Epsom and Ewell Times
17th September 2026

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10th September 2026

Council Council constitution Finances

The shake up of Epsom and Ewell’s local government: was it all a waste of time as Rayner puts pause on LGR elsewhere?

The shake up of Epsom and Ewell’s local government: was it all a waste of time as Rayner puts pause on LGR elsewhere?

Surrey’s political leaders insist the replacement of the county’s 12 councils by two large unitary authorities remains on schedule. But a government review of local government reorganisation elsewhere in England … Read More

Council Finances

Tourist tax to boost Surrey finances?

Tourist tax to boost Surrey finances?

Surrey’s two new unitary councils are considering a “tourism tax” to help buoy their finances amid major changes to local government in the area. This tax on overnight stays, which … Read More

News Transport

Conservative Mayoral hopeful seeks ULEZ review

Conservative Mayoral hopeful seeks ULEZ review

Surrey’s Conservative shadow authority opposition leaders have thrown their weight behind a London mayoral candidate’s pledge to review the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Braintree MP Sir James Cleverly resigned … Read More

Community Crime

Progress at Banstead’s High Down prison – but drugs and poor conditions remain

Progress at Banstead’s High Down prison – but drugs and poor conditions remain

A prison near Epsom and Ewell has made encouraging progress in safety and the time prisoners spend out of their cells – but illicit drugs, poor living conditions and delays … Read More

Council Finances

Government to pay a chunk of Woking’s record debt

Government to pay a chunk of Woking’s record debt

Crushing debt set to be inherited by hundreds of thousands of West Surrey residents will have a big chunk taken out of it after the Government officially began the process … Read More

Council Crime

Cyber security threats to Surrey’s local councils

Cyber security threats to Surrey’s local councils

Cyber security threats to local government remain a “significant strategic risk”, according to a report, with the creation of two new unitary councils posing “further complexity” to IT security. Guildford … Read More

Crime News Policing

Crime and Safety Round-Up: June to August 2026

Crime and Safety Round-Up: June to August 2026

The summer months brought a mixture of serious incidents, court outcomes, crime-prevention work and neighbourhood policing activity across Epsom and Ewell. The Epsom and Ewell Times does not normally report … Read More

Community News

Friendly finding puts Epsom and Ewell in England’s top fifth

Friendly finding puts Epsom and Ewell in England’s top fifth

Epsom and Ewell has been ranked among the friendliest and most connected places in England in a new national index examining the strength of community life. The borough placed 56th … Read More

Community Volunteers

Epsom Scouts joined Swiss adventure

Epsom Scouts joined Swiss adventure

More than 700 Scouts and volunteers from Surrey, including Scouts from 3rd Epsom & 8th/14th Epsom (Air Scouts), have returned from an unforgettable international adventure in Switzerland as part of KIX … Read More

Council Council constitution

Secret Surrey leaders’ talks challenged by Epsom councillor

Secret Surrey leaders’ talks challenged by Epsom councillor

An Epsom and Ewell councillor has launched a sustained Freedom of Information campaign to uncover what Surrey’s council leaders have discussed and agreed behind closed doors. Councillor Alex Coley (Independent, … Read More

Health News

Surrey health literacy warning

Surrey health literacy warning

Nearly one in three working-age Surrey residents is not adequately health literate, a council committee report has warned. The report, which is due to be considered at a joint meeting … Read More

News Transport

Surrey campaigners seek independent appeal rights over new flight paths

Surrey campaigners seek independent appeal rights over new flight paths

Surrey countryside campaigners have joined a national call for residents to be given an independent right of appeal when changes are proposed to flight paths over their homes. CPRE Surrey … Read More


3rd September 2026

Community Local History News

Heritage doors open across Epsom and Ewell

Heritage doors open across Epsom and Ewell

Historic buildings, forgotten stories and rarely seen corners of Surrey will be brought to life when Heritage Open Days return from Friday 11th to Sunday 20th September. The annual festival … Read More

