In 2024, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) announced a proposal to relocate the crew and fire engine at Banstead Fire Station to Godstone Fire Station if an appropriate and affordable site in the optimum location of Whyteleafe was not available to buy. This was due to several reasons; the first being that building itself is also not fit for a modern fire and rescue service. It requires a more permanent contaminants management system, appropriate facilities and has no outdoors area for regular crew training (meaning they have to leave Banstead to do so). In addition to this, the fire station building, which is owned by Surrey Police, being sold.

Following two further searches by Surrey County Council’s Land and Property team (Surrey County Council is the Fire and Rescue Authority), no appropriate or affordable site has been found and therefore, the move will go ahead to Godstone.

This means that as of March 2027, the crew and equipment from Banstead will relocate to Godstone Fire Station.

Public safety remains SFRS’s priority and residents will continue to receive an emergency response that meets the services

performance standards. Banstead Fire Station will remain operational until March 2027.

Refurbishment works at Godstone Fire Station are due to commence soon, these will increase capacity for both equipment and crew numbers and ensure the station is modern, efficient and fit for purpose for crews to operate from.

For local residents, this change will not affect how you contact SFRS in an emergency – always dial 999. Calls will continue to be mobilised using the nearest appropriate fire engine to ensure the fastest and safest response. The Surrey-wide average 10 minute response time to critical incidents and target for 20 fire engines available in the day and 16 at night on average remain unchanged.

The Armed Forces Day flag has been raised at the Town Hall and is now being flown in Memorial Gardens ahead of Crawley Borough Council’s Armed Forces Day event on Saturday (27 June). The event marks the town’s continued commitment to honouring and supporting those who serve and have served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

This free, family-friendly event, organised by Crawley Borough Council and supported by Crawley’s Civil Military Partnership, will feature performances from Crawley Millennium Concert Band and singers Victoria Boltwood and Kate Bassett, as well as a procession led by the Surrey and Sussex Drum and Bugle Corps.

A variety of stalls and displays will be available throughout the day, including representatives from military organisations and community groups such as The Royal British Legion, local veterans’ associations, cadet groups, emergency services and other partners. Visitors will also be able to enjoy historic vehicles, information stands, and refreshments.

Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity for our community to recognise the dedication, bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who serve, or have served, in our Armed Forces. Come along and show your support and enjoy a fantastic day out for all the family.

Councillor Marion Ayling

Mayor of Crawley

Crawley Borough Council

Businesses which were affected by a sinkhole in Godstone have asked for further financial assistance.

The 65ft long hole appeared in February last year, closing off the main high street and dispersal of several people from their homes.

An extensive repair operation has been taking place which is near completion.

Tandridge District Council offered council tax and business rate relief to those affected at the time of the incident, but when the road opens up again it’s said business rates will go straight back to how they were.

Companies are now asking the council for a phased reintroduction while they get themselves back on their feet.

Parents of SEND children in Surrey have condemned the local authority for delays in providing and educations for their children.

Families say they are being forced to home-school children with because Surrey County Council cannot find suitable school places.

Surrey County Council said pressures on SEND services were being felt nationwide and it was “committed to listening and improving”, highlighting investment in new places and staff.

Councillor Clare Curran, deputy cabinet member for children, families & lifelong learning has said the council has invested over £211m to expand specialist provision and strengthen support in mainstream schools, £4.9m on additional staff.

Temperatures continue to soar today as the south east enters a second day of a red weather warning for extreme heat.

Crawley is expected to reach 36°c again with humidity to be at 85%

Schools in Sussex and Surrey have closed their doors or are closing early due to the heat and rail services are advising not to carry out any unnecessary travel.

West Sussex County council and Surrey County Council are advising the public to stay indoors at the peak of the heat, to maintain hydration and to check on the elderly, and vulnerable during this hot weather.