Heart patients and the tiniest and most vulnerable babies across Surrey are set to benefit from major investment in local specialist services, following confirmation of a £3.2 million upgrade at Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Chertsey. Although the improvements are centred at St Peter’s Hospital, the effects will be felt across the county, including by patients who would typically access services at Epsom.

The investment is being funded largely by Runnymede Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy, and will see the cardiac catheter-lab at St Peter’s upgraded to deliver more complex and less invasive heart procedures at a faster rate. It will be complemented by a £296,000 refurbishment of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which is the only Level 3 neonatal facility in Surrey. Councillor Robert King, co-leader of Runnymede Borough Council, stated to the BBC’s LDRS: “For families, the moments when a loved one needs specialist care are when the NHS matters most. That is why this investment we have championed at St Peter’s Hospital is so vital.”

Across Surrey, hospitals offer a range of cardiac services. Epsom provides extensive inpatient and outpatient cardiology care, including angiograms, non-complex stenting, pacemakers, complex device implants and heart-failure treatment. However, for confirmed heart attacks and the most complex interventional procedures, patients are transferred to the regional heart-attack centre at St George’s in London. Other Surrey hospitals, including East Surrey Hospital and the Royal Surrey in Guildford, also run catheter labs and offer broad specialist cardiology care, though not all services are identical between sites.

The enhancements at St Peter’s therefore represent a significant expansion of Surrey’s own capacity to deliver more advanced, less invasive heart procedures locally, reducing pressure on London hospitals and improving access for patients across the county. In neonatal care, the upgraded Level 3 unit will strengthen Surrey’s ability to care for the sickest and most premature babies, with facilities designed to improve comfort, privacy and support for families during long and emotionally demanding stays.

Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals CEO, Louise Stead, stated to the BBC’s LDRS: “These improvements will strengthen our ability to deliver timely, life-saving care in modern, purpose-built environments.” The funding, described as one of the most significant local healthcare investments in recent years, is expected to deliver the improvements within the next two years.

Sam Jones – Reporter

Image: St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey (Google)

When the Ukraine National Opera arrived in the UK on tour in early 2022, none of its musicians could have imagined how the world, and their lives, were about to change. Two weeks later, Russia invaded Ukraine. Many members of the orchestra, seeing the escalating conflict at home, made the painful decision to remain in the UK and claim asylum. Among them was clarinettist and saxophonist Vlad Voloshyn.

Now living in Epsom with local resident Nina Kaye, one of the founders of the Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network, Vlad has continued to rebuild his life through music. Together with five of his former orchestra colleagues, he formed a brass ensemble called Freedom Pulse, which performs Ukrainian and classical repertoire across Surrey and beyond.

Alongside his performing career, Vlad is in his final year at the British Institute of Modern Music (BIMM) in Fulham, where he studies music and sound production and hopes to work as a sound designer after he graduates.

Recently, an extraordinary act of local generosity brought his story full circle. Vlad had long hoped to buy a tenor saxophone, an instrument essential for his expanding repertoire but out of reach financially. By chance, his host Nina, who also volunteers for Nucleo, a London-based social action charity that helps children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to music, received an email offering a donated tenor saxophone. Nina runs Nucleo’s National Instrument Bank, which matches donated instruments with musicians in need.

The offer came from a donor in the Lake District. Determined and hopeful, Vlad took the long train journey north to collect what he thought was a tenor saxophone. Only on the journey home did he discover it was actually an alto sax, an instrument he already owned. Disheartened, he returned to Epsom unsure how to continue his search.

A few days later, Vlad was performing at a Ukrainian Music Evening in Epsom, attended by His Worshipful The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Robert Leach. Sitting beside the Mayor, Nina recounted Vlad’s misadventure with the saxophone. Without hesitation, Councillor Leach said, “I’ve got a tenor sax at home which I haven’t played for 30 years and he would be welcome to have it, if I can find it.”

True to his word, after the concert Vlad was welcomed to the Mayor’s home and given the instrument which left him both astonished and grateful.

