As the situation develops in Afghanistan and many people are having to flee the country and seek refuge, the Council has committed to offering its support. We are currently investigating housing options, which will be sourced from the private sector, after pledging to help and accommodate three Afghan families who played a vital part in assisting our British forces. If you are a landlord who has a suitable property, please contact us via the enquiry form on our website or call 01737 276000. Funding for the resettlement scheme will come from the Government, but will require some additional funding from the Council. We are in discussion with partners to assess ways in which these costs can be shared so this urgent, humanitarian work doesn’t negatively impact on the Council’s finances or services. 

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.

This week the Council launches two new local Food Clubs – in Horley and Woodhatch – this week as part of its long-term commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and tackling food poverty. The clubs work alongside a package of other food and fuel focused initiatives including free meals for children and young adults in need over the school Christmas holidays; hampers and hot meals for vulnerable residents on Christmas day; and the launch of a pilot project to combat fuel poverty this winter. 

Surrey County Council wants to assure all residents that there is support and help available should you be struggling.

As the infection rate was rising rapidly across Surrey at the beginning of the year, Surrey’s Local Resilience Forum put additional measures in-place to support hospitals, social care, and other front-line services.

So that collection crews can enjoy a break with their families and friends there will be no bin collections in Reigate & Banstead on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Changes to the usual household collection schedule will start on Saturday 19 December and last until Monday 4 January.

It's been a challenging year for businesses. In the run-up to Christmas - and beyond - spread a little love by shopping locally. Many high street retailers are offering online, click & collect and home delivery options, while cafes and restaurants have a range of takeaway and eat-in options. Need some inspiration? We've been showcasing some of our festive high-street heroes on our Facebook and Instagram channels, so go take a look!  

More than 450,000 people have received their first dose of the vaccine as part of the Surrey Heartlands vaccination programme. If you are over 50, have a learning disability, are at high risk of getting coronavirus, or care for someone who is, then you can book your vaccine now. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community.

If you need to self-isolate to help stop the virus, you may be worried about how you'll cope. Whether you need food or medication delivered, emotional support, or help with your caring responsibilities - there is help available. If you are struggling financially, you may be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment.

The targeted community testing initiative, in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, was first launched in parts of Surrey on 15 February. Eligible people can now get tested in Redhill, at the Harlequin Theatre & Cinema.

A planning application for a new crematorium and memorial garden in Woodhatch has been submitted by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council to provide a more local service for bereaved families.The Council is making the application because Reigate & Banstead residents who wish their loved ones to be cremated must journey to a facility out of the borough, usually as far as Leatherhead, Crawley or Croydon. Feedback from local funeral directors also suggests that bereaved families can experience longer than average wait times for convenient service times.

The Council's environmental health team has been visiting all the supermarkets in the borough to make sure they have the appropriate COVID-secure measures in place for customers to do their essential shopping safely. They were pleased to report they found generally good standards all round. You can help keep everyone safe by shopping alone where possible, wearing a face covering, washing your hands more often and keeping your distance down the aisles and at the checkouts.

A Horley property company has been fined over £16,000 for failing to comply with Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) legislation aimed at protecting tenants. The Council successfully took action against a private property management company for breaching the fire safety and overcrowding terms of its HMO licence for a two-storey property in Redhill. 

Our green spaces are important for everyone's health and wellbeing and continue to be busy. Please exercise in them responsibly, don't leave any litter and explore routes near to your home. The borough's skateparks, tennis courts, outdoor gyms, and multi-use games areas are closed in line with Government guidance. Please do not use them or let your children use them. If you are the parent of a teenager who is heading out to do their exercise, please let them know that these areas are closed. 

The outstanding achievements of local sports clubs, teams, people and coaches were celebrated at a virtual awards evening on 25 February. The nine inspirational winners were taken from a record 70 entries and you can watch the ceremony here.

On 6 May, eligible adults in Surrey can vote for who they want to be the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner. The next election takes place on the same day as the Surrey County Council and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council elections.

The Police and Crime Commissioner is elected for a four-year term and plays an important role in holding Surrey Police to account for its actions. The Commissioner also works with the Chief Constable to set the overall direction for the force. 