Community Health

Epsom Hospital in top national league for car park charges

Epsom Hospital in top national league for car park charges

Epsom and St Helier parking among UK’s most expensive, study claims Patients and visitors parking for more than eight hours at Epsom or St Helier Hospital face a £20 charge, … Read More

Community Faith News

New vicar returns to his Epsom roots

New vicar returns to his Epsom roots

The Revd Tom Hill has returned to the church where he came to faith more than 25 years ago, following his institution as Vicar of Christ Church Epsom Common. The … Read More

Football Sports

Five-star Epsom and Ewell FC bounce back in style

Five-star Epsom and Ewell FC bounce back in style

Godalming Town 1–5 Epsom & Ewell FC. 29th August – Bill Kyte Stadium – Combined Counties League Epsom & Ewell produced the perfect response to last week’s FA Cup disappointment … Read More

Council Finances

Bailiffs knocking on Council tax debtors in Epsom and Ewell

Bailiffs knocking on Council tax debtors in Epsom and Ewell

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council passed 552 council tax debts on to bailiffs in 2025/26, according to new Freedom of Information data compiled by National Debtline as part of its annual … Read More

Local History News

Bringing centuries of Surrey records into the 21st century

Bringing centuries of Surrey records into the 21st century

Residents, researchers and history enthusiasts will soon find it easier than ever to explore Surrey’s rich heritage thanks to a major investment in a new collections management system at the … Read More


27th August 2026

Council Council constitution Editorial

How two became one became three – how “unitary” means “trinity”.

How two became one became three – how “unitary” means “trinity”.

The central promise of local government reorganisation was easy to understand. Surrey’s confusing two-tier system would be swept away. Surrey County Council and the county’s 11 borough and district councils … Read More

Council Council constitution Planning

Tiers not shed for local government in Surrey after all….?

Tiers not shed for local government in Surrey after all….?

Surrey’s shadow authority leaders have insisted that devolution in the county must be “done right” after the government proposed beefed up new planning powers for mayors. Proposals due to be … Read More

Community Volunteers

Ukrainian Independence Day celebrated with music, film and community spirit in Epsom

Ukrainian Independence Day celebrated with music, film and community spirit in Epsom

Epsom Picturehouse was filled to capacity yesterday afternoon as the local community came together to mark Ukrainian Independence Day with an afternoon celebrating Ukrainian culture, music and film. The event … Read More

Council News

The young have their place in new Surrey governing

The young have their place in new Surrey governing

Surrey’s youngest councillors want to see more young people get involved in local government – and not let growing hostility towards elected representatives deter them from standing. Elections to Surrey’s … Read More

Football Sports

Salts bow out of FA Cup to Crowborough

Salts bow out of FA Cup to Crowborough

Epsom & Ewell FC 0–3 Crowborough Athletic. 22nd August – Chalky Lane – The Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round Epsom & Ewell bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup after … Read More

Community News

Epsom woman celebrates remarkable 100th birthday

Epsom woman celebrates remarkable 100th birthday

An Epsom woman has celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by three generations of her family and dozens of friends. Helen Blackman, née Aldridge, was born in Richmond upon Thames on … Read More

Community Education Sports

Olympic star helps launch children’s gymnastics and ninja club in Epsom

Olympic star helps launch children’s gymnastics and ninja club in Epsom

Children in Epsom will have a new opportunity to try gymnastics, parkour and free running when a community sports club opens at Blenheim High School in September. Gymfinity Kids is … Read More

News Planning Policing

Police headquarters in Leatherhead a step closer

Police headquarters in Leatherhead a step closer

Work is set to begin on Surrey Police’s long-awaited new eastern headquarters, bringing an end to a saga stretching back to 2023, when the force was compelled to vacate its … Read More

Community Council Sports

Free community football sessions and more for Epsom and Ewell

Free community football sessions and more for Epsom and Ewell

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is pleased to announce that free community football sessions will be available for young people aged 10 to 16 who live in the borough, from … Read More

Council Council constitution

Epsom & Ewell Council refuses to explain complaints disparity

Epsom & Ewell Council refuses to explain complaints disparity

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has refused to answer detailed questions about the apparent disparity between its vigorous pursuit of a complaint made by Cllr Neil Dallen (RA Town) and … Read More

