We’re celebrating another bumper crop of seven Gold awards in the region's biggest horticulture event - the South & South East In Bloom Awards. The recently refurbished Merstham Recreation Ground picked up its first ever award and was also crowned the Winner of the Large Park category. The judges highlighted the ‘innovative’ sport and play facilities and said overall it was a ‘joyful space’ that ‘deserves to be celebrated’.

Redstone Cemetery in Redhill received the council’s second highest score. The judges visited during the heatwave and praised the gardening team for the cemetery looking ‘well cared for and of an extremely high quality’ despite the challenges. Priory Park, Redhill Memorial Park, Earlswood Common, Tanyard Meadow and Reigate Heath also received Gold awards.

Children’s play areas at Battlebridge Recreation Ground in Merstham, Subrosa Drive in Redhill, Hartswood Avenue and East Road in Reigate, will all be upgraded as part of our annual play area replacement programme. Our contractor, Kompan, is due to start work at Battlebridge the week commencing 16 November. Whilst these works take place, each play area is expected to be closed for two to three weeks. The refurbishments are designed with new equipment and layouts that aim to include children of all ages and abilities. Sustainability is also important, with many products and materials made from recycled ocean plastics and textile waste.

We will light the Town Hall on 8 November to commemorate Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. We have Remembrance events taking place in different parts of the borough - at Banstead War Memorial, Horley War Memorial Gardens and Shaw's Corner War Memorial in Redhill. We invite everyone who can to attend. Details of when the events will start, including parades and service times, are available on our website. Please note that some roads may be temporarily closed on Remembrance Sunday to safely accommodate these events. Remembrance Sunday, is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. We will remember them.

Work to upgrade our out-of-date CCTV system is now almost complete. We’ve installed more than 60 new cameras that record high-quality, targeted images to better support the police with their evidence gathering. The new cameras were installed where police evidence shows that they are needed most and where coverage from privately-owned cameras is less likely. These locations include town centres and some of our car parks and green spaces such as Priory Park, Redhill Memorial Park, Lady Neville Recreation Ground and Merstham Rec.

On Wednesday 28 October, the government announced it is in the final stages of agreeing a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) devolution deal for Surrey. An MSA would be led by a directly elected mayor and could give Surrey access to greater devolved powers and funding. In light of this announcement, East and West Surrey Shadow Councils will work with the government to understand the proposals and consider plans that support local residents and businesses.

We will keep you updated as conversations continue.

The Redhill Town Centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been extended for a further three years, following our recent review. Feedback from the public consultation showed 95% of the 349 respondents supported its renewal.

The Redhill Town Centre PSPO covers the pedestrianized shopping area, Redhill Memorial Park, Clarendon Road car park and the area around the pedestrian railway underpass. It aims to discourage anti-social behaviours (ASB) in key public areas and gives police officers and the council extra powers to intervene early. There was broad public support for keeping all the existing prohibited behaviours, and, following feedback from the consultation, a new behaviour has been included concerning driving or riding a motor vehicle in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance or danger.

Our Ash tree population has been significantly affected by an incurable disease, which is widespread across the UK. Trees infected by Ash dieback are being monitored by our Greenspaces team and many will need to be removed because they pose a risk to public safety, particularly near roads and footpaths, parks and other areas with public access.

When planning tree removal works we follow strict national guidance and work closely with specialist contractors, the Forestry Commission and Natural England to protect wildlife and promote the long-term recovery of our woodlands. For example, work is carried out during the autumn and winter, when it will be least disruptive to wildlife, and we may look at pollarding (a tree-pruning method where the upper branches and stem of a young tree are cut back to a specific point) to accommodate wildlife. Major works are due to start shortly at Banstead Downs and Park Downs, Burgh Heath and Banstead Heath, and Reigate Hill. Smaller scale management is also taking place across the borough. 

