Residents, organisations and local community groups within Reigate and Banstead  Borough Council are being encouraged to submit bids for a share of money raised from new developments to spend on projects to improve their local area.

Previous successful schemes have ranged from improving a community hall or sports pavilion, to installing planters in local shopping parades, or upgrading walking and cycling routes to local shops and schools.

The money comes from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a charge on developments collected by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council to contribute towards facilities and services needed to support them.

While most of the money is used to fund essential infrastructure and facilities – like schools, healthcare and transport – a proportion, known as the CIL Local Fund, is made available to spend on smaller local projects in the neighbourhoods where development has been built.

Since the Council launched its CIL scheme in 2016, it has collected over £3.4 million Local Fund developer contributions and allocated over £3 million to over 230 projects.

Final chance to apply

This is the last time that Reigate & Banstead Borough Council will run this funding process. From April 2027, the Council will be dissolved and replaced by the new East Surrey Council, which will be responsible for delivering local infrastructure projects across the geographic areas of Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge.

Cllr Kate Fairhurst, Executive Member for Place, Planning and Regulatory Services, explains: “Our CIL Local Fund gives communities an opportunity to influence how money we collect from developers is spent to improve and enhance the facilities and services in their neighbourhood, making sure that we all feel the benefits that new development can bring.

“We are proud that the Fund has already helped to deliver a huge range of successful local projects to improve the quality of life for residents across the borough and make a meaningful difference to communities.

“With only two more opportunities for this Council to assess bids for the Local Fund, in autumn and winter, this is a final call to submit your ideas for a share of the fund. So, if you have a project that needs funding to make it a reality, be sure to apply.”

Bids will be assessed by a panel of councillors and officers against the Council’s CIL spending priorities, which were set following previous community feedback, subject to available funds.

More information

For all the information and to submit a bid visit the Local Fund webpage.

If you need a paper application form, please contact the Planning Policy team at [email protected] or call 01737 276 178.

Residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to have their say on Tandridge District Council’s Local Plan, when the public consultation opens on Monday 6 July.

The Local Plan will guide where new homes, jobs, green spaces and infrastructure could be provided across the district in the future. The consultation gives people the opportunity to comment on potential development sites and the overall approach to development.

A series of drop-in events will be held across the district, where people can:

• View sites submitted by landowners or developers in their area.
• Ask questions about the Local Plan.
• Share their views with council planning officers.

The events will take place at:

• Monday 6 July – Warlingham Library, 2pm to 8pm
• Tuesday 7 July – Nutfield Village Hall, 4pm to 8pm
• Wednesday 8 July – Hurst Green Community Centre, 3.15pm to 7.30pm
• Thursday 9 July – Lingfield and Dormansland Community Centre, 3.30pm to 8pm
• Monday 13 July – Burstow Centenary Hall, 2pm to 7pm
• Tuesday 14 July – Caterham Valley Library, 3pm to 7.30pm
• Wednesday 15 July – South Godstone Community Hall, 2pm to 8pm
• Monday 20 July – Aileen McHugo Building, rear of Tatsfield Village Hall, 3.30pm-8pm

An online question and answer session will also take place on Monday 20 July from 11am to 2pm. Questions must be submitted in advance by 11.59pm on Monday 13 July. The session will be available to watch live or afterwards online.

From Monday 6 July, people can view the consultation documents, submit comments and find further information on the council’s website.

Councillor Catherine Sayer, Leader of the Council, said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for residents and businesses to shape the future of the Tandridge District. We encourage everyone to take part, find out more about the proposals and share their views so we can take them into account as the Plan moves forward.”

Find out more

• Take part in the consultation: www.tandridge.gov.uk/localplan.
• Watch the online session: www.tandridge.gov.uk/webcast.

The consultation opens on Monday 6 July and closes at 11.59pm on Monday 17 August.

We are excited to reveal the line-up for this year’s Arts Takeover, which promises to entertain, inspire and surprise visitors to Redhill between 5 and 12 September.

