Alerted to this by another website, thought I would post here to draw peoples attention to it.

Taken from http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/epsomnews/display.var.1558300.0.no_heroes_in_my_backyard_residents_fight_guest_house_for_servicemens_relatives.php

Neighbours have launched an offensive over proposals to convert a £1.7million property in Ashtead into a guest house for relatives of servicemen wounded in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Battle lines have been drawn since the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) sought planning consent to adapt the six-bedroom home in Grays Lane.

The charity thought residents would look kindly on its application because of the sacrifices made by soldiers recovering at the nearby Headley Court military rehabilitation centre.
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For 60 years the flagship centre has supported reservists whose injuries require more dedicated care than NHS hospitals can offer.

But that failed to stop about 100 local people objecting to the proposed alterations, which include fitting a wheelchair ramp.

Their main complaint was that increased noise and traffic would "ruin the special character and appeal" of the private lane.

Other criticisms were that the families "would not be welcome" and that their arrival could destroy the "unique charm" of multi-million pound properties.

One letter writer even objected on security grounds, suggesting the hostel could become a terrorist target.

The "nimbyism" stunned the SSAFA, which is waiting for Mole Valley District Council to consider the case on August 1.

Spokesman Athol Hendry said: "We were genuinely taken aback and hugely disappointed by the amount of hostility. It has been proven that having family support is an important part of the healing process, and there is a huge need for a facility such as this.

"The objectors clearly don't understand what it feels like to have your life changed in a second by a bomb blowing up in Basra."

Roger Bennett, planning officer for Ashtead Residents' Association, insisted villagers were sympathetic to the case and supportive of how Headley Court rebuilds lives.

He said: "The actual house is situated in a very narrow lane, and we are just worried about traffic congestion because access is not suitable."

There is a website http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/epsomnews/display.var.1558300.0.no_heroes_in_my_backyard_residents_fight_guest_house_for_servicemens_relatives.php
which has all the residents reasons on it for why they don't want the hospital in their area, as well as links to the planning application and the online petition if you are interested in signing.

Personally I have because I think it is appalling and some of the reasons are incredibly laughable.

Thanks

Just for a change it is bucketing down outside, that fine rain where you get soaked through to the skin just by walking the few metres from the car to the house.

Today I went shopping, in town, mainly to get some money out but got a lovely skirt as well as some snacks for tomorrow. Then spent the afternoon round a friends house setting up her email account, installing Antivirus for her and generally sorting out her computer. General chit chat with sign language and lots of moving of heads and lip reading so that the children could not hear what we were talking about, as you do. Note to self - we need a night out without the kids!

So now I am catching up with what I have missed today thus far and praying for decent weather for tomorrow. According to three weather websites it is supposed to be sunny but cloudy, so fingers crossed the weather will be reasonable - though I will see for myself when I look out of the window.

Annoyed that I couldn't get a pair of cropped trousers while in town, so dilema is do I wear jeans or a skirt tomorrow lol

Dark and murky outside, doesn't look like it will be a good day out there at all.

More rain no doubt.

Sorted out finances for the next couple of days, pay day tomorrow thankfully thent he usual round of trying to stretch it to the end of the following month

Must pop into town today as well and see if I can get a couple of bits and pieces then work out the route, though despite hubbies help I think I have is sussed now, it came clear as I tossed and turned in bed last night. I am sure the hormones are really out of zinc, one minute I was hot and throwing the covers off the bed, then next I was cold and trying to bury myself, all the while having a song going round my head and thinking of routes!

I would swear I was going mad if I wasn't mad already

Have a good day