Planning permission for works to the Harlequin Theatre has been granted, marking a major milestone in bringing the theatre back into use. The permission is for replacing the roof covering, improving mechanical and electrical systems, associated building works, and enhanced health and safety measures. Over the past few weeks, activity has been taking place on site to finalise the technical design for the building works, the scaffolding design and to confirm how the old reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) roof panels will be safely removed. 

Works are expected to begin at the end of November for 12-15 months, subject to successful completion of procurement for the contractor, permission from the head leaseholder and approval from East Surrey Shadow Authority. In tandem we continue to work with our preferred theatre operator to agree terms. 

New planning controls are set to come into force that remove the ability to convert homes into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) without planning permission. The Article 4 direction, confirmed on 29 October, withdraws permitted development rights for converting properties into HMOs for between three and six people. Instead, a full planning application is needed before a property can be converted. Often called shared homes or bedsits, HMOs provide an important source of lower-cost housing for many people in our community, including young professionals, students, key workers and airport staff. These proposals are not about preventing them. Rather, they are to help ensure that location, design, accommodation standards and potential impacts on neighbours and communities can be properly considered before conversions are allowed to take place. HMOs with seven or more residents already require planning permission.

We are currently recruiting for a Street Sweeper, Tractor Operator, Homeless Prevention and Relief Officer, and a HGV Mechanic. If you have the qualifications and would like to come and work with us, please take a look at our current vacancies, and apply.

As some of you will have heard during the Budget, the government has announced it will offer a £100 cash payment to households in Council Tax bands A - D to help with rising energy bills. Details as to how the scheme would be rolled out are still unclear but we will let those households affected know in due course. At the moment, if you pay Council Tax by Direct Debit you'll get the £100 automatically into your bank account during January 2027. If you pay any other way, you'll need to provide your details for the payment to be processed. We will make arrangements so you can submit your bank details. For those who don't pay Council Tax at all due to an exemption (e.g student-only household) you'll still be eligible – but the details are yet to be confirmed. The Government says it'll issue guidance to councils on how to make the payment in due course. When it does, we will let you know. 

The Asian Social Group welcomes you to celebrate Diwali on 7 November 2026 at the Belfry Shopping Centre in Redhill, 12 to 3pm. Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali meaning “row of lights,” is a festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, symbolising the victory of light over darkness. It is one of the most cherished festivals in India and across the world.  The event promises fun activities for all ages, with highlights including the ceremonial lighting of the Diya by the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, Bollywood music and dance performances, as well as food stalls, handicrafts and henna art. 

We know it's early but tickets could sell out fast, as the critically-acclaimed theatre company, This Is My Theatre, returns to the Town Hall in Reigate with a stunning one-act adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol'. Packed with charm, cheer and, of course, plenty of carols, this production is sure to spread joy and warm hearts in the run up to Christmas.

You are invited to a Christmas wreath making workshop in aid of the Mayor’s Charities (Age Concern MRR and the MYTI Youth Club). The workshop will take place at the Town Hall on Wednesday 25 November from 2 - 4pm. Tickets are £50 per person. The price includes all the materials, mince pies and a glass of prosecco. So, whether you are an experienced crafter or a complete beginner, this is a chance to do something enjoyable for a good cause.

You are all invited to an afternoon of chat and photography with acclaimed photographer Arthur Edwards MBE. Arthur worked for The Sun newspaper for many years and was also a Royal Family photographer. This special event is in aid of the Mayor's charities and it will include exclusive behind-the-scene talk about Arthur's long career, and the stories behind some of his impactful photos of the British Royal family. The talk will take place at the Town Hall on Friday 4 December from 2 - 4pm. Tickets are £25 per person and they include afternoon tea.

As we move towards the new East Surrey Council, we need to bring together the different Council Tax Reduction schemes currently operated by the district and borough councils to support residents. As part of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme consultation, we are contacting residents directly by SMS and email using GOV.UK Notify for their views on the scheme. If you receive a message, it is a genuine council communication and not spam. It will include information about the consultation and how you can have your say by Thursday 3 December 2026. Accessible versions are available at the Town Hall and all our three community centres.