What began as a story of loss and exile has become one of connection and kindness. From the national stage in Kyiv to community halls in Surrey, Vlad’s journey shows how music continues to build bridges where politics and geography divide.

When Vlad plays his tenor sax in Freedom Pulse’s performances, he will know that even in times of war and displacement, the power of human generosity, and of music itself, resonates far beyond borders.

Nina Kaye

Related reports:

Music and dance for Ukraine at Epsom Methodist Church

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is proud to launch its Green Your Home Guide to help residents take simple, everyday actions to contribute to a healthier environment and help combat climate change. The guide offers practical advice and tips for making small changes that collectively make a big difference.

The initiative empowers individuals and households to take ownership of their environmental impact through easy-to-follow steps. From reducing waste and conserving energy to choosing sustainable transport and supporting biodiversity, the guide highlights how everyone can play a part.

The Green Your Home Guide is being rolled out as part of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Climate Change Action Plan 2025-2029, which has already helped reduce the council’s operational emissions by 16% since 2019/2020. This is part of the council’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2035.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee, said:

“This guide is about showing people they don’t need to make radical changes to their lives to make a difference. Simple, ongoing changes—whether building on existing efforts or starting something new – can have a meaningful, long-term impact. From making homes more energy efficient, to planning wildlife-friendly gardens, and investing in systems that reduce reliance on fossil fuels, every step counts. We want residents to feel confident and motivated to take action, and we hope the guide supports their decision-making along the way.”

The Council’s Green Your Home Guide is available here – Green Your Home Guide | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

More information about the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan 2025-2029 can be found here – Climate Change | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

About Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s (EEBC) Green Your Home Guide
The council’s Green Your Home Guide explains a number of ways residents can improve their property and garden, helping homes work with nature and reduce their household carbon footprint.  Topics include: Insulate to end heat waste; generate green energy with renewable technology; let it drain with permeable driveways; go ahead, go electric; lights out to help nocturnal wildlife; mind the gap to save hedgehogs; give nature a home; save our streams with water butts; turn scraps to soil by composting; turf for earth; wild your garden with diverse, native landscaping; plants for bees; plants for butterflies; plants for birds; plant for the planet: plant new trees and keep existing ones. Green Your Home Guide | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

About EEBC’s Climate Change Action Plan including progress so far

In 2020, the council’s first Climate Change Action Plan (2020-2024) was developed, setting an ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral by the year 2035. It set out plans to implement a range of measures to reduce the council’s own emissions as well as promoting good practice throughout the borough. The council has since adopted its second Climate Change Action Plan 2025-2029. The plan is a living document which will be reviewed and updated over time. Climate Change | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

About EEBC Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-2030

The council’s local Biodiversity Action Plan is a long-term plan aimed at protecting, maintaining and, where possible, enhancing biodiversity at a local level, taking into account both local, regional, national and sometimes international priorities. Epsom and Ewell Borough Council – Biodiversity

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Numerous safeguarding flaws over many years “cumulatively laid the foundations for the severe abuse” Sara Sharif experienced, a new independent report has revealed. The 10-year-old schoolgirl was found dead in her dad’s home in Byfleet, Surrey, in August 2023. After Sara’s dad, Urfan Sharif, and stepmum, Beinash Batool, were sentenced for murdering the girl in December 2024, Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) launched an independent safeguarding review. The reviewers were tasked to investigate how professionals responded to concerns about Sara’s welfare throughout her life. The 62-page review, published on November 13, concluded that weaknesses in how professionals assessed risk, shared information and followed safeguarding procedures meant signs of harm were not acted on effectively. “Expected robust safeguarding processes were not followed,” the report found. “Information gathering and assessment at this stage did not adequately triangulate information and respond to the presence of bruising alongside inconsistent explanations. Sara’s ‘voice’ expressed through her change in demeanour was not heard.”

