News
Last annual Community Infrastructure Levy funding approved for allocation to projects around the borough
At its meeting on 14 July 2026, the Strategy and Resources Committee formally approved its last annual funding allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) supporting the delivery of infrastructure projects across the borough over the next few years.
Projects receiving funding are designed to support the health and wellbeing of residents, enhance accessibility and travel safety, and contribute to a healthier, greener borough.
A total of £668,911.65 has been allocated to eight Neighbourhood CIL projects, and £4,293,936 has been allocated to five Strategic CIL funding projects following bids by local community groups and organisations.
Some projects are fully funded, and others have been awarded partial funding.
Councillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said:
“We are proud to support projects that reflect the priorities of our community and deliver real improvements that residents will see and benefit from in their everyday lives.
"Through the careful allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy funding, we are investing in projects that strengthen community facilities, support health and wellbeing, improve accessibility and encourage active and sustainable travel.
“These projects represent a significant investment in the future of Epsom & Ewell and demonstrate our commitment to ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our community. It is particularly rewarding to see funding directed towards schemes that will deliver lasting benefits for our communities, helping to create vibrant, inclusive and resilient places for current and future generations.”
Neighbourhood CIL funding
Neighbourhood CIL is used for smaller, local projects such as improving road safety, upgrading playgrounds or enhancing community spaces.
Funding has been approved for the following eight projects:
- Ebbisham Sports and Social Club’s Facility Improvement and Sustainability project – installing new floodlighting in all courts.
- Poole Road Tennis/Pickleball Courts – new recreational facility for tennis and pickleball, utilising existing tennis courts.
- St Martin’s School: Key Stage One playground redevelopment – new high-quality interactive play equipment including a play trail and playground markings.
- New recreational facility for Pickleball and Tennis Courts at Gibraltar Recreation Ground – new modern multi-sport facility incorporating courts for tennis, pickleball and basketball.
- Scouts: New Tomahawk Range – new outdoor area for games, tents and a Tomahawk Range for use by the wider Epsom & Ewell scouting community.
- Epsom Beekeepers: Classroom Modernisation – substantial upgrades to the existing building making it more energy-efficient.
- Glyn Hall improvements – new community building replacing the existing hall.
- Scout headquarters in Ruxley and West Ewell Ward – final phase of Scouts HQ building redevelopment / refurbishment project.
Strategic CIL funding
Strategic CIL helps fund larger projects that benefit the whole borough, such as school expansions, transport schemes and upgrades to sporting facilities.
Funding has been approved for five projects:
- Local Cycling Walking and Infrastructure Plan – 10-year plan programme of walking and cycling infrastructure improvements in the borough. CIL funding is required to support the detailed design and construction stages of priority schemes and to unlock external funding, particularly from Active Travel England
- Green Infrastructure Project – new landscape earth bunding and associated green infrastructure improvements at 10 open space sites across the borough.
- Footbridge over Hogsmill River – construction of a new accessible footbridge to provide a safe river crossing.
- Hook Road Arena Community Sports Hub - to provide clubhouse facilities, football pitches, outdoor and covered all-weather netball courts, and other supporting infrastructure.
- Ewell village public realm Improvements – package of public realm, highway safety, and accessibility improvements within Ewell Village. The project was previously awarded CIL funding in 2024, however since this time, costs have increased significantly across the construction industry, resulting in a shortfall. To address this, Surrey County Council submitted a revised CIL bid to secure additional funding for the project.
More information about the allocation of the CIL, including the process, can be found here from page 31 -(Public Pack)Agenda Document for Strategy and Resources Committee, 14/07/2026 19:00
Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve recognised with landmark 20th consecutive Green Flag Award
We are celebrating a significant milestone as Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR) receives its 20th consecutive Green Flag Award, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee stated:
"We are incredibly proud that Epsom Common LNR has received a Green Flag Award for the 20th consecutive year. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Countryside team, volunteers and partners, who work tirelessly to protect and enhance this special place for wildlife and visitors alike.
"Receiving this award in the Green Flag Award scheme's 30th anniversary year makes this milestone even more special. It highlights two decades of excellence in managing one of the borough's most important natural spaces and creating habitats that enable biodiversity to flourish.
