As an active campaigner against the installation of an incinerator in Charlton Lane, LOSRA is encouraged to report that Spelthorne Council this week applied to the High Court to have a Judicial Review of the Environment Agency decision to grant a permit for the Eco Park in Charlton Lane, Shepperton.

This was because the Council has concerns about pollution and safety issues and the deadline to request a review was imminent.The Council took legal advice following the announcement of the Environment Agency on 8 October 2012 that it had issued a permit to the planned Eco Park.

The Council sought advice on various matters concerning the process by which the permit was issued and the matters which were taken into account by the Environment Agency. On 14 December 2012 the Council wrote to the Environment Agency asking for answers on the following issues:

• The legality of the conditions imposed.

• Whether the permit satisfies the requirements of EU law.

• Whether the Environment Agency’s approach to the adoption of this novel technology is permissible given experience elsewhere and the requirements of EU law.
  
  

On the basis of the answers the Council may receive, it will then consider whether it should continue with the Judicial Review of the Environment Agency’s decision to issue a permit.

Council Leader Frank Ayers said: “Issues of safety are high among the Council’s priorities.This move is obviously not something which we wish to take on lightly, but when the Council received legal advice that the permit appeared to allow pollution from vents at three times the level permitted under EU law – we had to take action to protect our residents.“The decision to act was made after consultation with the Cabinet Members for Environment and Planning – Cllrs Watts and Forsbrey. We look forward to the response of the EA and we hope that our concerns for residents’ safety can be satisfied without the need for expensive drawn-out litigation in the High Court”.

Further information and documents relating to the Eco Park can be found on our website at http://www.spelthorne.gov.uk/article/2760/Eco-Park-proposal

By way of further explanation it may be helpful to explain that on Monday this week, 7 January 2013, the Council issued High Court proceedings for a Judicial Review of the Environment Agency decision to grant a permit to the Eco Park in Charlton Lane Shepperton.The formal “letter before action” delivered to the High Court is a required part of the process to make an application for a Judicial Review under the rules of the High Court.

The Environment Agency has not responded to these points yet but has indicated that it will be able to do so by 18 January 2013.  In order to protect its position the Council was forced to issue papers with the High Court in London yesterday as the deadline for the Judicial review ran out on 8 January 2013.

SITA (Surrey) Ltd and Surrey County Council are interested parties to the Judicial Review and have been sent formal copies of the letter before action.

To see the BBC News story, "Shepperton Eco Park may face judicial review", click here.

A Happy New Year is extended to all and Sunbury Cricket Club brings a fun night of music to ward to ward off the January depression. The first one of the New Year is on Friday 18th January when SCC welcomes back The Good Old Boys, who made their Club debut just about a year ago and gave us a great evening.

They feature a formidable array of experienced performers from a variety of big name bands, led by Nick Simper (bass/vocals) who first played professionally with Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, going on to play with The Flowerpot Men before becoming a founder member of Deep Purple.

After he left Purple, he played with Marsha Hunt, that band morphing into Warhorse, who made albums for Vertigo. After Warhorse, he went on to form Flying Fox and then Fandango.

Peter Parks (guitar/vocals) was also in Warhorse,and then stayed with through the Fandango era in the ‘80s. Simon Bishop (guitar/vocals) toured with Renaissance, High Society, and The Monks (of “Nice Legs, Shame About The Face” fame), while Richard Hudson (drums/vocals) had been a long-time member of the south-west London scene as percussionist with high profile hit-makers The Strawbs and then Hudson Ford. He was also with Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera, High Society and The Monks; Alan Barratt (lead singer) was with the British band Jo Jo Gunne and has worked alongside the likes of Chip Hawkes (Tremelos) and Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers.

It goes without saying that they are a top class outfit and we know from their last gig that the contrasting lead guitar styles of Peter and Simon makes for a really entertaining range of rock, blues, R&B and country material and we very much look forward to seeing them again. Doors open at 8.30, entrance £7.50.

There’s more info athttp://www.myspace.com/thegoodoldboysofficialmyspace, http://www.strawbsweb.co.uk/related/gob/gob.asp and www.nicksimper.com

As our regular readers will be aware, Thames 21 extended its remit to include the non-tidal reaches of the Thames and will again be coming to Sunbury Lock Island on Sunday 27th January from 10am - 1pm. This location is a charming part of the Lower Sunbury riverscape and we are being asked to join a team to give it a clean-up.

Volunteers are needed to help with removing litter and managing the vegetation. It will also be a great opportunity to learn about the environment, spot wildlife and meet new people. Volunteers are asked to report to the footbridge ahead of the lock at 10am. Old clothes recommended but all necessary equipment will be provided.

Details of the public events are also on the Thame21 website www.thames21.org.uk/events/

Luke Damerum of Thames 21 adds "Additional events may be added as we develop the winter programme so watch this space and please feel free to offer up any ideas and new contacts. I very much look forward to meeting you and your friends at these events."

The latest Trading Standards Bulletin may be viewed below. LOSRA joins Trading Standards in wishing all our readers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Give cold callers the cold shoulder this Christmas!

We have received Intelligence reports of cold callers selling the following products and services:

• Mattresses (beware - these may not comply with flammability standards)
• Massage equipment for the elderly
• More reports about offers of advertising space for businesses in emergency services magazines.

