Paul Crowther, Blue watch manager at Esher fire station, said: “As Christmas approaches, it is nice to concentrate on the exciting events, family meals and parties that we have in our diaries.

"Firefighters at Esher and around the county also know it is a time when accidents and fires have the potential to spoil everything that has been planned.

“So, whilst you have a wonderful time, please remember to give your smoke detector a festive battery change or check.

"It will sit there diligently for you while your family sleep and wait for Santa to arrive. If he gets stuck again, we’ll be happy to help of course but we’d rather not come to your house for any other event.

“Drinking and driving - Nobody needs a knock on the door from our colleagues in the Police. Please nominate a driver who will not drink alcohol or book a taxi. Do it before you’ve had a drink, do it now.

"Merry Christmas and stay safe from all of the crews at Esher fire station.”

 

Dominic Raab, MP for Esher and Walton, said: “Christmas is a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to get together and celebrate the festive season. It’s also a difficult time of year for some people. Whatever you are doing, I wish you a very peaceful, relaxing and happy time.

“I will be spending time with my family and enjoying a break after a busy year. It’s a particularly special time for Erika and I with our young son, Peter, so we’ll be enjoying Christmas through his eyes this year - and hoping he doesn't pull down all the decorations.

"Happy holidays. Best wishes, Dominic Raab MP.”

 

John O’Reilly, leader of Elmbridge Council, said: “I would like to extend best wishes all our residents in Elmbridge for a very Merry Christmas and that the new year will be a happy and successful one.

“This year has again brought its fair share of challenges for our borough even as the recession at long last appears to be ending. And 2014 will likely be another tough year for many. But Elmbridge continues to hold its own, deserving its place as among the best places to live, and we shall continue to strive to make it even better in the years ahead.

“As we settle down to enjoy Christmas festivities with families and friends, let’s also remember those who will be working to look after the vulnerable or the lonely in our communities.

“By the way, don’t forget that all our village and town car parks will have no parking charges from Saturday, December 21, to Christmas Eve, so shop local for those presents.”

 

Mike Bennison, mayor of Elmbridge, said: “Hello everyone. My name is Mike Bennison, mayor of Elmbridge. I have been a borough councillor for 13 years now and it is a real pleasure to have the opportunity to share a Christmas message with you.

“This year has been a happy one, with the news of the royal birth of Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge and the RideLondon-Surrey which graced our borough.

"I, as mayor of Elmbridge, have also had the delight of meeting with people throughout the borough who dedicate themselves to truly worthwhile causes, one such cause being my chosen charity for this Mayoral year, Riding for the Disabled Leatherhead and Horsley & Bookham Groups.

“At this wonderful time of year, as we come together with family and friends, taking time to look back over all that has brought us joy and that we can feel thankful for, I would like to extend Christmas wishes from myself and my wife, Mary, to you all.”

 

Sarah Milligan, Elmbridge Neighbourhood Inspector, said: “With the festive period upon us, it’s a great time to reflect on some of the excellent work that the safer neighbourhood teams have carried out in the past few weeks.

“We have received excellent feedback from the local communities about Operation Pumpkin, which was a week long, high visibility response to Elmbridge residents’ concerns about speeding motorists and general antisocial driving.

“At this time of year we need to ensure that our homes are as secure as they can possibly be. Dedicated burglary patrols have been operating in hotspot areas across the borough, to help reduce the number of break-ins by targeting known offenders and educating people about home security and it’s good to see that the number of offences has fallen as a result.

“Be reassured; the teams will continue to work hard throughout the festive period, fighting crime and tackling the issues that matter to the people of Elmbridge. We wish you a happy holiday.”