News
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council works with local communities to elevate tired architecture through art
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has completed two new community arts projects in Epsom and Stoneleigh during September and October, in collaboration with globally recognised street artists Positive Arts, local charity We Power On and GLF students. The vibrant designs are part of a series of public art installations organised by the council, aimed at revitalising areas within the borough that are tired and in need of improvement.
We Power On, a local charity that supports men with their mental health, worked with artists to create one of the murals near Clandon Close in Stoneleigh which depicts themes inspired by the local area, including the Hogsmill River and neighbourhood architecture.
Chris Waller, Founder of the community group We Power On said,
“We were honoured to be asked to be part of this wonderful initiative between Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and the guys from Positive Arts. We mucked in to help spread a bit of colour and positivity to an otherwise dark space which aligns perfectly with what We Power On is all about. The beauty of initiatives such as this is it brings people together to do good for the local community. We’re not sure we will make it as graffiti artists, but it was fun to have a go and be a part of something brilliant.”
A small cohort of students from a GLF School were also given the opportunity to develop their creative skills and contribute to the transformation of a walkway between Miles Road and Stones Road in Epsom with artists from Positive Arts by creating a mural that gives a nod to Epsom’s racing heritage.
Speaking of the project, a student from a GLF School said,
“I’ve really enjoyed (creating) the picture we’re drawing of racing horses on The Downs. It’s taught me how to control a spray can for artistic purposes. It should really brighten up the underpass and I hope local residents enjoy seeing our work”.
Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council added,
“The amazing thing about these projects is that they’ve allowed the participants to develop their social and technical skills simultaneously. I really hope that everyone who’s had contact with Positive Arts through the creation of these murals has walked away feeling as though they’ve unlocked a skill they didn’t have before – whether that’s practical, via painting the area or socially via the teamwork that was essential for success!”
Both murals have been fully funded via the Arts, Culture and Heritage UKSPF 2024/25 allocation and contribute to the council’s overall vision for curating art projects that build pride with local community stakeholders.
Keep an eye on Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s social media channels to stay informed about additional community murals.
Councillors speak out about balancing community and place development needs in Epsom & Ewell
Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Residents' Association, the majority group at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, spoke to Times Radio last week about the crucial role of the council in finding the balance between preserving the unique character of the borough, safeguarding treasured and valuable green spaces, whilst providing much needed housing, including affordable housing.
Epsom & Ewell saw a 95% increase in homelessness approaches over the past 12 months and the council’s highest temporary accommodation expenditure is around family sized households. It’s important to note that the most common cause of homelessness is eviction from a private rented tenancy (43%), with a further 24% having been living with family or friends who are no longer willing or able to accommodate them. There is also a significant percentage of households fleeing violence.
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, in an interview about financial pressures the council faces around homelessness prevention, also spoke to BBC Radio Surrey about the positive measures the council have put in place to support those at risk of homelessness in Epsom & Ewell, including liaising with their family and friends, negotiating with private sector landlords on their behalf, and assisting with deposits.
A critical document in shaping the future of the borough is the Local Plan. The council, in consultation with residents, is developing its plan, which sets out the priorities and policies for development in the borough including opportunities for jobs, improved transport, green spaces, and delivering new homes.
Councillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said, “Following the Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan Consultation last year, the council has been rigorously reviewing the consultation feedback and gathering further evidence to develop our Local Plan.
“We know how important it is to progress our borough’s Local Plan as quickly as possible. The local plan timetable, set out in our Local Development Scheme (2023), will ensure that the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee has the complete evidence base when they make their recommendation on the Pre-Submission Local Plan to Full Council, in November.
“The Submission Draft (Regulation 19) Consultation will take place at the earliest opportunity.”
Read the Epsom & Ewell Local Plan FAQs here: Local Plan FAQs | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Local Councils approve new Dog Walking Licensing Scheme for Nonsuch Park
The Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee has voted to launch a 12-month pilot Commercial Dog Walking Licensing Scheme in Nonsuch Park, starting in April 2025, following a consultation with the public and dog walkers.
The licensing scheme will bring dog walking in line with other commercial activities in the park and help reassure the public that commercial dog walking in Nonsuch Park is responsibly carried out and regulated.
An annual licence will cost £200 and limits the number of dogs that can be walked at one time to a maximum of six. As with other commercial activities in the park, dog walkers will be required to provide proof of public liability insurance, risk assessments and sign an agreement which sets out how commercial dog walking can be undertaken.
The committee also set out plans to develop a Dog Walking Code of Conduct in collaboration with the dog walking community and enforcement where there is evidence of non-compliance.
Councillor Julian Freeman, who was Chair of the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee at the start of the consultation said:
“We’d like to thank everybody who participated in the public consultation. The aim of the consultation was to make sure Nonsuch Park is a safe environment for all park users, after concerns were raised about the increase in dog walkers with multiple dogs.