My Vegan Dulce de Leche by Vegan Crazy has been announced as the winner of this year’s Entrepreneur Academy. The Redhill-based food business, founded by Cintia Yankelevich, was one of 16 new businesses to compete to win an investment grant provided by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.

We’re making great headway on our Marketfield Way development in Redhill, with the cinema starting to take shape and work to build the shops and homes beginning soon. Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter now - and sign up to receive future issues direct to your inbox - on our website.

You can also keep up-to-date by following VINCI’s dedicated project Twitter feed: @marketfieldway.

A new employment website, R&B Works, developed by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council in collaboration with the borough’s major employers, is now live. Residents who may be looking for a job, a career change or wishing to work closer to home can find information about the local employment landscape and opportunities.

The East Surrey Youth Hub aims to help target the significant increase in unemployment among 18-24 years across East Surrey since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

The next opportunity to meet virtually with Cllr Mark Brunt to discuss local matters important to you is Tuesday 16 February. Appointments are offered to people who live or work in the borough. They can be via video conference or phone, and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. 

Sleeping rough is dangerous and difficult at the best of times but exposes people to additional risks during the winter months. This year the pandemic has put additional pressures on traditional emergency accommodation but Reigate & Banstead Borough Council continues its proactive approach to tackling homelessness this winter.

Reigate & Banstead has highlighted a raft of concerns in its robust formal response to the Government’s recent Planning for the future public consultation. The council is particularly concerned about the negative impact it could have in the borough over the loss of affordable housing, essential infrastructure and local democracy.

The Level Up project aims to provide 500 refurbished laptops to Reigate & Banstead pupils who need them for home study. With 350 laptops pledged to date, they need only 150 more to reach their goal. Laptops donated by the community are refurbished by volunteers and distributed to children and young people via local schools and charities. It is a partnership project that is being delivered by Raven Housing Trust with support from Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead and Level Up Horley.

Census Day is Sunday 21 March. Look out for a letter from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) inviting you to take part online. There's lots of help available to complete your form if you, or someone you know, needs it.

YMCA East Surrey has been awarded a grant of £435,737 from the National Lottery Community Fund to take the role of lead provider in youth work which will benefit more than 1,000 local young people.

Now more than ever, it's vital that correct, consistent information about Covid-19 and wider health-related advice is communicated. Our new volunteer community champions receive weekly updates from us, which they then pass on to their families, friends, neighbours, community networks or workplaces.

The Council is asking local residents to share their views to make sure that the borough’s three community centres in Banstead, Horley and Woodhatch meet community needs, both now and in the future. The deadline for comments is 22 March. 

The second round of our residents’ survey, gathering views on a range of topics, is currently taking place. If MEL Research contacts you by phone, letter or email or you receive an email from Reigate & Banstead Borough Council about the survey, please consider taking part as we hope to hear from a representative sample of the borough’s residents. 

It's not long now until you can have your say in this year's elections. Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 6 May. If you are voting in person, please keep yourself and others safe by:

• wearing a face covering
• bringing your own pen or pencil
• cleaning your hands when entering and leaving the polling station
• keeping a safe distance

If you are self-isolating or become unwell as a result of Covid-19, you are able to apply for an emergency proxy vote by 5pm on polling day. 

Look out for the Spring issue of Borough News dropping through your letterbox from 8 March. This issue highlights the steps we're taking towards making our borough more sustainable, provides an insight into local community organisations and celebrates the beauty of our green spaces. 

Census Day has now passed but there is still time to be included. It's important all of us fill in our census forms and it's a legal requirement to take part. If you need help, there are support services to help you. Visit www.census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021.

Hundreds of local people have been helping to keep Reigate & Banstead litter free this year, week in and week out, and many will be taking part in Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean over the next fortnight. We want to thank all our #LitterHeroes for their dedication and hard work, come rain and shine. If you want to join them or are thinking about organising a litter pick you can contact us at cleansing@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

You and your family will need to apply to continue living in the UK by 30 June if you are from the European Union (except Ireland), Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland and started living here by 31 December 2020. If you or a family member need help applying, support is available and application to the EU Settlement Scheme is free of charge.