In March 2023, Sara’s school raised concerns with Surrey’s children services after she appeared with bruising on her face and teachers were given inconsistent explanations for how it had happened. Her normally positive demeanour had also changed, but the report found that this was not sufficiently recognised as a sign that she might be at risk. Instead, the service decided no further action was needed after speaking to her father and did not hold a formal strategy discussion with other agencies. The review also found that information was held across multiple agencies but not consistently shared, leading to an incomplete understanding of the family’s situation and therefore assessment of Sara’s safety. It read: “This serves to highlight the challenge for practitioners in coming to a holistic understanding of a child’s life both in the past and present and using this understanding to identify risk of harm.”

Sara was withdrawn from school to be home educated in April 2023, which the review said removed her from professional oversight. Surrey’s policy at the time required a home visit within ten working days when a child is withdrawn from school but this did not take place. The report added that management oversight failed to identify this gap in practice. The decision to home educate should have triggered further checks given the family’s history with children’s services. The review also identified long-standing domestic abuse concerns, finding that professionals underestimated the risks posed by Sara’s father and relied too heavily on his reported attendance at a perpetrator’s programme rather than assessing if his behaviour had changed. The authors recommended domestic abuse training and awareness should be strengthened across agencies locally and nationally.

Additionally Sara’s mum had limited access to Polish interpreters during key family court proceedings in 2019. The report said her views were not fully heard and that little consideration was given to Sara’s mixed Polish and Pakistani heritage in decision-making. The review also admits that sometimes agencies must “think the unthinkable” and consider the potential risk of harm in daily practice. It states: “Although the aim will always be to try and work alongside families and support them to care for their children, […] we must remain alert to the possibility that some parents will deliberately harm their children […] This is not the responsibility of any one agency.” The review made 15 recommendations, including ensuring multi-agency discussions in all cases of unexplained injuries, improving home education oversight, and embedding cultural and domestic abuse training for staff.

Terence Herbert, Chief Executive of Surrey County Council said: “We are deeply sorry for the findings in the report related to us as a local authority. We have already taken robust action to address those relating to Surrey County Council, and that work will continue with every recommendation implemented in full. We will also work with partners across the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership to ensure a joint action plan is implemented as quickly as possible.” In 2019 Surrey’s Children Services was given an ‘Inadequate’ rating from Ofsted. This was then upgraded to ‘Requires Improvement’ in 2022 and then ‘Good’ in 2025. Surrey County Council has said it has already made “significant change” to how it handles child safeguarding. These include the creation of a multi-agency safeguarding hub to improve information sharing between social care, the police, and health services and mandatory domestic abuse training for all children’s social workers. The council said it has also strengthened oversight of home education cases and requires additional checks and management reviews when a child is taken off the school roll.

However, the council has not clarified how it will acknowledge the importance of race and culture when considering child safeguarding, or how it will provide access to a translator if needed. Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said: “I am certain that everyone involved with this family will have reflected on what more could have been done to protect Sara, and my thoughts and condolences are with anyone affected. The independent and detailed review makes a number of recommendations both for national government and local partners and it is now essential that every single person in every organisation involved in child safeguarding reads this report and understands the lessons learnt. I am deeply sorry for the findings in the report that relate to us as a local authority. We will now act on those findings and continue to review and strengthen our culture, systems and processes designed to support good practice in working with children and families, as per the recommendations. I call on the government to review the findings and, where appropriate, legislate for the changes in the national system that it calls for.”

Emily Dalton LDRS

Image: Surrey County Council headquarters. Credit: Emily Coady-Stemp

Surrey’s Space4Nature project, which uses satellite data and community science to protect biodiversity across the county, is currently being showcased by the UK Government at the COP30 UK Pavilion in Belém, Brazil (10–21 November 2025). The display forms part of the UK’s official presentation of research and innovation tackling global climate and nature challenges. 

Co-led by the University of Surrey’s Centre for Environment and Sustainability (CES) in collaboration with Surrey Wildlife Trust, Buglife, and the Painshill Park Trust, Space4Nature brings together scientists, local communities and conservation groups to map and monitor key habitats across Surrey – from chalk grasslands to heathlands and acid grasslands that support some of the nation’s rarest species. 

