A huge congratulations to the cast of Star for a Night 2024 which brilliantly performed Rock of Ages live on stage in front of their friends and family at Carrington School in Redhill on Thursday 25 July. Funded by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Star for a Night (SFAN) is a youth theatre project for children aged 11 - 18 years. It offers young people10 weeks of free professional tuition in music, dance and drama as a way of preparing them for a final performance and potentially a career in the arts. The project usually starts with a casting call early on in the year with successful applicants starting the training in May. To be eligible, entrants must live, work, or go to school or college in the borough. Previous participants have described SFAN as "an unforgettable experience." 

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council, will be available to take your questions on Tuesday 13 August 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 book an appointment. To book, please email: leadersurgery@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.

We're working in partnership with Surrey Police, YMCA East Surrey, local organisations, and community groups, to address concerns around anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Redhill. Targeted police patrols since the spring have challenged criminal behaviour on all levels and led to significant numbers of arrests, fines and seizures. Other work, made possible by the Government's Safer Streets fund, includes new solar lighting in Memorial Park and youth outreach with the YMCA's new Y Bus - which is in the town centre four evenings per week. This partnership approach to crime and anti-social behaviour, if it continues to be successful, is something we would like the whole borough to benefit from. Our enforcement officers, including the Joint Enforcement Team (JET), Community Safety, and Environmental Health, are working with the police to tackle ASB in communities. If ASB is affecting your quality of life, we encourage you to report it. You can find out how here - www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/report-asb

Love Parks Week - Friday 26 July to Sunday 4 August - is a great opportunity to celebrate the incredible open spaces that many of us rely on for our physical and mental wellbeing. This borough has over 70 fantastic parks - from the ever popular Memorial, and Priory Parks which have both been awarded the coveted Green Flag for the ninth consecutive time - to the less known but much-loved local gems such as Ifold Park and Nork Park. This summer, whilst we encourage people to visit our many beautiful open spaces, we hope that visitors will considerate to everyone else and ensure that these spaces remain enjoyable for all.

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?

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has become a ‘Refill Destination’ and we are pledging to help turn the tide on plastic pollution. The new accreditation comes from the not-for-profit, City to Sea, and means we'll be working with local businesses including our own venues, cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and zero waste stores to offer food, drink, and shopping with less plastic. We want to increase the number of water refill stations across the Borough. We're also encouraging people to download the free Refill app, and tap into a network of places to reduce, reuse and refill. 

We have adopted new guidance that will enhance the quality of street design along the A23 between Redhill and Horley, to deliver a more attractive environment for people to live, work and play. The A23 Great Street Design Code Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will also make the area work better for pedestrians and cyclists, and improve access to nature. Developed with the community over the past two years, and funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the project was part of a government initiative to support the roll out of design codes across the country. Printed copies are available at the Town Hall and all libraries in the borough.

Did you know that the Council runs a variety of low cost holiday activities for children aged six months to 15 years? Our summer holiday programme includes gymnastics, trampolining, art, craft, multi-sports, outdoor adventure, music, drama and more. There is a 50% discount on all activities for looked after children, and those in receipt of benefits. Take a look at what is available and book today.

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 Development Officer, Civil Enforcement Officer, Caretaker/Cleaner, and Casual Drivers. Pease check out the openings and make sure to apply before the deadlines. 

The Harlequin Outdoors has already treated revellers to Shakespeare and Comedy at the Castle Grounds. The good news is that the fun continues this August with Boogie Monsters Summertime Family on Saturday 3 August, 5 Children and It and A Midsummer Nights Dream on Wednesday 28 August, Teddy Bears Picnic, and Peter and the Wolf both on Thursday 29 August. September will see proceedings kick off with As You Like It on Wednesday 4 September before a double bill of poetry and comedy on Thursday 5 September and Friday 6 September. Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers is scheduled for Saturday 7 September. Tickets are selling fast, so, book your tickets early to avoid disappointments.

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 not, because 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. An opportunity to explore the building, get a guided tour around its many rooms, and check out both the Mayor's parlour and Members' Chamber. Entrance will be free but prior booking required to reserve a place. 

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!

We're inviting everyone who visits the borough’s green spaces to help shape a new strategy that will make sure our parks and open spaces continue to meet the needs of local people and wildlife for the long term. Having a Greenspaces Strategy will address current and future needs by improving the quality and accessibility of these much-loved community assets. The first phase of consultation began on 29 July and will run until Sunday 29 September. You can have your say by completing a short survey online using the link below. You can also request a paper copy by emailing greenspaces@reigate-banstead.gov.uk or pick one up at the Town Hall or from any of our community centres.

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 support from residents, businesses and community groups to help shape a new ‘Local Nature Recovery Strategy’ (LNRS). Developed with partners, the strategy will set out a roadmap for the restoration and enhancement of Surrey’s natural environment, ensuring that it is sustainable now and for future generations. 

Horley Subway is closed for five weeks, until 30 August, for Network Rail to carry out drainage improvement works to help reduce future flooding, keep the subway useable and improve safety. The scheme, which is part of the Delivering Change in Horley Town Centre project, includes installing a new pumping system, along with new drains and water catch pits to remove water more quickly. A signed diversion is in place during the closure. The Council’s High Street car park will also close from 5-9 August, including the recycling bring site, so that new drainage at the car park entrance can be installed.

At this time of year most of us look forward to some warm, sunny weather and the chance to spend time outdoors, but it’s important to remember that some people struggle to cope in the heat. There are a few very simple things we can all to do stay safe when we experience high temperatures.This includes looking out for people who may find it hard to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Get in touch with friends, family or neighbours who may need help keeping cool.