Council Education Local History

UK’s “first and only” craft museum in Surrey open day

UK’s “first and only” craft museum in Surrey open day

One of Surrey’s most important buildings, and the UK’s ‘first and only’ craft museum, is to host a special event  to show off the vital restoration work going into saving … Read More

Education News

Options are open at Nescot – GCSE students reassured there’s still time to apply

Options are open at Nescot – GCSE students reassured there’s still time to apply

Students collecting their GCSE results today are being reassured that there is still time to apply for courses at Nescot college in Epsom. Options range from Animal Care and Public … Read More

News Transport

Heathrow expansion consultation deadline

Heathrow expansion consultation deadline

Night flights in and out of Heathrow could be changed as part of new plans being consulted on –  as moves to ramp up to a third runway continue and … Read More

News Transport

Surrey train timetable overhaul pending

Surrey train timetable overhaul pending

Once in a generation changes aimed at improving rail schedules are being set to be introduced across Surrey  but there are concerns about how these may impact level crossing downtime, 


20th August 2026

Arts Culture Education Local History

Epsom and Ewell’s rock history goes under the hammer

Epsom and Ewell’s rock history goes under the hammer

Rare posters from Ewell Technical College (today’s NESCOT) concerts featuring Nick Drake, Genesis, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin are among more than 300 pieces of music memorabilia being auctioned from … Read More

Health News

Patient injuries quadruple in Surrey’s largest mental health trust area

Patient injuries quadruple in Surrey’s largest mental health trust area

This article has been amended to include statistics relating to the total number of patient restraint incidents across the trust in the relevant timeframes, and to clarify this number is … Read More

Arts Community Culture

Discover the magic of Ukraine in Epsom

Discover the magic of Ukraine in Epsom

Looking for a summer holiday family day out? Discover the magic of Ukraine in Epsom Families looking for something different to do this summer holiday are invited to Epsom Picturehouse … Read More

Football Sports

Epsom and Ewell FC’s blessed hat-trick advances team to next round

Epsom and Ewell FC’s blessed hat-trick advances team to next round

Horsham YM 1–5 Epsom & Ewell FC. 15th August – Herbert Direct Stadium – The Isuzu FA Vase First Round Qualifying Epsom & Ewell marched into the next round of … Read More

Education News Transport

Does Epsom and Ewell have the geo-thermal energy to solve our pothole problems?

Does Epsom and Ewell have the geo-thermal energy to solve our pothole problems?

Could geothermal roads help prevent potholes before they form? Surrey trial aims to find out. The UK’s pothole problem could one day be tackled from beneath the road surface, as … Read More

Family Notices Notices

Valerie Flanagan

Valerie Flanagan

Valerie Flanagan passed away suddenly at home on Friday 17 July 2026. She will be dearly missed by her Daughter Louise, Son in Law Paul, Grandchildren Abi & Oli, Grandson … Read More

Business Environment

Dirty water double: sewage spills and blocked drains put Epsom and Ewell under pressure

Dirty water double: sewage spills and blocked drains put Epsom and Ewell under pressure

Epsom and Ewell recorded the longest duration of storm-overflow discharges among seven constituencies examined in a new study of sewage spills across parts of South London and Surrey. Research undertaken … Read More

Council Education

Surrey help with school uniform costs

Surrey help with school uniform costs

Families experiencing financial hardship across Surrey will receive additional support with the cost of sending their children back to school this year, thanks to funding from Surrey County Council’s Crisis … Read More

Letters News Transport

Free bus travel is a good idea; so why does it stop at 15?

Free bus travel is a good idea; so why does it stop at 15?

