Surrey weekly round-up: 13 April - 19 April 2024
Researchers are exploring how time spent in gardens influences wellbeing
- Published
The story about a Surrey-based study to examine benefits of time spent in gardens proved a popular read this week.
A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Surrey and BBC South East Today.
We have picked five stories from the past week in case you missed them.
Students ration ADHD medication ahead of exams
Alice said she was "terrified" about not having enough medication to see her through exam season
Students have said they are worried about how the shortage of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication will impact their exams, with some rationing tablets.
Alice, 16, from Surrey, said she was "terrified" about not having enough medication to see her through exam season.
Since September, there has been a shortage of ADHD medication due to an increase in demand and manufacturing issues.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We are working with the respective manufacturers' industry to help resolve remaining issues as soon as possible."
Police morale at all-time low in Surrey - report
Up to 20% of officers who responded to the survey wanted to leave Surrey Police
Morale is at an “all-time low” in Surrey Police with up to 20% of officers wanting to leave, the Surrey Police Federation has said.
A national “pay and morale” survey carried out in November by the federation, which represents police at work, saw 460 out of 2,276 Surrey officers respond.
Out of the 460, 20% wanted to resign within the next two years or as soon as they could.
Adrian Rutherford, director of people services for Surrey and Sussex Police, said the force would be looking at what could be done to improve.
M25 set for second full weekend closure
A five-mile (8km) stretch of the M25 was closed from 15-18 March
A section of the M25 in Surrey will be closed for a second time this year as improvement works continue.
The motorway will be shut between junctions nine and 10 between 10 and 13 May.
A new bridge consisting of 68 beams, each weighing 16 tonnes, and a further four beams weighing 40 tonnes are to be installed as part of project to improve safety and reduce pollution, National Highways said.
Jonathan Wade, of National Highways, urged motorists to only travel “if absolutely necessary”.
Woking tower block plan wins approval on appeal
The plans have been given approval after initially being thrown out
A 25-storey building has been approved for Woking after it was ruled the high-rise block would fit with other developments in the town centre.
Developers Abri applied for planning permission in 2023, but Woking Borough Council rejected it on the grounds it could create a "ghetto” that would “segregate” people on lower incomes.
A planning inspector has now overturned the council's decision, saying the new building will fit in with the town's architecture.
Ann-Marie Barker, leader of Woking Borough Council, said she was disappointed by the decision.
Funeral director to run London Marathon in uniform
Anghus Weightman will be wearing a full suit and tie, frock coat and top hat
A funeral director is to run the London Marathon in his uniform.
Anghus Weightman, from Godalming, Surrey, has applied to the Guinness World Records in the hope of becoming the fastest funeral director in full uniform to run a marathon.
He will be wearing a full suit and tie, frock coat and top hat as he attempts to complete the 26.2-mile (42km) course on Sunday.
“Death is very final, but it shouldn’t be hidden away,” he said.
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