarkets in the town should be developed, with a redevelopment of the existing Waitrose site receiving the majority of votes. 26% voted for Sainsbury's, 8% for Morrisons and just 4% for Lidl.

Local Rugby Success - 23.04.11

Two local rugby clubs have finished their league seasons in style, showing that there is enormous local talent for the sport. Dorking Rugby Club secured a third place finish in National League 3 after a superb season that has seen them destroy some of the best teams across the country. Meanwhile, Old Freemen's celebrated their 80th anniversary by claiming the Surrey One Championship and earning promotion to the London Leagues.

Retailers Consulted Over Supermarket Plans - 31.03.11

Mole Valley District Council are involving local businesses and residents to determine the site of a proposed new supermarket in Dorking. 38 business owners were invited to give their views on the impact of a new supermarket with four possible locations being considered. The most popular choice is for an expansion of two existing supermarkets in the town centre, Sainsbury's in St Martin's Walk or Waitrose in South Street. Local residents are also being invited to give their opinion during the consultation period which runs until 8th April.

Council Ignore Parking Protest - 23.03.11

Despite thousands of signatures on petitions and a staged protest at County Hall, council bosses refused to discuss further their plans for parking charges across the borough. Campaigners from Reigate, Redhill and Dorking joined many other towns on Monday to demonstrate to the council that their plans to implement widespread parking charges throughout towns in the county were unwelcome, unneccessary and damaging to local business.

Village Shop Robbed at Knifepoint - 16.02.11

A village shop keeper was left terrified when a masked robber burst into the store brandishing a knife. The robber entered Gomshall Village Store at around 1.50pm on Tuesday and pushed the shop keeper to the ground before stealing cash and top-shelf magazines and escaping on foot towards Goose Green.

Olympic Games Coming to a Street Near You - 14.02.11

Residents in and around Dorking will be treated to a free ticket to the Olympic games following the announcement that the cycling races will include a tour of Mole Valley. Both the men's and women's races will start in Westminster and head out towards Richmond and Guildford before coming in to Westcott, Dorking, MIckleham and Leatherhead. The route will also take cyclists around Box Hill before they head back to the finish at The Mall.

Road Rage Stabbing - 08.02.11

A motorist was stabbed by another driver following an argument near Box Hill last Wednesday. The two motorists started arguing on Dorking Road and caused a traffic jam as they exchanged words. One motorist blocked the road as he tried to stop the other from driving away. The battle finished when the victim stopped near the Smith & Western restaurant and was confronted by the second driver, who then stabbed the man in the arm.

Police Move to Council Offices - 05.02.11

Dorking police and Mole Valley District Council have reached an agreement which will see Dorking police station closed and the police relocating to the council offices in Pippbrook. Whilst the move is being presented as a positive action, many will see it as just more cost-cutting and will question whether it will genuinely improve the service provided to the Dorking community.

Double Size for Dorking Waitrose - 20.01.11

Waitrose have released plans to redevelop it's supermarket in Dorking, more than doubling it's size. The new store would involve taking over Mulberry Youth Centre which would relocate to Meadowbank and would increase the store size from 9000 square feet to 25000 square feet as well as increasing car park spaces from 80 to 215. Plans can be viewed at Crossways House on Friday 4th and Staurday 5th February.

Dorking Halls Goes 3D - 14.01.11

Dorking Halls have opened new doors in the world of cinema by installing state of the art 3D projection equipment. The brand new equipment will allow the cinema to show all of the brand new films being released in 3D technology and will bring increased business to both the venue itself and the town. The first film to be shown in 3D will be the new Disney blockbuster, Tangled, showing from 28th January.

Kebab Shop Faces Closure - 05.01.11

A popular takeaway in Dorking town centre faces closure following two violent incidents on it's doorstep. Dorking Kebab in the HIgh Street have come under scrutiny by Surrey Police who have made an application to review the premises licence. The first incident happened on Remembrance Sunday and the second on 4th December, both involving assaults on teenagers.

New Year Run - 02.01.11

Whilst most of us were seeing in the New Year with a hangover, over 300 runners participated in the annual Knacker Cracker race up Box Hill. The 10k run is widely known as the most gruelling 10k race in the country and to make it even more difficult, many runners donned fancy dress for the occassion.