Dear Editor, This August, children aged five to 15 can travel free on local buses across England. I think that’s genuinely good. It makes days out cheaper, helps children get … Read More

Council Elections

Reigate and Banstead goes a bit greener

Reigate and Banstead goes a bit greener

The Green Party has won a crucial by-election in Reigate and Banstead that could impact the balance of power on the council. Nick Abear, who also serves on East Surrey … Read More

Horse racing Sports

Epsom Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Friday’s Six-Race Meeting

Epsom Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Friday’s Six-Race Meeting

Racing returns to Epsom Racecourse this Friday with a six-race meeting, consisting of five handicaps and a fillies’ novice race. Read on for a preview of and tips for the … Read More

Education News

Record A level results open doors for Epsom and Ewell students

Record A level results open doors for Epsom and Ewell students

Students at two Epsom and Ewell secondary schools are celebrating impressive A-level and vocational qualification results, with Rosebery School recording its best results to date and seven Glyn School students … Read More


13th August 2026

Football Sports

Chips down and Epsom up

Chips down and Epsom up

Epsom and Ewell FC 1 – 0 Chipstead. 8th August – Chalky Lane – The Emirates F.A. Cup Extra Preliminary Round A much-changed Epsom & Ewell side showed grit, discipline … Read More

Education News

Surrey leads first nuclear science experiment with world’s most advanced gamma-ray detector

Surrey leads first nuclear science experiment with world’s most advanced gamma-ray detector

Nuclear physicists at the University of Surrey have become the first to carry out a scientific experiment using the world’s most advanced gamma-ray spectrometer – investigating a sudden change in … Read More

News Transport

Drones may reduce delays on Waterloo line

Drones may reduce delays on Waterloo line

A drone is now operating at London Waterloo to tackle trespass, fix infrastructure faults and reduce disruptionOperated remotely from Southampton, the drone provides live intelligence to South Western Railway and … Read More

Council Finances

Epsom and Ewell Councillor allowances

Epsom and Ewell Councillor allowances

Councillor allowance bill rises £19,275 in a year Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s bill for councillor allowances rose by more than £19,000 last year, with 30 of the borough’s 35 … Read More

Council Finances

Surrey eyes a share of its own taxes under devolution plans

Surrey eyes a share of its own taxes under devolution plans

Surrey’s future strategic authority could retain a share of locally generated income tax and business rates under government plans to transfer more money and decision-making from Whitehall to England’s regions. … Read More

Environment Nature Planning

Water shortage risk drives Surrey farm plan for irrigation pond

Water shortage risk drives Surrey farm plan for irrigation pond

An east Surrey farm is seeking permission to build a new irrigation pond, as climate change has made water supply a “major operational risk”. Reid Manor Farm Limited has put … Read More

Community News Transport

A battle in Epsom: “A Bridge Too Near”

A battle in Epsom: “A Bridge Too Near”

A newly built railway footbridge has been delivered to Epsom Common but cannot be installed after a late dispute emerged between Surrey County Council and Network Rail over its width. … Read More

Council Housing

Bedsit bedlam in Reigate and Banstead getting under control

Bedsit bedlam in Reigate and Banstead getting under control

Strict controls on new HMOs in Reigate and Banstead could be brought in next year.  It comes as new bedsits have sprung up and clustered in Redhill and Horley at … Read More


6th August 2026

Community Local History Volunteers

Back Epsom’s Horton Cemetery history heroes in national vote

Back Epsom’s Horton Cemetery history heroes in national vote

Epsom and Ewell (and beyond) residents are being urged to get behind the local Friends of Horton Cemetery after the charity was shortlisted for a national award celebrating the volunteers … Read More

Council Council constitution News

Epsom Council chamber walk-out: a postscript

Epsom Council chamber walk-out: a postscript

The procedural controversy at Epsom and Ewell Borough Council did not end when 11 councillors walked out of the Council Chamber on 21 July in protest at the Mayor’s ruling … Read More

Community Letters

Glyn Hall thanks Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Glyn Hall thanks Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Dear Editor, Glyn Hall, originally gifted by local benefactor Margaret Glyn, has served generations as a place for education, connection and community activities. However, after more than 150 years, the … Read More

Football Sports

Epsom and Ewell drive home in virgin waters

Epsom and Ewell drive home in virgin waters

Virginia Water 1–2 Epsom & Ewell Saturday 4th August. Chertsey Town (Groundshare). Combined Counties Premier League The Salts began the new season in perfect fashion, overturning a first-half deficit to … Read More

