Newsletter - Tuesday 24 March, 2026

By David Grantham

In this issue: Aldi proposes Reigate store; Adam’s Gallery sign plans return; Black Horse refurbishment under way; Giggling Squid plans progress; police response times improve; new SEND building proposed at Reigate College; Simpler Recycling for all.

News in brief

There’s an adaptation of Jane Eyre at Reigate town hall (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) on the afternoon and evening of Wednesday 8 April. “Passion, mystery, and resilience collide in this sweeping story of self-discovery and courage, brought to life in a bold new adaptation - with traditional folk music woven throughout - of Charlotte Brontë’s timeless classic,” says This Is My Theatre.

New plans have been submitted to redevelop the former Rogers of Redhill builder’s yard, off Monson Road, this time creating four homes (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre). Planning officers refused a previous five-property scheme in October saying it was a “cramped form of overdevelopment”.

Winners across eleven categories were celebrated at the 2026 R&B Sports Awards, held on 6 March at the Reigate Manor hotel. The evening, attended by the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, recognised the achievements of the borough’s athletes, teams, clubs, coaches and volunteers. More from the borough council here (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre).

Local elections take place on Thursday 7 May, for Surrey’s two new unitary authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, which will be created out of Surrey County Council and the county’s 11 boroughs and districts. Reigate & Banstead will be part of East Surrey, which, like West Surrey, will initially run as a shadow authority until stepping up to its full powers in April 2027. (Both Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Surrey County Council will continue to operate until then, with their councillors having their terms extended.) Information from the borough council on the elections, new councils and voting is here (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre).

Also on Thursday 7 May, there’ll be a by-election in Reigate & Banstead’s Earlswood & Whitebushes ward, as the Greens’ Ruth Ritter has stood down as a borough councillor, near what would have been the end of her four-year term.

Residents of all ages can access free help to find work, learn new skills and get support into employment at the county (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) council’s STEP Surrey service (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre).  The service was mentioned as part of a recent Surrey press release (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) about efforts to assist younger people into work.

Businesses in Surrey’s high streets can sign up for free workshops, online resources and one-to-one tailored support. The Surrey High Street Growth and Innovation Programme (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) is backed by Surrey County Council.

A Community Asset Transfer policy is being developed by Surrey County Council to allow community groups and charities to take over the county’s underused buildings and land, sometimes leasing the assets at below market value. County councillors have approved a draft of the policy (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre), which Surrey’s cabinet will consider in April. Reigate & Banstead Borough Council already has a transfer scheme (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) for community assets.

Aldi proposes Reigate store