Passengers are being advised to plan ahead before travelling as Network Rail is due to carry out improvement works on lines between Brighton, Gatwick Airport and East Croydon.

The works are due to take place on 17-18 January and 24-25 January.

Network Rail said buses would replace trains on the Brighton Main Line as well as lines between Reigate and Redhill and Redhill and Tonbridge.

A 53-year-old man has been convicted for causing death by dangerous driving.

In March of 2023, David Haggard was driving his car along Croydon Lane, Banstead when he clipped a kerb three times before drifting into the path of Jack Charalambous who was driving in the opposite direction.

The two vehicles collided and sadly Mr Charalambous died at the scene.

Haggard was sentenced to six years in prison.

An increase in the drop-off charge at Gatwick Airport has been criticised.

The fee, which allows drivers to stop outside the terminal for 10 minutes, was hiked to £10 on Tuesday.

Gatwick Airport said it had not taken the decision lightly, but it faces increasing costs, including a more than doubling of business rates.

Travel writer Andy Mossack described the hike as a “money-making exercise”.

The Godstone Ward, at East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, has raised £5,000 in donations through Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Charity’s Cancer Fund to redecorate its Quiet Room, creating a more calming space for its patients undergoing cancer treatment.

The medical team on Godstone Ward set out to raise the money to create a more peaceful, comfortable environment for patients to have private moments and receive, what can be challenging news, from their care team.

Staff, patients and members of the public took part in fundraising efforts through numerous activities, including running half and full marathons, launching online appeals and receiving a donation from local business, the Stoneman Funeral Service.

Emmanuel Dimaisip, Ward Manager and Chemotherapy Nurse on Godstone Haematology Ward at East Surrey Hospital, commented: “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who supported the Godstone Ward Quiet Room project.

“The collective work, compassion, and willingness to help wherever needed has made a meaningful difference for our patients and their relatives, who we are already receiving a lot of positive feedback from.

“Thanks to generous donations, we have been able to bring comfort, clarity, and care to the people we look after.”

The money raised has transformed the once empty, aged, white walls into a warm space with tranquil scenes that inspire a sense of calm.

Andrew Bickerdike, Head of Charity at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Charity, added: “Thank you to everyone who raised money or donated to the Cancer Fund to help make this happen.

“We know being in hospital can be hard, and as a charity, we are on a mission to change that. The transformation of this room in Godstone Ward is a great example of what a difference donations and fundraising can make.”

From 2 January 2026, Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead will be updating their parking arrangements for patients and visitors. This includes new time bands and an increase to current parking charges.

The hospital stated they know that any change to parking can feel frustrating, and this is not a decision they’ve taken lightly. This is their first increase in many years, and the new rates will bring them in line with other local hospitals.

They also understand that parking at the hospital can be challenging at busy times, and that they do not currently have enough spaces to meet the demand. By updating the charges, they can reinvest directly into improving the patient and visitor experience, including maintenance, safety, and longer-term plans to make accessing the hospital easier for everyone.

Concessions for certain patients and their relatives, such as Blue Badge holders (with a valid badge displayed), or parents of a child staying overnight, will remain in place. If you are on a low income you may be entitled to claim back the cost of your parking under the national Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) which helps individuals with the reasonable costs of travel to and from NHS appointments and treatments.

From 2 January 2026 the charges will apply Monday to Sunday 8am to 7.30pm.

Up to 30 minutes         FREE
Up to 2 hours              £3.50
Up to 4 hours              £5.50
Up to 6 hours              £7.50
Up to 8 hours              £9.00
Over 8 hours               £10.00.

You can pay for your parking by cash, card, Google Pay or Apple Pay. QR code posters around the hospital can also be used to pay or top up your parking.

The hospital is thanking people for their understanding and support as they make these important changes to improve your experience at Queen Victoria Hospital.