The new Government has made key announcements in the past few weeks which have started to shift the balance of power in local planning decisions back towards local residents.

In response to concerns raised by local residents about the issue of dog fouling and stray dogs in the Merstham area, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, along with Surrey Police and Raven Housing Trust, have arranged “Happy Healthy Dogs”, a special advice and awareness raising day, to combat the issue.

Reigate & Banstead emerged from last Thursday’s Achievement in Recycling Awards with two awards, beating off competition from far larger organisations in its bid to have the recycling achievements of local residents recognised in these national awards.
The council won the Recycling Partnership Award, beating Tesco and Cardiff City Council and the Council’s Recycling Officer, Lizzy Jones, also won a Recycling Champion award.

Merstham police are appealing for witnesses following distraction burglary at an elderly lady’s house in Merstham. The incident happened at 4.40pm on, Saturday, 1 May, when the a man posing as a plumber told the 81-year-old victim he needed to check the taps and water supply to prevent her neighbour’s property from flooding.

The next Merstham Police Neighbourhood Panel meeting will be held on Wednesday 19th May at 7.30pm in the Merstham Community Facility, 44 Portland Drive.
The Merstham Neighbourhood Panel is your opportunity as residents to meet with your Local Councillors, Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team and other Local Representatives to discuss issues or concerns you may have.

Cllr Graeme Crome re-elected to represent Merstham on Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. Graeme received 1,631 votes with his closest rival, Lib Dem Roger Peerless receiving 1,166 votes.

Merstham councillor is calling for urgent improvements to the Bletchingley Road zebra crossing follow safety concerns from many local residents. Graeme has become increasingly worried about the safety of children and parents who use the zebra crossing on Bletchingley Road to reach Merstham Primary School.

Surrey County Council’s Cabinet agree to allocated funds to build a new primary (2-form) , 430 places school in the Redhill / Merstham area and have instructed the Head of Estates Planning and Management, to seek to find and enter into negotiations to acquire a site for a new School.

A new youth group is being setup in Merstham, based at St Nicholas School in Merstham. The Nautical Training Corps (NTC) is a uniformed youth organisation based in the south of England, that aims to help young people develop their full potential through nautically based training.

Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, helps to officially launch that Merstham Neighbours Scheme at the Village Hall in Merstham. Merstham Neighbours is a local volunteers scheme offering assistance and support to any residents in the Merstham area, who may need a little extra help.