The climate impact of a second runway at Gatwick Airport was not properly assessed when the government approved plans. This is what lawyers  for campaigners challenging, the expansion told the High Court.

The High Court hearing, which began on Tuesday is expected to conclude on Friday.

Gatwick’s plans involve moving its emergency runway 12m (39.3 ft) to the north so that it can be brought into regular use.

The Department for Transport and the airport’s owner, Gatwick Airport Limited are opposing the challenge.

The DfT will make oral legal arguments in due course.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has thanked residents and recognised them for their generosity towards Ukrainians following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

At a thank you evening held at the Town Hall, and hosted by the Resettlement Team, the council thanked hosts – both current and past – for their courage and generosity in helping Ukrainian guests in need.

It was a truly special evening, filled with moving stories of people arriving as strangers, but managing to find safety, friendship, and belonging in many homes around the borough.

Guests and hosts came together to enjoy wonderful food, including delicious Ukrainian dishes, whilst listening to music and some heartfelt messages from those who have been directly involved with the Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Family Schemes.

Cllr Rich Michalowski, the Mayor of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead said: “Today’s event is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when kindness leads the way. I would like to thank you all for your generosity and kindness in hosting the Ukrainians who have sought sanctuary in our borough. Thank you for opening your homes to guests, and for providing them a safe place to stay.”

Richard Robinson Head of Service for the Housing and Intervention Teams thanked the Council’s resettlement team for their work in developing and running such a successful scheme.

On testimonies and comments made by Ukrainian guests to their hosts, which were displayed in the room, the mayor added: “Reading all these messages, I have no doubt that these are memories and experiences that will last forever. It is one thing inviting someone in your home for a visit but having them live with you for one, two, six months, and in some cases years – is a wonderful act of generosity. We thank you.”

Since the launch of the Homes for Ukraine and Family Schemes in Reigate & Banstead, more than 700 host families in the borough opened their doors to offer support and sanctuary to those fleeing conflict.

Below are some of the messages from guests to their hosts.

“Thank you sincerely for your compassion, your dedication, and your real actions that supported us and gave us the chance to begin our life in this country with confidence in tomorrow”

“Opened the doors of their home and their hearts to me and my daughter during an incredibly difficult time in our lives”

“Their actions are a powerful reminder that kindness knows no borders — it unites people, heals, and helps us survive through the most challenging times”

“You showed us that we were not alone, that there is always support and kindness when you need it most”

“Shared important family moments and celebrations with us, which made us feel safe, comfortable, and truly at home in their house”

“Brought so much beauty into our lives”

“From the very beginning, they supported us far beyond what we could have expected”

“Makes you believe that you will cope, that you will find your way forward”

“Helped me go through this difficult journey and adapt to life here”

“He taught him English and had an incredibly positive influence on my son”

“What meant the most to us was that they truly welcomed us as part of their family”

“We were truly happy in their home”

“I will be grateful to them for the rest of my life for their support, kindness, and generosity”

The Homes for Ukraine scheme is designed to allow individual residents in the UK to sponsor named Ukrainian guests. Guests can live and work in the UK for up to 18 months (reduced from 36 months in February 2024) and access benefits, healthcare, employment, and other support.

Hundreds of Godstone residents have yet again attended another update meeting with Surrey County Council Highways and SES Water, to find out the status of the sink hole in the high street.

Several people were left feeling angry and frustrated by the end of the meeting at the level of response given by authorities who were unable to give precise information as to when the road will reopen.

So far, 600 metric tonnes of compacting grout had been pumped up to 3 stories underground to make the surface stable. Once completed, it is hoped that the site can then be handed over to the utility companies to commence working.

A prolific shoplifter has been banned from Co-op stores in Sussex after admitting a series of offences.

Arron Jones, 32, carried out thefts across West Sussex and admitted 15 charges in court.

His thefts amounted to more than £1,000 in items, ranging from meats and poultry to bottles of alcohol, packs of butter and football cards.

His spree lasted from July to December, and he was identified as a prolific offender by officers from the Worthing Response Investigation Team.

At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 7 he admitted 13 charges of shop theft, and two charges of burglary, other than a dwelling.

The court told Jones, of Brighton Road, Crawley, that he was forbidden from entering any Co-op store in Sussex as part of a Criminal Behaviour Oder.

The order also specified he was not to enter into any store in Sussex with a named accomplice.

It also forbids him from remaining on any premises if he is asked to leave by any owner, staff member or security guard. They are encouraged to call the police in the case of any breach.

The court heard ow he entered stores and stole items between July and December.

Jones was ordered to pay £581 in compensation to the Co-op, £248 in compensation to Sainsbury’s, £240 in compensation to M&S, £167 in compensation to Waitrose, and £10 in compensation to Greggs.

He was ordered to complete six months of treatment for drug rehabilitation, and do ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement sessions as part of a one-year community order.

Chief Inspector James Davidson said: “Jones was identified as a target for his persistent shop theft offences across stores in West Sussex, primarily Co-op stores.

“We understand the concern shoplifting causes for the community and for shop workers who are faced with these offences.

“We continue to work in partnership with businesses to identify the most prolific offenders and we are determined to prosecute cases.”