Category: News

New community councils proposed in Epsom & Ewell

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has voted to proceed to the second stage of its community governance review (CGR). The next CGR consultation, running from 16 December 2025 until 1 February 2026, will ask residents if they want two new community councils – Epsom Community Council and Ewell Community Council. Together, the new councils would cover the same area as the current borough of Epsom & Ewell.

If created, the councils would be funded through an additional council tax charge known as a precept, estimated at £43.52–£46.15 per year for a Band D property.

The councils would initially be responsible for allotments and would be statutory consultees on planning matters, able to reflect the concerns and aspirations of residents during any planning application process in the borough. If established, the new community councils could take on responsibility for more services in the future where this is agreed with the new unitary East Surrey Council, such as parks, playgrounds, and community centres.  Elections for the new community councils would be expected to take place in May 2027.

epsom ewellFollowing the meeting, Councillor John Beckett, Chair of the Standards and Constitution Committee, said:

“From April 2027, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will be abolished and replaced by a new unitary council, which will be responsible for services across the whole of East Surrey. This will cover Epsom & Ewell, Tandridge, Reigate & Banstead, Mole Valley and Elmbridge—approximately 545,798 people. Because Epsom & Ewell is currently an unparished borough, there will be no lower tier of local government below the new unitary council.

“We believe that new community councils could support local democracy by ensuring the voices of local community groups, businesses and residents in Epsom & Ewell continue to be heard by decision-makers in the new unitary council.”

The CGR consultation will ask residents:

        • whether to create two parishes (Epsom and Ewell) served by two community councils, with the associated precept, and if they should be named Epsom Community Council and Ewell Community Council
        • about proposed warding arrangements for the new councils, which is for them to remain the same as for Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, meaning eight wards for Ewell Community Council and six for Epsom Community Council
        • whether they agree with the proposed number of Councillors, which is two for each ward.

The consultation will be available on the consultation website from 10am on 16 December: https://eebc.inconsult.uk/CGRproposal/consultationHome; paper consultation questionnaires will be available in Epsom Town Hall, Bourne Hall, local libraries across the borough and the Community & Wellbeing Centre, Longmead, during normal opening hours.

Councillor John Beckett continued: “The proposed community councils would support local democracy in Epsom & Ewell, but it is important to note that their creation would have a financial consequence on households in the borough. We encourage residents to share their views by responding to the consultation before it closes on 1 February 2026.”

In January, Councillors will hold a series of events in the borough where residents will be able to ask questions about the proposals for new community councils, their warding arrangements and responsibilities, the precept and more.

Following the consultation, an extraordinary meeting of full Council will be held on or before 20 March 2026 to consider the outcome of the consultation and determine if a Reorganisation Order will be made at that meeting to create the new councils.

Murder Investigation in Ewell

Surrey Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Ewell on Tuesday 9th December.
 
Police were called to The Wheatsheaf in Kingston Road around 3.30pm following reports that a man with serious injuries had been found in an alleyway next to the pub.
 
Ambulance crews were called to the scene and the man was treated for his injuries but was sadly pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
 
An investigation, led by the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, is underway to establish the circumstances of the man’s death.
 
A cordon is in place and Kingston Road and Chessington Road are currently closed in both directions.
 
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Chris Friday, said: “Firstly, I would like to pay my heartfelt condolences to the man’s family and friends for their loss.
 
“I know that there will be a lot of concern and speculation in the local community this evening about what has happened, and I would like to reassure you that we are working at pace to establish the exact circumstances of this man’s death and identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
 
“I would also like to thank local residents for their patience and cooperation while we deal with this incident.
 
“I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area round the time of the incident, or with any other information about what has happened, to come forward as soon as possible. I would also appeal to anyone in the vicinity with doorbell or CTV footage to make contact with us as a matter of urgency.”
 
If you can help, please contact us quoting PR/452501488431 via: If you do not wish to speak to police, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this sad time.

Planning Submitted for Bull Hill and Swan Centre

Now live – Planning application for the regeneration of the Swan Centre and Bull Hill submitted to Local Planning Authority, Mole Valley District Council

  • A planning application for the Swan Centre and Bull Hill in Leatherhead was submitted on 6thNovember by The Leret Partnership to the Local Planning Authority, Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) and is now live on the planning portal following validation.
  • If approved, the proposals would deliver up to 480 new homes, including affordable homes, improved public spaces, a multi-storey car park, a modern sustainable office, a potential GP surgery, a three-screen cinema, improved shops, and new cafes and restaurants.
  • The scheme would deliver new homes and jobs on a sustainable, well-connected brownfield site, attracting inward investment and supporting the delivery of MVDC’s Transform Leatherhead programme.