“With feedback from almost 1,000 people, including commercial dog walkers using the park already, it is clear that this is an important issue to many people.”
Councillor Louise Phelan, from Sutton Council, current Chair of the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee, added:
“We know that the professional dog walkers who visit Nonsuch Park take the responsibility of walking multiple dogs in a public area extremely seriously and support the introduction of a licensing scheme that helps protect the reputation and standards of their profession.”
“We hope the subsequent licensing scheme will go some way to create an open space which everyone can enjoy.”
Three coaching providers approved for the borough’s tennis courts
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Environment committee has authorised the contracts for three tennis coaching providers in Epsom.
R&A Sport will be carrying out coaching sessions at Auriol Park, Sutton Tennis Coaching will be offering sessions at Alexandra Park and Callum Macarty Coaching operating at Court Recreation Ground.
From April, the council moved to a pay-to-play scheme on all its tennis courts. The decision was taken to make the courts self-sufficient with all funds raised being reinvested in maintenance and future improvements.
Since the pay-to-play system was introduced, the council has been committed to ensuring those of all ages, experience, and socio-economic backgrounds are able to participate in tennis. The council offered free tennis sessions throughout the summer, when 173 residents played free of charge.
In addition to this, as part of the tennis coaching contract, all tennis coaching providers are required to take part in the Barclays Free Park Tennis Initiative, offering at least one hour of free, supervised, community tennis activity at their designated location each weekend.
The council is also looking for local volunteers willing to be tennis activators. These activators will lead free tennis sessions in the parks on Saturday mornings. Until these sessions are up and running in all tennis courts across the borough, the council is offering two free, bookable sessions between 9-10am and 10-11am each Saturday.
Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said:
“We are committed to the pay to play model which will future-proof our courts so that residents can enjoy access to tennis now and in years to come.
Residents can pay to play or purchase a membership, including a discounted membership for those or in receipt of Universal Credit or Full Time Carers Allowance or with a disability.
We would also urge anyone interested in volunteering as a tennis activator at one of our courts to get in touch - we’d love to hear from you.
We’re pleased to sign up three coaching providers, which not only provides extra investment income for the courts but also more opportunities for free coaching sessions.”
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council agrees continued commitment to Climate Change Action Plan
On 15 October, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Environment Committee agreed to adopt the council’s second Climate Change Action Plan, covering the period from 2025-2029. The plan continues the council’s commitment to tackling climate change, including actions to help move closer towards achieving its ambitious 2035 carbon neutral target, and supporting borough-wide emissions reduction.
Environment Committee agenda papers 15/10/2024 19:30 - Climate Change Action Plan pages 47-68
The existing Climate Change Action Plan, adopted in January 2020, comes to the end of its 5-year term in December 2024.
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has implemented a number of initiatives during the past four years, achieving a 14% reduction in operational emissions between 2019/20 to 2022/23.
Activities have included:
- supporting the Solar Together scheme, a group buying scheme that helps residents obtain solar technology at competitive prices;
- improving energy efficiency across the borough by replacing existing streetlights with LED lighting and installing solar panels at Epsom Playhouse;
- continuing the transition of council fleet vehicles to low carbon electric vehicles by replacing three Meals at Home vehicles with electric cars; and
- recently adopting a Tree Management Plan which includes a plan for additional tree planting across the borough.
The council’s upcoming office relocation, from the old Town Hall to new offices in East Street, will also contribute to sustainability targets and reducing the council’s carbon footprint.
Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said:
“We are committed to tackling climate change, and agreeing to adopt this Climate Change Action Plan is another significant step that helps drive us towards our ambitious carbon neutral target.
This builds on the success of the previous plan and shows how external funding, and working with partner organisations and neighbouring councils, additionally helps our residents and the council to continue reducing carbon emissions that benefits the environment and thus our community.”
More information about progress made can be found at: Climate Change | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (epsom-ewell.gov.uk)
Upgrades to parking system at The Ashley Centre car park
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council have installed a new Auto Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system at the Ashley Centre car park in Epsom town centre.
The ANPR system will mean that car users can drive up to the barrier and enter the car park with their registration being used for identification and payment upon exit.
The new system will remove the need for tokens and the associated charges that are incurred when they are lost. Cash and card payment options will be available on all floors, as well as the ability to pay remotely.
Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee, said:
“The works taking place at the Ashley Centre car park are a welcome upgrade to a more modern and convenient system. We know the tokens have been a cause of frustration to many drivers as they are small, difficult to find and easily lost (leading to penalties being issued).
“We appreciate that the necessary work may cause some inconvenience for drivers during the installation of the new ANPR System, and we apologise for this. However, we feel the upgrades will be a great improvement and make it easier and quicker for people visiting Epsom Town Centre to park.
