Council offers free community football for 10 to 16-year-olds, starting 24 August

Anti-Social Behaviour Help Pledge signed to strengthen support for victims

We are proud to announce that we have signed the ASB Help Pledge following an agreement to renew at the Crime and Disorder Committee in February. The decision demonstrates our commitment to eradicating antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the borough, improving support for victims and ensuring best practice is followed when dealing with ASB Case Reviews. 

An ASB Case Review allows victims and communities the right to request a review of their anti-social behaviour complaints and brings agencies together to take a joined up, problem solving approach to find a solution. If an ASB Case Review submission meets the defined threshold, a case review will be undertaken by the local Community Safety Partnership. 

The ASB Help Pledge is a nationally recognised accreditation awarded by independent charity ASB Help, which supports victims of anti-social behaviour and provides guidance to professionals and organisations responsible for tackling ASB. 

As part of the accreditation process, we completed a detailed assessment of our policies and procedures for managing ASB Case Reviews. Following this, an independent representative from ASB Help observed one of the council's ASB Case Review meetings to ensure it met legislative requirements and followed recognised best practice standards. 

In signing the pledge, we have committed to six key principles, which are: 

• promoting awareness of the ASB Case Review process among residents and partner agencies 

• adhering to legislation and statutory guidance when managing ASB Case Reviews 

• ensuring the ASB Case Review process is accessible and available in a range of formats 

• regularly reviewing and improving procedures in line with best practice and resident feedback 

• strengthening communication and information sharing between agencies and victims 

• ensuring victims are listened to and have a voice throughout the review process. 

The accreditation provides reassurance to residents that we are committed to supporting victims of persistent anti-social behaviour, ensuring concerns are considered holistically and that agencies work together to identify any additional actions that can help resolve ongoing issues. 

Councillor Alan Williamson, Chair of the Crime and Disorder Committee, said: 

"We are proud to have achieved the ASB Help Pledge accreditation. Anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on people's quality of life, and it is important that residents feel heard, supported and confident that agencies are working together on their behalf. 

"This accreditation recognises our commitment to following best practice and ensuring that when residents request an ASB Case Review, their case is considered thoroughly and collaboratively, with every opportunity taken to identify additional actions and achieve positive outcomes." 

A spokesperson from ASB Help said:  

“ASB Help are delighted that Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have signed up to our ASB Help Pledge which demonstrates their commitment in supporting partners in promoting best practice for the ASB Case Review. In doing so they are ensuring that victims of ASB in the area have a voice.” 

New Council strategic priority approved

Last month, at a meeting of the Full Council, councillors approved a recommendation to establish a new strategic priority to assess Hook Road Arena’s suitability for a mixed-use leisure and residential development. The council has commissioned a Best Value Feasibility Study to explore the site's development potential.

The council has used the Sports England (Active Environments) Consultancy Framework to select the consultant to carry out the study. The final report will be presented back to the Strategy and Resources Committee before 31 March 2027. This work is being funded by the previously agreed Corporate Projects Reserve: however, any subsequent decision to move ahead with development would need to be supported by a robust business case and be subject to approval by the new East Surrey authority.

Councillor Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:

“It is vital that residents and those who work in Epsom & Ewell have access to high-quality sports and recreation facilities close to where they live and work. Currently, this is not always the case, and some local sports teams must travel outside the borough to train and play, which can make it more difficult for people to take part. As part of their work, the consultant will engage with key stakeholders, including local sports groups, to consider how the site could meet their needs in the future.

We also recognise the need to deliver much-needed housing, including affordable homes.

By making this a strategic priority, we can focus on exploring the potential of Hook Road Arena and assess whether a mixed-use development is financially viable. If the site proves viable, this work will provide the evidence needed to develop a robust business case that will inform a recommendation to the new East Surrey Council for consideration in 2027."

The Hook Road Arena priority is added to the seven strategic priorities agreed by the Council in May 2025, replacing its Four-Year Plan in light of Local Government Reorganisation: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/council/corporate-plan-and-strategies

New East Surrey Council Chief Executive appointed

On 29 July 2026, at the East Surrey Shadow Council, Adam Chalmers was appointed Chief Executive of the new East Surrey Council.

