We are delighted to announce the return of Arts Takeover in the Autumn. The week-long culture and leisure offering will be held across various locations in Redhill from Saturday 5 to Saturday 12 October. Now in its second year, the project is funded by the UK government, and organised by the Council to celebrate the power of culture, creativity and connection in the borough. Keep your eyes peeled for news of our events and how you can get involved. In the meantime, take a look at all the planned activities and book.

Dog Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) set out the rules for how dogs must be controlled in the borough and help us balance the needs of all who enjoy using our parks and public spaces. A consultation last autumn showed strong support for renewing our Dog PSPOs and introducing some changes. These include reducing the maximum number of dogs that can be walked by one person to four and introducing new dog exclusion zones for our new play areas. Dog walkers are advised to check the rules and that the changes will be enforced following a two-month introductory period.

On Thursday 15 August, the Council's Executive met to decide on an immediate way forward for leisure and cultural provision in the borough whilst the Harlequin Theatre and Cinema is unable to be used due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). We are developing a business case for a medium-term cultural offering for the borough from 2025/26 (based in Redhill if possible) to be reported to Executive in early 2025. Work to explore potential options is already well underway, and work to progress the detailed RAAC survey continues. In working up the options we want to engage with existing and potential users of art and cultural spaces, residents and customers about their needs. There are plans for an engagement exercise in October and we’ll share more details as soon as we can.

The play areas at Fairfax Avenue (Redhill), Woodmansterne Rec and Somerset Road (Meadvale) will all be getting new equipment as part of our annual play replacement programme. Exciting new features include climbing frames, swings and roundabouts, which will help children of all ages and abilities to learn and play together. Lower level and wider access points to the equipment, as well as sensory panels and improved landscaping, will also help make the play areas more inclusive.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council, will be available to take your questions on Tuesday 17 September between 4pm and 6pm. If you have questions or ideas that you would like to put to him or bring to his attention, this is your opportunity. Appointments must be pre-booked and can either be virtual or in-person. You have to be a resident or work in the borough to get an appointment. To book, please email: leadersurgery@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.

With confusing packaging and guidance around waste disposal sometimes changing, it can be difficult to know how and where to correctly dispose of items. Surrey Environment Partnership has created a recycling app called Surrey Recycles. The app helps residents to dispose of their household items quickly, easily and in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Download the Surrey Recycles app, enter your postcode and the item into the search bar and instantly find out whether to reuse, recycle, compost, or place it in your rubbish bin. Checking how to properly dispose of an item doesn’t just help the environment, it can also keep crews safe and save the council some money which can then be used for other essential services. The app is free and can be downloaded via the App Store or Google Play Store.

Are you passionate about serving your community? Do you want to make a difference in people's lives and be part of an effective council committed to delivering for its residents? If yes, then we would love to have you. We are currently recruiting for a Capital Accountant, Civil Enforcement Officer, Technical Analyst, Cleaners, and Casual Drivers. Take a look at the current openings and apply before the deadlines. 

The deadline to register for Solar Together Surrey has been extended to 13 September so don't miss out. Join others in your community and get involved in a group buying scheme which offers solar panels at competitive prices to reduce your energy bills long-term as well as your carbon footprint. Registration is free and no obligations.

Want a say in future elections? Look out for an email, text or form from us asking you to check your electoral registration details. And make sure your follow the instructions we’ve sent as soon as possible so you can have your say. The annual canvass allows us to keep the electoral register up to date and invite people to register to vote if they aren’t already. Surrey County Councillor elections will take place in May 2025, and this is an important opportunity to make sure you can take part.

Have you ever wondered what goes on at the Town Hall, why its red bricks are a standout, or what lies beneath the grand structure that is Reigate & Banstead Borough Council's HQ? Wonder no more! We will be opening the Town Hall to members of the public on Saturday 7 September from 10am to 1.30pm as part of Heritage Open Day. This is an opportunity to explore the building, get a guided tour around its many rooms and chambers, and check out both the Mayor's parlour. Entrance will be free but you need a pre-booked ticket to get in.

You are invited to a public event at the Town Hall on 3 September where council officers alongside representatives of Energy Action Redhill & Reigate will attempt to explain some of the myths about heat pumps, and help you make an informed choice. The event is free and starts at 7pm. It will cover areas such as: which homes are suitable for heat pumps; the pros and cons of different types of heat pumps; funding available to support heat pumps; and how to find an installer. Please register to attend using the link below.

Harlequin Outdoors continues this month at the Castle Grounds in Reigate with As You Like It on Wednesday 4 September, Poetry at the Castle on Thursday 5 September, and Rangatainment: Comedy at the Castle on Friday 6 September. The season will close on Saturday 7 September with Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers. Tickets are still available for all these shows so please book yours today. 

Food Rocks who run the Redhill Market are organising what they are describing as "a fantastic day of global street food, drink, and live music" in the centre of Redhill on Sunday 22 September. The event has been billed as a fun day for everyone, with a number of music bands set to perform. There will also be lots of market produce, and pop up bars serving refreshments. Save the date, and be there!

On 1 April 2024, both the borough and administration of Reigate & Banstead turned 50. In celebration of this milestone birthday, we've collated 50 activities in the borough that are low or no cost for everyone to enjoy. We have split the activities into categories including history and culture, sport and physical, family-friendly, back to nature, and community - and published the list on our website. How many can you complete?

Run Reigate returns to Priory Park on Sunday 22 September with its 10K, 5K, and Kids races.Sponsored by Andrews, this much loved sell-out annual running and community event guarantees you fantastic scenery, an unbeatable atmosphere and a memorable experience.

Surrey County Council is seeking views on proposed improvement to bus travel between Redhill and Horley. The introduction of new hydrogen buses will help Surrey County Council meet its net zero targets along with cleaner air for local people. The introduction of four new sections of Bus Lanes will enable more reliable and faster journey times making it easier to travel by bus. This will also support people with their transition to more sustainable forms of travel. Consultations closes on Sunday 15 September.

Surrey County Council is seeking views on restoring nature in Surrey. They are looking for feedback from residents, businesses and community groups. Help shape the future of our local environment by taking the survey. 

Join Surrey County Council for Surrey Nature Day on Saturday 28 September at West Horsley Place. Enjoy a free family day out, packed with nature-themed activities for everyone. Find out how we can all help Surrey’s most precious habitats and species to thrive in our county and have your say on the new plan for Surrey Nature Recovery.

The UK Health Security Agency has seen measles circulating in different parts of the UK. Measles is highly infectious, so if you are planning on attending any festivals, please check that you've had two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection.