News
Free Community Football returns to Epsom & Ewell for 10-16 year olds
Our Community and Wellbeing Committee has approved the return of free Community Football for children and young people aged 10 to 16 in Epsom and Ewell. Delivered by the Young Ones United Football Foundation (YOUfF), the programme will run until March 2027.
This initiative provides a safe and welcoming environment where young people can develop new skills, build confidence, make friends and feel part of a team. Sessions will take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, with participants also able to access a monthly lifestyle mentoring session alongside their football activities. Places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Epsom & Ewell Community Football Programme supports the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy aims which focuses on increasing physical activity, improving wellbeing and reducing health inequalities in the borough.
Follow our Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor channels for the latest updates, booking information and further details.
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.
Adam is currently Interim Head of Paid Service for East Surrey Shadow Council and Chief Executive of Elmbridge Borough Council. He brings more than 20 years' experience in local government to the role, with a strong track record of improving services, supporting communities, and delivering value for residents.
Adam hopes to start the role in September 2026 to prepare for East Surrey Council taking over all council services in East Surrey from April 2027.
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.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from an extra hand, we’re here to help.
Free tennis sessions for youngsters until 31 August
What's your child's favourite summer holiday activity? If tennis is on the list, they can take advantage of free tennis sessions available at council-owned courts across the borough. This popular initiative was approval by our Environment Committee with the aim being to give children and young people the change to stay active for free throughout the school holidays.
FREE morning tennis sessions (this is a session on the court, but does not include free coaching) every day until midday at council-owned tennis courts across the borough.
22 July – 31 August 2026
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."
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:
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:
- 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
Epsom & Ewell Young Legends: booking information 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
Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. This can be a real problem when it’s hot, especially for babies, children and older adults who are most at risk. If it's not treated, it can become a serious problem.
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?
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
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:
- Watering gardens and allotments
- Washing cars and other private vehicles
- Cleaning windows, patios and outdoor surfaces, including jet washing
- Filling paddling pools, hot tubs and swimming pools
While the temporary use ban applies to all customers who get their water from Thames Water, some people can still use a hosepipe, including:
- Customers with certain disabilities or medical conditions
- Customers with severe mobility problems
- Where it's needed to protect human or animal health and safety
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.
Spotlight on
Together, we make a difference - Countryside Manager
As part of our Together, we make a difference campaign we celebrate Stewart, our Countryside Manager, who is preparing to retire after nearly 37 years with us.
Throughout his career, he has turned his passion for the natural environment into meaningful action, helping biodiversity flourish, enhancing green spaces, building strong partnerships and inspiring residents and visitors to connect with nature across the borough.
Stewart has worked alongside the council's Countryside team, volunteers and partners to deliver a wide range of projects across the borough. His achievements have included co-authoring the borough’s Biodiversity Action Plan, restoring key pathways at Horton Country Park and Epsom Common local nature reserves, creating new paths and bridges in the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve, developing the Round the Borough Hike & Bike Route and working with partners to support the creation of new wetlands and reintroduce water voles at the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve.
Reflecting on his time with the council, Stewart said:
"It's been a great place to work. I began my career in countryside management in 1986, helping to establish and volunteering with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers South Devon Group. For me, countryside management has been more than just a job – it's been a passion.
"Over the years, I've been fortunate to contribute to projects that have made a real difference in Epsom and Ewell. From achieving a ‘Favourable Condition Assessment’ for the Epsom Common Site of Special Scientific Interest to securing our 20th consecutive Green Flag Award for Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, each recognition reflects the dedication and commitment of everyone involved.
"Working alongside volunteers and partners, we've helped habitats thrive, improved access to nature and delivered lasting benefits for both wildlife and visitors. I'm particularly proud of the successful reintroduction of summer cattle grazing on Epsom Common which has helped maintain valuable wood pasture habitat, increase biodiversity, and support populations of wildflowers, butterflies, birds, reptiles and other wildlife.”
As retirement approaches, Stewart says it is the people he will miss most:
"I'll miss working with the team, volunteers, partners and colleagues who have been such an important part of my career. Their support, friendship and shared commitment have made my time here incredibly enjoyable and rewarding. I'll always be proud of what we've achieved together.
"Improving biodiversity doesn't happen by accident – it's the result of long-term commitment, partnership working and careful habitat management. I'd like to thank everyone I’ve worked with over the years who have helped the team and myself deliver the council’s goals around improving biodiversity in our borough."
For more information about Epsom & Ewell’s Biodiversity Action Plan - Biodiversity
What's On
What's on in Epsom & Ewell
Find out what's happening in Epsom & Ewell
Find out what's happening in Epsom & Ewell in the coming months; take a look at the events page on the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council website.
Here are a few highlights:
Saturday 5 September 10am-2pm
Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF
Price: Free
Browse a variety of stalls showcasing local makers and crafts including unique handmade gifts. You can also take a break with a coffee or lunch at our lovely cafe. Whether you're searching for something special or simply fancy a relaxed day out, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Saturday 5 September, 7.30-9.30pm
Stew Pond Car Park, Christ Church Road, Epsom, KT18 7TR
Price: £5 per adult, under 16s £2.50
Go batty on Epsom Common! Find out more about these fascinating and misunderstood mammals. Bring a head torch/torch and wrap up warm. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this walk. Advance booking only. Meet at the Stew Pond Car Park for 7.30pm.