"As a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Epsom Common plays a vital role in supporting rare species and habitats. We remain committed to protecting and nurturing this unique environment for future generations to enjoy.
"A huge thank you to our Countryside team, volunteers and partners, including the Epsom Common Association, the Lower Mole Partnership and Natural England — it is your continued support that helps make achievements like this possible."
Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve dates back to Saxon times and is a nationally and internationally important wildlife site. It is designated a ‘Site of Specific Scientific Interest’ due to its rare insects and its important breeding bird habitat. This local nature reserve contains oak woods, wood pasture, remnant heathland and wetland habitats, including large ponds, and hosts species including Corky-fruited Water-dropwort and Purple Emperor butterflies.
Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve is one of a record breaking 2,391 parks and green spaces in the UK to achieve the Green Flag Award.
To find out more about the walks and tours taking place on Epsom Common, managed by the Countryside team at the council, take a look here: What's on | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
"Congratulations to everyone involved."
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Free tennis sessions set to return this summer
Children and young people will once again be able to enjoy free morning tennis sessions in Epsom & Ewell during the school summer holidays after the council's Environment Committee agreed to reinstate the popular initiative at its meeting last night.
This summer offer gives children the opportunity to stay active during the summer holidays and aims to encourage those who are new to tennis to try a new sport. It has proved popular over the past two years, attracting families to the borough's tennis courts during the school break.
The council's tennis courts moved to a pay-to-play model in April 2024 to create a more sustainable future, with the aim of court maintenance and improvements eventually being fully funded through usage fees. Alongside the holiday offer, the council provides two hours of free bookable tennis every weekend throughout the year through the LTA and Barclays Free Park Tennis programme.
The council's investment in the borough's tennis facilities continues to deliver improvements across its parks. Auriol Park's tennis courts have recently undergone a full repaint, following similar renovation work at Court Recreation Ground and Alexandra Recreation Ground last summer.
Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee, said:
"We're delighted to bring back free summer tennis sessions for children and young people across the borough owned and managed courts. The scheme has been a great success in previous years, helping local families stay active during the school holidays and giving more young people the opportunity to try tennis. At the same time, our sustainable funding model is enabling us to invest in and improve our tennis facilities, ensuring residents can enjoy high-quality courts for years to come."
Strategy and Resources Committee approves Community Infrastructure Levy funding for new Hogsmill River footbridge near stepping stones
On 14 July 2026, our Strategy and Resources Committee approved the allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to build a new footbridge near the Chamber Mead Wetlands over Hogsmill River - the footbridge will provide a safe, fully accessible crossing for everyone. This is separate from any future decision on the stepping stones and not an either/or proposition.
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) raises funds from developers, recognising that new development creates pressure on local infrastructure. It is spent on the provision, improvement, replacement, operation, or maintenance of local infrastructure.
Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee commented:
“The Environment Agency, which owns the Hogsmill riverbed and banks, has made the difficult decision to temporarily close the river crossing at the stepping stones, following safety concerns raised by the local community and a reported incident in which someone was injured.
“As an Epsom & Ewell resident, I understand how much the stepping stones mean to the local community. However, we can’t ignore these safety concerns. Councillor Williamson and I, as Vice Chair and Chair of the Environment Committee, are happy to bring interested parties together and facilitate discussions to help achieve the best outcome for the community.
“Separately, I am pleased that Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding has been approved to build a new footbridge that will provide a safe, fully accessible crossing for everyone to enjoy for many years to come - including wheelchair users, cyclists and families with buggies. I would also reiterate that this decision is independent of the stepping stones decision, this is not an either/or situation.
“We are also currently working with partners to make improvements to the area including shifting gravels in the river to try to lower the water level, repairing the path by the Hogsmill River to make it more accessible, and repairing the steps down to the stepping stones.
“We will provide a further update as soon as we’re able.”
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 brands will be created at no cost by designers working in councils across Surrey. To help inform these designs, residents, businesses, council staff, partners and community groups across Surrey are invited to have a say on the future visual identities of the new East Surrey and West Surrey councils.
