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Horley Town Council
Your Horley July
Newsletter |
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In this edition...... Extreme Fun returns to Court Lodge; Community Centre Consultation; Balcombe Rd Litter Pick; Emlyn Meadows Programme; New Councillor Elected; Local Government Changes Consultation; New Memorial Bench; New Community Garden; Horley Rec Improvements; Community Governance Review; Proposed Changes to Parking Restrictions; GGP & Himalayn Balsam; Electoral Registration Canvas; School Holiday Activities; High Street Improvement Works; New Surfacing Laid at Innes Pavilion;
and finally upcoming Council meetings.
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Reigate & Banstead Borough Council will be carrying out a Community Governance Review (CGR) of all areas of the borough from 24 July 2025 until March 2026. A CGR is a legal process that provides an opportunity to review, create and make changes to governance arrangements for existing parish and town councils as well as unparished areas (areas currently without parish or town councils). Find out more about the Community Governance Review process and parish and town councilsParish and town councils can play an important role in providing local services and empowering people in their local community. We want to hear your ideas and suggestions for how local communities can be best represented in Reigate & Banstead – this could be at a town, community, neighbourhood, parish or village level. The first consultation phase will run from 24 July 2025, more details to follow shortly. |
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Local Government Reorganisation Consultation
Have your say on the future of Surrey’s councils
On Friday 9 May, all district and borough councils across Surrey, including Surrey County Council, submitted their final Local Government Reorganisation Plan to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. In response, the government has launched a formal statutory consultation open for 7 weeks until Tuesday, 5 August.You can have your say by taking part via Citizen Space using the link below. Whilst not a traditional public consultation, it gives residents, community groups and stakeholders the chance to view the proposals and share their views. The consultation presents a two-unitary model and a three-unitary model: One, proposed by Surrey County Council, would create two unitary authorities. The other, supported by nine district and borough councils, would establish three new unitary councils. Both models are financially viable. The three-unitary proposal provides a stronger long-term foundation for high-quality local government, including:
- Stronger public services designed around local needs
- Better alignment with local identities and communities
- Greater opportunities for economic growth and infrastructure delivery
- More responsive and accountable local governance.
- Surrey is changing. Make sure your voice is part of the conversation. Access the consultation and have your say below.
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Horley Recreation Ground Improvements 2025
We’re thrilled to announce a series of improvements at Horley Recreation Ground, made possible by a generous grant of £43,990.87 from Surrey County Council’s Your Fund Surrey – Small Community Fund. Huge thanks go to our sponsors, County Councillors Andy Lynch and Jordan Beech, whose support helped bring this vision to life. Here’s what’s new:💡 Brighter, Safer Access The path leading from the car park to the Bowls Club is now lit up with sleek new bollard lighting — making it safer and more welcoming, especially during darker evenings. 🚲 Cycling Made Easier We’ve installed an additional bike rack near the skatepark to support our commitment to greener, healthier transport options. 👟 Better Access, Rain or Shine A new path to the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) has been laid, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the facility — even during those muddy winter months! 💪 Outdoor Fitness, Upgraded In our most exciting addition, we’ve installed several new pieces of outdoor gym equipment on both sides of the new MUGA pathway. Sourced from the trusted Great Outdoor Gym Company, these new units allow for calisthenics-style workouts, letting you build strength using your own bodyweight. 🔌 Charge While You Train One of the standout features is the hand cycle machine — not only does it give your upper body a workout, but it also lets you charge your phone if you have your charger cable with you. Yes — you can generate your own power. |
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Tenders Invited for Horley Town Council Offices Extension
Horley Town Council has published an open tender to invite contractors to bid for the works to build an extension and carry out associated works at the Council Offices in Albert Road. MVL Architects and Surveyors have worked with the Council to prepare plans and designs and will be assisting the Council during this tender phase. It is expected that the successful contractor will be selected in September.
Tender submission deadline is 29 August 2025, 5:00 pm
Interested contractors should follow this link on Contracts Finder, which provides full information:
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042127-2025 |
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Horley Town Council Election Result
On Thursday 5th June Samantha Mearing was elected as the new representative for the Horley West ward.
