Work will begin this month to give three children’s play areas a makeover. 

The play areas at South Park in Reigate, Beecholme Recreation Ground in Banstead, and Hogden Bottom in Kingswood will all receive new equipment and landscaping. 

Hogden Bottom will be the first of the three sites to be upgraded with works due to start this week. 

A start date for South Park will be agreed in the next few weeks and this will see a new mini trim trail and inclusive features such as a swing, spinners and a multi-activity sensory panel. 

Sussex Police are investigating a report of a teenage girl having been accosted by a man in Crawley on Monday (15 December).

A 15-year-old girl reported being pushed over by a man in an alleyway between Caburn Heights and Hambleton Hill at around 5.40pm.

He attempted to grab her phone, but the victim was able to fight him off before he fled the scene towards Ditchling Hill.

The victim described the suspect as an Indian/Asian man, in his 20s/30s and around 5’11” tall, wearing dark clothing.

An investigation is underway and anyone with information is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting serial 1016 of 15/12.

Gatwick Airport has announced they will be taking passengers to a record number of destinations over the festive season.

58 different airlines are offering flights to 227 destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

The airport is offering advice on how you can make the most out of your holiday and keep disruption to a minimum, which includes leaving presents unwrapped for security checks and to check road and rail services before you travel. See the full list below for details.

Top tips for passengers travelling over the festive period: 

• Plan your journey to the airport in advance: Check roadworks and rail services before you travel. If driving, book parking in advance with Official London Gatwick Parking
• Book special assistance at least 48 hours in advance: More information is available on the  London Gatwick website
• Arrive on time: Typically, this is three hours before a long-haul flight and two hours before a short-haul flight
• New security rules: Passengers can now leave liquids and electrical items, such as laptops, in their cabin bags when passing through security
• For those travelling to celebrate Christmas with friends and family, passengers can take up to two boxes of unopened crackers in hand luggage and festive food. Mince pies, Christmas puddings and even frozen turkeys can all be taken in hand luggage. To ensure a smooth security process, passengers are not allowed to pack wrapped presents in hand luggage
• Make the most of London Gatwick’s range of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops: GAIL’s Bakery landed at the airport in September, broadening choice for passengers, while new openings Discover London and Venchi are perfect for indulgent treats or last-minute gifts
• If shopping, enjoy 10% off when you use World Duty Free’s Reserve & Collect service: Browse products online, reserve them up to 30 days before you travel, then collect and pay in-store