Local campaigners, including Dame Judi Dench, have marked the 1000^th day since Redhill’s Harlequin theatre closed (on September 26, 2023), by sending an open letter to the leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, demanding action to finally reopen the theatre.

The letter points out the economic damage to the borough of the continued closure – which had lasted 1,000 days on June 22 this year – and questions why the council has missed its own deadline of last month to start construction work.

It calls for the council to explain the reasons for the delays so far and to commit to a reopening date.

The Redhill Business Guild estimates that the Redhill economy loses an estimated £744,810 per year because of the absence of the theatre, with local restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and accommodation providers missing out on the money the visitors to the Harlequin would have spent in the town.

A national report says that every £1,000 of turnover generated by the theatre ecosystem in the UK leads to £1,909 turnover in the rest of the economy

Economic Impact Assessment of UK Theatre Sector On Behalf of
UK Theatre and The Society of London Theatre: 8th June 2023

The economic damage is especially acute in Redhill because the annual panto has not happened for two years and is not expected to take place this Christmas either.

The cumulative economic loss is estimated to have reached more than £2million by next year.

“Redhill has lost far more than a theatre,” says the letter to Councillor Richard Biggs, leader of the Conservative-led council. “Local businesses have lost customers, the town centre has lost footfall, and our community has lost one of its most important cultural assets.

“The people of Redhill have waited long enough. It is time to provide certainty, accountability and a credible plan to bring our theatre back.”

The letter was written by the Green and Independent Group on RBBC. It has been signed by Dame Judi Dench and all the major arts organisations that use the Harlequin, including Sajeela Kershi, organiser of the Comedy Cottage, which has taken place at the Harlequin for more than a decade.

Residents can add their names to the letter by emailing [email protected]

Cllr Elly Heaton, Green councillor for Redhill West and Meadvale on the shadow East Surrey Council, said: “The Harlequin has always been much more than an entertainment venue. It brings people together, supports local businesses, and gives Redhill a sense of identity and pride. After nearly three years of closure, local businesses have lost an estimated £2.5 million in trade, and residents deserve greater transparency about what happens next. Publishing a detailed reopening timeline would be an important first step towards rebuilding trust and demonstrating that the Harlequin remains a priority for the area.”

Cllr Mark Smith, Independent councillor for Redhill West and Wray Common, said: “The people of Redhill are still waiting for a clear plan. This isn’t just about a theatre; it’s about confidence in our town centre, support for local businesses, and keeping promises made to residents. We are simply asking the council leader to publish a detailed timetable for reopening by July 22 so everyone can see exactly where the project stands and when this vital community asset will return.”

Cllr Jonathan Essex, Green borough councillor for Redhill East, said the ongoing closure of the Harlequin contravenes the council’s own Leisure & Culture Policy, published in 2023 to recognise the need for a strong leisure and culture offering for the borough.

He added: “Now the new unitary council has publicly said it won’t block the Harlequin’s reopening, the Conservatives must stop hiding their dithering and delay with empty promises and a wall of silence, and let the public know when they will see construction work start and when they will be able to book a show.”

The open letter, with all signatories so far, can be seen at https://eastsurreygp.org.uk/esw/1000-days-with-no-harlequin-local-community-wants-answers/.

It’s been reported that American Mink are running riot on Britains Waterways including areas of Surrey.

Environmentalists say the animals can kill hundreds of native species every year and local anglers have been asked to help eradicate them.

Members of the Dorking and District Angling Society will be acting as eyes and ears along a stretch of the River Mole to protect water voles, swans and herons.

If anyone spots an American Mink, they pass on the location to the Waterlife Recovery Trust who will then take suitable action.

The tennis courts at the Memorial Park in Redhill have now been completely refurbished.

Cllr Nadean Moses, Executive Member for Greenspaces, joined Alexander and Harry, from Boom Tennis, at Memorial Park in Redhill. She said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to refurbish our tennis courts across the borough and think they look very smart.

“I hope that more people are inspired by these new-look courts, as well as the sunshine, to come and enjoy playing tennis or Pickleball. We might even have a future homegrown Wimbledon star in the borough!”

Tennis and Pickleball sessions across the borough are included in the council’s school holiday activity programme this summer, although spaces are booking up fast. You can see what’s available and book at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/school-holidays

In total, the council has upgraded 14 tennis courts at Howard Close, Lady Neville Park, Memorial Park, Priory Park, Tattenham Way Recreation Ground and Woodmansterne Recreation Ground.

The makeover included new fencing, as well as court surfacing, posts, nets and line marking.  Pickleball lines have also been marked out on the courts at Priory Park, Memorial Park and Lady Neville Park.

All the council’s tennis courts, including those at Merstham Rec and the courts managed by Horley Town Council at Horley Recreation Ground, are free to use and there is no need to book. You can find out more about tennis court locations and other activities in the council’s parks using our Parks Directory.

The tennis court refurbishment programme was funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy (a charge that local authorities can set on new development to help fund infrastructure, facilities and services in the area).

A multi-agency operation has been attempting to crack down on the rogue parking operators around Gatwick Airport.

In one search, West Sussex Trading Standards and police found 150 vehicles next to a scrapyard, with cars parked bumper to bumper, despite their owners having been told it was “premium parking”.

Other holidaymakers have returned home to find companies have simply left their vehicles at the airport short stay, where they picked up a fine.

Oliver Bedford, director of airport access, marketing and commercial products at Gatwick Airport, said: “ the airport was working with Trading Standards and police to crack down on the rogue operators”

Firefighters from West Sussex are urging people to stay safe outdoors as wildfire fears mount during the UK’s third heatwave of the year.

An amber heat-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the South East and will be in place until sunday.

Wildfire fears have mounted during the extreme heat, with temperatures well above 30C for multiple days this year.

If you discover a fire move to a safe place and call 999 immediately.