Remember - don't feel pressured into buying goods or services as a result of a cold call. Take your time, do your research and if you want to stop cold callers from knocking at your home them please contact us to obtain a "No Cold Calling Super Sticker"

Recalls

Check your Christmas Cheese Board!

Asda, The Co-operative and Morrisons have withdrawn certain batches of mild cheddar and red Leicester cheese because small pieces of metal may be present in the following products:

• ASDA Smart Price Mild White Cheddar, 385g
• ASDA Smart Price Red Leicester, 385g
• The Co-operative British Mild White Cheddar 250g
• The Co-operative Value Red Leicester
• Morrisons M Savers Mild White Cheddar, 350g
• Morrisons M Savers Mild White Cheddar, 700g
• Morrisons M Savers Grated Mild White Cheddar, 500g
• Morrisons M Savers 10 Mild White Cheddar Cheese Slices, 240g
  
  

If you have bought any of the products listed above, please go to the following link for further instructions: http://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/recalls-news/2012/dec/cheese-metal-withdrawal

Pushchair recall from Bugaboo

Bugaboo is recalling some of their Cameleons and Donkeys pushchairs because the white button on the carry handle may pop out when the bassinet/pram body is resting on the ground or is placed on an unstable surface. If the white button pops out, the carry handle may detach on one side.

If you have one of the affected Bugaboo Cameleons or Donkeys you should remove the current carry handle from the pushchair until a new carry handle has been fitted.

The Bugaboo Cameleons affected by this recall have serial numbers in the ranges:

• S/N 04011090900001 to S/N 04031101009999
• S/N 08011090900001 to S/N 08021100800386
• S/N 140100093600531 to S/N 140103123350418

The Bugaboo Donkeys affected by this recall have serial numbers in the range:

• S/N 170101105300001 to S/N 170104130900500

Affected customers should immediately contact Bugaboo customer services on 0800 587 8265.

Stay safe in your home at Christmas

Christmas is a time when your home is likely to be full of people and it is in the excitement of the season that accidents can easily happen. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has issued 12 safety tips to help prevent your festivities being cut short by a trip to casualty:

http://www.rospa.com/homesafety/adviceandinformation/christmassafety/safety-tips.aspx

New year’s resolutions support

Did you know that you are up to four times more likely to be able to quit smoking if you get some support, rather than going "cold turkey" or attempting to do it alone? Contact your local Stop Smoking Service at www.surreyquit.net for free support to help you kick the habit. You can visit a weekly clinic near you or get support over the telephone. There is no fuss and no cost, just friendly and effective help! Call them now on 0845 602 3608

If you are looking to reduce your alcohol intake then why not try having an alcohol-free January? Feel better, save money and make a difference. http://www.dryjanuary.org.uk/

If you are concerned about someone else’s drinking or your own, local help is available through www.surreydrugcare.org.uk/alcohol/ and for more information go to www.alcoholconcern.org.uk

How green will your Christmas be?

With so many presents being packaged, bought, wrapped and unwrapped at this time of year, what can you do to minimise your impact on the environment? Remembering to reduce, reuse and recycle will help to make your habits greener. For example, cut only as much wrapping paper as you need to cover a gift and separate your recyclable waste as you generate it.

Find out what the Surrey Councils are doing to help secure a greener future for Surrey and what you can do to help:www.surreywastepartnership.org.uk/index.php

Cut food waste and save money this Christmas

As food prices continue to rise around the world, it’s a sobering thought to know that many families waste up to £50 a month throwing away uneaten food. We also know that cutting down on food waste can be a challenge, especially when pushed for time and children don’t always want to eat what has been cooked for them.

To help reduce food waste, take a look at www.lovefoodsurrey.com/component/content/article/231 where Love Food Surrey chef Carmela Tomkins gives her top festive tips to help you plan the perfect waste-free Christmas.

Taking just one small step to reduce food waste can have a big positive effect on the environment and save you money too. Will these tips inspire you to take that step?

For some festive fun you can take a look at our Twitter and Facebook accounts (you don't need to sign up to see these!)

@surreyts facebook.com/surreytradingstandards

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year from the team at Trading Standards!

Bandit, a beautiful five year-old tabby cat is urgently seeking a new home as his owners are returning to South Africa this week. He is chipped and neutered, and very affectionate and child-friendly. He has slightly wonky back legs, which means he’s not quite as agile as most cats.

If you are interested in giving Bandit a good home, please contact Desiree, as soon as possible, on 07545 853 521.

Lower Sunbury celebrates Advent with its annual community carols event, Carols in the Meadow, which takes place this year on Thursday 13th December at 6.30 in Orchard Meadow on Thames Street. This is always a popular and well-attended start to the Christmas season, with music led by the Salvation Army Band, and Father Christmas putting in an appearance for the children. Mulled wine will also be on offer for a donation and buckets will be passed around to help defray the costs of putting on the event.

This year, once again, the event coincides with the Christmas Market (5pm – 9pm) outside the shops in Avenue Parade which is organised by the Lower Sunbury Business Community. There will be 20 stalls offering arts and crafts, food sampling, presents, jewellery and accessories; so all are welcome to join in the fun and get into the festive spirit.