Around one in three people infected with Covid-19 have no symptoms but can still pass it on. Symptom-free tests are a good way to identify positive cases so people don't spread the virus unknowingly. Twice weekly tests are now available for anyone over the age of 16 who lives, works or studies in Surrey at one of the Targeted Testing sites (such as The Harlequin and participating pharmacies). If you’re in the same household, childcare bubble or support bubble as a pupil or someone who works in a school or college, you can also order a test to collect or be delivered.

Our collection crews will be working as usual on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Please remember to put out your correct bins by 6am in the morning on your usual day. We make every effort to complete all scheduled rounds over the bank holidays, but if we cannot complete your collection, please leave your bins at the boundary of your property and we will return the next working day. You can check your bin collections dates here.

The Redhill venue is getting ready to open its doors after months of closure on Monday 17 May 2021, as part of phase 3 of the Government's roadmap. A varied and exciting range of live shows, films and event screenings is on offer. Plus, the Harlequin café will also reopen, serving delicious freshly made food and barista coffee. Extensive measures will be in place to make visiting the Harlequin a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

One of the theme's of this year's Surrey Day, celebrated on Saturday 1 May, was towns and villages. Not only do we have four great high streets in the borough - Banstead, Horley, Redhill and Reigate - but there's also a number of smaller shopping parades and villages, home to some fantastic local businesses. Please continue to follow Government guidelines when out and about.

Businesses can find information about the latest grants - including the new application window for the Additional Restrictions Grant - on our website.

Four new rubbish trucks have joined the Waste & Recycling Team and, like the 11 trucks that arrived last summer, these new arrivals have been given names from the shortlist suggested by the public. Watch out for Binderella, Humpty Dumpy, Johnny Trash and Puffa Wagon - coming to a street near you. As well as collecting your rubbish, the new trucks will reduce harmful emissions and the electric bin lifts will reduce fuel usage, as well as noise.

Ten local authorities in Surrey, including Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, have secured an additional £3 million from central government to help local householders improve their home’s energy efficiency, cut heating bills and help the environment. Applications for the new £3 million scheme opened on April 1 and homeowners are advised to get in touch directly with Action Surrey, an impartial energy advice centre, to find out if they are eligible as soon as possible.

Six more electric vehicles have joined our fleet and will be out and about in the borough soon. Low carbon transport is one of the priorities in our Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which aims to reduce the borough's environmental impact. So far we've installed 15 electric vehicle charging points across the borough (with 7 included in the Zap Map of public charging points). 

Last night saw the return of Annual Council to the Town Hall in Reigate for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to comply with the current Government guidance, some Members attended in person, while others participated remotely. During the meeting, the new Mayor was formally elected and the Leader, Cllr Mark Brunt, announced his new Executive line-up.

Next week we’re joining the nation in celebrating the incredible volunteers who have done so much to support our communities this year. Watch out for stories and interviews on our social media to learn more about the voluntary work that has taken place - from teaching English to refugees to helping at vaccination centres, from clearing scrubland to supplying food to those in need. We’re truly grateful to the more than 700 volunteers who work tirelessly in our borough and are taking this opportunity to say thank you.

This May half term, join in the fun as families track down the ‘Secret Carnival’ and its canny characters via their smartphones thanks to Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and High Street Safari. Launching tomorrow, the family trail will be found in four locations across the borough - Horley, Redhill and Reigate town centres, plus Tadworth and Walton on the Hill shopping parades. Keep your eyes peeled for 10 carnival characters hidden in the windows of local businesses in each location. 

Thanks to everyone who entered the Mayor's Art Competition. Themed 'Lockdown life - and the future', the competition invited children up to 19 years old to put pen to paper and share their experiences from the last year. Over 125 entries were received and, last night at Annual Council, the outgoing Mayor announced the winners.

Four new trucks have joined Bin Diesel and the rest of the team. Watch out for Binderella, Humpty Dumpy, Johnny Trash and Puffa Wagon – all names suggested by the public and chosen by our crews. As well as collecting your rubbish, the new trucks will reduce harmful emissions and the electric bin lifts will reduce fuel usage, as well as noise. All the trucks will be out collecting your bins this bank holiday so remember there are no changes to your collections.

