A man wearing a straw hat held up a branch of Lloyds Bank in Reigate High Street last Friday Afternoon (29 May).

The man, who was thought to have been armed, escaped with a small quantity of cash following the robbery just before 4:45pm.

The man is described as white and stocky, around 5ft 11 inches and apart from the straw hat was wearing a blue and green checked shirt, and dark trousers. He was also carrying a distinctive green plastic carrier bag.

If you saw anything, then police would very much like to hear from you, please call them on the usual non emergency number 101.

If you have any information please contact Surrey Police on 101 or report it online at https://my.surrey.police.uk/splonlinereportingweb quoting the reference number P15137529.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

See more at: http://www.surrey.police.uk/News/News-Stories/Full-news-story/Article/11333/Appeal-for-witnesses-following-robbery-at-Reigate-bank-by-man-in-straw-hat

An Indian Restaurant and takeaway; a fish and chip shop; and a takeaway pizza outlet have been given the green light in Merstham.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council have confirmed the tenants for the food outlets being built on the Triangle site in Portland Drive.

Mr Rois Miah and Mr Iman Gilgil are existing Portland Drive tenants. They have both been granted 20-year leases.

An investigation has been launched after a man appeared to have been forced into a vehicle in Crawley.

There was an altercation between three men in Rona Close Monday evening just before 10 o’clock.

Police believe one man may have been forced into a vehicle, thought to be a Silver BMW.  The vehicle had damage to the front windscreen.

Detectives are desperately trying to find out who the man is and ascertain whether he is safe and well.

Anyone with information is asked to dial 101.

It’s been over a week since a devastating fire destroyed Strawson Community Hall in Horley.

The community have pulled together in an attempt to rehouse a number of groups who were using the hall.

An announcement was made yesterday by the Acres Residents that Trinity Oaks School will be welcoming children from the Horley Community Pre-School onto their site until the end of July at least.

Horley Community Pre-School is just one community group displaced by the fire.

Strawson Community Hall had recently undergone refurbishment following a six-year fundraising campaign.

It is believed the fire was started deliberately and anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police.

Budding gardeners and photographers are being invited to submit entries for this year’s Horley in Bloom competition.

There are 10 categories for the 21st anniversary of the event including a new ‘Best Street’ category.

Awards will also be presented to the best newcomer to the competition and for the entry deemed by judges to be the best example of a “Cottage Garden”.

Horley is also entering the South & South East in Bloom Competition where they gained Silver Gilt Awards last year

Further details can be found at the Town Council Offices or downloaded from: www.horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk

The closing date for “In Bloom” entries is 3rd July and for the Photographic Competition it will be 24th July.