This neighbourhood area includes the districts of Hersham, Walton and Ryden, Tand is located in the London Borough of Elmbridge. Although this neighbourhood is in a London Borough, it resides in the county of Surrey meaning unlike the inner city, it has vast open green spaces such as Hersham Riverside Park on Thrupps Lane.

The local town centre of Walton-on-Thames is a unique mixture of suburban Britain seen through its village-like architecture, yet at the same time its proximity to the River Thames has allowed the area to develop into a modern riverside neighbourhood. Walton-on-Thames has many shops, restaurants and bars many of which can be found in the local Heart Shopping Centre or along the idyllic towpath. This affluent part of town has become popular with families who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the inner city.

Walton’s long history is evident in its Anglo-Saxon name, which is said to mean ‘settlement, or farm of the Britons’, and was supposedly the location that Julius Caesar picked to cross the Thames. It was recorded in the 1086 Domesday book as “Waletona”, and was said to contain a number of mills, a fishery, 40 acres of meadows, and a church. Nearby is the Grade I-listed St. Mary’s Church which dates all the way back to the 12th century. Rumour has it that the church contains an original poem by Queen Elizabeth I which declares her Christian faith. In the 60 years following the opening of Walton-on-Thames station in 1851, the local population increased from around 4,000 to almost 20,000. The majority of the area’s housing was built after the Second World War due to its significant destruction during the Blitz.

Stirling Moss, the famous British racing driver, competed in his first Formula One Grand Prix in a car built by the local car-builders, Hersham and Walton Motors (HWM). The company was the world’s first Aston Martin dealership, which also dealt Alpha Romeo cars.

East Walton’s deep suburban location means that there is very little public transport besides the semi-regular trains into London. Locals complain that convenient bus travel is nearly impossible, especially during the night time. Also, while knife crime in Surrey is relatively low, Elmbridge had the second highest knife crime compared to other locations from 2014 to 2017. That being said, residents have reported feeling safe in their neighbourhood.

Like many suburban satellites around London the rate of development in the east of Walton-on Thames is steady. Despite numerous wealthy residents looking to preserve their pristine neighbourhood, this area of the Thames Valley is largely exempt from Greenbelt protections. Walton Court Gardens, a collection of 27 Shared Ownership 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments was recently completed where residents can enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and a home finished to a superb specification. ASPI homes also recently finished a boutique new build development which comprised luxury apartments spread over three blocks located close to the river.