Council Tax Evader Goes to Prison - 23.12.10

A Dorking man who refused to pay his council tax has been sent to prison. David Bark refused to pay the £2518 bill on the grounds that he is not a part of society after declaring himself a freeman of the land and was sentenced to 28 days in prison at Redhill Magistrates Court.

Snow Brings Chaos... Again! - 20.12.10

Less than two weeks after snow brought the South East to a standstill, a fresh dusting of snow on Friday and Saturday sent the country into more chaos. Shops and businesses were unable to open, shoppers were unable to get to those shops that were able to open, the roads were gridlocked with cars unable to move and public transport came to a standstill. Furious members of the public have questioned the government and council's lack of preperation for what has become inevitable weather conditions that could be made much easier.

More Police in Town - 15.12.10

Surrey Police have increased the number of patrolling policeman in Redhill and Reigate town centres in an attempt to control violence and anti-social behaviour over the Christmas period. There will also be increased undercover officers visiting pubs and clubs to check for under age drinkers.

Bus Driver Makes Children Walk 5 Miles - 10.12.10

An irresponsible bus driver put the lives of 30 children at risk when he forced them to get off the bus he was driving. The school children were travelling from Newdigate to The Priory School in Dorking on their usual bus route when the driver pulled over at Beare Green and demanded to see everyone's bus pass. Anyone not able to show their pass because they had left it at home was told to get of the bus. The children then had to walk 5 miles along a busy and icy main road to reach their school.

Fire Closes High Street - 04.12.10

Dorking High Street was evacuated on Friday morning when thick smoke began billowing out of a manhole cover. Retailers and shoppers who had braved the icy conditions were told to vacate the area whilst fire crews dealt with the fire that is thought to have been started by an electrical fire underground near Pizza Express.

Snow Brings South East to Halt - 02.12.10

For the third time in the last 12 months, snow has brought the South East of England to a standstill, causing chaos for everyone. Schools have been closed, workers have been unable to reach their place of employment and the drivers that were able to venture out have experienced extreme difficulty to travel on roads with little or no grit to clear the snow.

Plane and Train Crash Minutes Apart – 08.11.2010

Two life threatening crashes happened just minutes apart and within 10 miles of each other. At 3.30pm on Friday a lorry crashed through a bridge in Oxshott and collided with a passenger train travelling from Guildford to London. At 3.45pm a two seater aeroplane crashed on it's roof in a field in Westcott. MIraculously, nobody was killed in either incident.

Dorking Retailers to Pay for Shoppers' Parking – 29.10.2010

A new scheme introduced by the Dorking Traders Association will mean that shoppers will have the parking refunded if they spend over £10 in participating stores. Many retailers belive that high parking charges are responsible for fewer shoppers in the town and hope that this gesture will bring more people into their shops.

Minority Tories Stay in Power – 28.10.2010

Following meetings between independent councillors, the Lib Dems and Conservatives, it has been decided that the Conservatives will remain in power until next year's election in May, despite the Lib Dems holding more seats on the council. The Lib Dems now hold 18 seats against the Tories 17 seats but Independent councillors have voted to stick with a conservative leadership.

Antique Jewel Theft – 18.10.2010

Thieves stole over £7000 of antique jewellery in broad daylight from Christique Antique Centre in west Street last Friday. The two men, one in his late thirties and the other in his sixties, distracted staff in order to pull of the raid. This is the fifth robbery this year targeting antique dealers in West Street and police suspect the same group of individuals may be involved in all cases.

School Treasurer Guilty of Theft – 01.10.2010

The former treasurer of Capel Preschool in The Street has pleaded guilty to two charges of theft and fraud from the school. Emma Johnson, 34, transferred nearly £5000 from the school bank account to her own and also concealed the fact that her two children had attended the school without paying the £1780 fees. Ms Johnson had already repaid the 'borrowed' money prior to her arrest but was sentenced to 180 hours of community service and to pay costs of £105.

Cancer Claims Vicar's Life – 27.09.2010

The Reverend Caroline Corry, vicar at St John the Evengelist church in North Holmwood, has died at the age of 52 afetr a three year battle with breast cancer. The parish priest had announced her resignation earlier this year in order to battle the disease and died last Friday, just six days before her official leaving date.

