Epsom and Ewell Council chose to disregard heartfelt and passionate pleas from two speakers on behalf of Ewell Court House Organisation (ECHO) to delay the decision to rent office space at Ewell Court for one year in order to give local residents/volunteers the opportunity to provide further sources of income that, in addition, would benefit and enhance the community.

Council members were left in no doubt as to the feelings of residents, who filled the public gallery, but to no avail.

If the council wishes to generate more income from the site via wedding receptions, birthday parties etc perhaps a colour brochure and prominent website would help.

As on so many occasions these days, it appears that money comes before people.

R. Thompson
Huntsmoor Road, Ewell