News

Turning on 2SV gives your most important accounts an extra level of protection, especially your email. It can be turned on in a matter of minutes – time well spent to keep the fraudsters out.

Police took to the streets of Guildford, on Monday, 17 April as part of a national day of action, to raise awareness with the residents of 2SV also known as 2 Factor Authentication (2FA). 

The team, which included local and regional representatives, spoke with commuters at Guildford train station about the importance of having the security process in place on their online platforms. They then went into Guildford town centre and were invited into Barclays Bank to provide the information to their customers, engaging with them inside and with other members of the community outside the branch.

Helpful fraud prevention literature was also shared with other banking organisations.

2SV can usually be found in the security settings of your account. Sometimes it’s called 2-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA). It is available for most of the major online services, such as email, banking, and social media.

By setting up 2SV, it can help protect you from cyber criminals as it asks for more information to prove your identity when you log in to your online accounts.

It provides a way of ‘double checking’ that you really are the person you are claiming to be when you log in so creates double the work for criminals trying to access your online accounts, even if they know your password.

Even if you’ve always looked after your passwords, they can still be stolen through no fault of your own – it’s easier than you think for someone to steal your password. 

When you turn on 2SV, you will be asked to provide a ‘second step’, which is something that you (and only you) can access.

This could be a code that’s sent to you by text message or created by an app.

You may also be able to use your fingerprint, facial recognition, or memorable information. You don’t necessarily need a mobile to turn on 2SV. Some providers will let you use a landline number, or a separate device, such as a card reader or USB stick.

We recommend turning on 2SV for your email and social media accounts, as well as any accounts that contain lots of personal or sensitive information. Often online banking has 2SV enabled by default but do double check if you are unsure.

Take a few minutes to secure your online accounts now.

Financial abuse by a known person

As people age their need to rely on others for support can increase,  whether that is through personal care needs, day-to-day tasks or financial affairs. Financial abuse can take many forms, including abuse by a position of trust and sadly can be perpetrated by someone close to you. 

Friends, family members, carers or company employees may be asked to look after your personal or business finances. They may instead take advantage of their access to bank accounts or information for their own benefit or misuse the assets of a business to embezzle funds for themselves.

In 2024, Sussex Police received 224 reports of financial abuse by suspects known to the victims with Surrey Police receiving 112 reports for the same period.  These reports accounted for a combined loss of over £13 million pounds, with almost half of these cases relating to victims over 75 years old. 

Older people can be an unfortunate target of this crime type, due to being in receipt of pensions and due to the higher value of assets they may have built up, by comparison to younger age groups. 

Reporting a fraud by a person known to you can be increasingly difficult if the suspect is a family member, carer, or friend as there may not be an alternative support network outside the influence of the suspect. There can also be the risk and/or fear of retaliation or further victimisation which can inhibit reporting.

In a recent example, a housebound man in poor health from Sussex, was financially abused by a member of his own family.  They had offered to do his shopping for him, which the man agreed to, and gave the relative his bank card and PIN number. 

Eventually this came to police attention when he had fallen behind on his rent, had very little food in the house and insufficient funds to pay his bills.

It transpired that an additional £8,000 had been taken from his account, by the relative, without his knowledge. 

In a similar case in Surrey, an elderly female had sought the support of a close friend to buy her groceries using her bank card (having also shared her PIN).  After six months, it was discovered that £3,000 had been taken from her account unlawfully and welfare concerns were made regarding the lack of money she had left to pay her utility bills.

This fraud type when perpetrated by a family member or friend is a betrayal that can have devastating effects on the victim.

If you have been given a position of trust, it is your responsibility to keep a close eye on the individual’s finances, particularly if they are vulnerable. Handle bills and statements with care and shred them before throwing them out.

If you are concerned that a vulnerable person in your area is being financially abused by someone they know, report your concerns to Sussex Police or Surrey Police on 101.

On Sunday 30th March, the clocks spring forward 1 hour at 1:00AM (GMT) to 2:00AM (BST) ⏰

Trips starting before 1:00 AM will run as usual on GMT. Services scheduled to depart between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM will not operate. Any trips starting at 2:00 AM or later will follow BST.

There will be some changes to route 20 and route 100.  🚌 

Find out more: metrobus.co.uk/service-updates

Dear resident, 

We have seen an increase in reports of shed break-ins across Surrey this week, and we want to remind you to secure any outbuildings just as you would your home.

First off, check your home insurance covers the contents of any shed, garage or outbuilding from theft. Ensure any security lights or CCTV are in working order, and consider a battery-operated shed alarms.

Next up, take a look at your shed and consider the steps you could take to make it more secure, whether that be securing windows with wire mesh or grills, or investing in a strong padlock with no exposed screws.

And as the weather begins to take a brighter turn, perhaps it could be time to get planting - and what better than ones which can look great and keep your property safe?

