Crawley Borough Council has announced the launch of a memorial bench scheme for Goffs Park. 

The scheme is similar to the existing one at Tilgate Park and has been introduced in response to growing interest in ways to honour relatives and friends who have passed away.  Carefully selected locations within the park allow benches to complement the natural landscape while offering a place of comfort and remembrance. 

A limited number of benches are available in the initial launch; each memorial bench costs £1,500, includes a personalised plaque and is made from sustainable composite materials.

Preparatory works for phase one of the Station Gateway regeneration scheme are now underway.

Construction is expected to continue for approximately five months.

The first phase of construction will focus on highway improvements along Station Way and the junction with Friary Way.

Lane closures and full road closures will be required at various stages. Diversion routes will be put in place and access for residents and local businesses will be maintained throughout in order to minimise disruption.

Residents in Surrey have been warned council tax rises are likely to continue for at least the next three years.

Surrey County Council agreed a tax increase of 4.99% in its final ever budget on Tuesday.

It means that a typical Band D property will pay £92.07 extra per year from April

Eleven borough and district councils, as well as parish and town councils, will also decide on whether there should be council tax rises between now and the end of March.

A moped rider who was dealing class A drugs in Crawley has been sentenced.

31-year-old, Anthony Foukx, was intercepted by Police in Northgate last month.

Officers found dozens of wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, and more than £1,300 in cash in a pouch.

Phone evidence showed he was operating as part of the ‘Stretch’ drugs line in Crawley.

Foukx admitted to five drug related charges at Lewes Crown Court and was setenced to three years and four months in prison.

Crawley Borough Council has confirmed that there will be no increases to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing fees and charges for the coming year.

With inflation significantly above zero, the decision represents an effective real terms cut for the taxi trade, helping to ease financial pressures on local drivers.

The freeze follows a full review of licensing costs, with the council satisfied that existing fees remain sufficient to ensure that the service continues to be self funding.

The decision to freeze current fees and charges for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire taxis is extremely welcome. We are aware of the financial pressures that the trade is facing and this is a real terms cut to the charges. The position will continue to be kept under review, but it is positive that we can maintain current fee levels for the time being, and I am pleased we are doing so.

Councillor Yasmin Khan

Cabinet member for Public Protection

Crawley Borough Council