This is the first phase of a wider programme of engagement to help shape the new councils.
A survey has been created for people to share their views. This will be available to complete in the 52 libraries across the county to ensure a broad range of voices are heard. We are asking residents to share your views on:
- What makes our area unique?
- What are you most proud of?
- What should your future council’s look and feel reflect?
Insights gathered from the survey will be used to help create the new logos and brands for East Surrey and West Surrey Councils. This means that each brand will reflect the distinct views of the people in each area.
Residents have until 11.59pm on Monday 3 August to complete a short survey (link is external), more information can be found on the Future Surrey website: get involved webpage.
Councillor Steve Wotton, the Leader of East Surrey Shadow Authority said:
“We are committed to making East Surrey a place where people thrive. There is a lot to do, but this is a real opportunity to take a new approach, designing a council that is open, transparent and genuinely focused on delivering outcomes for residents, businesses and communities. Creating a new brand identity for East Surrey is an important step as we move forward. This engagement is about understanding what people like about where they live and what makes their communities unique. I would encourage residents, businesses, partners, colleagues and community groups to take part and help shape a brand that truly reflects East Surrey.”
Councillor Paul Follows, the Leader of West Surrey Shadow Authority added:
“Our focus remains on creating a council that delivers high-quality services, provides value for money and meets the needs of residents, businesses and communities across west Surrey. This engagement is an opportunity for people across West Surrey to help define how we present ourselves as a new council. We’re not asking for views on logos or designs, but on what really matters to our communities - the character, feel and identity of the area. By taking part, residents can shape the new West Surrey brand and ensure this is a people’s brand. We are also committed to keeping costs to a minimum, so I am delighted that the new brand will be created in-house, with designers working in all councils.”
Epsom Town Centre: SGN gas works and roadworks update
Residents are advised that SGN engineers will shortly begin essential work to upgrade the gas network in East Street and Hook Road, Epsom. Epsom, Hook Road | SGN Your gas. Our network.
The project will help ensure a safe and reliable gas supply for local homes and businesses in the years ahead. It forms part of SGN's long-term programme to replace ageing gas mains that are reaching the end of their operational life with new, more durable plastic pipes.
Work is scheduled to begin on Saturday 18 July and is expected to continue for approximately six months.
SGN will be working closely with Surrey Highways, which will also be carrying out infrastructure improvements within the same work area, helping to coordinate disruption and deliver multiple upgrades at the same time.
Where and when the work will take place
As part of the gas network upgrade project, SGN will first reconfigure the existing traffic lights at the junction of High Street, Upper High Street, Church Street and the A24, ahead of work starting at the East Street and Hook Road junction.
From Thursday 23 July, Hook Road will be closed to through traffic between Woodstock Crescent and East Street. Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place for motorists affected by the closure.
Access will continue to be maintained for residents and businesses within the closure area. The Epsom multi-storey car park will remain open and can be accessed via Hook Road throughout the works.
You can find the locations of our other carparks via this link: Car parks | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Epsom & Ewell Young Legends to return this winter
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 in mid-September 2026. The exact date will be confirmed shortly.
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.
New strategic direction for council-owned buildings approved
On Tuesday 14 July at a meeting of the Strategy & Resources Committee, our councillors approved a new strategic direction for council-owned community assets in Epsom & Ewell, comprising Bourne Hall, including the Bourne Hall Museum, Epsom Playhouse and the Community & Wellbeing Centre; and agreed a capital budget to support long-term investment and operational ‘quick wins’ at each place, as outlined in a recent Community Asset Review undertaken by the council.
The review, which supports one of our strategic priorities, was carried out as part of the council’s statutory obligation to achieve Best Value and make best use of its assets. It seeks to put the council’s key community assets in the strongest position possible as EEBC moves towards becoming part of the new East Surrey Council, which will come into being on 1 April 2027.
The recommendations are that:
- Bourne Hall is developed into an integrated civic and cultural hub, improving connectivity between the library, museum, café, events and community functions
- Epsom Playhouse and the Community & Wellbeing Centre move towards new operating models
- the Committee also approved the recommendation of the Community and Wellbeing Committee for an initial investment of £125,000 in this financial year for Bourne Hall Museum and approved £125,000 for a further investment in year two that will be built into a future business case for the wider Bourne Hall.
