Claire Coutinho News update – June 2025
Last month we commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day, marking the end of conflict in Europe in 1945 after six gruelling years. We remember how Winston Churchill told jubilant crowds that “VE Day marks what is not a victory of a party or of any class, but a victory of the great British nation as a whole”. A huge well done to all the volunteers who helped to organise the many fantastic events across East Surrey – from our parish councils to the Royal British Legion, to community groups and everyone in between.
Elsewhere, Marden Lodge School in Caterham unveiled a wonderful new library and sensory room. Creating a space where children can foster a love of reading has been a real passion project for the dedicated teachers. Over 1,000 books now line the shelves, from Harry Potter to The Very Hungry Caterpillar – all chosen by the pupils and generously donated by the Shanly Foundation and The Siobhan Dowd Trust. The Caterham, Oxted and Godstone Lions Club and Surrey County Council also funded the nature-themed decor. Alongside the library, the sensory room – nicknamed The Cosy Cave by the pupils and proposed by the school’s Special Educational Needs teachers – offers a calm, relaxing space for children who feel overstimulated during the school day. This was a huge project, so well done to all the staff at Marden Lodge for bringing their vision to life.
In support of East Surrey’s hardworking farmers, Alexia Lescure’s first farmers’ market was held in the glorious sunshine a few weeks ago to great acclaim. Local farmers will be selling cheese, flowers and crafts at Lingfield Primary School from 9am-1pm on Sunday, 8th June – so please pop by if you get the chance.
In December, Claire visited the Caterham Delivery Office after residents raised concerns about poor mail delivery, especially vital NHS letters. We returned last month and spoke with the Regional Operations Lead, who assured us that changes in management and a streamlined sorting process are improving delivery times. It is also positive that, following a public consultation, Ofcom – Royal Mail’s regulator – confirmed a new NHS-specific barcode will be introduced to help make sure NHS letters arrive on time. As this was a key concern raised by Caterham residents, so it is encouraging to see action being taken.
In Claire’s rail survey many residents called for the return of the direct Caterham to London Victoria service. This has been a key request in our discussions with Govia Thameslink Railway. A key factor is the planned onward transfer from GTR’s upgraded Great Northern fleet to Southern and Southeastern. Once additional carriages become available – expected from May 2026 – one option is to bring back direct peak time services between Caterham and Victoria. While GTR have highlighted other potential uses for the extra carriages, we have made it clear, thanks to feedback from the rail survey, that East Surrey residents see this service as a priority. GTR has agreed to include the rail survey findings in discussions with the Department for Transport. We will keep up the pressure to bring this important service back.
Finally, a huge well done to everyone involved in AFC Whyteleafe’s journey to Wembley. They put up a great fight, and though Whitstable Town edged a goal in extra time to win 2-1, it was an incredible achievement to make it all the way to the final.
As always, we are here to help while Claire is on maternity leave. If you are having trouble with anything and you could use our help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on Claire.coutinho.mp@parliament.uk.
-Team Claire