Councillors Rich Michalowski and Zelanie Cooper were respectively confirmed as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Reigate & Banstead during the Annual Council meeting held at the Town Hall on 22 May. Cllr Michalowski who has chosen courage as the theme for his mayoralty said: "It is a great honour to be elected Mayor. I’m looking forward to meeting residents, businesses, local groups from across the borough, and supporting my nominated charities: I Choose Freedom, and Home Start East Surrey (HSES). In the year ahead, I want to focus my efforts on serving the borough’s communities with a passion."

The new-look Merstham Rec has opened following its transformation to create a park for the whole community. Among the new facilities on offer are a pavilion, a new playground, a parkour course – the first in the borough - and an outdoor gym. The tennis court and multi-use games area have been refurbished, and table tennis tables have been installed. These facilities are all conveniently located in a central ‘hub’. A community orchard, picnic area, new trees and planting and swales (landscaped drainage ditches), along with open space and playing pitches create a ‘green heart’. Improved paths provide better access and new walking and running routes.

The recycling site at Stubbs Lane, Kingswood, closed permanently on Monday 19 May. Despite efforts to curb illegal dumping, the site continued to attract large volumes of non-recyclable waste, which undermined the efforts of responsible recyclers and reduced the time the Cleansing team could spend keeping the rest of the borough clean. All households in the local area can now use our full kerbside collection service and can recycle all the items that were collected at Stubbs Lane (with the exception of textiles) from home. The recycling sites were originally introduced to support residents without access to recycling collections and, in December 2024, the Council’s Executive approved the closure of recycling sites in line with the rollout of the full service.

The Thriving Communities Match Fund is now open for applications from voluntary, community and faith sector organisations that serve local residents. Organisations meeting the eligibility criteria can apply for up to 50% of the cost of projects that help communities to thrive. They can apply for between £2,000 and £10,000 for 2025/26 and will need to secure the additional funding for their projects from other sources. The funding available for this year is up to £50,000 and the deadline for applications is 23 June 2025. 

Are you passionate about public service? Would you like to make a difference in people's lives and be part of an effective council which is committed to delivering the best for its residents? We are currently recruiting for: a Data Protection Coordinator, a Money Support Officer, a Systems Support Analyst, a Homeless Prevention Officer, a Food Safety Officer/ Environmental Health Officer, and a Facilities Manager. We are also recruiting for a Reserve Driver, an ICT apprentice, and an Assistant Manager for our Woodhatch Community Centre. Please take a look at our vacancies.

A by-election for a Horley Town Councillor in the West Ward will be held on Thursday 5 June 2025. If you're voting by post, don't forget to return your postal vote in time. If you are voting in person or as someone's proxy, polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Make sure to:

• bring acceptable photo ID
• take your poll card with you if you can
• check your poll card before going to vote in case your polling station has changed
• ask polling station staff for help if you need it.
• leave plenty of time to vote before the polls close.

The count and declaration of results will take place on Friday 6 June.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council, will again be available to take your questions on Tuesday 10 June between 4pm and 6pm. If you have questions and/or ideas that you would like to put to him, 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

Are you a small, independent business in Reigate & Banstead looking to cut costs and boost profitability? We are working with experts at Place Support Partnerships to deliver a free business cost reduction programme to small businesses across the borough. You will receive free advice on how to achieve the best value for money on essential services like electricity, gas, telecoms, merchant fees, insurance and water. Businesses will also receive a tailored savings report containing practical advice on contracts and cutting costs as well as an action plan to help you unlock real savings. While stock lasts, only 50 places available.

Domestic abuse affects people of all genders and it's important people know they are not alone and that support is available. While women are disproportionately affected, it is important to recognise that men can experience domestic abuse too and they may find it difficult to seek support due to the stigma or fear of not being believed. This silence can have serious consequences and reaching out is a sign of strength. Surrey's domestic abuse services provide confidential support for anyone affected by domestic abuse, regardless of gender. Your Sanctuary also offers a specialist service tailored to men's needs. 

Our fabulous greenspaces, which include parks, play areas, commons, cemeteries and allotments, contribute to the quality of life of more than 150,000 residents. They are also vital for enhancing biodiversity and improving environmental sustainability. Last year we asked for your views on our green spaces. Your feedback has helped shape a draft Greenspaces Strategy which sets out our long-term vision and priorities to help communities and nature to thrive. You can read the draft strategy on our website and let us know what you think by completing a short survey or chatting to us at one of the park drop-ins. The consultation closes on 13 July 2025.

A Notice of Proposals and individual notices on our proposed Off-Street Parking Places Order have been published on our website and we are seeking your views. Any objections and representations relating to the proposed Order, must be made in writing, specifying the grounds upon which they are made. Please email: parkingconsultation@reigate-banstead.gov.uk or submit representations by post to Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Offices, Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0SH no later than 4.30pm on 4 July 2025.

Theatre in the beautiful Castle Grounds, Reigate, returns this week with three performances:

• 4 June, Dukes' Theatre Company production of 'Macbeth'
• 7 June, This is My Theatre's production of 'The Tempest'
• 7 June, This is My Theatre's production of 'The Three Musketeers'

Bring your own food and drink to enjoy during the outdoor performance. No seating provided. 

Join us in the park for a celebration of poetry and spoken word on Sunday 8 June. It's a chance to experience talented and up-and-coming performers for free and in the wild, including local favourite and award-winning Flo Poet, Woodzy; and London-based, critically acclaimed, Paul Lyalls. Open mic slots will also be offered (people can sign up in advance or on the day) and refreshments will be available at the fabulous Florrie's Café.

The festival is a celebration of Reigate's creativity, bringing together an abundance of local talent for one unmissable weekend of culture in and around the town centre. The free entertainment takes place over four stages and a Fringe Trail. The organisers are still keen to hear from people who would like to be involved or want to support this community event.

Stripey Stork, the Reigate-based baby bank, provides practical support to families with children (0-18 years) experiencing hardship. Their support includes essential items such as baby equipment, clothing, toiletries and school uniform. Having the right school uniform and equipment promotes dignity, inclusion and helps children thrive at school. In 2024 demand for their School Days service grew and they helped 6,727 children with 14,301 items of uniform, 2,759 pairs of school shoes and 1,894 filled school bags. Stripey Stork accept donations of pre-loved, un-branded uniform and are looking for new volunteers to join their team. Local health and community professionals and schools can refer families in Surrey and Croydon who need support.

The NHS, in conjunction with Alliance for Better Care, is offering free walk-in Covid-19 vaccinations to those aged 75 and above at the Belfry Shopping Centre in Redhill. Vaccinations started on Friday 4 April (10am-12.30pm) and will run until 6 June. If you are unsure about your eligibility for any of the vaccinations, please come along and speak to a member of our team or call 119.