Borough Insight

This Issue

Welcome to E-Borough Insight

Introduction to February edition of Eborough Insight, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's monthly newsletter

Hello,

Welcome to the April edition of our newsletter, eBorough Insight. 

We hope you all had a fantastic Easter break. It finally feels like spring has arrived: days are getting longer, the weather is improving and the flowers are out again in Rosebery Park (as pictured above). We have many parks and open spaces throughout the borough, and we hope everyone will be able to get out and enjoy them as the warmer weather arrives.

This month we have news and updates from Epsom & Ewell Borough Council including the launch of a new fast track planning application service, changes to the way our tennis courts operate, a free boiler upgrade scheme for those on low income and much more.

News

New Fast Track Planning Application Service to be launched by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council

From 1 April 2024, applicants submitting certain planning applications in Epsom & Ewell will be able to choose to ‘fast track’ their application.

Developed to meet customer demands, the new optional service will be helpful to applicants who have a builder waiting to start work, or who need building work to start or finish by a certain date. Applicants will be able to pay to have their planning applications determined more quickly than the statutory eight-week period.

The types of applications that can be fast-tracked are:

  • Householder Applications – for instance, those required for extending homes e.g. building a single storey rear extension, or front porch.
  • Certificate of Lawful Development Proposed (Householder) – an application to show that the work you are proposing to do to a house is a ‘permitted development’ and therefore doesn’t need a formal application.  Sometimes you will need a certificate of this nature when you sell a house.

The fast-track fee is £350 for a Householder Application and £150 for a Lawful Development Certificate and is paid to the council, in addition to the usual cost of submitting a planning application.

Councillor Steve McCormick, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Committee, said,

“We are incredibly proud of our Planning department who in the last year, have overcome significant challenges to go from being one of 10 UK council teams performing below an expected threshold of 70% for minor/other applications, to well exceeding national targets. It is brilliant that Epsom & Ewell Borough Council can now facilitate a service which will meet an obvious need for many residents wishing to progress building projects within the borough.

“I hope that this will ease stress for many people working to tight timelines for their builds.”

Applicants can learn more about the service and apply by visiting the council’s dedicated webpage: Fast Track Service | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (epsom-ewell.gov.uk)

Council Tax

With residents across the borough receiving their Council Tax bills over the past month, it is important to understand what Council Tax is, where your money goes, how much is spent on services and whether you are eligible for any discounts or exemptions.

Find out what Council Tax is on our website: What is Council Tax and who has to pay it? | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (epsom-ewell.gov.uk)

Did you know Epsom & Ewell receive just 10p in every £1 of Council Tax you pay? You can find a detailed break down of your Council Tax in the information leaflets below:

Find out about Council Tax discounts and exemptions on our website: Discounts and exemptions | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (epsom-ewell.gov.uk)

Do you need help with your council tax? Find out more on our website: Help with your Council Tax | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (epsom-ewell.gov.uk)

Changes to the borough's tennis courts

From April 2024, tennis courts in Epsom & Ewell are moving to a ‘pay to play’ scheme.

Any revenue generated will be reinvested back into the courts for future improvements and maintenance.

Pricing is outlined below:

Annual household subscription: unlimited play for the whole household on any court for a year. Families on low income benefits can claim a 50% discount.

£40/£20

Pay as you go: cost per hour for one court

£6

Additional cost per hour for floodlights (Court Recreation Ground only)

£6

Subscriptions, courts and free coaching sessions can be booked via Epsom & Ewell’s ClubSpark web page: clubspark.lta.org.uk/EpsomEwellParksTennis

FAQs

Why has EEBC partnered with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)?

The project is part of a nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain, and open up the sport to many more people. This investment will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works, and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.

Why do people need to pay to use the courts?

It is important that park tennis courts are sustainable and money can be set aside for repair and maintenance, to ensure courts do not fall into disrepair in the years ahead, and are available for generations to come. All income generated will be going back into the improvement of the facilities with a priority of improving the courts at Gibraltar Recreation Ground and Poole Road Recreation Ground first.