Watch our video on all things defensive planting here: https://youtu.be/4fZQU3KbfwI?si=pzxM1MiDmqnwIhVC

 Message Sent By
Lauren Wise
(Surrey Police, Corporate Communications, Communications Officer, Surrey)

Due to an increased number of norovirus cases, please do not visit East Surrey Hospital unless you have an urgent clinical need and especially if you are experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting or have experienced any symptoms in the last 48 hours. 

You can find out more information on Norovirus here: https://bit.ly/41Tw3bm. 

During this time, we are also making some temporary changes to visiting – you can find out more information here: https://www.surreyandsussex.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors

Protect your online accounts from hackers and enable 2SV: Action Fraud issue new warning about social media and email account hacking as new data is revealed. 

This year Action Fraud and Meta are encouraging the public to protect their social media and email accounts as data shows there were more than 35,000 reports made last year. 

Data shows there was a rise of social media and email account hacking reported in 2024, with a total of 35,434 reports made to Action Fraud, compared to 22,530 reports made in 2023.

Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has launched a campaign, supported by Meta, to encourage people to take an extra step of online protection by enabling 2-Step Verification for each online account they have. The warning comes as reporting shows nearly £1 million was lost to hackers last year. 

The most common motives for social media hacking were either investment fraud, ticket fraud or theft of the targeted account, reporting insights revealed.

Adam Mercer, Deputy Director of Action Fraud, said:

“As social media and email account hacking remains the most reported cybercrime this year, this Action Fraud campaign marks a critical issue for everyone who has online accounts. That’s why we’re raising awareness of the ways people can protect themselves online.

“Follow Stop! Think Fraud advice and protect yourself online: enable 2-Step Verification on each online account you have – this will help prove your identity and stop fraudsters trying to steal or access your valuable information. Secure your social media and email accounts by ensuring each password is strong and uses three random words. Remember to never share your passwords with anyone else.”

David Agranovich, Security Policy Director, Meta, said: 

“Scammers are relentless and continuously evolving their tactics to try and evade detection, which is why we’re constantly working on new ways to keep people safe while keeping bad actors out. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is one crucial example of how people can add an extra layer of security to their Meta accounts, to help reduce the risk of scammers accessing your accounts. We’ve also started rolling out facial recognition technology to help people get back into compromised or hacked accounts and are always working on new ways to stay ahead of scammers.”

In the reports made to Action Fraud, there were various different methods of hacking highlighted, these include: 

On-platform chain hacking 

This is when a fraudster gains control of an account and begins to impersonate the legitimate owner. The goal is to convince people to reveal authentication codes, including one-time passcodes, that are sent to them via text. Many victims of this type of hacking believe it’s a friend messaging them, however the shared code was associated with their own account and the impersonator can now use it to access their account. Usually when an account is taken over, fraudsters monetise control of the account via the promotion of various fraudulent schemes, like fake tickets or crypto investment schemes, while impersonating the original account owner. 

Leaked passwords and phishing

The other common method of hacking is when account details are gained via phishing scams, or the use of leaked information used from data breaches, such as leaked passwords. This becomes prevalent as people often use the same password for multiple accounts, so a leaked password from one website can leave many of their online accounts vulnerable to hacking. 

What can you do to avoid being a victim?

• 2-step verification (2SV) will keep criminals out of your account – even if they know your password. Turning on 2SV gives your most important accounts an extra level of protection, especially your email and social media accounts. It can be turned on in a matter of minutes – time well spent to keep the fraudsters out. Find out how to enable it here.
• Email and social media passwords should be strong and different to all of your other passwords. A good way to make sure your passwords are ‘long enough and strong enough’ is to combine three random words to create a unique password which is easy to remember. Find out more here.

Report suspicious emails by forwarding it to: report@phishing.gov.uk

Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk

If you’ve lost money or provided your financial information to someone, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Surrey County Council, in discussion with schools and partners, has agreed to continue funding to provide families with children eligible for benefit-related free school meals(FSM) attending Surrey schools and education settings with supermarket food vouchers during the Easter 2025 break.

Supermarket food vouchers will no longer be available to:

• children in receipt of Funded Early Education for Two-Year-olds (FEET) unless eligible for EYPP on economic grounds,
• children who are in receipt of EYPP on non-economic grounds.
  
  

A £30 voucher per eligible child will be funded for the whole Easter period. This is a single payment and no additional payment is available for schools/settings with a longer holiday period. Please note that vouchers are not available to non-Surrey pupils in Surrey independent schools.

Please see: Household Support Grant update - Easter 2025

You can now book blood test appointments online for the first time using SwiftQueue, our new patient booking system designed to reduce waiting times, improve efficiency, and enhance patient experience.