Care Home Closes After Police Probe – 02.09.2010

A care home for people with learning disabilities is at the centre of a police probe following claims of fraud and ill-treatment. Five workers at the care home in Deepdene Avenue have been arrested and the care home has been closed down pending further investigation. Four men and a woman were arrested by police after a visit by the police in August.

Dorking Students Celebrate Exam Results – 26.08.2010

Students throughout the borough are celebrating record exam results, none more so than at Ashcombe School in Dorking where GCSE results were the highest ever and 97 per cent of A level students passed.

Crash Kills Young Mother – 15.08.2010

A young mother was killed when her car collided with another vehicle on Mickleham bypass last Friday evening. 24 year old Ella Shuttleworth was pronounced dead at the scene whilst the driver and passenger of the other vehicle were taken to East Surrey Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Camp Fire Lights Woodland – 03.08.2010

Fire fighters were called to woodland near Coldharbour Lane on Monday, responding to a call reporting a fire in the woods. The fire was caused by a careless camp fire left burning in the woodland alongside a tent. Nobody returned to claim the tent.

Residents Oppose Housing Estate – 02.08.2010

Over 200 people attended a meeting at the Holy Trinity Church in Westcott last Thursday to hear further news on a proposed housing estate. Taylor Wimpey have submitted plans to build 34 homes on a meadow in Springfield Road despite the opposition of local residents.

Local Men Accused of Rape at Redhill Festival - 26.07.10

Three men from Dorking and one from Reigate have been arrested on suspicion of taking part in an horrific rape at the Redfest Festival last weekend. A 17 year old girl claimed that she was raped in a tent by two men whilst two others laughed and took pictures on their mobile phones. Two 20-year-old men from Dorking were arrested on suspicion of rape and two other men, one from Dorking and one from Reigate were arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment. All suspects were bailed until 5th September pending further investigation.

Leave Our Library - 20.07.10

Council chiefs are set tp clash with Dorking residents over plans to move the town's library. The library is currently at picturesque Pippbrook House and users find the peace and tranquility of the setting appealing. However, the council want to move the library to three empty retail units in St Martin's Walk in the town centre. Local businesses support the move hoping it will bring increased trade to the town centre.

Lucky Lotto Retailer - 19.07.10

A Dorking newsagent has been dubbed as the Lucky Lotto store following another customer's big win. Bradshaw's newsagent is best known as the shop where George Sturt purchased his Euromillions ticket that scooped him £26.1 million. This week, another customer won over £250,000 and a whole host of customers have won amounts in the £1,000's.

Road Safety Suffers After Council Cuts - 15.06.10

Plans to cut speed limits on roads around Dorking have been shelved following cutbacks by the county council. Dangerous roads with speed limits deemed too high for the quality of road were set to have their limits reduced but the council have had to halt their plans due to lack of funds.

Ferrari Driver Injured in Crash - 14.06.10

A 40 year old man was injured after he crashed his £110,000 Ferrari F430 into the central reservation of the A24 in Westhumble early on Saturday afternoon. The driver was taken to Epsom Hospital suffering from minor injuries but was not detained.

Dorking Drug Dealer Jailed - 27.05.10

A Dorking man has been jailed for his involvement in a drug ring that were caught with £2.5 million worth of Ketamine. Jason Shaw, 36, of Hampstead Road, Dorking was jailed for two years at Guildford Crown Court along with accomplices from Bristol and Hindhead.

Campaign to Save School Name - 25.05.10

Parents and residents in Brockham are planning court action to prevent the name of the village school being changed. A proposed merger between Brockham Primary School and Acorns Infant School based in both Betchworth and Leigh could result in the historic village school being renamed.

Popular Vicar Resigns - 25.05.10

The vicar at St John the Evangelist Church in North Holmwood, The Reverend Caroline Corry, announced this week that she will stand down to focus all of her attention on battling breast cancer.

Factory Store Opens in Dorking - 24.05.10

Shoppers flocked to the grand opening of Dorking's newest retail outlet last Saturday. The Original Factory Store have opened in Dorking at the site previously occupied by Woolworths, filling a huge gap in the High Street.

