Disused railway buildings and spaces across Surrey could become community assets.

South Western Railway says it wants to work with groups to renovate these areas so they can be used by clubs and societies to meet.

Several possible locations across Surrey have been identified as possible candidates.

These include a former gentleman’s toilet in Addlestone, a large room in Chertsey, a pair of former waiting rooms in Oxshott, taxi offices in Teddington and Weybridge and two former retail units in Worplesdon.

Paula Aldridge, South Western Railway’s Community Rail Manager, said: “We’ve been so impressed by the work done using old station buildings and spaces, and we’d love to see more of the same at some of our other stations that have old buildings and spaces that aren’t being used.

“It’s a big commitment to refurbish these places, requiring a lot of effort and a lot of investment, but the work we’ve seen on our network will hopefully inspire other local communities and businesses to do something similar with their local station.”

Police have renewed an appeal for witnesses following a collision involving two vehicles in Surrey last month in which a driver has since died.

The incident involved a white Nissan Leaf and a white Audi S5 in Nutfield Road, Merstham, at 21:35 BST on 23 April.

The driver of the Nissan, a man in his 40s, has since died, Surrey Police said.

A man in his 30s was arrested for failing to stop, causing serious injury by dangerous driving for driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash at the junction with Southcote Road, or has dash cam footage or CCTV, to come forward.

BBC

More than 500 weapons have been seized during a week-long crackdown on knife crime.

Police conducted engagement activities in schools, universities and city centres across East and West Sussex as part of Operation Sceptre.

Multiple arrests were made and thousands of members of the public were engaged in conversations about knife crime between 13-19 May.

Ch Insp Jim Loader said: “One knife on the street is one too many, and one life impacted by knife crime is one too many.”

In all, 307 knives were recovered from amnesty bins, knife sweeps or other activities in West Sussex, while in East Sussex, 200 knives were recovered.

In Brighton and Hove, 1,000 students, 52 retailers and 32 taxi drivers were engaged by officers.

A total of 47 knives were also seized in the city.

Police said the primary focus of the operation was on patrols in hotspot locations and working to divert young people away from knife crime.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex Katy Bourne said knife surrender bins, public engagement and education were needed to tackle knife crime effectively.

“Carrying a weapon can lead to catastrophic, life-changing consequences, and it isn’t worth it – lose the knife, not a life,” she said.

“The work with partners, schools and relevant organisations happens not just during this week but throughout the year, and is critical to making Sussex an uncomfortable place for knife carriers.”

Ch Insp Loader said Sussex is a “safe place,” where knife crime related incidents are “substantially below the national average” by area.

“Despite this, there is always room for improvement,” he said.

BBC