Cllr Mearing said,' I'm delighted to have been elected as representative for Horley West. Having lived in Horley for 8 years I feel it's a great place to live and work. Before becoming a councillor, I formed the Horley Wombles Litter picking group and started a rewilding project on a local green space. I am pleased that this work has led me to being invited onto the Horley in Bloom Group, Accessibility Horley and Horley Town Council's Environmental Working Group. I am passionate about our Horley and am looking forward to helping the town thrive.'
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Modernising Horley Community Centre The Borough Council is asking local residents and community centre users to help develop their ambitious plans to revitalise Horley Community Centre. The community engagement will run until Sunday 10 August and will include a public exhibition and a survey. The community centre, which was built around 40 years ago, needs significant modernisation and, with its existing layout, cannot meet current needs or community aspirations. In May this year the Council’s Executive approved the project to modernise the building following consideration of a report, which included an outline of the feasibility and options study. The Council expects it will need to close Horley Community Centre for several months whilst the modernisation work takes place, but this is not expected until summer 2026 at the earliest, giving the Council time to work with centre users on plans for interim arrangements, which will include Horley-based activities. Drop-in to the exhibition at Horley Community Centre on Albert Road in Horley and talk to members of the project team on: Saturday 26 July, 10am to 2pmYou can also see the exhibition and complete the survey online (plus enter a prize draw to win one of two £25 shopping vouchers). Find out more at https://orlo.uk/70uaI |
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Emlyn Meadows Biodiversity Improvement Programme
In a recent survey (a joint survey with Reigate & Banstead about Horley's Open Spaces) residents responded that Emlyn Meadows was one of the areas where there was a desire for greater environmental initiatives. In response to this and a desire to help an already struggling nature generally we are purposely allowing the grass to grow longer in some areas of the meadow. The advantages to doing this
- Allowing grass to grow longer in some areas where possible can help soil drain faster by allowing air pockets and gaps within the structure whilst also increasing soil and plant biodiversity.
- Reduced passes with the mower will, over time, allow some recovery of the soil and enable it to develop a better structure to assist with drainage. This is especially helpful in lower-lying areas where it floods every year.
- Meadows are beneficial for biodiversity because they support a wide range of plant and animal life, acting as a lifeline for many species. They provide food and shelter for insects, birds, and small animals, and their diverse plant life attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
It's important to clarify that this is not a cost-saving initiative, as it won't reduce our expenses. Since we have allowed the grass to grow, we have seen the return of Red and White Clovers, Yarrow and Bird’s Foot Trefoil, all of which are great for pollinators. We’ve also seen many varieties of butterflies, moths, flies, damselflies and bees. Our plan going forward This is just the first part of our plan to increase and support biodiversity at the meadow. We are working with Surrey Wildlife Trust, Gatwick Greenspaces Partnership and South East Rivers Trust to see what changes we can make that still allow our residents to enjoy the area but bring in more support for the environment. We will be mowing again later in the year. We are just trialling this idea so we may change things next year. |
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New surfacing laid around Innes Pavilion with support from YFS Surrey Small Community Fund
Many thanks go to Surrey County Council for a generous grant of £46,648.80 from the SCC Your Fund Surrey Small Community Fund, kindly supported by County Cllr Andy Lynch. The Town Council has been able to replace the broken and uneven surface that surrounded the Innes Pavilion at Court Lodge Fields, Thornton Close, Horley. Without the grateful support of Surrey's Small Community Fund, the Town Council would be unable to update this tired area in the foreseeable future. The Small Community Fund is a vital source of financial support to enable projects such as these to be delivered.