Why has gate access technology been installed?

Evidence from sites across the country is that installing gate access technology actually increases participation, as people can book a court online in advance, and know it will definitely be available when they arrive. It also means that free tennis sessions and coaching can be scheduled on the courts at specific times. Gate access technology also helps reduce anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

What help is there for those on a low income to participate?

Families on low income benefits can claim a 50% discount on an annual subscription. There will also be free, weekly coaching sessions arranged for all ages, playing levels and experience where equipment is provided, meaning that people will not need someone to play with or even their own racket.

Free boiler upgrade

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, in partnership with Action Surrey, will shortly be launching a free boiler upgrade scheme for residents who meet the following criteria:

  • Are a resident in Epsom and Ewell
  • Are the owner occupier of a property with a gas boiler
  • Are on means-tested benefits or low income
  • Live in a property with an EPC rating of D – G, and
  • Have a broken or end of life boiler over ten years old.

If you meet the criteria and would like to register an interest in the scheme, please contact Action Surrey by calling 0800 783 2503 or visit Epsom and Ewell Boiler Upgrade Grant - Action Surrey

Specsavers Surrey Youth Games come to Epsom & Ewell

The Specsavers Surrey Youth Games is back! Following on from the success of the games last year, a wide range of activities are available in Epsom & Ewell again, including tennis, judo, swimming and more. The Games are the largest multi-sport youth programme of their kind in the South East, offering free local training for 7-16 year olds across Surrey, leading to a final celebratory event for the whole family. 

The Games are ideal for beginners who may not get the opportunity to attend clubs or are put off by the thought of competing against others. Supportive coaches will help participants join in, have fun, learn new skills and boost their confidence. 

Registration is now open for the free training sessions which start after Easter and are aimed at those who live or go to school in the borough. Following the training, teams can unite for a family-friendly event at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford on Saturday 15 June.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said “I’m so pleased that we are running the Specsavers Surrey Youth Games in Epsom & Ewell again this year. The initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for young people who are still building their confidence in sport to access training free of charge.

“I hope that everyone in our borough will take a look at what’s on offer and even tell friends and family about the initiative, so that we can ensure that as many children as possible can access the training.”

You can find out what's on offer in the Epsom & Ewell borough and register for a place by visiting www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/syg

Innovative new programme helps families experiencing barriers to sports participation

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, in partnership with leisure operator and social enterprise GLL, has secured an award from Sport England, funded by the National Lottery, for an innovative new swimming programme which started in February. The scheme is aimed at residents experiencing barriers to sports and leisure participation, including families who have moved to the borough as refugees and families on low incomes.

50 people enrolled on the course which involved small, group swimming lessons at Rainbow Leisure Centre in Epsom. Participants were referred to the course by partners.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and GLL are contributing additional funds and resource so that participants aged four to eleven can continue weekly swimming lessons until 31 May 2024.

Families, including those taking part in the swimming programme and others, have also been offered three months of subsidised access to Rainbow Leisure Centre, to help them increase activity levels and build positive habits. 

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said;

“Swimming can be a lot of fun and is fantastic exercise; but it is also a vital and potentially even life-saving skill.

"In addition to swimming, residents who take part in this scheme will be able to access facilities such as football pitches, basketball courts, badminton courts, and the gym, more easily.

"Our vision at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is that all our residents can keep healthy and active, with easy access to health and wellbeing services. We are delighted that this award will help us work towards fulfilling that vision, particularly for residents who may not have been able to access these leisure services before.”

David Hughes, GLL partnership manager for Epsom & Ewell GLL added:

“The physical and mental health benefits that swimming can offer are well documented and this new programme has been designed to reach groups that may not otherwise have had access to local swimming provision.

