Surrey weekly round-up: 6 July - 12 July 2024

Mike Lambert Mike Lambert in his kayakMike Lambert
Mike Lambert had initially hoped to complete the challenge in 39 days

The story about the Surrey man who had hoped to kayak around Britain in the quickest time ever was a popular read this week.

Mike Lambert said his world record attempt was “well and truly dead” after "abysmal weather" put paid to his record attempt.

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.

New Surrey MPs prepare for first week in role

PA Media Jeremy HuntPA Media
Jeremy Hunt was re-elected as the MP for Godalming & Ash

Newly-elected MPs across the country headed in to Westminster for their first day in a new role.

The general election saw 335 Members of Parliament elected for the first time.

In Surrey, nine of the 12 elected were new faces, as the Conservatives lost seats across the county, mirroring the national picture.

Three Conservatives, including former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, were re-elected.

Read more here

Extensive disruption after large oil spill

BBC/Julia Gregory Traffic builds on the A24 after an oil spill closed the roadBBC/Julia Gregory
The spill affected about 10 miles of roads

Police have launched a criminal investigation into an oil spill along roads in Surrey.

A lorry leaked diesel for about 10 miles (16km) between Clark's Green and Leatherhead, on the A24 northbound, on Tuesday.

Work to clean up the oil is expected to last until 22 July.

Cobham Services on M25 had been forced to closed.

Read more here

Major emergency service incident exercise under way

BBC/Julia Gregory A train with a lorry parked next to it on train tracks. Network Rail vans and people in hi-vis jackets are on the sceneBBC/Julia Gregory
A major incident "live-action" exercise took place at Guildford railway station

A major incident "live-action" exercise took place at a railway station in Surrey.

A large emergency service presence was visible near Guildford station, with about 300 responders attending to 100 incidents.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) said the public should "be aware and not alarmed" by the drill, which took place on Thursday.

Sgt Olly Brown said the exercise allowed each service “to understand each other more effectively, which ultimately saves lives”.

Read more here

'It's going to be tough, but we've got this far'

PA Media Ollie Watkins scores England's winner in the match versus HollandPA Media
Ollie Watkins' 90th-minute winner has sent England to the Euro 2024 final

Football fans across Surrey celebrated England's semi-final win over the Netherlands at Euro 2024.

The national team beat the Dutch 2-1 in Dortmund thanks to a last-minute goal by Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

Both Watkins and Cole Palmer, who provided the pass for the winner, were late substitutions by manager Gareth Southgate. England will face Spain in the final on Sunday.

Angela Walters, head of girls football at Beacon Hill FC, near Hindhead, told BBC Radio Surrey: "It's going to be a tough match, but we've got this far."

Read more here

Delays warning ahead of latest M25 stretch closure

Getty Images A crane on the M25 the last time road was closed, with no traffic on the roadGetty Images
A stretch of the M25 in Surrey has closed for the weekend

Drivers are being warned to expect delays during the planned closure of a stretch of the M25.

The motorway is shut between junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey until 06:00 BST on Monday.

It is the third of five weekend closures on the M25 this year as part of a £317m project to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

Chris Wood, of AA, said: “With many football fans changing their plans following England’s victory over Holland, it’s likely to be incredibly busy in and around London.”

Read more here

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.