Patients at East Surrey Hospital can access the new online portal to book an appointment from 10 March 2025, whilst patients at Crawley and Horsham Hospitals will be able to book appointments from 1 April 2025.

The Trust will continue to accept walk-in patients until Monday 31 March 2025.

You can find out more here - https://bit.ly/43ivYPd

Book an appointment here - https://bit.ly/4hLjjsy

For anyone unable to book using the online booking system, please call 0300 6134117 and a member of our team will book an appointment for you.

Thank you for your support as we continue to improve our services! 💙

Please note from Monday 10th March East Surrey Hospital is moving the blood tests to the East entrance.

Next litter pick:

Saturday 22nd March 11:00 to 12:30

Meeting at the playground on Bushfield Drive

Kiln Community Garden and Whitebushes pond team

The first Saturday of each month (except Jan)

Whitebushes warm welcome - coffee morning

The third Saturday of each month 11:00 to 12:30 held at the Whitebushes Village Hall

As we enter the new year we are pleased to announce we have set up our events windows upto the beginning of May. if you are organising an event and would like to be listed for free please email the team.

We have also recently added more events to our regular events and adhoc calendars, and clubs and activities pages for more information.

Facing a challenge but want to volunteer please speak to this organisation that will support you to find volunteering opportunities.

A landside in the Gatwick / Three Bridges area is currently causing delays please allow extra time for your journeys.

Delays and cancellations have occurred today. 

Following the recent flood alert the River Mole has experienced a surge of water. as a result tankers have returned to the A23 at Salfords with temporary traffic lights deployed. Please allow additional time if using the A23.

Following the earlier suspension of bus services to Whitebushes and East Surrey Hospital due to the roadworks these have now resumed.

Hopefully now it is the weekend the works on the pavement can be completed with less disruption.

Should services be impacted over the next few days the nearest alternative stop that was in use was on Three Arch Road on the football club side of the road.

Help on the bushes wishes all our supporters a Happy & Prosperous 2025.

We will be returning for the Whitebushes Warm Welcome in January.

Our friends in the Kiln Community Garden group will be resuming their Community Garden and Whitebushes pond restoration works on the first Saturday of the month (excluding January) 

A massive thank you all those who also helped with the planting of so many new trees on the common behind Denton Close and by the hospital along Three Arch Road recently.

Reigate and Banstead Police

Safer Neighbourhood Team

Dear Residents,

Welcome to the Police Update for the week. 

The message includes personal fraud (Scams), burglaries and vehicle thefts reported between the 5th December 2024 to 12th December 2024.

Please Note

Herbert Protocol – if you care for someone with dementia or Alzheimer's, the Herbert Protocol ensures we have the essential information to act fast and keep them safe, if they go missing. 

You can find out more about these by visiting - https://www.surrey.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/contact-us/sur/accessible-contact/
 

Seasonal Burglary Advice

• Don't advertise to thieves what you have in your home.
• Don't have your presents visible from the outside of your home.
• Don't store presents in sheds/outbuildings.
• Don't leave discarded present boxes outside and in view and peel off any addresses and names from the boxes. 
• Property mark and register your new gifts.
• Don’t leave delivered parcels outside your property.

There is a link below, where you can find more advice on how to prevent burglaries,

• Below is the link to the Surrey Police website to report and, also to find crime advice and further updates, including how to prevent Burglaries, Car Theft and Personal Fraud.

https://www.surrey.police.uk

Personal Fraud (Scams) in the Borough.

There were 3 reports of Fraud in the last week. These included an attempted telephone Bank fraud, Financial Abuse and a Social Media Fraud.

• The ‘Little Book of Big Scams’ published by Surrey and Sussex Police provides Prevention Advice and how to report a Scams.    Little Book of Big Scams  (version 5)

For the third consecutive year we have seen an increase in the number of people coming to The Brow for the switching on of the Christmas tree lights and the carols sung by students from Salfords Primary School.

This year we were joined by the YMCA Y bus which regularly visits the estate as well as staff from Raven Housing Trust, McDonalds Earlswood as well as Reigate and Banstead Borough Council community development officer Charlie Griswood and our local councillors.

Thank you to those that donated prices for the free raffle.

Please note these changes relate to collections by Reigate and Banstead Council

👮👮‍♀️ It’s the last chance to have your say on what you think the policing priorities in your community should be.

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is urging residents to fill in a brief survey that will help shape policing in the county for the next three years.

The poll, which allows respondents to pick the issues they’d like to see Surrey Police focus on, closes this Thursday, December 12.

It is anonymous, takes just a few minutes to complete, and can be filled in here:

Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-28

The answers will help the Commissioner draw up her Police and Crime Plan, which provides the blueprint for policing in Surrey until 2028.

It will be published in early 2025 and will cover her current term of office.

Lisa said: “Time is running out for Surrey’s residents to put their voices at the heart of policing.