Using advanced satellite imagery and artificial intelligence trained with data from local volunteers, the project can classify habitats to Level 4 of the UKHab system – producing one of the most detailed environmental maps of its kind. This allows conservation partners to pinpoint where biodiversity is under threat and focus restoration efforts, such as reconnecting fragmented chalk grasslands – often called the “rainforests of Europe” for their carbon storage and rich biodiversity. 

Surrey Wildlife Trust plays a central role in Space4Nature, leading the project’s citizen science programme, training volunteers and coordinating the collection of field data that makes its satellite and AI mapping possible. The Trust’s on-the-ground expertise connects technology and conservation, turning local knowledge into invaluable data for protecting Surrey’s landscapes. 

Dr Ana Andries, Lecturer in Remote Sensing and GIS at the University of Surrey, and project lead, said: 

“We’re using satellite data and artificial intelligence in a way that directly supports conservation on the ground. Citizen scientists help train our machine learning models, thus turning local field data into high-resolution habitat maps that reveal where biodiversity is under threat. To see our work featured on a global stage at COP30 highlights how our region’s innovation and collaboration can help shape the future of biodiversity monitoring.” 

Andrew Jamieson, Space4Nature Project Manager at Surrey Wildlife Trust, says: 

“It’s time for conservation organisations like ours to step outside traditional boundaries and focus not just on land management and individual species recovery, but also on delivering the tools and partnerships that will drive change on a landscape level.  This project exemplifies that approach.” 

Space4Nature was among the first projects in the United Kingdom to receive Space for Climate Observatory (SCO) accreditation from the UK’s Space4Climate network, recognising its excellence in using Earth observation data to tackle environmental challenges. This year, it has been selected as one of just 19 organisations featured in the UK Government’s Pavilion at COP30, with a video and QR-linked display presented by government representatives throughout the conference. 

Dr Zoe M Harris, Director of Surrey’s Centre for Environment and Sustainability and Co-Director of the Institute for Sustainability, said: 

“The Centre for Environment and Sustainability was founded on the idea that solving environmental challenges means bringing disciplines and people together. Space4Nature embodies that vision – combining engineering, data science and community insight to create practical tools for nature recovery. Seeing this work recognised at COP30 highlights Surrey’s role as a global leader in sustainability research and innovation.” 

Surrey University

Image: Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey

Epsom and Ewell Times adds – the Surrey project is one of only twenty presented by the UK at the COP30 summit. See the full list HERE.

Spelthorne Borough Council has agreed to support a new rail link between Staines-upon-Thames and Heathrow Airport, but only on strict environmental and local benefit conditions.

The proposed Heathrow Southern Rail (HSR) scheme would connect Heathrow Terminal 5 directly to the south-west rail network, using existing track between Staines and Windsor before running in a new tunnel under Staines Moor. Supporters say it could slash road congestion, help people reach work at the airport, and give the town’s economy a boost.

Councillors say they welcome the idea in principle but have made clear that their backing comes with safeguards. They want guarantees that trains will actually stop at Staines, that there will be no damage to the sensitive Staines Moor landscape, and that the council will get to sign off on final plans once detailed studies are complete.

Cllr Chris Bateson, who led the council’s review, told the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We’ve looked at both proposals in detail. A direct rail link from Staines to Heathrow could reduce congestion and support our local economy. But we must protect Staines Moor and make sure residents benefit.”

His colleague, Cllr Howard Williams, chair of the Business, Infrastructure and Growth Committee, added: “Our support relies on clear guarantees. The environment can’t pay the price for progress. We will keep working with HSR to make sure residents’ interests come first.”

The link would run mainly in tunnel to limit disruption, emerging to join the existing railway near Staines. The promoter, Heathrow Southern Railway Ltd, says the route could remove millions of car journeys to the airport every year and cut thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions.

If built, the line could open in the second half of this decade, though no firm construction timetable has yet been confirmed. Earlier proposals suggested the service could be running between 2026 and 2028, offering a six-minute journey from Staines to Heathrow Terminal 5.