In a key milestone for the Transform Leatherhead regeneration programme, The Leret Partnership, a joint venture between Mole Valley District Council and Kier Property, submitted its planning application on 6th November to regenerate the Swan Centre and bring much-needed new homes to Bull Hill in Leatherhead. The application has now been validated and is available to view on the Planning Portal.

Leatherhead’s shopping centre, the Swan Centre, will see major improvements with over £12m of investment which will include four new restaurant and café spaces, modern and attractive shopfronts for the existing Swan Centre units, a new three-screen cinema and an enhanced central square for markets and community events.

The proposals for Bull Hill, located between Leatherhead Station and the High Street, will create a well-connected, landscape-led neighbourhood designed around green public spaces and sustainable travel. They include up to 480 homes, including affordable homes, modern sustainable office space, a potential GP surgery, a new multi-storey car park, alongside better, safer and separate pedestrian and cycling links.

The proposals will deliver much-needed new homes on a well-connected, sustainable brownfield site and bring more people into Leatherhead to live, work and visit, providing a catalyst for further investment into the town. The proposals are expected to support c.870 construction jobs each year during the build, and around c.1,300 permanent jobs once complete. The scheme will deliver c.£9m in developer contributions, which will help fund infrastructure and community improvements.

Along with the proposals for the Swan Centre, detailed plans for the northeast section of Bull Hill have been submitted, with 276 of the total number of homes being proposed. The remainder of the proposals for Bull Hill are in outline only, with further details for the remaining parts of Bull Hill to be considered in the future.

The planning application will now be subject to a 30-day statutory consultation run by the Local Planning Authority, Mole Valley District Council, where local residents can submit their feedback on the proposals.

 

Cllr Keira Vyvyan-Robinson, Cabinet Member for Property and Projects, Mole Valley District Council, said: “The submission is a significant milestone in the delivery of the Transform Leatherhead programme and a real step forward in boosting Leatherhead’s unique position as the gateway to the Surrey Hills.

“The proposals will breathe new life into Leatherhead’s town centre, rejuvenate the Swan Centre and deliver much-needed homes for the district, providing jobs and securing sustainable investment for the local community.”

 

Leigh Thomas, Group Managing Director for Kier Property, said: “We have worked closely with our JV partner, Mole Valley District Council, to deliver on Transform Leatherhead’s vision for a sustainable and revitalised town centre, a truly market-facing scheme that unlocks significant inward investment to drive regeneration, economic growth and lasting community benefit. By attracting and deploying this investment strategically, the scheme will deliver real impact; much-needed homes, new jobs and high-quality workspace, alongside a revitalised High Street and Swan Centre that will re-energise Leatherhead’s heart.

“This is about more than development; it’s about unlocking value and confidence in Leatherhead’s future. Through comprehensive engagement with stakeholders and the community, including a Community Design Review Panel, we have shaped proposals that are robust, deliverable and aligned with the town’s long-term transformation.”

planning submitted for Bull Hill and Swan Centre

Reigate St Mary’s Champions Growth Mindset for Lifelong Success

Reigate St Mary’s teaches children a growth mindset that focuses on embracing challenges and the power of “yet.” This approach builds resilience and adaptability, qualities Forbes says 80% of companies link to success.

Reigate, Surrey – Tuesday 2 December 2025 – At Reigate St Mary’s, we believe that education is about more than grades; it’s about equipping children with the mindset to thrive in an ever-changing world. That’s why we place a strong emphasis on developing a growth mindset – a concept that transforms how children approach learning, challenges, and success.

A growth mindset teaches pupils that intelligence and ability are not fixed traits but can be cultivated through effort, perseverance, and resilience. This approach contrasts sharply with a fixed mindset, where fear of failure and staying within one’s comfort zone can limit potential. At RSM, we encourage every child to embrace the word “yet” – as in, I don’t know how to do that… yet. This simple shift fosters confidence and curiosity.

Our commitment to growth mindset principles is reflected in our culture. We moved away from traditional status symbols such as head boy or girl roles and prize-giving ceremonies, choosing instead to celebrate every child’s unique strengths and the hard work behind their achievements. Positive feedback focuses on effort and progress, not rankings or percentages, ensuring that all pupils feel valued and motivated by inner fulfilment rather than external validation.

Why does this matter? Beyond the classroom, a growth mindset is a powerful predictor of success. In fact, a recent Forbes article revealed that 80% of companies believe a growth mindset among employees directly drives profits, underscoring its importance in the modern workplace. By instilling these values early, we prepare our children not only to excel academically but to adapt, innovate, and lead in their future careers.