Brand New Information site for Dorking Restaurants, Shops, Travel Agents, Cars, Pubs and lots more - 23.05.10

A brand new website specifically for residents and businesses in Dorking has been launched - and you are looking at it! All About Dorking has launched following the success fo neighbouring sites for Reigate, Redhill and Horley and includes local news and events as well as business listings for restaurants , hotels , pubs , travel agents , builders , shops , windows , doors & conservatory fitters and manufacturers , car showrooms , mechanics , schools , doctors , dentists , vets , garden centres , cinema , carpet fitters , cafes, hair dressers and barbers, tanning centres , banks and lots more. Please have a look around and let us know what you think.

Sources: Our local news is sourced from other local media and our thanks for their vital coverage of local events goes to them. They include but are not limited to:

Dorking Advertiser

Surrey Mirror

Surrey Advertiser

The Post

All local radio stations

and other web-based media sites

Note: All About Dorking is an information website for all businesses in Dorking giving contact details based on the latest information we have. All About Dorking can not be held responsible for any inaccuracies, but we would appreciate your feedback if you spot any information that is not current.

All About Dorking includes information on all Dorking Restaurants including Chillia and Spice, The Bali Restaurant, Chiffan Chinese Restaurant, New Dorking Cantonese, The Peking Restaurant, Thai Angel Restaurant, The Arkle Manor, Domino's Pizza, Pizza Express, Dorking Brasserie, Cafe Rialto, Dorking Kebab and lots more plus takeaway and delivery services. Try authentic Italian Cuisine at Cafe Rialto in Dorking where you can have home baked pizza made fromt he freshest ingredients.

All About Dorking has information on all shops in Dorking including the wide variety of antique shops, antique dealers and antique centres, British Bookshops & Sussex Stationers, Waterstone's, WHSmith, clothes shops like Amie Fashions & Extras, Bakehouse, Christina Charles, The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Fat Face, Monsoon, Ian Munro Gentleman's Clothes, Le Papillon. Electrical retailers like Currys and Dorking Domestic Appliances. Furniture retailers like The Corner House, Dorking Furniture Centre, Dorking Oak & Pine, Galerie Buzkashi, Harmans, Hulsta Studio, and Planters of Dorking. As well as specialist retailers and shops such as Bits & Bobs Party Shop, Dorking Models, Fun & Games of Dorking, Toycraft, Cummins Hardware, Robert Dyas, Steamer Trading, The Fig Tree, The Gift Gallery, The Lemon Tree, Menkind Stores. Or to get that perfect finish to your special items of clothing go to Knights Dry Cleaners in Dorking for a first rate service.

It also lists all of the schools and nurseries such as Ashcombe, Box Hill School, St Teresa's plus playgroups, pre-school, primary school and private schools in Dorking..

All of the Dorking hairdresser and barber shops are listed plus nail technicians, beauticians and tannin salons including Barnet Fayre, Capelli Hair Design, Essensuals, Michael Gerard, Mayflower Hair Salon, New Image, RJ Hair & Beauty, Sebastians, Barber One, The Barber Shop, The Golden Scissors, Male Territory, Beautique, Beauty By Dawn, Gaia Wellness & Beauty, Genevieve Ladies Beauty Therapy, and Royal Nail.

You can find a wide variety of Dorking estate agents for that new home such as Gascoigne Pees , Cubitt & West , Hampton International, and haart. And if you would rather build your own home or conservatory , you can find details for Dorking builders such as Acorn Building Contractors and a local Dorking plumber or electrician. In fact, anything to do with your home and garden such as window fitters , kitchen and bathroom specialists or garden furniture in the Dorking area.

No comprehensive Dorking site would be complete without a full listing of Pubs and Bars such as The Arkle Manor, The Bulls Head, The Cricketers, The Crown Inn, The Dolphin, Dukes Head, Kings Arms, The King William IV, The Old House, Queens Head, The Pilgrim, The Prince of Wales.

Plus lots of other information such as sports club like Dorking Rugby club, Dorking Squash Club, Dorking Football Club, Dorking Cricket Club. Taxi numbers and private hire companies, all of the local churches and places of worship and lots, lots more.

All About Dorking includes everything you need to know to keep you motoring with all of Dorking's car sales, mechanics and repair shops such as Auto Attractions in Vincent Lane.