“The feedback we have received from participating families has been phenomenal.  The tailored support our expert swimming teachers have offered, has helped participants to build confidence, improved their water skills and really enjoy their time in the water.”

Help us make your property someone’s home.

Do you have a property to let?

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council are currently looking to take on 3 and 4 bedroom properties under its Private Sector Leasing (PSL) scheme.

The council operates a very successful PSL scheme that’s allow us to help local families in housing need whilst reducing the risks and hassle of renting for landlords. Under the PSL scheme: -

  • The council lease and manage your property for a period of three to five years
  • You receive a guaranteed rent, paid 6 months advance
  • No void periods or costs
  • We manage your property and let it to local people in housing need
  • We carry out minor repairs up to the value of £500 per year
  • At the end of the agreement, we return the property to you in the same condition (minus fair wear and tear) as when the agreement started.

The benefits for landlords are: 

  • The council manage your property
  • A single point of contact within the council
  • No inventory costs and regular property inspections
  • Right to Rent checks carried by the council
  • No need to register deposits with TDP schemes
  • No letting agent or management fees
  • Routine and major repairs can be undertaken on landlords’ behalf for a fee.

There are also benefits for families and the local community. Local families benefit as we are able to provide good quality, temporary housing in the local area. The community sees empty properties brought back into to use

At the moment, alternative accommodation is often located out of the borough. This can be disruptive to home life, work and school at an already stressful time for families. 

The council has had great success with our Private Sector Leasing scheme, and we are currently looking to expand the scheme. We are especially looking to take on more 3 and 4 bedroom family properties.

If you are interested in working with us, please contact housing@epsom-ewell.gov.uk.

For full details of the scheme and a landlords information pack, please visit https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/residents/housing/do-you-have-property-let/private-sector-leasing-scheme.

Preventing fraud among housing register and homelessness applicants

In March 2023, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council procured Reigate & Banstead fraud department to undertake financial checks on housing register and homelessness applicants.

Between March and December last year:

  • 287 checks for potential fraud have been conducted.
  • 30 positive outcomes have been recorded where an applicant(s) has been denied assistance, or withdrawn a request for assistance, following a request for further information and/or evidence.   
  • Saved £113,000 as a result of the fraud prevention work

Case study 

A benefit claimant was found to have over £100,000 in an account, in addition to undeclared earnings as a result of a failure to declare a change of employment. 

A Crown Court Restraint Order was obtained to freeze the sum of £16,981.62 benefit overpayment, which the claimant has now paid back in full to the Council.

The claimant has also withdrawn their housing register application.

Epsom Playhouse success

The Epsom Playhouse had great success at the Time & Leisure Food & Culture Awards 2024.

The awards celebrate the talented, creative and passionate people who make up the thriving hospitality and arts industries across south west London and Surrey.

The Playhouse received a Recommended in the Best Entertainment Venue category and Commended in the Favourite Family Attraction category.

The Epsom & Ewell Local Plan: what you need to know

Clock tower face Epsom square

We have created a new 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 are currently reviewing feedback received during the public consultation on the first draft of the Plan, and gathering further detailed evidence to help develop the Plan.

Once the evidence base is developed and complete, a recommendation will come to the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee (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.

Councillor Steven McCormick, Chair of the Licensing & Planning Policy Committee, said:

“The development of our Local Plan is as complex as it is vital. We want to make sure that all those who live in, work in and visit the borough have access to the latest information about the Local Plan, to ensure that they are informed and to dispel rumours and myths about the Plan. We encourage everyone to take a look at the FAQs, either on our website or by coming in to the Town Hall and asking for a copy at reception.”

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/(link is external).

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Changes to our grants policy to help more disabled and vulnerable residents

Home Improvement Agency

We have revised our Private Sector Housing Grants Assistance Policy, so that more disabled and vulnerable residents will benefit from grant funding than before.

