Landlords are being reminded to check whether they need to apply for a licence ahead of new legislation coming into effect next month.

From October, the government requires landlords of all houses in multiple occupation (also known as HMOs) accommodating five people or more in two or more households, to have a licence regardless of the number of storeys in the building.

Previously, licences were only needed for HMOs of three storeys or more.

Cllr James Durrant, the Executive Member for Community Safety at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, does not believe responsible landlords have anything to worry about.

In a statement, Cllr Durrant says “The licence makes sure that basic safety requirements – such as having working smoke alarms, and electrical appliances and furniture that are safe – are met. This is good news for tenants and should give them reassurance that their homes are safe.”

Further information about houses in multiple occupation can be found www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/hmo. 

Landlords must apply before 1 October 2018 to avoid risking enforcement action.

‘Save a life, surrender your knife’

That’s the motto of Operation Sceptre – a national knife crime campaign which aims to reduce the number of people, especially young people, carrying a weapon.

Sussex Police is supporting the initiative and officers are undertaking proactive activities across the county to encourage knife owners to give up their blades safely, anonymously and without fear of prosecution.

Knife bins are located at police stations across Sussex until 24th September.

In addition to the amnesty bins, officers will be attending local schools, making test purchases and performing proactive patrols across the county.

Witnesses are being sought to a fatal collision in Lingfield.

A silver Vauxhall Vectra and a red Suzuki motorcycle collided shortly before 6 o’clock Sunday evening on Tandridge Lane.

Despite the efforts of the South East Coast Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance Service, the 50 year-old motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

Surrey Police are asking anyone who saw the collision, witnessed the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the incident or has any dashcam footage to contact them on 101 quoting PR/P18223916.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A teenager has been stabbed in Crawley.

The 18 year-old male was in the High Street when he was surrounded by a group of around 10 men of Asian appearance shortly before 5 o’clock Tuesday evening 11th September.

During the altercation which followed, the victim suffered a minor stab wound above the hip.  He was able to get himself to hospital.

Anyone who witnessed the event is asked to contact Sussex Police.