An alternative “Southern Light Rail” idea — which would have involved a surface-level route — was rejected by councillors as too intrusive, with greater impact on privacy and the landscape.

While the majority of councillors supported the HSR plan with safeguards, some voiced concern that the benefits might not be evenly spread across the borough, particularly in Stanwell, where many residents already work at the airport.

The council says it will continue talks with HSR to ensure local voices are heard before any final decision. For now, the message from Spelthorne is clear: Heathrow’s southern rail link is welcome — but not at the expense of Staines Moor or local control.

Sam Jones – Reporter

Photo: Train sign (Credit: Spelthorne Borough Council)

Related reports:

Surrey’s new rail link to Heathrow?

Further strike action by resident doctors – formerly known as junior doctors – is set to add strain to NHS services just as winter illnesses begin to rise. The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed walkouts from 7am on Friday 14 November until 7am on Wednesday 19 November in what will be the latest round of industrial action in a long-running dispute with the Government over pay and working conditions. Hundreds of medics across St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group could join the five-day stoppage. The Trust says services are already under pressure from rising flu cases, which have climbed earlier than expected this year. Dr Richard Jennings, Group Chief Medical Officer, warned of disruption ahead and said hospitals are “always very busy at this time of year” and are experiencing “significant pressure” due to the combined impact of seasonal illness and the upcoming walkouts. He said consultant doctors and other staff will work extra shifts “to keep patients safe”, but appointments may still need to be rescheduled to safeguard care for emergency and critically ill patients.

Local impact so far

During the previous round of resident-doctor strikes in July, 144 elective procedures and 1,084 outpatient appointments were rescheduled across the Group. On an average strike day, 211 resident doctors were recorded absent across the Trust’s sites. The public will be contacted directly if their appointment needs to be rearranged, and the Trust emphasises that any appointment not specifically cancelled should be attended as normal. Emergency departments remain open for life-threatening conditions.

Why doctors say they are striking

The BMA has repeatedly argued that resident-doctor pay has been eroded by more than a quarter in real terms since 2008. Representatives say pay restoration is essential both to retain doctors within the NHS and to halt a pattern of experienced staff leaving for better-paid roles abroad. Doctors’ leaders also say the dispute is about patient safety: they claim chronic understaffing means resident doctors are covering too many gaps in rotas, working excessive hours, and taking on responsibilities that stretch beyond their training. The BMA says that improving pay and working conditions would reduce burnout and stabilise the workforce, ultimately shortening waiting lists. The organisation has also expressed frustration that talks with Government have repeatedly stalled, arguing that below-inflation pay offers fall far short of resolving the dispute.

Government position

Ministers have previously said that the level of pay demanded by the BMA is unaffordable in the current economic climate and would divert funds from frontline services. The Government maintains that it has accepted independent pay review body recommendations and has urged doctors to return to negotiations without pre-conditions. Officials also argue that strike action adds further pressure to already stretched NHS services and risks longer delays for patients waiting for operations and specialist appointments.

Advice for patients this week

The Trust is urging the public to continue using NHS services responsibly. NHS 111 online should be the first port of call for non-emergencies, pharmacies can advise on minor illnesses, and GP services are unaffected by industrial action. With flu infections rising, eligible residents are being encouraged to get vaccinated without delay, and people are asked to check in on vulnerable friends and neighbours. Dr Jennings emphasised that anyone with a life-threatening condition must still attend A&E or call 999.

Sam Jones – Reporter

Related reports:

Doctors’ strike to hit Epsom Hospital

Epsom Hospital workers to strike for equality?

Surrey braces for doctors’ strike

The Ashley Centre in Epsom has confirmed that Primark is set to open its doors in Spring 2026, occupying a two-floor, 44,000 square foot retail unit. The arrival of this major fashion retailer is being billed as a milestone for the Centre and for the local retail offering in Epsom.

Background and delays

The unit which Primark will occupy has had a long and troubled history of vacancy. The previous occupier closed three years ago, leaving the large space empty ever since. Work to transform the unit was delayed when the first building contractors appointed to carry out the full refit went bust, setting the project back significantly. After these setbacks, the confirmation that Primark will finally open its Epsom store marks the end of a long wait for local shoppers and a major boost for the Ashley Centre.