Are you considering an extension or conversion or creating a garden office and aren't sure what the difference is between Planning and Building Control? Our Building Control team in conjunction with Planning and Trading Standards is hosting a 1 hour webinar at 3pm on 25 May offering practical advice and tips to guide you through the process. Find out more here.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is redrawing the map of Parliamentary constituencies in England and needs your help to make sure they take into consideration local knowledge and views.

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.

Our dedicated refuse and recycling crews, along with staff from other teams, have been working hard this month to cope with staff shortages due to sickness and self-isolation, as well as planned annual leave and a lack of drivers. They were working again this Saturday, as well as Bank Holiday Monday to catch up. Please continue to leave out any bins that may have been missed so the teams can collect them when catching up on their next round. We'd like to thank residents for their ongoing patience and support.

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. 

Up to £15,000 is available for eligible local homeowners to make their homes warmer and cheaper to run. The Green Jump Surrey Scheme has already helped hundreds of residents to become more energy efficient by improving their home insulation and installing solar panels and low carbon heating. Applications should be made directly to Action Surrey, an impartial energy advice centre and funding will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. 

Visit the 'Venue Reopening' page for a list of fantastic offers available until 6 June, including free cinema tickets for critical workers and half-price food in the cafe when you see a film or show. The Harlequin meets all Government regulations and is a Covid-secure venue. Extensive measures are in place throughout the building so that visitors and staff can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Redhill & Reigate u3a is holding a virtual event in collaboration with Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead (VARB), Age Concern Banstead and the Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Community Partnerships team to highlight the work of local volunteers during Volunteers’ Week. Tune in to hear inspiring interviews and stories from people across the borough who have supported communities throughout the pandemic, as well as examples of the musical and artistic activities that u3a members have taken part in remotely to stay active and connected. To join, visit the RRu3a page on YouTube: RRu3a – Reigate & Redhill, 10am on Wednesday 2 June.  

Rain or shine, you can enjoy the latest films and exciting live shows at the Harlequin Theatre & Cinema this summer! See new releases Dream Horse and Supernova on the big screen in July and don’t miss Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, just £4.50 as part of our Weekend Kids Club. Tickets are on sale for great family shows including Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain Part 5 and The Curious Adventures of Pinocchio. Keep an eye on social media for ‘Dish of the Week’ specials from the Harlequin Café menu too.

The Luna Cinema is back in Priory Park, Reigate from Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 July with three feel-good movies, great food and a bar (both with click and collect service). Get your tickets now for a night out under the stars. All tickets must be booked in advance and, due to social distancing, capacity is limited, so book your place early to avoid missing out! 

We hope you continue to enjoy using our parks and open spaces to catch up with your friends and loved ones over the summer. Please remember it's everyone’s responsibility to keep these spaces looking their best so put your litter in the bin or take it home with you; BBQs and fires are NOT allowed in any of our parks or open spaces; and, if you’re taking the dog, bag and bin any dog poo. You can use the litter bins for both so there are no rubbish excuses!

Surrey Environment Partnership’s spring compost bin sale is on now until Thursday 3 June. Surrey residents can get an exclusive discount on a 330 litre compost bin or a Green Johanna hot composter and soon reap the rewards of peat-free compost.

A huge thank you to the more than 10,000 of you who participated in surge testing in our borough.

A second huge thank you to those of you who self-isolated because of a positive test – we hope you’re feeling ok.

We really appreciate you coming forward and playing your part to contain the virus and help keep our communities safe.

The results are being collated and analysed, and we’ll communicate these once we receive them.

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!

We’d like to thank residents for their patience while some of our services including bin collections, cleansing, and grass cutting, have been subject to delays. Unfortunately these delays are likely to continue as we face unprecedented staff shortages due to illness, the need to self-isolate, and planned annual leave during the summer holidays. We are working our hardest to catch up and maintain regular services, but please be aware these delays may recur occasionally in coming weeks as we respond to these pressures. Please check back on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter, for the latest updates.

Spring is in the air and many of us will want to enjoy the borough's parks and green spaces. Please remember to take your litter away with you, or put it in the bin if there's room.

We want everyone to enjoy being outdoors this summer. 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. 

If you or someone you know is looking for a new job, check our website for our latest vacancies. Roles we've recently been recruiting for include Building Surveyor, Infrastructure Analyst, Civil Enforcement Officer, Group Accountant and Stage Technician. 

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.