A drug dealer from Lewisham who was supplying drugs into Surrey as part of a sophisticated county line, has been sent to prison for 3 years, thanks to one wrong digit in a phone number.

25 year old Phillip Paul from Lewisham, was sentenced at Chichester Crown Court on 14 November, to 3 years imprisonment.

We first became aware of a drugs line operating in Redhill, Dorking, Leatherhead and Epsom, back in March of this year, after we had examined the phone messages of a buyer. Messages advertising the sale of drugs including crack cocaine and heroin, were also accidentally sent to the mobile number of a serving Surrey police officer, who reported this into the Proactive Investigation Team.

Through comprehensive phone work and enquiries, officers identified Paul as the ‘line holder’ and he was successfully arrested outside his home. Upon searching him, officers uncovered £337 in cash, a wrap of crack cocaine, three wraps of heroin and a bag containing two grams of cannabis. A number of messages from users requesting to buy drugs were also found on Paul’s phone.

At court, Paul pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of heroin and possession of cannabis.

Investigating officer, PC Joseph Brown, said; “Drug dealing can have a hugely disruptive effect on the local community and dealers make their ill-gotten money off the misery of others. If you come into Surrey to deal drugs, we will pursue you and bring you to justice.”

The future of the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill still hangs in the balance following the discovery of RAAC concrete earlier this year.

Reigate and Banstead council has now received the initial findings of an intrusive survey who have been examining parts of the building including the auditorium roof and some back of house areas.

Reports into further detailed analysis in relation to defects, deterioration and water damage are due to be submitted soon.

The building is now 40 years old, so the Council also commissioned a full building condition survey and expect to see these results next month.

Leader of the council Richard Biggs said “In parallel with the building investigations, we are developing proposals for arts and cultural opportunities we could provide in the borough, whilst we cannot access the building”.

Councillor Biggs also thanked the 600 people who completed a questionnaire to share their views on arts and cultural aspirations. The results will form part of the report provided to the Council’s Executive in January – to help them make informed decisions and agree next steps.

Adult social care services at Surrey County Council have been given a “good” rating by a watchdog.

An inspection report from the Care Quality Commission, published yesterday, looked at feedback from residents, carers, staff and partners.

Sinead Mooney, the council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said the report was a “fantastic result”.

However the report highlights the negative feedback from some unpaid carers regarding unoffered assessments, accuracy of assessmens, or not always being sure what the outcome of an assessment was.

West Sussex County Council is asking for feedback to help develop transport improvements at the Hazelwick and Tushmore junctions in Crawley.

The junctions on A2011 Crawley Avenue are used to access education, jobs and local services resulting in noise and air pollution that impacts nearby communities.

The proposals being considered include ways to make walking, cycling and public transport more attractive options

Residents can give their feedback on the West Sussex County Council website.

The consultation closes on the 7th January 2025.

London Gatwick colleagues have completed more than 4,000 hours of training as the airport prepares to deal with adverse weather conditions this winter.

Around 200 airport staff – primarily from the Security and Passenger Operations teams – have volunteered to be trained as ‘Polar Bears’ – ready to operate London Gatwick’s extensive fleet of winter vehicles, including tractors and snow ploughs, should it snow.

The ‘Polar Bears’ have been trained over the past few weeks on operating the vehicles and how to clear snow and ice from the airfield, in line with the airport’s adverse weather plan.

Mark Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, London Gatwick said: “We put a lot of planning in place for our winter operation, starting as soon as the previous winter ends. Our priority is the always safety of our passengers and staff, and to ensure they can travel through the airport as efficiently as possible.  

“We rehearse our processes to make sure we get it right. While we can’t control the weather, it’s vital we have comprehensive plans in place to deal with inclement conditions as best as possible, to ensure the airport can remain operational and people get away on their holidays – particularly over the festive period.”  

The ‘Polar Bears’ are just one of several proactive plans London Gatwick has in place to ensure the airport can run smoothly and safely throughout winter. Other preparations include landside volunteers – known as ‘Yetis’ – on standby to grit 27 miles of the airport’s road network, alongside its car parks and bus routes.

The airport has 70 tonnes of grit stored on site, as well 350,000 litres of liquid de-icer, and 25,000kg of solid de-icer, alongside 80 winter vehicles from articulated snow clearing vehicles, to de-icers, gritters and snow cutters.

These preparations will help passengers jet off to more than 220 worldwide destinations this winter, including new long-haul services to Bangkok and Islamabad with British Airways, and new short-haul flights to Luxor in Egypt (TUI and easyJet), Evenes in Norway (Norwegian), and Brest in France (Volotea).