• Area one is focused around Banstead, Walton-on-the-Hill, Tattenham Corner and Tadworth
• Area two is Reigate town centre and some of the surrounding area (including Meadvale)

Anyone who lives, works or studies in these areas is strongly encouraged to get a test, even if they've been vaccinated. 

Testing units will be in the following locations from Friday 18 June to Sunday 27 June. 

• Tadworth Leisure Centre, Preston Manor Road, Tadworth KT20 5FB
• Banstead High Street car park, 58-60 High Street, Banstead SM7 2LX
• The Mound car park, Royal Drive, Tattenham Corner KT18 5QB
• Reigate Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate RH2 0SH

Testing unit opening times:

• Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June - 8am to 6pm  
• Monday 21 June to Wednesday 23 June - 10am to 8pm 
• Thursday 24 June to Sunday 27 June - 9am to 5pm

Please note you should only take part in surge testing if you don't have any Covid symptoms. If you do have systems you should self isolate and book a PCR test in the usual way. 

Extensive surveillance of Covid-19 has identified that case rates in the borough of Reigate & Banstead have been increasing for the past few weeks. This is especially evident in the younger age groups, including secondary school age children. In addition to this, an increasing number of these are the Delta variant, which not only is more transmissible than the Alpha (Kent) strain but may also be associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation nationally, for those who have not been fully vaccinated. 

Testing will, in combination with measures such as hands-face-space and following national guidance, help to suppress and control the spread of the virus.

Positive tests with a high enough viral load will be sequenced enabling a better understanding of the variant(s) and the potential spread.

Cllr Mark Brunt, Leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, explained: “The ask is two pronged – we are asking everyone who lives, works or studies in the affected areas to get a PCR test, but also to ensure they get vaccinated as soon they are offered – both their first and second doses. We know that two doses offer much more protection.

“While overall case rates are nowhere near the rates we saw at the beginning of the year, they are rising. We are taking this proactive approach to reduce the spread so that we can all continue to enjoy our returned freedoms. Please play your part.”

Ruth Hutchinson, Director of Public Health, Surrey County Council said, “We’ve been seeing rates rising in Reigate and Banstead for some weeks, and we now have evidence of community transmission of the Delta variant. Surge testing in the affected areas is the best way we have of identifying cases and making sure anyone who tests positive isolates, in order to prevent further spread of the variant.

“We know that the Delta variant is more transmissible, so it’s even more important for people to follow the guidance at this time – limit your number of contacts, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, keep your distance and cover your face. If you test positive, you must isolate to stop the spread of the virus.

“From Friday 18 June, anyone over the age of 18 is eligible for the vaccine, so please make sure you book in for your jab, and get both doses, to protect yourself and everyone around you.”

The best way to protect your friends and family is to get vaccinated. Everyone aged 18 or over can now book their life-saving Covid-19 jab. 

The vaccines are working. Data shows they are weakening the link between cases and hospitalisations and deaths. We now have to get everyone vaccinated as soon as possible, in order to limit the virus' ability to spread and mutate, and to protect the NHS.

If you feel you need support throughout this crisis, please visit our website. Here you will find details of help available, including via an online directory with information about local services that can support you with a variety of matters.

For information on all council services, please visit our website, follow our social media channels, or sign up for a MyReigate&Banstead account online to receive email updates.

Local businesses can receive the latest business news by signing up to the Business E-Bulletin.

Four projects to help revitalise Horley town centre were given the go-ahead on 17 September by the Council’s Executive. The 'Delivering Change in Horley' programme will deliver a set of four interrelated projects.

Residents and visitors to Redhill are being asked their views on the town centre’s Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). The existing order, now due for review, was issued in 2017. The Council is now running a six-week consultation in which it is asking the public to share views of the Protection Order’s impact over the past three years, as well as consider an extension and/or amendments. 

Great progress is being made on the Council’s new cinema, retail and homes development at Marketfield Way in Redhill despite the coronavirus outbreak. The first stage of works, to get the site ready for the main construction, is now virtually complete.

Residents have named Reigate & Banstead’s 11 new rubbish trucks. Almost 250 people took part and it was a tough decision for the crews to choose their favourites.

Following the reopening of the Waller Studio cinema in July, the Harlequin reopened its Café on 14 September. The Café is under new management and has a fresh look and a brand new menu.

The emergency community response has changed in line with residents’ needs and the easing of lockdown. The food store moved out of the Harlequin Theatre into new premises from where we continue to supply local food banks. Emergency food and prescription deliveries, as well as weekly welfare calls, have been phased out and alternatives put in place for vulnerable residents.