As life’s challenges grow more complex, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, seek help when needed, and keep striving is invaluable. At Reigate St Mary’s, we don’t just teach children what to learn – we teach them how to think, grow, and flourish.

For more information about our approach and admissions, visit www.reigatestmarys.org

BID to be established in Leatherhead

New Business Improvement District to be established in Leatherhead

Businesses in Leatherhead town centre have voted to establish a Business Improvement District (BID), set to run for an initial five-year term.

This development means that, starting in January 2026, the new Leatherhead BID will begin delivering a wide range of projects and services designed to enhance and revitalise the town centre. The BID will be funded by a 2% levy on business premises with a rateable value of £8,000 or more within the BID boundary, ensuring dedicated investment goes into the town centre.

The formal declaration of the ballot result can be viewed on the Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) website.

Councillor Paula Keay, MVDC Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy, said: “The establishment of a new BID is a positive step forward for Leatherhead and I look forward to working with the new BID board. It builds on the success of BIDs across neighbouring towns, enabling local businesses to deliver town centre improvements across the area and will ensure that Leatherhead can benefit from fresh initiatives, and a brighter future for businesses and the community alike.”

Bruce Shaw, Director, BID Shadow Board, said: “The Leatherhead BID Shadow Board is delighted that businesses have voted in favour of establishing a Business Improvement District for the town centre, marking an exciting new chapter for Leatherhead. Following the short statutory standstill period, the hard work begins in January, with the Board immediately commencing delivery of the business plan, starting with the recruitment of a dedicated BID Co-ordinator to lead day-to-day activity. We warmly encourage more businesses to get actively involved in shaping Leatherhead’s future, whether by joining the Board or participating in themed working groups, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who supported and contributed to the BID’s development journey.”

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business-funded body formed to improve a defined commercial area, playing a crucial role in revitalising town centres across the UK. The majority of BIDs exist in town and city centres, however they are also in industrial, commercial and mixed-use locations.

Reigate School Awarded Eco-Schools Green Flag

Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory & Choir School has been awarded the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction, recognising its exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability through innovative, whole-school initiatives.

Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory & Choir School is proud to announce it has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction, a prestigious international accolade recognising outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability in education.

The Eco-Schools programme is the world’s largest environmental education initiative, engaging millions of students across 70 countries. The Green Flag with Distinction is its highest honour, awarded to schools that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and whole-school engagement in sustainability.

“This award reflects the passion and dedication of our pupils, staff, and wider community,” said Headteacher [Insert Name]. “Sustainability is not just a subject at Reigate St Mary’s – it’s a way of thinking, learning, and living.”

The school’s success was driven by a wide range of impactful initiatives, including:

  • A collaborative meat-free cookbook, STEAM days, and Gardening Missions that fostered creativity and teamwork
  • Marine conservation projects such as a giant fish sculpture and interactive lessons on ocean plastics
  • Waste reduction efforts through Terracycle recycling, composting schemes, and inventive reuse for World Book Day costumes

These projects are part of a broader commitment to sustainability embedded in the school’s Education for Social Responsibility (ESR) curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to explore values that support personal wellbeing, community harmony, and planetary stewardship.

Reigate St Mary’s also continues to invest in sustainable infrastructure, including the recently opened Beech Lodge – an eco-friendly classroom block featuring energy-efficient lighting, natural wood cladding, and high-performance insulation.

“This distinction is a testament to the power of education to inspire change,” said Marcus Culverwell, Headmaster. “Our students are not just learning about sustainability – they’re leading it.”

 

Epsom & Ewell Council 2024/25 Annual Report

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has published its 2024/25 Annual Report, which is available on the council’s website: Epsom & Ewell Annual Report 2024/25 | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

The report highlights key achievements over the past year, including:

  • setting a balanced budget for 2025/26
  • allocating £331,966 to Neighbourhood CIL projects following bids from community groups and organisations, and £1,755,000 to three Strategic CIL projects
  • determining over 90% of planning applications within the statutory timeframe, including 100% of all major or larger applications, and introducing a new fast-track planning service
  • receiving a Green Flag Award for Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve for the eighteenth consecutive year; Nonsuch Park also received two South & South East in Bloom awards
  • installing the council’s largest solar panel array to date on the roof of the Rainbow Leisure Centre in Epsom, and hosting an event to mark Suicide Prevention Day in partnership with local charities and organisations.

Image of Jackie King Epsom & Ewell CouncilJackie King, Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:

“I am proud to present Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s 2024/25 Annual Report which reflects the dedication and impact of our teams on the borough over the last financial year.

