Hi everyone! Need a good driving instructor for an intensive driving course. Is there anyone in particular someone would like to suggest please? Don't want to throw money at some money hungry instructor or driving school. Help please!!

Really like the look of Beaconsfield Road and thinking of moving there....although there seem to be so many properties that come up for sale on that road, it makes me wonder why??! Does anyone know a reason for the high number of properties on the market in that particular road or is it just coincidence?! Thanks in advance...

There is a plan to alter the "playing field" status of Tolworth Girls' School's playing field to "residential" (search the RBK site for "Gleeson" and "Land at Tolworth Girls School" - site is down at the moment so apologies, I cannot provide the link).

My neighbours tell me that "residential" means a new Traveller Site alongside Swallow Park. Does anyone have more details? The governers of Tolworth Girls School are the ones to harangue over this because if they refuse to sell their land for that purpose then (presumably) the scheme cannot go ahead.

You can email me on:
nham@gmx.com

So C'est Bon is reborn as another charity shop, this time for Quit.

It is not really surprising in this climate, with charity shops getting up to 80% rent/rates discounts, no one else can afford to set up a business, especially in a relatively expensive area like Surbiton.

As others have said, a charity shop is better than an empty shop, but there must be a limit to how many are beneficial in a small town?

Surely, the landlords have an interest in lowering the rents to ensure that their properties are let rather than laying empty or being let at tiny rates?

I think its about time that London Underground to be extended to South West London and of course stopping at Surbiton, this would make Surbiton more appealing for buyers and shoppers only strengthening the economy and for current residents to get to surrounding ares more easily.

I've put together two ways, Route One: The extension of the District Line from Richmond. This could be built as an underground tunnel:
From Richmond > Ham (for Ham House & Gardens) > Kingston > Surbiton > Hook Parade (for Chessington World of Adventures Resort).

OR

Has anyone else heard the rumours that the 'New China City' restaurant on Brighton Road is set to become another Indian restuarant.

Is this part of a grand plan to turn Brighton Road into the Brick Lane of the suburbs? The is going to be right next door to the cut-price East India and within a few second walk of the Red Rose, Maya and Joy.

There are also another 4 or 5 Indian restaurants at the other end of town in Ewell Road.

I've posted an ad on this in the classifieds section, but I'm also interested to hear peoples thoughts.

I'm a freelance web guy, who's staring to feel the a pinch of cabin fever that goes with home working. I'm totally inspired by Tech Hub in london that offers co-working space for like minded Tech and media types, but having spent 20% of my working life commuting, I'm looking for one in surbiton.

Does anyone know if such a place exists? And would anyone be interested in getting involved - I'd like to set one up.

Thought I would take some time out to publicise the "Don't Cook Your Dog" campaign launched by Dogs Today Magazine in response to the recent death of two police dogs who were left in a car and died due to severe heat stroke.

Does anyone know who are those people wearing distinctive purple bibs with white lettering who were ringing doorbells at houses in the neighbourhood (central area) earlier this week?

Hi - just letting you know that we've started a meetup group aimed at generally having a bit of a get-together (and a way to meet locals and make friends). Everyone welcome. Its only a couple of days old, but already has almost 30 Surbitonians ready and waiting for an evening out!

The spam filter on here wont let me post a direct link. Just go to http://www.meetup.com/ and type in 'Surbiton Socialising' - it should take you straight there.

Cheers

Jonny