Jack Fiehn

A local campaign is pushing back against plans by the Environment Agency and Epsom and Ewell Borough Council to remove the stepping stones and concrete steps at the Hogsmill River in Ewell due to safety concerns. The Friends of Hogsmill Stepping Stones argue the crossing is a valued community feature and should remain, citing rising water levels and gravel buildup as fixable issues. The South East Rivers Trust plans work to lower water levels around the stones and supports keeping them. The council maintains safety must take priority and is considering funding a replacement footbridge through the Community Infrastructure Levy.

A Surrey MP has introduced a bill to tighten safeguards under the Mental Capacity Act after the killing of autistic man Christopher Laskaris. Chris Coghlan and the victim’s mother, Fiona Laskaris, argue that mandatory capacity assessments when credible concerns arise could prevent similar cases. Fiona said authorities failed to act despite repeated warnings, and both are advocating for the proposed Christopher’s Law to provide stronger protections for vulnerable individuals. The government has been asked to comment.