Business

Why more homeowners are taking drain problems seriously before they become emergencies

Why more homeowners are taking drain problems seriously before they become emergencies

Most people don’t think about their drains until something goes wrong. By then, the kitchen sink has stopped draining, the toilet is backing up, or an outside drain has overflowed … Read More

Community Council News

Staines Ali G fans hope for Massiv support for statue

Staines Ali G fans hope for Massiv support for statue

A petition has been launched calling for a statue celebrating Ali G to be installed in Staines – tying in with the release of his new film. The petitioners want … Read More

Business Crime Health

Accident in Leatherhead led to prosecution

Accident in Leatherhead led to prosecution

An event structure company and its director have been fined after a worker suffered life-changing injuries. The worker sustained multiple back fractures, a punctured lung and a broken leg. An … Read More

Council Council constitution

How would you pronounce “WSASMC”?

How would you pronounce “WSASMC”?

One of the first orders of business for the newly formed Liberal Democrat-run, £4billion indebted West Surrey Council – will be to seek to change its name. A motion is … Read More

Council Council constitution

Debate not hate says East Surrey shadow authority

Debate not hate says East Surrey shadow authority

East Surrey councillors shared their experience of facing intimidation and harassment from voters as they debated a motion calling for civility in political discourse. At a meeting of the full … Read More

Nature News

Water voles thriving in Ewell’s Hogsmill

Water voles thriving in Ewell’s Hogsmill

Camera footage and fresh field signs suggest water voles are settling in and spreading along the Surrey chalk stream Water voles are showing encouraging signs of recovery along the Hogsmill … Read More

Council Council constitution

Burnham ‘commitment’ to Surrey devolution

Burnham ‘commitment’ to Surrey devolution

East Surrey’s shadow council leader has welcomed Andy Burnham’s “strong commitment” to devolution as Surrey continues to take steps that could see the county get its own elected mayor. Speaking … Read More


30th July 2026

Council Council constitution Planning

Fireworks at Epsom Council spark walk-out

Fireworks at Epsom Council spark walk-out

Eleven councillors walked out of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council after the Mayor ruled that her father could remain in the chamber and lead a debate on the future of … Read More

Council Council constitution Editorial

Why procedure matters, even in little old Epsom and Ewell

Why procedure matters, even in little old Epsom and Ewell

Nobody seriously disputes that developing Hook Road Arena as a centre for community sport, supported where necessary by housing, deserves proper investigation. The proposal enjoyed overwhelming support. Had almost any … Read More

Council News

East Surrey appointing its Chief Executive

East Surrey appointing its Chief Executive

The new East Surrey council is poised to confirm its first permanent chief executive in the latest step towards the authority’s creation next spring. East Surrey Shadow Authority, the body … Read More

Business Council Health News Planning

Epsom Council delivers shock rejection to defibrillator kiosk

Epsom Council delivers shock rejection to defibrillator kiosk

Plans to install a communications kiosk including an advertising screen and defibrillator on Epsom High Street have been refused over concerns it would harm the character of the area. The … Read More

Business Council Planning

Burgh Heath hotel plan rejected

Burgh Heath hotel plan rejected

Plans to demolish and extend a hotel by adding a further 33 bedrooms and a 72-seater restaurant have been rejected after councillors labelled it an “ugly blot”. Premier Inn had … Read More

Community Health

NHS in Surrey prescribe AI solutions to diagnoses

NHS in Surrey prescribe AI solutions to diagnoses

Surrey NHS trusts are investing tens of thousands of pounds into artificial intelligence tools across clinical and administrative settings, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) can reveal. AI is being … Read More

Community Faith Health

Epsom’s Love Me Love My Mind celebrates 20 years of community care

Epsom’s Love Me Love My Mind celebrates 20 years of community care

An Epsom charity which has supported thousands of people affected by mental health difficulties has celebrated its 20th anniversary. Members, volunteers, friends and supporters of Love Me Love My Mind … Read More