Meals at Home service for elderly and vulnerable residents

Could you, or could someone you know, benefit from delicious & nutritious meals delivered to your home? Our meals at home service supports independent living, delivering tasty meals in and around Epsom & Ewell, and catering for any dietary requirement. Our team can even drop off your shopping, too. More information: Meals at Home | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Other services provided by our Community Support Services include:

• transport from home - assisted door-to-door transport
• community alarm - help your loved one stay independent and living safely in their own home
• respite care at our Dementia Hub
• friendship and fun at our Community & Wellbeing Centre.

Free tennis sessions for youngsters until 31 August

Annual Canvass 2026: Have Your Details Changed? Let Us Know

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is currently conducting its annual canvass.

Every year the Electoral Registration Officer for Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is required by law to carry out a canvass and contact all households in the Borough to find out if there have been any changes to who is eligible to be registered to vote at each address to ensure the register is as accurate and complete as possible.

Your household will receive one or more of the below:

• A confirmation letter on green paper sent by post. You will be asked to check the names of people living at your address. You only need to respond if you need to make a change or update the information printed on the letter.
• A canvass form sent on yellow paper by post. This form will ask you to confirm who is currently eligible to vote in your household. By law, you must respond to this form and provide the information requested.
• An email communication in relation to the above if you have previously provided an email address to Electoral Services – expected to be sent on or around 28 August.

How to respond

To confirm or update the details for a household:

• Visit www.householdresponse.com/epsomandewell(link is external). In the login page, please enter both parts of the security code that is on the letter, canvass form or email you have received.
• If you have no changes to make, you can also respond by calling 0800 8840701

If you are asked to respond to a canvass communication and don’t, we will make other attempts to get a response from you, which may include reminder forms, a telephone call or a visit to your property, so please respond as soon as you receive the information request from us.

If you have any questions about how to respond to the letter, form or email you have received, please email electoralservices@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Further details

For more information including about the registers: Annual Canvass of the Register of Electors | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Access to Activity Bursary for eligible 12-15 year olds

Our Access to Activity Bursary is designed to help tackle financial challenges that may prevent 12-15 year olds in the borough from taking part in sport. Eligible young people can receive up to £200 to help with sports club memberships, subscriptions or match fees. 

Applications can be submitted any time before 31 December 2026, or until all funding has been distributed.

The bursary supports the aims of EEBC’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2025-28) which focuses on increasing physical activity, improving wellbeing and reducing health inequalities in Epsom and Ewell. A variety of local sports clubs will participate throughout the year, and more clubs are welcome to apply to take part.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible, applicants must:

Application process

This is a one-off grant, and priority will be given to eligible residents who have not received an Epsom & Ewell Borough Council grant aimed at facilitating access to physical activity in the past five years. 

 If the 12–15-year-old is eligible, applicants will need to follow this process:

1. arrange a taster session directly with participating sports club – the list of participating clubs can be found on our website and it will be updated on an ongoing basis
2. following the taster, if the 12–15-year-old wants to continue and enrol with the club, the council’s application form will need to be completed
3. EEBC will then be in touch to confirm next steps.

Note: If the application is successful, the applicant will be asked to contact the sports club directly to enrol in their chosen activity. 

All information about the Access to Activity bursary including the application form and participating sports clubs (updated as the year progresses) can be found  here: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/access-to-activity

For any questions, email the Community Development team at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council: cdevelopment@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Epsom & Ewell Young Legends: booking date updated

Following the success of last year's inaugural Epsom & Ewell Young Legends programme, we're pleased to confirm that this year's programme will returns, running from 2 November to 13 December 2026. A graduation celebration event, open to everyone who takes part in the programme, will be held at Bourne Hall on 14 December 2026.

Bookings will open from 17 September 2026.

Young Legends is a key part of our Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2029, which aims to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of residents. It supports the strategy by helping children and young people to be more active, learn new skills and build social connections – all of which play an important role in improving mental and emotional wellbeing. The programme also supports the aims of our Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy.

