Thank you to everyone who kindly provided their views on arts and cultural provision as part of our engagement activities in October. 160 people attended the events, and we received over 500 questionnaire responses. We are analysing the feedback to help us understand community aspirations, which will inform the development of options for interim and future provision. With regard to the Theatre building itself, we anticipate reports on the RAAC and building surveys to be issued later in November for our analysis and consideration. Before any decisions are taken on next steps, Councilors will need to have the opportunity consider the costs and implications of the surveys findings, all of which will inform a report to the Executive in January 2025.

The Banstead Pantry opened on Banstead High Street with a launch event in October and is having a positive impact on the local community. It offers affordable, healthy food to members in the area, bridging the gap between traditional food banks and regular supermarkets. It is part of the national ‘Your Local Pantry’ network and a collaboration between the Council, Raven Housing Trust and the Good Company Surrey. The project is funded by the UK Government as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council, will be available to take your questions on Tuesday 12 November between 4pm and 6pm. If you have questions 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

We have had to close the Tattenham Corner recycling site as it was attracting large volumes of fly tipping which was expensive to remove and contaminating other recycling that was being disposed of responsibly. Despite the use of mobile CCTV, enhanced signage and fixed penalty notices, our cleansing team was removing the equivalent of 300 transit vans full of dumped waste from the site annually. The Tattenham Corner site was originally established for residents who may not have had access to our full household recycling service. However this has now changed as residents in the area can now recycle waste easily from home. The clothes banks remain in situ and are still available for use.

The Safer Redhill partnership is encouraging people visiting, working or living in Redhill to report anti-social behaviour (ASB) and keep the town centre safer for everyone to enjoy. Run by Surrey Police in partnership with Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and YMCA East Surrey, the campaign encourages members of the public to call out ASB. It also seeks to help people recognise the different types of problem behaviour and understand how they can report it easily to the Police, the Council or anonymously to Crimestoppers. 

Do you have a passion for public service? Would you like to make a difference in people's lives and be part of an effective council committed to delivering for its residents? If yes, please take a look at our current vacancies. We are currently recruiting for a Senior Customer Contact Adviser, an Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, an Investigations Officer, Cleaners and Casual Drivers.

Six Surrey schools shared £6,000 as part of the Rethink Waste scheme, a Surrey Environment Partnership initiative that encourages residents to reduce waste. Two local primary schools, Furzefield Primary School and Walton on the Hill Primary School received cash grants to fund various environmental projects, including installing a green roof, building a bug hotel and purchasing litter-picking equipment. Rethink Waste members donate points earned from completing activities such as playing games to local schools and the schools with the most points, receive cash prize money. The next round of school donations closes on 12 November. In our borough Epsom Downs Community School and Wray Common Primary School are both in the running. Sign up and donate!

Time is running out to make sure your details are correct on the electoral register. Please check for the details and reminders we’ve sent to your household and respond so you can have your say in future elections. We’re required to call or visit households that are yet to reply. The annual canvass allows us to keep the electoral register up to date and invite people to register if they aren’t already, so make sure you don’t miss out.

A resident has been fined £2,000 after Reigate & Banstead Borough Council took him to court for burning plastics and other waste in his backyard. He had repeatedly disregarded warnings and advice, including a Community Protection Warning and a Community Protection Notice.

The popular Reigate on Ice returns to the beautiful setting of Priory Park on 29 November and promises more sparkle and fun than ever before. We're pleased to welcome back the Matthews Organisation and its festive skating experience, which will run until 1 January. The ice rink, one of the largest temporary winter rinks outside of London, is suitable for skaters of all levels – from seasoned pros to total beginners. Covered by a clear span tent, visitors will be able to skate in the park whatever the weather. Other attractions include family rides, food stalls, an alpine bar and live music. A free Fireworks Display has been scheduled for Saturday 30 November to kick-start festivities - the same day as the Christmas light switch on event in Reigate.

The Asian Social Group welcomes you to celebrate Diwali at The Belfry on Saturday 2 November from 12pm to 3pm. There will be lots of fun activities including Bollywood Music, Dance Performances, Indian Handcraft, Indian Food Stalls, Face Painting, as well as the lighting of Diva by the Mayor. For more information contact: info@asiansocialgroup.org

Every so often we must publish a gambling policy setting out the principles we will apply when exercising our licensing functions under The Gambling Act 2005. We are proposing two minor changes and amendments in line with current guidance, to our existing policy notably on: Adult gaming centres and Bingo. Have your say.

We want to know what you think of a draft plan that sets out our vision and priorities for 2025 to 2030. Reigate & Banstead 2030 describes how we'll need to focus our limited resources in order to contribute to our vision for a healthy, sustainable borough. It's really important that what we plan to do for the next five years reflects the needs of the whole borough so please take a look at the draft plan and get involved by completing the survey, attending a drop-in event or sending us your views in writing before 20 November. 

The Surrey Hills National Landscape is calling on the public to help shape its future for the next 75 years. By completing a quick survey, participants can share their views on key issues - like wildlife re-introduction, renewable energy and accessibility. The survey results will help guide discussions at the upcoming Surrey Hills Symposium on 13 November at the University of Surrey, where policymakers and conservation leaders will explore the future of this iconic landscape. These ideas will then help shape the next Surrey Hills Management Plan.

Citizens Advice Reigate and Banstead (CARB) has many amazing staff and volunteers who support local people with a wide variety of concerns like money and debt issues, benefits, work, immigration, housing and consumer issues. They offer telephone advice and appointments at their offices in Redhill, Banstead and in the community. 

They can help people make sure they are claiming for everything they are entitled to. With the winter fuel payment ending for those not on Pension Credit, CARB can check if someone you know of pensionable age is eligible for Pension Credit. You can get in touch on: 0808 278 7945 or the website below. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact recruitment@carbs.org.uk 

Adults aged over 65, those with long term health conditions and pregnant people are all encouraged to get vaccinated against flu and COVID. GP practices and pharmacies are offering the flu vaccine. This year there is the option of booking a combined appointment to have both vaccines at the same time.

The Department of Work and Pensions is urging Tax Credit customers to respond to their Universal Credit migration notices so they continue to receive benefits. Tax credits are closing in April 2025 and customers must respond to their migration notices to continue receiving benefits.

Did you know that if you are of State Pension age and eligible for Pension Credit, you could receive extra support for heating costs such as the Winter Fuel Payment, the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payments? Please check that your friends and loved ones know about Pension Credit and help them to find out if they could be eligible to receive this vital support.