Surrey weekly round-up: 22 June - 28 June 2024
Gordon Winter The story about a Guildford father completing the Three Peak challenge in memory of his son who took his own life 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.
Tower block fire caused by welding work – developer
SURREY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICEA large fire at a block of flats being built in a Surrey town centre was caused by welding work, the developer has said.
Plumes of smoke could be seen as far away as four miles (6.4km) after fire broke out at the site near the Tothill multi-storey car park, in Elmsleigh Road, Staines, at 12:35 BST on 26 June.
One of four people who suffered the effects of smoke inhalation required treatment at St Peter’s Hospital.
Property developer Fairview New Homes apologised to local residents and businesses for any concern or inconvenience caused.
BBC Radio Surrey heard from the Group Commander Aaron Spencer
Music festival returns home after decade-long break
Getty ImagesA family-friendly music festival makes its return this weekend after a decade-long break.
GuilFest will take place at Stoke Park, in Guildford, Surrey, headlined by the town’s very own The Stranglers.
The festival takes place across 29 June and 30 June.
Event organisers said it was a privilege to have “one of Guildford’s original heroes” performing on the main stage.
Police trainee sacked for domestic abuse rape comment
Emily Dalton/LDRSA trainee police officer from Surrey who "joked" he would rape a domestic abuse victim has been sacked.
PC Samuel Wilton, a trainee officer since 2023, admitted gross misconduct at an accelerated hearing on Wednesday.
Fellow officers had reported the comments made by PC Wilton, which were said while on a night out in Guildford in January.
Comments made by the trainee officer included, “if there was a domestic violence (DV) victim who was fit, I would rape her”. Before adding, “if the DV victim was fit and dead, I would still rape her".
Residents voice concern over gambling centre
Julia Gregory/BBCResidents of Ashford have expressed anger over proposals for a round-the-clock adult gaming centre in their neighbourhood.
The proposal would see the site of a former bank in Church Road, Ashford, Surrey, converted.
One resident told BBC Radio Surrey the centre would increase anti-social behaviour and cause traffic issues for the community.
The developer behind the scheme says it would add “vitality and viability” to the area.
Ducklings rescued after getting stuck in chimney
RSPCANine ducklings who were hatched in a chimney have been rescued after their mother got stuck in the stack.
A neighbour contacted the RSPCA and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service after hearing the baby mallards in distress in the roof of a house at Thistledene in Thames Ditton, Surrey, on 17 June.
Eight of the ducklings were rescued by crews using an aerial ladder to reach the 50ft (15m) high stack, but the ninth duckling fell and was caught by a neighbour in a net.
RSPCA deputy chief inspector Sandy Barlow said the ducklings were rescued "in the nick of time" as they were "vulnerable to predators and the extreme heat".
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.