“With Christmas just around the corner, we believe the upgrades to the car park support the ongoing work we are undertaking to boost the local economy by making Epsom Town centre a more hassle-free and therefore more attractive place to visit.”
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council approves publication of the Epsom Town Centre Masterplan
On 24 September, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Licensing and Planning Policy Committee approved the Epsom Town Centre Masterplan. The Masterplan sets out clear and comprehensive guidelines for the development of Epsom Town Centre. The Committee also endorsed the Epsom & Ewell Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan that aims to increase walking, wheeling and cycling across the borough. Together, the plans feed into the vision of the borough and form part of the evidence base for the borough’s Draft Local Plan.
A combined total of 2,182 fed into the two public consultations for the Town Centre Masterplan, highlighting interests, attachments and aspirations.
Epsom Town Centre Masterplan
The Masterplan sets out a vision to make Epsom Town Centre a place that attracts, connects and inspires people, with a strong sense of community, commerce and creativity. Climate change is the cornerstone of the Masterplan with a comprehensive approach to transport, low carbon development, green infrastructure and health. The Masterplan also identifies site locations where regeneration and improvements could take place, subject to planning permission being granted.
Epsom & Ewell Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan
The Plan aims to provide a safe, attractive and convenient infrastructure to encourage residents, visitors and workers to walk, wheel and cycle. Plans include expanding the existing network and improving connectivity to key destinations within the borough.
Cllr Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee said:
“The Town Centre Masterplan and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan provide Epsom & Ewell with a fantastic opportunity to bring wide ranging benefits to our community.
Our lifestyles and working patterns have changed dramatically over the last few years, especially since COVID-19, and I’m proud that these plans allow us to strategically improve areas for residents to enjoy, and help us to provide solutions for broader issues that we, as a borough, face including housing and climate change, which is at the heart of the Masterplan and supports the transition towards zero-carbon transport throughout the borough. The Masterplan will also help in the process of assessing planning applications.
Thanks to residents for taking part in the public consultations and feeding into our vision for the borough. We want our community and visitors to be proud of Epsom & Ewell and through these plans, we are in a position to deliver!”
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council publishes its 2023/24 Annual Report
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has published its 2023/24 Annual Report which shows the progress the council has made over the last financial year, delivering on strategic priorities whilst providing high-quality statutory services for residents and businesses in Epsom & Ewell. The report provides an overview of services including Planning, Housing, Waste & Recycling, updates on strategic priorities including the council’s Climate Change Pledge, Community & Wellbeing projects, its Arts, Culture & Heritage Strategy, and information on the council’s finances.
Jackie King, Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:
“I am incredibly proud to share Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Annual Report for 2023/24 which outlines the fantastic work the council has delivered over the last financial year. In challenging times, our 35 Councillors, and workforce of more than 280 officers take pride in delivering high-quality services to around 80,000 residents and 3,700 businesses across the borough.
As the report shows, we are in a good position to meet any challenges the future may bring and I look forward to continuing to deliver the council’s strategic priorities, whilst supporting our residents to the best of our ability in the year ahead.”
Epsom & Ewell’s Annual Report can be viewed here: Epsom & Ewell Annual Report 2023/24 | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Printed copies are available to view at both the Town Hall in Epsom and Bourne Hall(link is external) in Ewell.
Dementia Hub providing specialist respite care
Our Dementia Hub team provides specialist and half-day respite care for people aged 50+ living with memory loss, confusion or dementia, all in a supportive, safe, friendly and home-from-home environment.
If you are caring for someone with dementia, please do remember that being able to take a break can also help you to give the best care that you can.
Our specialist team run a programme of activities and therapies to help improve quality of life helping to combat feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression. These include tea and coffee time, communication therapy, games, arts and music to name but a few.
Art therapy can help people living with memory loss to cope with the emotional impact of their illness as well as improving their quality of life, and in August we were able to offer a new art therapy class at the Dementia Hub – Arts 4 Dementia. This was thanks to Arts, Crafts and Heritage funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
In response to this new art therapy class, Councillor Clive Woodbridge
said:
“We want to have a positive impact on the lives of everyone in our community. This class is a great example of how inspirational art can be. Thanks to Creative Minds and the team and I look forward to seeing more classes rolled out throughout the year.”
Epsom & Ewell Local Plan - what you need to know
If you have any queries in relation to our Local Plan then please visit the FAQ area of our website to give the public as much information as possible about the development of the borough’s Local Plan.
The Local Plan is a critical document in shaping the future of the borough. It covers a wide range of issues from creating jobs, environmental protection and leisure development, to sites for new homes and much-needed infrastructure improvements.
We are following the government’s framework for developing a Local Plan, and no decisions have been made on policy wording or site selection for the Local Plan at this stage.