To deliver the priorities identified in the review, Councillors recommended capital investment and additional budget to develop a detailed business plan, which will be returned to the Strategy and Resources Committee for approval.
Councillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said:
“Bourne Hall including Bourne Hall Museum, Epsom Playhouse and the Community & Wellbeing Centre are much-loved community spaces that bring people together, support wellbeing and enrich local life. These proposals aim to make the most of these assets over the long term, ensuring they continue to thrive and serve residents well into the future.
“As local government reorganisation progresses and Epsom & Ewell Borough Council becomes part of the new East Surrey Council, it is important that these valued community assets are in the strongest possible position for future generations.”
Budgeted spend above a certain threshold must also be approved by the shadow East Surrey Council in line with Section 24, a statutory direction now in place that means councils in Surrey must get approval from the relevant East or West Shadow Executive for certain financial commitments.
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:
- live in the borough of Epsom & Ewell
- be 12 to 15 years old
- are in receipt of free school meals and/or
- have parents or guardians who are in receipt of Universal Credit payments
Those who are living or have lived in care are also welcome to apply.
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:
- 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
- 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
- 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
Stay safe in the heat: use water fountains located around the borough
Stay safe in the heat by keeping hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself 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
Also, please look out for vulnerable neighbours, keep pets off hot pavements, and stay in the shade during the peak of the day.
For more essential heatwave safety advice and guidance, visit: Staying safe and well in summer | Healthy Surrey
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?
Section 24 is a statutory direction set by central government to help all Surrey councils make major financial decisions during local government reorganisation. Under Section 24, most councils cannot make big financial decisions on their own and must seek approval from the Shadow Authorities, elected in May 2026. This will help the new councils start in the strongest financial position possible on 1 April 2027.
Shadow Authorities have also agreed to give ‘General Consent’. This allows councils to continue with normal service provision and approved projects from their 2026/27 budgets, so you can access services without interruption.
Section 24 comes into force later this summer. It does not apply to Woking Borough Council and Spelthorne Borough Council as there are already existing commissioning arrangements for best value.
See
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
Door-to-door service for the elderly and vulnerable
Know somebody who is struggling to get out and about in the heat? Our team of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked drivers are here to help anyone in Epsom & Ewell who is unable to use public transport, for example due to frailty, disability or mental health problems. The DBS is a Government body that processes criminal record checks for employers.
Other services provided by our Community Support Services include:
- Meals delivered
- A personal alarm
- Respite care at our Dementia Hub
- Friendship and fun at our Community & Wellbeing Centre
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from extra support, we’re here to help.
Simpler Recycling: Items you can now recycle
Don't forget you can now add the following items to your recycling:
- Clean and empty cartons such as juice and plant milk cartons
- clean foil scrunched into a ball no smaller than the size of a tennis ball
- clean foil trays
- clean, non-black plastic plant pots
- empty squeezy metal tubes such as tomato puree tubes
- empty squeezy plastic tubes such as toothpaste tubes
- empty aerosol cans care also part of the changes although EEBC already collect those for recycling. You can continue to add empty aerosol cans to your recycling.
This is part of Simpler Recycling which is part of the UK government’s Collection and Packaging Reforms, and will introduce changes to how recycling and waste is collected across England.
Why is Simpler Recycling happening?
Currently, bin collections across England vary between areas, which can create confusion and misinformation among residents. The changes are designed to make recycling the same across all households, reducing confusion and improving recycling rates.
The reforms shift costs to producers to fund improved local authority waste and recycling services and are also expected to lead to the production of fewer hard-to-recycle items.
How should I recycle the new items?
The new items should go in mixed recycling bins in the following ways:
- cartons should be clean and empty
- foil should be clean and scrunched into a ball no smaller than the size of a tennis ball
- foil trays should be clean
- non-black plastic plant pots should be clean
- squeezy metal tubes should be empty
- squeezy plastic tubes should be empty.
Find out more about weekly recycling in Epsom & Ewell here: Simply Weekly Recycling