Business Transport

Surrey’s prettiest railway station litter blight

Surrey’s prettiest railway station litter blight

A Surrey train station that was once voted the county’s prettiest station by Surrey Live readers is now stewing in litter after the rail operator took away all the bins … Read More

Council Environment Planning

Application to drill for oil in Surrey Hills renewed

Application to drill for oil in Surrey Hills renewed

A Green Party councillor has called for a “rethink” of oil extraction practices in the south of England after research suggested a possible link between drilling and a series of … Read More

Community Council

In Surrey more people are invited to share their home

In Surrey more people are invited to share their home

A new partner is taking on Shared Lives in Surrey aiming to welcome more people into the service who can open their homes to adults with support needs and help … Read More

Council Finances

West Surrey’s debt woes worry its Unitary Council

West Surrey’s debt woes worry its Unitary Council

A single commissioner team will oversee the combined financial messes across Woking and Spelthorne as fears mount that their enormous unsupported debts and tangled property webs could spill over and … Read More

Council Housing

A Surrey Council’s enforcement against landlords examined

A Surrey Council’s enforcement against landlords examined

Private landlords have been hit with almost £75,000 in fines over the past two years by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. The figures were presented following questions over levels of … Read More

Business Nature

Discovering Epsom’s Secret Lavender Garden

Discovering Epsom’s Secret Lavender Garden

A family-run lavender business has celebrated 20 years after growing from a simple stall and tent into one of the area’s best-known attractions. Mayfield Lavender marked the milestone at its … Read More


23rd July 2026

Council Council constitution

Epsom and Ewell Council votes for continuing a local Mayoralty after its abolition, for a small fee …

Epsom and Ewell Council votes for continuing a local Mayoralty after its abolition, for a small fee …

Epsom and Ewell could retain its mayor, civic traditions and borough regalia after the borough council is abolished next year following a vote by councillors. Epsom and Ewell Borough Council … Read More

Council Council constitution Planning

Bitter exchanges in Epsom and Ewell Council Chamber on Local Plan oversight

Bitter exchanges in Epsom and Ewell Council Chamber on Local Plan oversight

A bid to force greater councillor oversight of Epsom and Ewell’s Local Plan was defeated after an extraordinary council meeting descended into bitter accusations of dishonesty, procedural obstruction and democratic … Read More

Council Council constitution News

Surrey Council leader thinks new PM will back a County Mayor

Surrey Council leader thinks new PM will back a County Mayor

Surrey County Council’s leader says he expects Andy Burnham to “turbocharge” initiatives that could see the county get its own elected mayor. Speaking at a meeting of the full council, … Read More

Arts Culture

Wild Arts brings Mozart and opera favourites to Surrey

Wild Arts brings Mozart and opera favourites to Surrey

Opera will be coming to Surrey this summer as the touring company Wild Arts presents Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro in Guildford and at Titsey Place. The production visits the … Read More

Environment Nature News

New Gatwick wetland aims to reduce flood and drought risks

New Gatwick wetland aims to reduce flood and drought risks

A new wetland capable of holding up to 600,000 litres of water has been created near Gatwick as part of efforts to make the Upper Mole catchment more resilient to … Read More

Education Health News

Surrey University leads research against anti-biotic resistance

Surrey University leads research against anti-biotic resistance

Faster and more effective ways to treat pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most life-threatening pathogens, could be on the cards thanks to a … Read More

Arts Local History

When the Rolling Stones rolled into Epsom — twice

When the Rolling Stones rolled into Epsom — twice

Before the stadium tours, private jets and worldwide fame, five young rhythm-and-blues musicians performed on a temporary floor laid over the swimming pool at Epsom Baths Hall. More than six … Read More

Community Council Letters

Readers bemoan Council’s feet-dragging on twinning Epsom with Bucha

Readers bemoan Council’s feet-dragging on twinning Epsom with Bucha

Dear Editor, Very disappointed with Epsom and Ewell Council, this would have been a simple arrangement. I myself stayed in the borough of Bucha only a few weeks ago on … Read More