We have been reviewing feedback received during the public consultation on the first draft of the Plan and gathering further detailed evidence to help develop the Plan. This process is nearly complete, and the proposed Plan, including site allocations, will be presented to the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee (LPPC) at their November meeting.
Once the evidence base is developed and complete, a recommendation will come to the LPPC on a proposed Plan that will include site allocations. LPPC will then make a recommendation to Full Council, and it is only at this stage that a council decision on the Local Plan will be made, which will then go forward to another six-week public consultation. This is expected to be in early 2025. The next version of the Local Plan will include a consultation statement which provides a summary of the main issues raised during the Draft Local Plan (Regulation 18) consultation, and how they have been taken into account.
The Local Plan FAQs can be found on our website at: www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/local-plan-faqs.
Members of the public can sign up to receive an alert for future consultations by completing the form at https://epsom-ewell.inconsult.uk.
Councillors welcome Sunnybank Trust consultancy "Understand Us"
Councillors were pleased to welcome the "Understand Us" consultancy team from The Sunnybank Trust to Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.
The team spoke to Councillors about the services they provide that help businesses to be more inclusive, with accessible information, training and consultancy.
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, said: “Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has a long relationship with the Sunnybank Trust.
The work the charity does across our borough, and beyond, to support adults with learning disabilities to find their voice, develop confidence, and create new opportunities, is so important.
I'm very grateful to the Understand Us team, who ran such informative sessions with both Councillors and staff, for taking the time to show us what they can do for businesses to help them become more inclusive.
I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that the services that Epsom & Ewell Borough Council provide are accessible and inclusive to everyone in our community.”
Jobs at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council
We're recruiting.
We are looking for a Planning Development & Enforcement Manager to lead the Council’s planning regulatory and enforcement function, providing high quality professional advice, direction and regulatory decisions which realise the best possible outcomes for residents, the Council and its stakeholders/partner organisations.
Find out more about the role here: Planning Development and Enforcement Manager
The Epsom Playhouse, situated in Epsom town centre, is a receiving house comprising a 450-seat main auditorium and an 80-seat studio.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Theatre House Manager to deliver a first-class service to our customers and ensure the positive reputation of the Theatre. You will be part of the Playhouse Team ensuring performances and building operations run smoothly and are delivered to a high standard.
Find out more about the role here: Theatre House Manager
We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate, and friendly individual to join our Community Services team.
The role of the Casual Community Services Driver Operative is to support the team by helping deliver Meals at Home and transport residents on our Transport from Home service on an ad-hoc basis.
Find out more about the role here: Casual Community Services Driver Operative
We are seeking a friendly and organised Casual Box Office Receptionist to provide exceptional service to our patrons. You will manage all box office ticket sales efficiently. Promote upcoming shows and venue services. Assist customers with inquiries and provide information about events. Handle cash and electronic payments accurately. Maintain a welcoming and professional atmosphere.
Find out more about the role here: Casual Box Office Receptionist
We are looking for an enthusiastic, bubbly, positive individual to join our Events team at the Bourne Hall, Epsom. You will lead on ensuring the smooth setting up and down of events from start to finish whilst carrying out efficient day-to-day duties.
Find out more about the role here: Events Assistant
We are seeking a dynamic and creative Marketing Manager to lead our marketing efforts. This role is pivotal in developing and executing innovative marketing strategies that promote our productions and enhance our brand presence.
Find out more about the role here: Marketing Manager
We are seeking an enthusiastic, passionate, and friendly individual to join our kitchen team at the Community and Wellbeing Centre in Epsom. In this role, you will assist the Catering Hub manager with various tasks, including ordering, stock control, preparation, cooking, baking, serving, and clearing after service. You will also lead the kitchen in the absence of our Chef/Catering Hub Manager.
Find out more about the role here: Chef Assistant
The Council is seeking a hands-on Application Manager to join its enthusiastic ICT team. The role involves working with and managing the Application Technicians/Analysts and Digital/Web Officers to ensure incident resolution and successful project delivery. You will have responsibility for simplifying the complex application estate through migrating to cloud based strategic applications.
Find out more about the role here: ICT Application Manager
We are now on the lookout for an exceptional leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as the Director of Corporate Services (Section 151 Officer); a unique opportunity to be at the heart of a dynamic and forward-thinking local authority.
Find out more about the role here: Director of Corporate Services (Section 151 Officer)
Our small but ambitious authority offers you the opportunity to become involved in a wide range of varied and interesting work. That, together with an enviable array of staff benefits and a rewarding and challenging career, is our unique offer to y
If you have the passion and the drive to make a real difference, we really want to hear from you. View a list of all current vacancies at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.
At Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, we are passionate about maintaining an inclusive workplace for all that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of our community particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and those with hidden or visible disabilities.
We are committed to ensuring all our staff – regardless of gender, age, religion, sexuality, ethnicity or disability – can thrive and succeed whilst working with us.
