Campaigner opposing the expansion of Gatwick Airport have submitted an application to appeal the decision allowing a second runway.

Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign said its chairman, Peter Barclay, filed the document to the Court of Appeal earlier after two High Court Challenges were dismissed in June.

A London Gatwick spokesperson said it noted the appeal and would “comment further when appropriate”.

A new commemorative plaque has been unveiled in Tilgate Park to honour former estate workers who lost their lives during the First World War.

The plaque recognises the labourers, gardeners, and gamekeepers who once worked at Tilgate and left to serve in 1914, never returning. It ensures their connection to the park, and their contribution to both local life and the war effort, is not forgotten.

This plaque is a simple but powerful reminder of the people who worked here and gave their lives during the First World War. Their contribution and their connection to Tilgate should always be remembered.

Councillor Imran Ashraf

Crawley Borough Council

The unveiling was supported by local organisations including Horsham and Crawley Breakfast Club, Crawley Breakfast Club, and the Royal British Legion.

The plaque is now a permanent feature in the park, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on Tilgate’s history.

Crawley Borough Council has launched a six-week public consultation on Crawley 2040: A new Economic Vision and Growth Plan, setting out a long-term ambition for the borough’s future growth.

The consultation was formally launched at the Invest Crawley Conference on 10 June, chaired by Jo Gumb of White Label Creative, with keynote speeches from Ian Duke, Chief Executive of Crawley Borough Council, and Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Crawley Borough Council.

The new plan outlines how Crawley can build on its existing strengths to deliver sustainable and productive economic growth over the next 15 years. It aims to create the conditions for the town to realise its full potential as a leading economic centre in the South East.

Crawley already has a strong economic base, with an economy valued at almost £6 billion and a population of around 124,000. The borough has the second highest job density in South East England, supporting around 97,000 jobs—an increase of 8,000 over the past five years. Crawley is also ranked as the seventh most innovative place in the UK, based on patents per capita, and is home to more than 3,400 businesses, including 35 major global firms.

We have a strong and successful local economy, but we are ambitious for Crawley’s future. This plan sets out how we will build on our existing strengths to support sustainable growth, create new opportunities for residents and businesses, and ensure Crawley continues to thrive in the years ahead.

Councillor Michael Jones

Leader of Crawley Borough Council

The Invest Crawley Conference also highlighted progress on key infrastructure and partnership projects, including collaboration with Network Rail to develop plans for upgrading Three Bridges station and working with West Sussex County Council on a new Growth Deal for Crawley.

Residents, businesses and stakeholders are now invited to take part in the consultation. To share your views on the draft Crawley 2040: A new economic vision and growth plan, please visit our consultation page.

The consultation is open until 29 July 2026.

Plans for the refurbishments of the outdoor gym and play area in this popular Redhill park are underway.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council expects installation of new outdoor gym equipment to start next week and has commenced work to procure a contractor for the play area.

New outdoor gym and trim trail

The new outdoor gym and complementary trim trail will have an extensive collection of free-to-use equipment for cardio, calisthenics, strength and resistance training. From the arm bike and cross trainer, to the sit-up bench and stretch station; all elements have been specially selected to provide a full body workout that’s adjustable and accessible for people of all abilities from age 13 and up.

The council’s contractors, Kompan, also offer a free outdoor fitness app, which acts as a digital personal trainer, providing guided exercises and workouts. However, there will also be plenty of signs explaining how to use the equipment with or without a smartphone.

Work is due to start week commencing 29 June to remove the existing trim trail and outdoor gym before installing the new equipment. The new-look outdoor gym and trim trail are expected to be open late July.

Cllr Nadean Moses, Executive Member for Greenspaces and Sustainability says: “Investing in the latest smart fitness equipment will help young people and adults stay fit and healthy. The range of equipment has been selected to provide a full body workout and the optional free mobile app allows people to take advantage of the extra training functions if they wish.

“Outdoor play is vital for children’s physical and mental wellbeing so I’m delighted that we’re upgrading one of our busiest play areas and excited to find out more and share the details as soon as we can.”

Refurbishment of the play area

The Memorial Park play area was originally installed in 2014 as part of a major upgrade of this popular park in Redhill town centre. It now needs updating with new equipment and landscaping which children of all ages and abilities can enjoy.

In May, the Council asked local families and play area visitors for their views on new equipment for Memorial Park. The feedback has helped to shape the brief for potential contractors and work could start on the refurbishment in the autumn and further updates will follow.

The refurbishments of both the outdoor gym and the play area are funded through the community infrastructure levy (a charge that local authorities can set on new development to help fund local facilities and services).

More information about the Council’s 56 play areas and 8 outdoor gyms, can be found in the Parks Directory.