The new Primark store

Primark will open next to fashion giant JD Sports and within easy reach of other major retailers such as NEXT, Marks & Spencer and Oliver Bonas. The store will span two floors and showcase the brand’s extensive range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, accessories and homeware. Its size and location will make it one of the key anchors within the shopping centre.

A boost for the town centre

Ashley Centre Assistant Manager Will Greenland said: “The opening of Primark is one of the most highly anticipated openings that Ashley Centre has had for quite some time, and we know just how much local shoppers are looking forward to it. Primark’s arrival will not only bring a fantastic new retail offer to Epsom, but it will create new job opportunities, increase footfall, and further elevate the centre’s role as a prime shopping destination in the community.”

The store is expected to generate new employment, draw additional visitors from across Surrey, and strengthen the Centre’s position as Epsom’s prime shopping hub.

About Primark

Primark was founded in Dublin in 1969, trading as Penneys in Ireland, before expanding to the UK in the 1970s. It has since grown into one of the country’s biggest clothing and homeware retailers, known for its affordable fashion and high turnover of seasonal collections. The company continues to rely on the appeal of physical stores rather than online sales, promoting what it describes as a lively, social shopping experience.

In recent years, the brand has invested in sustainability and responsible sourcing, aiming to improve transparency across its global supply chain. Despite broader challenges in the retail sector, Primark has consistently reported strong growth and remains a major draw for shopping centres across the UK.

Looking ahead

For Epsom, the long-awaited opening of Primark represents more than just another store. It brings one of Britain’s best-known brands to the town centre, fills a large empty space, and sends a signal of renewed confidence in the local retail economy. Shoppers can expect a broad and affordable range of fashion and homeware when doors finally open in Spring 2026.

Sam Jones – Reporter

Related reports:

Primark to open in Epsom

5 Shops that could replace House of Fraser in the Ashley Centre

It’s that time of year again – Christmas is coming to Epsom! Join us on Sunday 23 November for the Christmas lights switch-on in Epsom marketplace, led by the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell and the cast of this year’s pantomime at Epsom Playhouse, Aladdin. Enjoy a day of festive cheer, with performances from local dance schools and a community choir, family-friendly rides, seasonal stalls, and a special visit from Inka the Polar Bear. The fun starts at 10.30am and the Christmas lights in Epsom marketplace will be switched on at 4.30pm.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge (RA Ewell Village), Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “Seeing Epsom lit up for the Christmas season is one of my favourite moments in the community calendar. It’s heart-warming to see people from across the borough and beyond come together to enjoy seasonal, festive fun. The day would not be possible without the support of Go Epsom, and local Epsom & Ewell charities and community groups. Thank you to all those who have worked so hard to make it possible for us to hold the event again this year.”

The Paparazzi Guys will also join the festivities, providing the perfect opportunity for family Christmas pictures.

Find out about more events taking place in Epsom & Ewell over the festive period, including Christmas activities at Bourne Hall, What’s on | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Free parking days in Epsom & Ewell

Over the Christmas period, there will be selected days when it will be free to park in Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) managed car parks:

• 5 December: Dorset House and Ewell High Street car parks – free from 4pm until 7am on 6 December
• 7 December: EEBC car parks – free all day
• 14 December: EEBC car parks – free all day
• 21 December: EEBC car parks – free all day
• 25 December: EEBC car parks – free all day
• 26 December: Dorset House and Ewell High Street car parks – free all day

Full details about EEBC-managed car parks are available on the council’s website. Please note; Hook Road car park is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.

Changes to council services

The Town Hall will be closed on 24, 25, and 26 December 2025 and 1 January 2026, and will close at 3pm on 31 December 2025.

Waste and refuse services

During the Christmas and New Year’s weeks, collections must accommodate the public holidays, and at a time when bins are much fuller than usual. Some services may not be available as usual, and your normal collection day may change.