Have your say on a £1.5m project to revamp Merstham Recreation Ground. If you live in Merstham or use Merstham Recreation Ground, we'd like to hear your ideas for improving the park, located between Weldon Way and Albury Road. The consultation runs until 5 October. 

MEL Research is carrying out surveys on our behalf to seek local views to help improve our services. Research includes an online and telephone survey - please spare the time to take part if you are contacted. Anyone who wants to have a say can complete the online survey until Monday 5 October.

The new NHS Covid-19 app launched on 24 September. You’ll get alerts if you’re near someone who has tested positive for the virus and it's the fastest way to see if you’re at risk. The more people use the app - the more we can keep each other safe and stop infection rates rising.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Councillor Derek Allcard on Monday 7 September 2020.

Make sure your electoral registration details are up to date in the annual electoral canvass. Changes to the canvass process this year mean that residents may receive an email or text message from us about this for the first time.

This is a difficult time for many, but we’ve seen incredible community support over this period – a real testament to you, our residents.

Where you can, look out for your neighbours and others around you, and should you wish to support your local community you can find some ways you can help – such as by supporting your local food banks or volunteering some of your time - on our website.

Find out more by visiting www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/donate. 

The Government has introduced a new three tiered system of local COVID-19 alert levels in England and Reigate & Banstead is currently a Medium (tier 1) risk area. Find out about the new local COVID alert levels, Medium, High and Very High, what restrictions apply in the borough as a Medium risk area, and a postcode checker to find out the alert level in a specific area, at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Visit the coronavirus pages of our website to find out about support available locally, as well as the latest information about council services and what you can do to support your community during the pandemic.

Dorothy Ross-Tomlin and Michael Selby officially have been honoured for their long and outstanding service to residents of the borough. They received the title of Honorary Alderwoman and Honorary Alderman, respectively, during the virtual Extraordinary Council Meeting on 24 September.

This is a difficult time for many, but we’ve seen incredible community support over this period – a real testament to you, our residents.

Where you can, look out for your neighbours and others around you, and should you wish to support your local community you can find some ways you can help – such as by supporting your local food banks or volunteering some of your time - on our website.

Find out more by visiting www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/donate. 

The Council is proposing to build a crematorium and memorial garden in the borough to provide a more local service for bereaved families. Currently, Reigate & Banstead residents who wish their loved ones to be cremated must journey to a facility out of the borough, usually to Leatherhead, Crawley or Croydon. Research carried out last year that showed there is a clear need and since then, the Council has been carrying out feasibility studies, including work to identify a site.

Reigate & Banstead has highlighted several concerns with the Government’s proposed changes to the current planning system via a robust formal response, as part of the recent public consultation. The council is particularly concerned about the negative impact it could have on the number of affordable homes in the borough.

Surrey Leaders welcome the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG’s) recent announcement and clarity on local government reorganisation. Surrey Leaders will now focus their work on solutions meeting the MHCLG’s direction, which means that an element of its original work – to explore unitary solutions – will be paused.

Memorial Park, Redhill and Priory Park, Reigate have been recognised again this year as some of the very best green spaces, by achieving coveted Green Flag status in this global award scheme.

£6.2 million has been made available to help 600 Surrey households save money on their energy bills. The funding for “Green Jump Surrey” has been awarded through central Government to local authorities across the county and will provide eligible households up to £10,000 to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

The Redhill Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which regulates anti-social behaviour in the town centre, has been approved for a further three years following a review of feedback from residents, businesses, and local community groups. Look out for new and improved PSPO signage being introduced in the town centre.

We're still continuing to monitor a confirmed case of blue-green algae in Earlswood Lakes. We’d like to remind visitors to avoid contact with the water and dog owners should not let their pets swim or drink from the lakes under any circumstance. Blue-green algae releases toxins that can be very harmful to humans and our furry friends.

Do you have experience in software development and technical ICT? We are seeking a full time Business Improvements Analyst, who has excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to help deliver our ICT and Digital Strategy. Closing date 4 November. Keep up to date with current vacancies and find out about working at RBBC.

Read about the latest updates to service changes by visiting the coronavirus pages of our website and clicking on ‘Council service updates’.

Despite the ongoing restrictions, all our essential services continue to run as normal. Further information can be found on our Council service updates page.

Christmas waste and recycling changes

• As usual there will be changes to waste and recycling collections over some of the public holidays. We will notify residents in the coming weeks and the information will be published on our website.
• Members of the garden waste service will see the regular two-week service break over the Christmas period, starting from Monday 28 December. Normal services will resume from 11 January.