Local Authority

Runnymede Council has made it into the top 20 of the nation's best councils to work for.

The prestigious competition, which is undertaken by The Times, is based on the views of employees and the policies and processes of the employers.

Out of the 100 councils that entered, Runnymede, whose first year this is in the competition, placed 17th and achieved one of the highest scores for job satisfaction.

Council leader John Furey said: "I am very pleased with the outcome which is a credit to our excellent staff and managers and demonstrates that Runnymede Borough Council is a good place to work. High staff morale and engagement are essential ingredients that contribute to Runnymede's successful record in delivering excellent services and value for money."

The survey was being undertaken while the council was moving into it's new offices earlier this year, Councillor Furey added: "I am optimistic that now that teething problems with the new building are being resolved, we can look forward to an even better results next year."

Householders in Ottershaw were shown how police dogs assisted in various policing situations such as drugs or bomb searches at a neighbourhood panel meeting on September 2.

The dogs unit officer gave the presentation to householders at a meeting chaired by PCSO Nichola Brumell, beat bobby for Rowtown, Ottershaw and Foxhills at Brook Hall in Brox Road.

The next panel meeting will be at the Hall on October 28.

An application to cut down a copper beech tree and cut back a row of nearby trees has been submitted to Runnymede Council.

Nick Ephgrave, of Moat House, Shaw Close, Ottershaw, has applied to cut back the crown of a large yew and a row of beech trees to clear them from the lawn and stop light from being blocked out.

A developer is set to "cram" two bungalows and a house into an Ottershaw lane after being given planning permission on Wednesday August 27.

Councillors gave John Ebdon Homes Ltd permission to build the homes in Spratts Lane, Ottershaw, despite householders objections that they would lose privacy, suffer disturbance caused by lorries delivering building materials and that the land is a wildlife habitat.

A house is set to be demolished to make way for three homes in Spratts Lane, Ottershaw.

Runnymede Council officers have recommended plans submitted by developer John Ebdon Homes Ltd to be granted planning permission when the planning committee meets on August 27.

The developer wants to build two semi-detached bungalows and one two-storey house on the 0.16 hectare site.

Four letters of objection have been received by the council, raising issues including loss of trees, potential of overbearing existing properties and pressure on local amenities.