Wednesday 9 September 2026
70 Hillside, Banstead SM7 1HF
Price: Free
Whether you're looking for a new job, exploring a career change, or simply want to see what's out there, then pop along to this Job Fair where you can meet local employers, discover new opportunities and get advice from professionals who can support you on your journey.
Wear smart-casual clothing to help make a great first impression and bring a copy of your CV to showcase your skills and experience - even if you don't have a CV you are still welcome. And feel free to come along with a friend or two - everyone is welcome.
Sunday 13 September 2026
Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF
Price: Free
Epsom Salts are known around the world. When and where were they discovered? How did they make Epsom a spa town? What did Pepys say about his visit? Join Ian West to find out more on this fascinating walk from the centre of town along Epsom roads and up to the well. Ian will talk about significant features, people and places.
Saturday 19 September 2026
McCafferty's Pub, 134 High Street, Epsom KT19 8BT
Price: Free
This year's event promises to be bigger and better than last year's fantastic debut! Live music, from some of the area's best local bands and artists, will starts from 2pm and continues until midnight with something for everyone including rock, pop, soul, country, jazz and much more. Most importantly, the festival is being held in support of the independent local charity Age Concern Epsom & Ewell. To help raise funds there will be a grand prize draw.
Bourne Hall
Find out what's coming up at the Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, KT17 1UF. For the full and most up-to-date list, please visit the Bourne Hall website.
Some highlights below include:
Epsom Playhouse
See what's on at Epsom Playhouse
Markets in Epsom & Ewell
Epsom Markets
Regular markets in Epsom Marketplace take place on Thursday and Saturday.
For information on the weekly markets at Epsom Marketplace and others, including the Artisan Market, take a look here: Epsom & Ewell markets
Farmer's Market - Epsom Marketplace
This market usually takes place on the first Sunday of the month.
9.30am - 1.30pm.
Artisan Market - Bourne Hall, Ewell
This market usually takes place the first Saturday of each month.
10am-2pm.
Find out more at www.surreymarkets.co.uk/event/epsom-market
Explore Epsom and Ewell
Get closer to nature and enjoy the outdoors with our various guided walks. Explore local nature reserves, discover your borough's history and boost your health and wellbeing too.
Visit the walks page on our website to discover a range of walks that take place across Epsom and Ewell.
Epsom & Ewell also has several beautiful open spaces which are great for cycling, including Epsom Downs, Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, Nonsuch Park, Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve, and Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve. You can find cycling routes for all these places on our website.
ECA supports the preservation and protection of Epsom Common local nature reserve and site of special scientific interest. ECA works in partnership with the Council, the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project and English Nature to contribute to the long term management and conservation of the Common.
Nature walks
ECA organises a number of walks on the Common each year which are led by local natural history experts. The subjects that are usually covered each year include birds in early spring, wildflowers, butterflies, invertebrates particularly bush crickets, bats and fungi.
The EcoVols
If you care about the Common and enjoy its wildlife and beauty why not join the EcoVols, the volunteer group of the ECA. EcoVols carry out a variety of conservation projects on the Common throughout the year in association with English Nature, the Council and the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project. You don’t need any special skills or experience just your enthusiasm and time! For more info and the 2020 EcoVols programme see: Conservation on Epsom Common
Your Council
Upcoming council meetings
The following meetings of the Council will be held in September:
The agendas, reports and details on how to view the council meetings are published seven days before the relevant meeting on the website links above.
Meeting dates are subject to change. When looking for details of a particular meeting, please contact the relevant officer to confirm that the meeting is going ahead as scheduled.
The calendar of Council meetings can be found here: democracy.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/Calendar
You can subscribe to updates in order to receive information via e-mail regarding arrangements for particular committee meetings.
Community notice boards
There are community notice boards, known as Borough Boards, in various locations across Epsom & Ewell. The Boards are for local community use and form a vital information point for those who are not online. They are used for timely information and events; they are not used to advertise businesses.
Submitting a poster
If you have a poster you would like placing on the boards, please email communications@epsom-ewell.gov.uk with an electronic copy of the poster, so the team can double check it is appropriate for the boards. Once the team have confirmed the poster is suitable, please print and deliver 25 posters (one for each board) into the postbox outside the main entrance at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Town Hall, clearly marked ‘Borough Boards’, or ask your Ward Councillor to do so on your behalf.
Please submit your posters as far in advance as possible, to allow plenty of time for posters to be checked and put up on the boards.
Content rules
Posters should advertise timely local information and events. The following will not be accepted:
- Overt advertising of businesses or services
- Any discriminatory language or suggestions, including hate speech and profanities in the text or via images
- Promoting a religious cause only, with no event or activity taking place
- Any political inferences.
Poster content should be easy for everyone to read and respond to. All posters must:
- Be a maximum of A4 in size
- Consider accessibility - they should be easy to read, in colours that are contrasting and not using fonts that may be tricky for those with visual impairments to read
- Posters should include a working phone number wherever possible. A poster that only points to a website / email for more information will not serve those members of the community who are not online.
We reserve the right to select which posters can be featured.
We will insert posters that meet the content rules above on a first submitted, first served basis, until all the spaces are allocated, and to remove any that are out of date in a timely manner.