Epsom Guardian Review of the Year: January to March

Health chiefs announced they now wanted to close two A&E and two maternity units in the region – even before the BSBV team had time to consider the implications of including Epsom Hospital in its healthcare review. The move led campaigners, headed by Chris Grayling MP, to step up their campaign to protect the hospital.

John Wooding, 29, an Ashtead lawyer and experienced climber, died after falling in the Scottish Cairngorms. Mr Wooding, who went to Therfield School and then Oxford, was airlifted off the mountain but died later of his injuries. Friends and family paid tribute to a brilliant man and fearless climber.

A West Ewell family demanded action after their home was over-run by venomous false black widow spiders. Rebecca Deal of Colme Court said her three month old daughter was bitten on the head by one. Epsom Council promised to help if fumigation, arranged by her housing association failed. In October a series of sightings of the spiders across the region caused public alarm.

FEBRUARY

There was widespread outrage at the death of an 81-year-old Banstead woman, Gloria Foster who was left to starve to death in her home after the agency which cared for her was shut down by immigration officers. She was found after nine days but died later in hospital. Her death triggered a series of inquiries and the suspension of two Surrey Council officers following a damning report.

A teenager out jogging was attacked by a fox in Worple Road, Epsom. Clare Laudy, 17, said she was running down the road at 8pm in the dark when the fox. She said “Out of nowhere this fox leapt out at me and it was biting my leg.” The attack fuelled demands for a cull but wildlife experts insisted there was no cause for alarm.

A Tadworth man pleaded guilty to handling an extremely rare medieval jug worth £750,000 and described as a “national treasure”. The Wenlok Jug was found in a property in Tadworth after it was stolen from a display case in Luton a display case in Luton. Ronald Nash of Pitworth Green, pleaded guilty to the crime and to supplying class A drugs.

March

Lame, embarrassing and hideous were three of the words used by people to describe the slogans, such as “I love the toyshops” unveiled on the facade of Epsom station. The slogans added to the controversy surrounding the faces of Epsom artwork unveiled the previous year as part of the station redevelopment.

A spell of very cold and windy weather had some unexpected consequences when a burst water main near the Star Inn in Leatherhead creating this ice tree sculpture. It also bought down a huge tree destroying a summer house in Great Tattenhams, Epsom.

Epsom Council gave the green light for the creation of 45 flats for homeless young people in East Street, Epsom. The scheme will cost £5m. Residents raised concerns about noise and antisocial behaviour but councillors, and Sanctuary Supported Living who are behind the project, assured them any impact will be minimal.