As always, our Councillors and workforce of more than 280 officers have provided exceptional service to around 80,000 residents and 3,700 businesses across the borough, despite significant financial challenges.

The report showcases excellent work from teams across the council — from our Waste Services team, who collected 99.9% of the borough’s bins on time in 2024/25, to the Planning Policy team who were recently awarded ‘Best Plan’ at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s South East Awards for Planning Excellence. It highlights the proactive work of our Countryside team, backed by volunteers and partners, in protecting and enriching the borough’s biodiverse and beautiful green spaces.

I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and I know we are in a good position to meet the challenges ahead.
I look forward to continuing to deliver the council’s new strategic priorities and working towards local government reorganisation – whilst continuing to provide the high-quality services our residents depend upon.”

Guildford Festival of the Arts

The Guildford Festival of the Arts is delighted to announce the success of its inaugural outing, which brought together artists, venues, and audiences from across the community over four days from September 25–28. More than 2,400 visits were recorded across twenty venues with participants enjoying 50 talks, workshops and demonstrations, as well as the festival’s three open-call exhibitions, featuring the work of 100 artists.

Highlights included the festival’s Art Trail with some 300 people taking part, collecting stamps on their festival maps at eleven trail locations in the town centre and discovering a wide range of creative work along the way. Waiting for them at the end was a free drink at either the Star Inn or Britannia pub, courtesy of Shepherd Neame brewers. Another was the transformation of the exterior of the Old Orleans building – a collaboration by 10 street artists led by artist Roo and Guildford Borough Council.

Artist Alexandra Bateman received the Knight Frank Art Prize for her work Cyclist 13, awarded by the festival’s Open Call judges Peter Gordon, Nathalie Beauvillain-Scott, Alex Tommis and Sue Dragon, while Mabel Welvaert was given the George Weil Student Prize for her painting Squint. Artist Ellen Doggett won the public vote for her piece 100 Days of Lockdown and will receive an opportunity to exhibit her work at New House Art Space.

‘I loved being a part of the inaugural Guildford Festival of the Arts. Both as someone holding a pottery class for others to attend and taking part myself by making a pot for the Watt’s Gallery celebration of Mary Watt’s 175th birthday. It was also great to see venues I hadn’t visited before, despite not completing my trail for a free beer!’ – Ysanne Brooks, host of Handbuilding Pottery Workshop at Solar Sisters.

‘I am so grateful for the support shown throughout the festival, from the artists and venues to our sponsors, partners and everyone who joined the trail, workshops and exhibitions. When we first set out, we wanted to shine a light on the creative spaces in Guildford that support the arts all year round. We hoped people would discover somewhere new, try a new craft or activity, and perhaps even find a passion that inspires them to sign up for more workshops in the future. I think it’s safe to say we’ve succeeded.’ – Charlie Cluff, Co-founder and Director of GFOTA

Plans are already in the works for next year with Charlie Cluff and Co-Founder Lauren Gerrard looking to build upon the momentum of this year’s event, further fostering relationships with the festival’s venues, artistic partners and sponsors to showcase the vast richness of Guildford’s creative community.

Arts Alive Arts Festival Now On!

Mole Valley’s Arts Alive festival is underway! Throughout October, Mole Valley is home to 135 artistic and cultural events for people to come and experience. Nearly half of these events will be either free, or under £5 to attend. More good news is that you won’t need to wait until October to get started! Arts Alive kicked off with two big launch events in Dorking and Leatherhead that were free to attend.

You can now browse and book sessions you would like to join via the Arts Alive website here. There are plenty of activities for families as well as evening events, and there’s truly something for everyone whether you’re looking to spectate or perhaps try your hand at something artistic! We want everyone to feel empowered to try something new at Arts Alive this year and find a passion that might grow into an exciting new hobby for years to come! Some interesting highlights for this year include:

      • Come and Sing St John’s Passion at St Martin’s Church with Leith Hill Music Festival – 11 Oct
      • The Magic of Bees – Rituals Workshop with The Wild Bee Company – 25 Oct
      • Come and Try Acro, Ballet, Musical Theatre or Tap with Lisa Allen Dance & Arts (LADA) – 4 Oct
      • A number of fascinating talks and events at the newly renovated Pippbrook House including a wine glass painting class and a talk on the work of Agatha Christie.