Headliners include Blur drummer, Dave Rowntree; 80s Ska band, Potato 5; and author of the Rivers of London series, Ben Aaronovitch. But there will be plenty of homegrown talent on show too; along with opportunities to take part and join in. This Redhill Arts Takeover sees artists, performers and local organisations come together to celebrate creativity and connect local communities.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economic Development and Leisure, says: “The Redhill Arts Takeover gets bigger, bolder and better each year thanks to the fantastic efforts of all the local artists, organisations and businesses that support it. It shows just how much creative talent we have, how it can bring people together, and how it contributes to a thriving town centre.

“This year’s programme is packed with exciting performances to look forward to, as well as activities to inspire you. Dancing, drawing, music and poetry will be spilling out onto the streets so expect plenty of surprises to entertain you too. The feel-good festival invites everyone to celebrate art and culture and to enjoy Redhill. I encourage you to join in.”

More than 30 events will take over venues across the town during the week-long festival and many performances are completely free to enjoy.

Performances to look out for

Now in its fourth year, Arts Takeover welcomes back to Redhill some past favourites, such as the Recycled Fashion Show and music stages with local bands. There is also a feast of fresh and unfamiliar activities to look forward to.

New for 2026 will be Write Out Loud – a series of events celebrating the written and spoken word. You can watch15-minute performances of new local writing, including bespoke spooky storytelling; take part in the Spoken Word Café; or come along to a special local author event.

As Redhill’s live music scene continues to grow, so too does the festival’s musical offering. Music in the Town this year will feature two live music stages on the opening and closing Saturdays of the festival – one run by the local music charity, Redstart, on 5 September; and Up the Junction curated by Canada Hill on 12 September.

Redhill Arts Takeover is also excited to be working with Front Room Songs, who are presenting a programme of unique gigs and events. Katie Smith from Front Room Songs says: “As a lifelong Redhill resident, it’s incredible to see Redhill Arts Takeover grow into one of the most exciting events in the town’s calendar.

“Through Front Room Songs, I’m contributing a programme that ranges from intimate house concerts featuring Blur’s Dave Rowntree and a pop-infused performance from harpist Rosza; as well as a family music event from Mini Folk; and a Neon life drawing experience. It’s a mix that reflects exactly what makes the Takeover so special – unexpected experiences, amazing artists and something for everyone.”

Opportunities to be creative

To inspire people to get creative themselves, there are plenty of activities and workshops where you can improve your skills or discover new talents. From baby ballet to easy improv; a screen make-up masterclass to a Mauritian music workshop; there’s something for all ages and interests to enjoy.

You can see the full line up and book activities at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/arts-takeover

Any costs are kept as low as possible and are designed to cover professional fees only.

Taking over the town

Arts Takeover is developed and organised by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council in recognition of the power of art and culture to improve people’s wellbeing, connect local communities and support a flourishing town centre.

In addition to the Redhill Arts Takeover, the council currently runs community art programmes in the north of the borough and in Westvale Park to the south. It also supports and advises local arts organisations and projects across the borough, such as the Horley Arts Festival.

The Redhill Arts Takeover couldn’t happen without the support of local venues prepared to be overrun with creativity. The council would like to thank ASG Community Centre, Belfry Shopping Centre, Busy Beans café, Florries Café, Front Room Songs, Garibaldi Community Pub, The Junction, Posadero Lounge, Redhill Library, St Matthew’s Church and United Reform Church.

Two men have been arrest on suspicion of dangerous driving after a crash took place on the A23 at Pease Pottage on Saturday.

The incident took place around 7:30am, involving a Grey Mercedes and a private ambulance on the northbound carriage way.

Officer are also seeking dash cam and CCTV footage of the Mercedes. They are also looking for the driver of a tipper truck, carrying a crane attachment, which the ambulance was passing at the time of the collision, to come forward as a witness.

The 24-year-old and 29-year-old have been released on bail for further investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Sussex Police.