The Policy sets out how we provide financial assistance so that residents can remain independent at home for as long as possible, through adaptations and improvements to their homes. The support provided is extremely varied, from fitting level access showers, stairlifts, ramps, grab rails or wheelchair accessible extensions, to remedying health and safety risks associated with items such as heating, electrical wiring and plumbing.

The most significant changes are as follows:

  • The eligibility criteria have been widened, and the means test requirements have been made more flexible.
  • A more versatile approach to the application process and required forms.
  • Access to the service has been improved to include self-referral forms via our website.
  • The maximum discretionary grant level has been increased, to allow for increased costs in the construction industry and in response to the more complex needs of some residents.
  • Cases can be treated on a more individual basis with a wider range of assistance available and more flexible eligibility criteria.
  • Assistance is now available to those living with a terminal illness or dementia.
  • Accessible housing grants will meet a rising need in the housing market for disabled people who are either homeless or need to move to a more suitable property.
  • The introduction of a prevention grant to provide simple measures to ensure that elderly, vulnerable or disabled residents can occupy their homes safely and reduce the likelihood of developing ill-health.

Cllr Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said: “It is a priority of this council to improve the lives of our residents. Housing that isn’t fit for purpose can have a significantly detrimental impact on vulnerable, older and disabled people, and can contribute to immobility, social exclusion, ill health and depression.

“Our Private Sector Housing Grants Assistance Policy helps people to live with greater independence in secure, safe, well-maintained, warm and suitable housing.

“I am pleased that the changes to policy that were unanimously approved by the committee in October, will help more of our most vulnerable residents.”

To find out more or to make an application, visit our website, or contact the Home Improvement Agency on HIA@epsom-ewell.gov.uk(link sends e-mail) or 01372 732000.

Remember your voter ID

With the Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place on 2 May 2024 and a general election scheduled for some time this year, making sure you have valid photo ID is extremely important.

In the UK, you are now legally required to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at elections. So don't miss out on your chance to vote.

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:

  • Passport
  • Driving licence (including provisional license)
  • Blue badge
  • Certain concessionary travel cards
  • Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
  • Biometric Immigration document
  • Defence identity card
  • Certain national identity cards

You will only need to show one form of photo ID, but it needs to be the original version and not a photocopy. The name on your ID must be the same name you used to register to vote.

For more information, including the full list of accepted forms of photo ID, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for this at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact Electoral Services for a paper application form.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for use at a particular election is 5pm, 6 working days before the date of that election.

MMR vaccine: Be wise and immunise

Cases of measles are rising across England, including among children. It's an infection that spreads very easily and for some people can cause serious problems. The uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination programme in the UK has fallen to the lowest level in a decade, including across Surrey. There is a high risk that outbreaks of measles will be seen in unvaccinated individuals and communities in Surrey over the coming months.

There's no specific medical treatment for measles, so it's important to get vaccinated as it's the best protection against measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine give 99% protection against measles.

Children are offered a vaccine free on the NHS at 12-months-old and then a second dose when they turn 3-years-and-4-months-old, but it is never too late to catch up. The MMR vaccine is free on the NHS, whatever your age. If anyone has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment.

Find out more on the NHS website.

Jobs at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council

We're recruiting.

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 you.

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

Housing Adviser

The Housing Adviser is the first point of contact for enquiries from customers who are in housing need or who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. Find out more, including how to apply.

Refuse & Recycling Loader Operative 3

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is looking for dedicated individuals to work as Loaders on our refuse and recycling collections operation. Find out more, including how to apply.

LGV Driver 1

The Operational Services Division of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is looking for dedicated individuals to drive and supervise refuse and recycling collection vehicles, ensuring a timely, high quality, safe, friendly and efficient service to our residents. Find out more, including how to apply.

Tree Officer

Our borough has a substantial number of protected trees. You will take a lead role in all tree related matters, including assessing trees for protection, processing applications and appeals, and providing related specialist advice and guidance to planning officers, enforcement teams, the public, and Councillors. In particular you will lead on improving processes relating to Tree Preservation Orders and Tree Replacement Notices. Find out more, including how to apply.