Helping to promote this year’s festival is Magic Radio presenter, as well as Surrey local, Jack Pepper! One of the UK’s youngest commissioned composers, national radio broadcaster and featured in HM the King’s “35 under 35” list, Jack can now add “2025 Patron of Arts Alive” to his list of accolades, joining such luminaries as Dame Judi Dench, Lorraine Kelly and Gyles Brandreth.

cllr Nick WrightMVDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Community Assets Cllr Nick Wright said: “It’s great to see Arts Alive return in 2025 with a huge variety of cultural activities for people to experience. Supported by Mole Valley District Council, the Arts Alive Festival committee has worked hard to organise a packed itinerary of events for everyone in Mole Valley to enjoy. Whether you’re building on existing interests, knowledge or skills, or would like to experience something new, I highly encourage you to take a look at the programme online and book yourself a place!”

Arts alive now on

Equipment Worth Over £148,000 Donated to Epsom Hospital

Epsom Medical Equipment Fund donates life-saving equipment worth over £148,000 to Epsom Hospital, aided by snooker legend Jimmy White at the Epsom Club on Wednesday, 24th September.

The Local charity, run by Bess Harding MBE, continues vital support for hospital services with major donations including 29 defibrillators, specialist laser equipment, and an advanced eye camera

Life-Saving Defibrillators Replace Ageing Equipment

Following an urgent request from the hospital’s RESUS team, EMEF has purchased 29 new defibrillators at a cost of £44,000 to replace equipment that had reached the end of its useful life. The new AED 3 BLS devices have been strategically placed throughout the hospital in A&E, clinics, and outpatient areas, ensuring life-saving equipment is readily available where needed most.

The presentation of the defibrillators took place at Epsom Club, hosted by Darren Hull, with snooker champion Jimmy White taking time from his busy schedule to present the equipment to Chris Rivers, Estates Director at Epsom General Hospital.

Epsom Medical Equipment Fund Donates Life-Saving Equipment Worth Over £148,000 to Epsom General Hospital

Memorial Donation Enhances Ear Surgery Capabilities

In August 2025, EMEF acquired a £40,000 specialist laser for day surgery procedures on delicate and complex areas of the ear. The equipment has been donated to Epsom General Hospital in memory of Jimmy Hendry, a highly regarded physiotherapist at the hospital who recently passed away. Mr Hendry was known for his innovative approach to patient care, notably inventing the “Hendry Hand” device for wrist injury treatment, which reduces patient discomfort during treatment.

This donation means patients can now receive specialist ear surgery locally without needing to travel to St. George’s Hospital.

Advanced Eye Care Technology Prevents Blindness

EMEF has also funded a specialised eye camera costing £64,000 for the Epsom Eye Unit. The sophisticated equipment enables consultants to capture detailed photographs during examinations, which can be studied independently or collaboratively with colleagues to determine optimal treatment pathways and help prevent blindness.

Community Support Strengthens Fund

The charity has received valuable support from the Ashley Centre, which provided accommodation when EMEF lost its room at the hospital. The centre’s Kids Club has donated money to the fund, and EMEF continues to hold carol singing events at the centre.

Epsom Medical Equipment Fund Donates Life-Saving Equipment Worth Over £148,000 to Epsom General Hospital

Professional Endorsements

Paul Day, Deputy Resuscitation Manager at Epsom Hospital’s Resuscitation Service, commented: “We are delighted to accept this incredibly generous donation of AEDs from the Epsom Medical Equipment Fund. These defibrillators are used in public areas such as waiting rooms and outpatient clinics, and are also mounted on the walls of our corridors. They replace older models, upgrading the existing equipment on the Epsom site.”

Chris Rivers, Director of Estates, stated: “The NHS provides essential equipment for patient care, but charities like EMEF can go further by funding upgrades, improvements, and additional items that enhance safety and patient experience. Thanks to their generosity, we can now offer state-of-the-art AEDs that are intuitive, lightweight, and easy for both the public and healthcare professionals to use. We would like to thank EMEF, particularly Bess Harding and all her supporters, for their hard work in raising funds for this life-saving equipment.”

Epsom Medical Equipment Fund Donates Life-Saving Equipment Worth Over £148,000 to Epsom General Hospital

Rob Chave, Territory Manager for Hospital South London & South East England at ZOLL Medical UK, added: “The AED 3 BLS is a device specifically designed by ZOLL to suit both hospital and community settings. The AED features a dashboard for both skilled rescuers and lay responders, and can be customised to suit any clinician’s preferences. Every cardiac arrest demands high-quality CPR compressions, so ZOLL’s intuitive dashboard provides real-time feedback on depth and rate, along with verbal prompts during resuscitation. We are very proud to partner with Epsom Medical Equipment Fund to renew these AEDs, ensuring the trust has life-saving equipment for the next ten years.”

If you like to donate to EMEF CLICK HERE