A planning application for the development on the gasholder site in Oxted is expected by the end of the month.

If the scheme is approved, work to bring the gasholder down will begin next summer.

The development is likely to include 77 apartments, and a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes. There will be 105 parking spaces for the new apartments and the site will be accessed from the entrance opposite Boots on Station Road East.

The plans were drawn up following two rounds of consultation with local residents.

Full results of the consultation will be available to view shortly when the planning application is submitted.

More information on the project is available to view at www.oxtedgasholder.co.uk.

A former vicar indecently touched girls during Sunday school outings, church concerts or while teaching, a court has heard.

Guy Bennett who’s 84 and from East Grinstead is facing 24 historical charges of indecent assault against 11 victims.

It’s alleged he assaulted the young girls while rector of St Mary’s church in Oxted between 1975 and 1991.

He admitted there may have been touching, but says any touching was inadvertent and had no sexual intent.

Bennett added that he was a tactile person and that touching was part of his manner with all of his parishioners both young and old.

The trial continues.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-41244865

Queens Square Crawley will reopen shortly – and there’s going to be a party!

The Council are inviting residents to join in the fun from 12 noon on Saturday 7 October.

The event will include professional singing, dancing, music, street performers, face painting, balloon art and much more.

Metrobus will be bringing its special 70th birthday bus along, Queens Square shops will be getting involved and the fountains will be switched on for the first time since work was completed.

Work has almost finished on the £3.2m regeneration scheme which includes new high quality paving, new and improved lighting, new seating, new street furniture, new planting and a central focal point including an attractive plaza and decorative water feature.

For full details on the opening party and other events in Crawley visit www.crawley.gov.uk/events

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is reminding all business owners the importance of rigorous fire safety practices in support of UK Business Safety Week.

The Safety Week runs until Sunday. The aim is to make sure businesses and their staff have the information they need to prevent and respond to fire incidents in the workplace.

The fire service will be engaging with local businesses throughout the week to offer advice.

Business owners or employers who would like more information can email businessfiresafety@westsussex.gov.uk.