It has been very exciting to see our Marketfield Way development project in Redhill reaching new heights over the summer so far, with work continuing to finish the exterior continuing in the coming months. Panelling on the outside of the cinema will be completed very soon and you will begin to see what the finished venue will look like from the outside. The third issue of our project newsletter is out now, with an update on progress so far, what’s coming up next, and a chance to hear what we are doing to boost local employment and procurement opportunities.

We can now share the latest stage of our emerging plans for refurbishing Merstham Recreation Ground. The Council is planning a £1.5 million project to refurbish the park and is asking members of the community for their views on the proposals, developed following last year’s consultation and focus groups with local residents, groups and organisations. We are asking residents to share their views by 12 September.

Have you seen our new campaign to challenge some of the excuses people make to leave litter? Every box, bottle, carton and can adds up and can affect anyone (or any animal) spending time in our public spaces. Although there are many amazing local groups and individuals who give up their time to help keep the borough litter free, they shouldn’t have to! Please make sure you find a bin or take your rubbish home.

Residents are being urged not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date. The annual canvass ensures the Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered to vote so that they can be invited to do so. With borough council elections taking place in the borough of Reigate and Banstead in May 2022, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

The Harlequin theatre in Redhill has a special show set for 11 September to showcase the ten winners of its previous Harlequin Live from Lockdown event in summer 2020. There was an incredible response to last year's event, with 48 entries from musicians, singers, poets, dancers and comedians performing at home, and over 3,000 votes from the public. Book now to support the winners of the competition, all talented local artists – and support our wonderful local NHS at the same time! Tickets for the show are just £5 and this includes a donation to the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH).

For one day only, come and take a look behind the scenes at the Town Hall and discover its fascinating 118-year history as home to many of the community’s public services. The Grade II Listed building, completed in 1901, originally housed the Town Hall, law courts, police and fire stations – the 70-foot former fire station tower still forms the principal exterior feature of the building today. The event is free, but booking is essential and attendees will be required to wear face masks. The Town Hall, situated on Castlefield Road, Reigate RH2 0SH, will be open on Saturday 11 September, 11am to 2pm.

Increasing tree cover in the borough will help combat climate change and enhance our natural environment. For groups who want to plant trees in their local communities, we are holding some community tree planting workshops and have produced a quick guide to community tree planting, with lots of tips and useful information. The next workshop takes place virtually on Tuesday 14 September, 5pm to 6pm.

Surrey County Council's Surrey Nature Explorer Passport encourages families and children aged 4 to 12 to explore our beautiful countryside and amazing libraries with a chance to win exciting prizes.With activities designed to run from mid-July until October, it gives families ideas and inspiration for days out over the bank holiday and beyond. The passport can be collected for free from one of Surrey’s 52 libraries and will help children to keep track of their adventures as they collect stickers for completing up to 15 fun nature-related challenges. Explorers who take on at least six challenges can enter a prize draw to win some fabulous prizes.

The Government is continuing to urge the public to be cautious in their day-to-day activities as infection rates remain high across the country.

Vaccinations continue to offer our best chance for a return to normality and now teenagers aged 16 and 17 can get a jab. You can book a vaccination online or by calling 119. You can check for details of local vaccine clinics here.

On 16 August, the rules for self isolation were changed to allow anyone who is double jabbed or aged under 18 to no longer have to self-isolate if they’re identified as a close contact of someone who has the virus. Instead they will be advised to take a PCR test.

Despite restrictions having eased, the virus is still very much in circulation - so to keep your loved ones safe, please remember fresh air - testing - face coverings - NHS mobile app - handwashing and take regular lateral flow (LFD) tests.

If you do develop any Covid symptoms, or have a positive LFD test, you must self-isolate and book a PCR test.

If you're planning any holidays please plan ahead and follow the travel guidelines.