About the programme
Epsom & Ewell Young Legends is a free programme of sports and creative activities for children aged 9 to 11 who live in the borough. Places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The programme aims to help children boost their confidence, develop new skills, make friends, and ease the transition of those preparing for secondary school.

What activities can be booked?
We are currently finalising the programme of activities. This year, we will be introducing some new activities that offer even more variety and choice.

Watch this space for more information.

Reduce the Risk: Wildfire Safety Tips

Although the weather maybe cooling, the land is still dry following an exceptionally dry summer so please continue to take care.

Wildfires don’t just burn land – they destroy wildlife habitats, endanger animals and people, and can take days to bring under control.

While you’re out in the sunshine...

Taking a disposable BBQ? Big no! Swap for a picnic.

That bonfire? Please avoid.

Glass bottles? Keep out of direct sunlight.

Only call 999 if there is an emergency or a fire producing significant smoke. 

Please share this information with your family and friends.

Stay safe, keep hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is one of the easiest ways to keep hydrated and protect yourself especially during the hot summer months. If you're heading to one of our green spaces or walking through the town centre, look out for our public water fountains to top up your bottle:

• Alexandra Park
• Auriol Park
• Bourne Hall
• Court Recreational Ground
• Epsom Town Centre Market Place
• Gibraltar Recreation Ground
• Horton Country Park

Local Government Regorganisation: Future Surrey Questions and Answers

The creation of East Surrey Council is part of a wider local government reorganisation across Surrey, designed to simplify services, strengthen local decision-making and deliver long-term value for residents.

Through the Future Surrey Hub you can find the latest information about the local government reorganisation taking place in Surrey. 

What is Section 24 and why does it matter?

Your questions answered

To help keep you informed, we regularly update a set of frequently asked questions. You can view the latest questions and answers here: https://www.surreylgrhub.gov.uk/frequently-asked-questions

Thames Water temporary hosepipe ban & water saving tips

On 23 July, Thames Water introduced a Temporary Use Ban (hosepipes) for its customers. Under these restrictions, customers must not use a hosepipe for:

Full details including information on exemptions: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/temporary-hosepipe-ban

Thames Water: Water Saving Tips

• A sprinkler can use up to 1,000 litres of water per hour, which is the equivalent of 25 people taking a 4 minute shower. 
• Running the kitchen tap for 30 minutes uses more water than a typical household uses in a whole day - use a washing up bowl and reuse the water on your plants too!
• Please do not use hosepipes under the current Temporary Use Ban. Please use a watering can for plant or garden watering.  Please reuse water where you can.

Practical ways to save water

Outdoors: 

• Let lawns go golden: grass is remarkably resilient and will recover when wetter weather returns.
• Keep using your can: although a hosepipe ban is in place, you can still fill up a watering can to use around the garden
• Sweep, don't spray: use a broom to clean patios, paths and driveways instead of water.

At home:

• Keep cool without running water: keep a jug or reusable bottle of cold water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it turns cold.
• Take shorter showers: reducing shower time by just a minute or two can save a significant amount of water across the day.
• Turn off the tap: whether you're brushing your teeth, shaving or washing dishes, avoid letting water run unnecessarily.
• Run appliances only when full: with more people at home, it's easy to run extra loads. Wait until your washing machine or dishwasher is full.
• Delay non-essential water use: consider putting off jobs that use extra water until the weather gets wetter.
• Reuse water where you can: collect water that's otherwise going to waste, such as water used for washing food or dishes, and use it for your plants.

For kids:

• Choose other ways to stay cool: outdoor games, shady activities and cooling off indoors can be just as much fun on hot days.
• Make saving water a family challenge: set simple goals such as shorter showers or turning taps off while brushing teeth.
• Get children involved: remind family members to turn taps off and help save water around the home.

The Big Conversation on Care: have your say on the future of adult social care

On 29 July, Baroness Casey launched the 'Big Conversation on Care', an important opportunity for the government to hear directly from people who use social care and the families who support them.

Whether you use care services, care for someone else, work in the sector, or have opinions on how care should work in the future, you can have your say and help shape its future. You can vote on suggested ideas and submit your own.

Find out more here: The Big Conversation on Care | The Casey Commission