East Surrey Council wants to know what matters most to local communities to help shape its delivery plan for 2027-2031. This delivery plan is part of the East Surrey Council Strategy. You have until Sunday 15 November 2026 at 11.59pm to complete the online survey, which takes around 10 minutes to complete.

East Surrey Council’s vision is for East Surrey to be an inclusive place where people are heard and supported, communities are strong, people are proud of where they live, and growth is sustainable.  

The East Surrey Council Strategy is focused around three areas:  

• People: Helping people get the support, education, housing and opportunities they need, as early as possible.  
• Place: Improving local places, helping provide the homes people need, strengthening the local economy and minimising the impacts of climate change.  
• Council: Making services easy to use, managing money responsibly and reporting progress openly.  

You can read the East Surrey Council Strategy and complete the survey on the Future Surrey website. Accessible formats of the survey are available on request by calling 03456 009 009. You can pick up a printed copy of the survey by visiting your local Surrey Library.

Did you know the Council and its committees meet regularly and make key strategic decisions about the the borough and the services we provide? These are public meetings which can be attended in person or watched via webcast. Here are some of the upcoming meetings, but you can find the full list online:

• Thursday 19 November, 7.30pm - Executive

The East Surrey shadow authority has a calendar of public meetings and is focused on preparing the new councils ahead of their formal launch on 1 April 2027, known as Vesting Day. Upcoming future meetings, include:

• Shadow Executive meeting - Monday 9 November, 10am
• East Surrey Shadow Authority - Wednesday 18 November, 2pm

Flu spreads more easily in winter when we spend more time together indoors, and it can cause serious illness. It is important to get protected, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year. If you are vaccinated and catch flu this winter, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised.

The flu vaccine programme focuses on those at greatest risk of getting seriously ill. Those eligible for a flu vaccine include: children aged 2 and 3 years old on 31 August 2026, school age children up to year 11, people aged 65 and over, people with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant women, care home residents, carers, people experiencing homelessness, and frontline health and social care workers. All those eligible are urged to have their free flu vaccine to help them stay strong this winter – don’t put it off, book your appointment today and help protect against the risk of severe illness. 

Everyday emergencies like storms can disrupt the essential services you rely on — like your phone, water, power and the internet. Taking a few simple steps to prepare can make a big difference, helping you manage while emergency support reaches those who need it most. If you or someone you know might need extra support during a gas, electricity or water outage, they may be able to sign up for the Priority Services Register. It’s a free service that ensures utility companies know who may need extra assistance. Lots of households are eligible, including those of pensionable age, people with long-term illnesses, and families with children under five. 

Studies have shown that getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge for many people across Surrey. Long term health conditions, physical symptoms, and hormonal changes can make it harder to get good quality sleep. Feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression can also make it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get restful sleep. While an occasional poor night's sleep is normal, ongoing sleep difficulties can have a significant impact on physical health, mental wellbeing, and day-to-day life. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to improve your sleep. Visit the Healthy Surrey sleep webpage for advice, self-help resources, and information about local support services.

As the shared Building Control service for Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Southern Building Control Partnership wants to help homeowners understand why inspections are such an important part of the building process. While photographs can be useful as a personal record of building work, they do not always tell the whole story and are not generally accepted as evidence of compliance. Their latest blog explains how AI is changing digital images, why site inspections remain essential and how arranging inspections at the right stages can help ensure building work is safe, compliant and completed correctly.

Many people rule themselves out before ever having a conversation about fostering. Common myths include believing you need to own your home, be married, earn a high income or have previous childcare qualifications. In reality, foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances. Surrey County Council is asking community groups, faith organisations, charities, clubs and local networks to help us spread the word. If you would like leaflets, posters, a speaker for an event or more information about fostering in Surrey, they would love to hear from you.