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.

Registration is now open to join a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage. We've teamed up with Surrey County Council and independent experts in group-buying, iChoosr Ltd, to make it easier for Reigate & Banstead residents to purchase high-quality solar panels for their homes at a competitive price. Register for free, and without obligation, before 29 June to take part.

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!

Creating specific planning policies is one important way to help achieve environmental sustainability across the borough. To support this, we're now seeking views on a new Climate Change and Sustainable Construction draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which builds on policies contained in the borough’s Local Plan Core Strategy and Development Management Plan. This consultation closes on 23 June.

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.  

The Luna Cinema is back in Priory Park from Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 July with 3 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! 

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.

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.

On 17 May, restrictions eased further in line with step 3 of the Government roadmap. Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues and attractions are now open and people can meet outdoors in groups of up to 30 or indoors in groups of up to six people or two households.

You may be taking a holiday over half term but please remember to travel safely - plan ahead and follow the guidelines. Remember hands - face - space - fresh air - and to self-isolate and get a test if you have any Covid-19 symptoms.

Vaccinations are now being offered to anyone over 30, alongside the other priority groups. Find out more about vaccinations in Surrey here.

Alongside the vaccine rollout, regular testing is at the heart of plans to reopen our society and everyone in England, including those without symptoms, can now take a free, rapid COVID-19 test twice a week.