With thanks to Judith.

Update: All funding approvals made by the Department of Transport since 1st Jan 2010 have been withdrawn by the Government. The New Walton Bridge falls into this category. Although it has not been scrapped the future is now very much uncertain.

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Plans for a new road bridge over the Thames in Walton have cleared a major hurdle after transport secretary Lord Adonis gave the go ahead for three legal orders.

Preparation for the new multi-million pound bridge which joins Walton and Shepperton is hoped to begin early this year with construction finishing in the summer of 2013. It is set to be the first new road crossing over the River Thames in 20 years.


Lord Adonis gave the initial go-ahead following a two-day public inquiry in the summer of 2009, and has since confirmed:

Did you know 1/3 of your household waste could be used for composting? Composting is a natural process that transforms your kitchen and garden waste into valuable and nutrient rich food for your garden, for free.  Anyone with outside space can compost at home, and it’s easy to make and use.

All you need to do is provide the right ingredients and let nature do the rest.

I have a request from a Ms Davies who is researching the history of her house, the message is below but if you can help please get in touch here.

I am trying to research the history of my house - Manor Cottage.
It was used as a nursery school in the 1960s.  Does anyone know about its history?  Any information would be gratefully received.

I would love any copies of old photos if possible.

We were contacted by the Hawker family in Australia who are keen to find the Shepperton Hawkers - the email I was sent would make more sense so here goes.

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Name: Elizabeth Hawker

Subject: Hakwer family formerly of Old Charlton Road, Shepperton.

Question/Comment:
I am researching my family tree and looking for any information about my late father's family. His name was Ian Hawker and he lived with his family, June (sister), Winnie ( mother) and Graham during the'30s and 40's. He immigrated to Australia in the 1950's but his family remained in the family home ( as far we know) on Old Charlton Road. Apparently the children went to Catholic schools in the area...any information at all, enthusiatically welcomed!

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So...if anyone can help please get in touch here.

This years Big Tree Night is on 16th December, 6:30 onwards.

I won't be able to make it this year so any photos of the evening would be much appreciated.

Residents have hailed plans to build flood defences along the River Thames, which the Environment Agency (EA) says will prevent another 2003-style catastrophe.

The EA hopes to spend £300million, granted by the government, on creating three river diversion channels which, it says, will protect about 12,000 homes in Spelthorne, Runnymede and Elmbridge.

A car fire broke out in Shepperton High Street this morning (Monday 10th August) and closed traffic in both directions.

Fire, Police and the Ambulance service were on hand with the car ablaze

Updated: Police release e-fit of abductor's van

POLICE believe a vehicle like this was driven by a man who tried to abduct a 14-year-old girl in Shepperton.

Nearly two months after the attempted abduction, which happened in Laleham Road on April 9 between 2.45pm-2.55pm, detectives have still to make a breakthrough in their search for the suspect.

They hope this image, based on the teenager's description will generate fresh leads.

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A man has attempted to drag a 14-year-old girl into a car as she was walking in Laleham Road, Shepperton.

The driver – described as a black or Asian man – pulled alongside her in a white transit van shortly before 3pm on April 9, and pretended to ask directions.

Moments later he leaned out of the window and grabbed her hand, then attempted to drag her into the vehicle. There was a struggle and the girl managed to break free and run away.

A TIME-WASTER has been fined for causing police to dispatch 14 officers, dogs and a helicopter, after claiming he had been stabbed.

The man, whose age is unknown, was given a fixed penalty notice for wasting police time after admitting he had wounded himself. He initially told police he had been stabbed in the stomach. It is believed the man, who has not been named, injured himself with a screwdriver.