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.

Opp and Prosp Roundel

 

Spotlight on

Together, we make a difference

We're a small borough and council, but we are passionate about what we do. We work hard with, and for, our residents to make Epsom & Ewell a great place to live, work and visit.

We're telling some of the stories of the work done by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's staff, Councillors and residents that make a positive difference to our borough.

This month, we're with Arjan in Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's Housing Team. Arjan told us about the work his team do with residents and partners to reduce homelessness within our borough.

"I’m the Strategic Housing Manager at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. My team and I help people find accommodation when they need it, for example if a family find themselves to be homeless for any reason: perhaps they have been evicted without warning or are fleeing domestic violence. The main challenge we face is the shortage of affordable housing in our borough, particularly for families.

"We work hard to find short-term accommodation solutions, like the Private Sector Lease scheme. We are also seeing increasing numbers of people with complex needs coming to us for support. We work with other agencies, like mental health services and adult social care, to find lasting solutions for people. We work strategically to prevent homelessness across Epsom & Ewell wherever possible, for example working with developers to maximise the number of affordable homes planned as part of new housing developments in the borough. 

"I also oversee the Home Improvement Agency which offers financial assistance to help people with disabilities or additional needs make changes to their home, so they can continue to live independently.

"The dedication and skill of the team makes a huge difference to how we are able to help our customers. While I’ve been at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council we’ve worked across a huge range of different issues: from the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which helped place more than 120 people across the borough, to helping people stave off homelessness during the cost of living crisis.

"What I enjoy most about my role is working with partners to find long-lasting housing solutions for people in Epsom & Ewell."

You can read more stories on our website, visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/together 

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. 

Talk on Spanish Artists

Beside the Spanish Seaside: Picasso, Sorolla & Gaudi

This lecture examines the works and legacies of three Spanish titans.

Thursday 11 April, 10am - 3pm
Epsom College
£45, including lunch, payable in advance.

The Worst Jobs at Sea

Discover the worst jobs at sea, including the roles of the Scrubber, the Cook, the Powder Monkey and the Surgeon.

Saturday 13 April, 1pm - 3.30pm
Bourne Hall Museum
£5 per child

Hogsmill 5 mile ladies race

Our ever-popular annual women-only race is back! With no cut-off time it’s the perfect target for absolute beginners and enjoyed by established runners too. 

Sunday 28 April, 10am
Harrier Centre
Early bird entries are £18 with UK Athletics affiliated runners and £20 non-affiliated until 29 February 2024. Thereafter £20 with UK Athletics affiliated runners and £22 for non-affiliated. The closing date for entries is 12pm on 26 April 2024.

Find out about events in Epsom & Ewell, visit: Epsom & Ewell Borough Council |Whats On

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Epsom Playhouse - April 2024

Find out what's on at the Epsom Playhouse this month:
  • Bubbleman April 2024

    Friday 5th April 2024

    Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. He is a favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he has enjoyed twelve years of sell-out success.

  • Science Museum Live

    Saturday 6th April 2024

    Join London’s world-renowned Science Museum as they bring you this brand-new stage production aimed at igniting your curiosity, fuelling your imagination, and inspiring you in new and exciting ways.

    Produced by Mark Thompson Productions in partnership with London’s Science Museum this unmissable family show will ensure to capture the fascination of the whole family whilst learning something new and exciting too.

  • Epsom Light Opera Company present My Fair Lady

    Tuesday 16th - Saturday 20th April 2024

    Widely considered one of the greatest musicals of all time. Lerner and Loewe’s award-winning masterpiece features a host of well-loved songs, including ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?’, ‘The Rain in Spain’, and ‘Get Me to the Church on Time’.

  • Blenheim High School

    Monday 22nd April 2024

    Blenheim High School perform at The Epsom Playhouse.