• All planned changes can be found on the council’s website: Christmas and New Year collections | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.
• Christmas week: there will be no refuse collections during Christmas week. Please leave out food and recycling (including glass recycling) only. During Christmas week, collection days may change. Please check the EEBC website for recycling and food bin collection days during Christmas week.
• New Year’s week: normal refuse collections start again in New Year’s week. However, collection days may change. Please check the EEBC website for collection days during New Year’s week.
• Before Christmas, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will place a label on resident bin handles with collection details for the festive period. If you are an Epsom & Ewell resident, please look out for this reminder about how services will be changing in your road over Christmas and New Year’s weeks.

Community support services

Opening times will differ over Christmas and the New Year. Please check the EEBC website for details: Council services over Christmas and the New Year 2025 | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Christmas tree recycling

In January, EEBC offer free real Christmas tree recycling for all residents. This is a fortnightly service – check your Christmas bin label for details of when real Christmas tree collections happen in your road. Don’t cut up your tree – it’s easier to collect whole.

• The Christmas lights switch-on in Epsom marketplace will take place at 4.30pm and there will be local performances from 10.30am. The fun fair and stalls will close at 10pm.
• Aladdin will be performed at The Playhouse, Epsom, from Friday 12 December to Sunday 4 January. Book tickets on the website: Aladdin | Epsom Playhouse

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Image background credit Andrew Tijou. Licence Details

Year six schoolchildren in Surrey have some of the lowest obesity rates in the country, with Mole Valley leading the way. The figures were published as part of the Government’s National Child Measurement Programme, which covers mainstream state-maintained schools. Children in Year 6 are aged 10 to 11 and the data is based on the address of the child rather than their school.

Mole Valley, at 9.7 per cent, was the only borough in the country where fewer than one in 10 children were classed as obese. Three boroughs, Sandwell and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands and Knowlsey in the North West had rates above 30 per cent.

The complete top ten was:

• Mole Valley – 9.7 per cent
• St Albans –  12.0 per cent
• Richmond upon Thames – 12.1 per cent
• Cambridge – 12.7 per cent
• Epsom & Ewell – 12.8 per cent
• Elmbridge  – 13.1 per cent
• Waverley – 13.1 per cent
• South Hams  -13.1 per cent
• Uttlesford  -13.2 per cent
• Guildford – 13.6 per cent

The remaining Surrey boroughs had the following obesity rates among year six children:

• Surrey Heath – 14.5 per cent
• Woking –  15.2 per cent
• Reigate & Banstead –  15.7 per cent
• Tandridge – 16.7 per cent
• Runnymede – 16.9 per cent 
• Spelthorne – 18.2 per cent

Councillor Nick Wright, Mole Valley District Council cabinet member for leisure and community assets, said one of their priorities was to support residents to live healthy and fulfilling lives. He said: “These childhood obesity figures, which shine such a positive light on Mole Valley, are very encouraging for parents, carers and young people who live in our district. For our part in contributing towards these low obesity rates, we are proud of the work we do and the initiatives we provide which can only help participating children be healthier and more active. Examples include our popular free summer holiday activities programme, most recently run this past summer, and the wide range of indoor activities – such as the kids swim for a pound offer – available at Dorking Sports Centre and Leatherhead Leisure Centre, both run on our behalf by Better.”

“Our sports club access scheme also provides up to £250 per eligible young person to cover all, or part, of a sports club membership and free taster session at that specific club. “The Mole Valley parkrun and junior parkrun initiatives that we helped to establish also continue to go from strength to strength, most recently highlighted by the junior park celebrating its sixth anniversary. “The funding opportunities we provide, for example our neighbourhood fund, are available for sports clubs or other youth projects to apply for money to help improve existing and build new facilities which young people can benefit from.”

“Our commitment to improving our already impressive range of play facilities, including playgrounds and skate parks, across Mole Valley will always be a high priority for us, and a decision due to be taken by cabinet later this month could see several million pounds of Community Infrastructure Levy funding become available for a major parks and recreation ground enhancement programme.”

Chris Caulfield LDRS