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High Street improvement works to start this summer
The improvement works along the High Street will start this summer. These works include making the street one-way for motor vehicles, widening footpaths and improving pedestrian crossings, improving cycle facilities, adding pedestrian crossings, and introducing new planting and trees. These changes will enhance accessibility, safety, and the overall attractiveness of the area, supporting a vibrant and viable local economy for the future. As the works involve changes to the roads, a Traffic Regulation Order consultation is being carried out and statutory notices have been been issued. More information about the changes and works schedule will be available in due course.Surrey County Council has been working closely with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Horley Town Council to share information about the Horley town centre improvement works, ensuring that residents and businesses are kept informed of the latest updates. You will soon notice more communications about the upcoming works. Our team attended the St. George’s Day event in April and the Horley Carnival and had positive conversations with residents.
There is more information on our website, visit
surreycc.gov.uk/horleytowncentre, or, if you have questions, you can email the project team horleytowncentre@surreycc.gov.uk. |
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New Memorial Bench installed in Horley Rec
A new bench has been installed in memory of former Town Councillor & Mayor Howard Easterbrook. Howard was Town Mayor in 1986 and was also a member of the Horley Round Table and 41 Club, becoming Chairman of both charitable organisations which assisted with the organising of the annual Horley carnivals and bonfire nights.
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Planet Reigate Podcast
Cllr Mearing was recently interviewed by the Planet Reigate podcast as they were featuring the Upfield Road/Cheyne Walk roundabout environmental improvement project. It's an interesting and informative listen.
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Himalayan Balsam Removal
Our sincere thanks go again to the Gatwick Greenpace Partnership and the volunteers from Horley Conservation Society as they battle to remove the invasive Himalayan Balsam from the river banks at Church Meadows, Court Lodge and Emlyn Meadows.
Year on year these amazing volunteers give up their time and energy to clear the riverbanks of this invasive plant to allow our native species to thrive. Himalayan balsam outcompetes native plants, disrupts pollination of native flowers, and can leave riverbanks vulnerable to erosion when it dies back in the winter, leading to increased flood risk.
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New Community Garden is Blooming in St Bartholomew’s Old Churchyard
A wonderful transformation is underway at St Bart’s Old Churchyard, where the small empty field is being turned into a vibrant community garden. The newly named Church Spire Community Garden aims to be a place for fresh produce, relaxation, and community spirit. On a sunny day last Autumn, a group of dedicated volunteers began preparing the ground, driven by a desire to support their neighbours. ‘We enjoy helping others to help others,’ said one volunteer, highlighting the collective effort behind the project. The garden will supply fresh produce to the Horley Food Bank, while also serving as a welcoming space for the community to gather. Planting has now begun and the task of watering and tending is underway. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to join the efforts every Tuesday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. Revd Kerry shared the vision for the project, expressing hope that the garden will embody ‘care for God’s creation and generosity’ and become a ‘place of calm and consideration for one another.’ It is hoped people could be encouraged to come along to volunteer to encourage well-being. |
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Westvale Park Neighbourhood Hall
The Borough Council is pleased to announce that Westvale Community Christian Trust has been chosen to operate and manage Westvale Park Neighbourhood Hall once it opens in a few months.
The fully accessible building will provide a welcoming community and social hub offering a varied programme of activities and events, covering family and young people’s support, health and wellbeing, education and training and faith and spirituality.
The Trust will be working with a range of organisations and groups to enable more opportunities to socialise and be active, as well as a community outreach programme. The space will also be available to hire for private functions and events.
Their appointment follows a two-stage assessment and selection process, including how the new facility will contribute to meeting local community needs
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Annual household electoral registration canvass 2025
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council will be carrying out its annual statutory review of the electoral register between July and 1 December this year to ensure that the information they hold is accurate and up to date. During the canvass they must contact every property to find out if there are any changes to the household so they can remove the people who no longer live there and invite new occupants to register to vote. They'll be contacting households by email, text, telephone or paper form - please respond promptly if you are contacted. Only one person is required to respond on behalf of the household. For more info and for advice on verifying the request is genuine click here |
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Surrey County Council
Reigate & Banstead Parking Review 2024-2025 |
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29 July
19 August
09 September
23 September
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Full Council Meeting
Interim Planning Committee Meeting
Full Council Meeting
Planning Committee Meeting
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For a fuller list of local events have a look at What's On In Horley
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We have different Social Media pages that show what's on locally. Click on the link below to follow us!
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