    The annual Blenheim Dance Show showcasing a variety of choreographies across a wide range of styles from Years 7 - 13. With over 30 numbers, from moving contemporary pieces, jazz, hip hop and upbeat musical theatre, this celebration of our Dance community means there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 

  • Jimmy Tarbuck - Live On Stage

    Tuesday 23rd April 2024

    After more than 60 years at the very top of his profession Jimmy Tarbuck OBE relives many of the most iconic moments of a life on stage and screen.

    Featuring a huge collection of anecdotes and video clips highlighting a fabulously glittering career, from going to school with John Lennon to playing golf with Bing Crosby and of course his meteoric rise to fame hosting Sunday Night at the London Palladium.

    Stories that retell the incredible journey of a true national treasure.

  • The Manfreds

    Wednesday 24th April 2024

    Following the huge success of their 60th anniversary tour in 2023, The Manfreds will, once again, be making their way to The Epsom Playhouse on Wednesday 24th April 2024.

    They are considered one of the finest and most respected bands from the 1960’s era. Their numerous hits were not just ‘pop’ songs, many were R&B based with an undercurrent of jazz - a very unusual but winning combination of playing style and substance.

  • UK Pink Floyd 2024

    Thursday 25th April 2024

    Celebrating 30 years since the iconic ‘PULSE' tour, this highly authentic show recreates the atmosphere of Floyd live - featuring top-flight musicians, a stunning light show and over two hours of incredible music.

    The new show for 2024 includes many songs from The PULSE set, featuring tracks from ‘The Division Bell’, 'The Wall’, ‘Animals’, 'The Dark Side of the Moon' and 'Wish You Were Here'. The “Syd song” for 2024 is 'Astronomy Domine'.

  • Frankie The Concert

    Friday 26th April 2024

    Frankie–The Concert celebrates the outstanding career of one of the biggest pop acts in the world, Frankie Valli, recreating the powerful falsetto of the 60’s & 70’s icon with absolute perfection!

    Experience the energy and stunning vocals of songs such as ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, Walk Like a Man’, ‘Sherry’, Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Oh, What a Night’ and many more.

    Featuring a spectacular eight-piece band, the show takes you on a breath-taking journey and reminds you why Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons sold over 100 million records worldwide.

  • An Evening with Henry Cole - Happy Days

    Tuesday 30th April 2024

    Henry will be taking a break in between his busy schedule to bring to provincial theatres his “An Evening with Henry Cole- Happy Days” theatre show hosted by his good friend and renowned prankster Steve “Stavros” Parrish.

    Henry Cole was educated at Eton at the same time as Boris Johnston and David Cameron has gone on to forge a career spanning some 32 years in the TV and movie industry. 

For more listings, please visit the Epsom Playhouse website.

Markets in Epsom & Ewell

Epsom Markets

Epsom Market 2022 iStock

Regular markets in Epsom Marketplace take place on Thursday and Saturday.
For information on the weekly markets at Epsom Marketplace take a look here: Epsom & Ewell markets

Artisan Market - in Ewell Grove
Come along to see a gorgeous selection of wooden children's toys, handmade jewellery, local honey and jams and lots more. 
First Saturday of the month, 10am - 3pm. 
Ewell Grove, Ewell Village.

Bourne Hall Pre-loved Clothes Market (formerly known as Cash in the Wardrobe) - Bourne Hall. 
A market for pre-loved and vintage clothes and accessories, taking place on the third Saturday of the month.
10am - 2pm.

Farmer's Market - Epsom Marketplace
This market usually takes place on the first Sunday of the month.
9.30am - 1.30pm.
Find out more at www.surreymarkets.co.uk/event/epsom-market

The Antiques Market is back in Epsom Market Square on Sunday 17 March. 

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.

Epsom Common Association (ECA)

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

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Your Council

Council meetings in April

    The following meetings of the Council will be held in April.

      April

      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.

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      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.

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