Tackling isolation, intergenerational activities, and activities for children and parents as well as for older people are among the services planned for the Council's new look community centres. The aim of the changes is to extend the reach of the three centres in Banstead, Horley and Woodhatch so that they better meet the breadth of community needs, both now and in the future.

Investment in health services, school expansion, new footpaths, cycleways and open space enhancements are among the projects funded from over £8.8 million of developer contributions. The money has been collected by Reigate & Banstead Borough through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a charge imposed on new developments since 2016, to contribute to infrastructure and services needed to support them.

A new Syrian recipe book, created during lockdown, has been published to capture some of the best-loved dishes of South-East Surrey’s Syrian community. Published by the Council, ‘A Syrian Feast’ represents the Syrian community, their heritage and wonderful Syrian cuisine in a colourful collection dishes.

Due to continuing high levels of fly tipping at Holly Lane, near Banstead Woods, the Council closed the recycling site permanently from 29 July 2021. During the pandemic the amount of fly tipped waste cleared by the Council has more than doubled and the environmental and financial impact of this fly tipping has been felt particularly at Council recycling sites.

Litter is unattractive and unpleasant. It can affect anyone who wants to enjoy our public spaces and is dangerous for local wildlife too. The Council spends around £1 million each year clearing up litter and in 2020/21 the amount of dumped rubbish it collected more than doubled. Although there are many amazing local groups and individuals who give up their time to help keep the borough tidy, they shouldn’t have to! Our new campaign says there are no excuses for littering, even just one cup, and calls on people to use the bin or take their rubbish home.

Have you been sleeping on a business idea, but have not had the funding, support, or know-how to make it a reality? Our Entrepreneur Academy is the perfect opportunity to guide you through the early stages of establishing your business – and could even see you win up to £5,000 to make your idea a reality. 

We want everyone to enjoy being outdoors and share new experiences. Take care of your parks and greenspaces – help keep them unspoilt, safe and clean and encourage your family and friends to do the same - so everybody can love spending time in them! Please remember that no BBQs or fires are allowed in any park or open space. If you want to enjoy one at home, please also consider your neighbours too. Have fun discovering more this summer.

At Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, we are committed to working together to continue making our borough a great place to live, work and enjoy. If you want to make a big difference, we are on the lookout for talented people to contribute towards delivery of our Reigate & Banstead 2025 plan for the borough.

You can find out about our latest vacancies on our current vacancies page. If you don't find a job that matches your skills and experience please send your CV to recruitment@reigate-banstead.gov.uk. Our search for great people never stops and being part of our talent network may help you get your dream job.

Our popular R&Be Active summer activity programme has returned! Sessions are taking place in person for the first time since 2019. Activities such as trampolining, orienteering and tennis will be available for children aged 6 to 12 who live or go to school in the borough.

Activities are available to book now. We’re expecting the sessions to be in high demand, so book early to avoid disappointment!

If you would like to find out, our building control team has recorded a webinar for homeowners thinking of a home improvement project. Presented by a senior planning officer, a building control manager and a trading standards officer, the webinar will:

• unravel the two separate approval stages
• explain what types of projects need approval and why
• clear up many of the common misunderstandings about planning and building control
• offer advice on employing builders.

To watch the webinar visit YouTube here. For more homeowner information, visit Southern BCP’s website at www.southernbcp.co.uk, contact them at theteam@southernbcp.co.uk or call 0330 0249355.

Lockdown restrictions were eased earlier this month, but the Government is still urging the public to be cautious in their day-to-day activities in order to keep life moving.

Further changes are expected on August 16 - with fully-vaccinated people no longer having to self-isolate if a contact tests positive for Covid. Check the Government website for the latest advice.

Vaccinations continue to be offered to anyone aged over 18. You can book a vaccination online or call 119 - please check for details of local vaccine clinics here.

Coronavirus restrictions remain in place across the country, including for people who have been vaccinated, so 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 your summer holidays please plan ahead and follow the travel guidelines.