Council News

Councillors dispute significance of EEBC’s complaint rate

Councillors dispute significance of EEBC’s complaint rate

Epsom and Ewell recorded Surrey’s second-highest rate of upheld Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman complaints during 2025/26 — although officers and some councillors argued that the numbers were too … Read More

Council Finances Housing

Epsom and Ewell Council admits homelessness pressure is “getting worse” despite action

Epsom and Ewell Council admits homelessness pressure is “getting worse” despite action

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s homelessness expenditure remains at its maximum risk rating despite additional staff, fraud investigations, government funding and the implementation of a homelessness action plan. The Council’s … Read More

Council Council constitution Finances

Epsom’s scrutiny committee slams Dallen’s urgent £500K Rainbow approval

Epsom’s scrutiny committee slams Dallen’s urgent £500K Rainbow approval

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Audit and Scrutiny Committee has formally concluded that the process used for the confidential £500K Rainbow Leisure Centre urgent decision did not follow the Council’s … Read More

Epsom and Ewell Council’s final spending spree?

Community Council Finances

Epsom and Ewell Council’s final spending spree?

Nearly £4.92 million of infrastructure and community-project funding has been approved by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council despite a resident’s detailed appeal for the decision—or at least funding for a … Read More

Community Council

Bucha Ukraine “ducks missiles while Epsom Council mucks about”

Bucha Ukraine “ducks missiles while Epsom Council mucks about”

A proposal for Epsom and Ewell Borough Council to support in principle a twinning arrangement with Bucha in Ukraine was defeated only after Strategy and Resources Committee Chair Councillor Neil … Read More


16th July 2026

Council Finances News

The Man Who Signed It, Chaired It, and Wouldn’t Explain It: Six Months of Silence Over Rainbow’s £500,000 Bill

The Man Who Signed It, Chaired It, and Wouldn’t Explain It: Six Months of Silence Over Rainbow’s £500,000 Bill

Six months after Epsom and Ewell Borough Council quietly authorised the use of its reserves to cover a dilapidations bill of up to £500,000 at the Rainbow Leisure Centre, the … Read More

News Transport

Free bus travel for children across England this August

Free bus travel for children across England this August

Children aged five to 15 in England will be able to travel free on local buses throughout August as part of a Government summer cost-of-living support package. The free travel … Read More

Community Council Health

Surrey County Council Chair opens new Sensory Services Centre in Ashtead

Surrey County Council Chair opens new Sensory Services Centre in Ashtead

A new centre designed to support people with sight and hearing loss across Surrey has officially opened in Ashtead, strengthening services for thousands of residents living with sensory impairments. The … Read More

Council Nature Planning

Epsom Playhouse to embrace heat pumps and trees to be felled – a planning committee’s night’s work

Epsom Playhouse to embrace heat pumps and trees to be felled – a planning committee’s night’s work

Last night Councillors unanimously approved the council’s own application to replace ageing air-conditioning plant at Epsom Playhouse with a modern heat pump system, in a decision expected to cut the … Read More

Community Council

Residents invited to help shape New East and West Surrey council brands

Residents invited to help shape New East and West Surrey council brands

Residents from across Surrey are invited to get involved to help shape the brand identities of the new East and West Surrey councils. These councils will need to create their own distinct brand identities, to help everyone recognise who is delivering local services from April 2027. The new … Read More

Council Crime Social care

Surrey County Council Prison Social Care Team awarded CQC ‘good’ rating

Surrey County Council Prison Social Care Team awarded CQC ‘good’ rating

Surrey County Council’s Prison Social Care Team has been rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission for the dignified support it provides to people in custody with care needs. The … Read More

Council Council constitution Finances

Big spending must be approved by new Councils from now

Big spending must be approved by new Councils from now

Major financial decisions across Surrey must now be taken by the newly formed councils – despite the fact they will not take over for almost a year. Elections held in … Read More

Crime Faith News

Surrey’s Cathedral to get CCTV protection

Surrey’s Cathedral to get CCTV protection

Guildford Cathedral has been granted permission to install security cameras around its listed premises through a fund to protect places of worship from violent attacks. The cathedral will place 16 … Read More