“My survey will close on Thursday, and I’d urge anyone who hasn’t yet had their say to fill it in.

"It’s really important that I hear from as many people as possible about what is happening where you live and what you want to see your police teams focus on in the future.”

For more information on the Police and Crime Plan, visit Surrey-PCC.gov.uk/police-and-crime-plan/consultation-2024

Preparing your home

Visit surreycc.gov.uk/fire for information on indoor and outdoor fire safety and to book a free fire safety check. Alternatively, call 0800 085 0767. There is also information at surreycc.gov.uk/surreyprepared about making a household resilience plan including keeping a list of important numbers.

•

Make sure your whole family (especially children) know how to evacuate the house in case of fire or a gas leak – do not attempt to tackle these yourself. Leave it to the professionals and call 999 if in doubt.

Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries weekly.

Evacuation

To keep you safe it is also important to evacuate if requested by the emergency services.

•

Have a bag of essentials ready including medication, spare glasses and documents - and think about where pets could be looked after.

You are free to make your own arrangements on where to stay, or you can stay at an emergency centre where advice and assistance will be available. Make sure that any family members who may be worried know where you are.

•

Ensure you know how to safely turn off the electricity, gas and water in your home in case you need to evacuate.

Wildfire

Surrey has many green spaces, and in dry weather there is a danger that grass and trees can catch fire. Be very careful with BBQs where these are permitted, and while smoking in the outdoors.

If you see a wildfire call 999 and ask for the fire service. Don’t put yourself in danger.

Flooding

Visit flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk and check your flood risk and sign up to receive free flood warnings from the Environment Agency.

If your property is at risk from flooding visit nationalfloodforum.org.uk to find out about protecting your home and insurance. You can also call 01299 403 055.

For advice on preparing for and dealing with a flood visit surreycc.gov.uk/floodingadvice

Water safety

Never go into or drive through flood water

– it is likely to contain sewage and there may be hidden holes or strong currents.

If it is sewage flooding, notify Thames Water as soon as possible.

Rivers, ponds and reservoirs are dangerous to enter no matter how inviting.

Severe weather and winter

•

The British weather is unpredictable. Check guidance from the Met Office and sign up for weather alerts at metoffice.gov.uk. You can also keep up to date with weather forecasts and disruptions in the media and on local radio.

•

Avoid driving in icy conditions or in very severe weather such as snow or gales.

•

If you have to drive carry water, some food and perhaps a blanket in case you get caught in disruption on the roads – even in very hot weather, as road surfaces can melt.

•

Check on neighbours – is there anyone who might not be able to go to the shops as easily if it is very hot or cold or who might need help?

Power, gas and water loss

For extra help in power cuts, join the Priority Services Register if you have a young baby, health care requirements or sensory or mobility limitations, or are an older person.

Check your electricity distribution company and eligibility by calling UK Power Networks on 0845 601 4516 or by visiting their website.

Consider also registering with your water company for help in a shortage, and contact Action Surrey on 0800 783 2503 for help with bills and affordable warmth. www.actionsurrey.org

•

It’s useful to have an ‘old fashioned’ analogue (non electric) phone as it will still work if the power goes off.

•

Torch batteries expire – check them if you rarely use your torch.

•

Check with your neighbours during a utility failure – they may not be so well prepared and might appreciate some help.

•

Purpose-made glow sticks are a safer alternative to candles.

Health

See healthysurrey.org.uk for seasonal advice, flu jab and health check information, or ask your GP.

Schools

Visit surreycc.gov.uk/schools to check if any schools are closed because of bad weather.

Transport

Check our map at travel.surreycc.gov.uk before you travel to find out if your journey might be affected.

You can report storm damage to roads or fallen trees by calling 03456 009 009

Due to the storm please note that events have been subject to cancellation. This may include events listed on this website.

The Reigate & Redhill society invite you to a public meeting about the future of the Harlequin Theatre which Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Leader Cllr Richard Biggs has been invited to. 

This will take please at Carrington School, Noke Drive, Redhill (behind the railway station) at 20:00 (arrival at 19:30 recommended as likely to be a popular event as many friends of the theatre have attended council meetings on the important local issue to support the local arts and cultural offerings.

As a team of local volunteers we wish all our neighbours a Merry Christmas and Happy & Prosperous 2025.

If you would like to learn more about Help in the bushes or the Kiln Communty Garden Group (who also work on the pond) please feel free to drop into the Whitebushes Warm Welcome coffee morning on Saturday 21st December.

Due to the availability for our pond consultant we have now completed the last Kiln Community Garden and Whitebushes pond working date for 2024. They will return on the 1st Saturday of the month from Feb 2025.

we have also listed a lot of events on the site but still welcome event organisers to contact us at webmaster@helpinthebushes.co.uk likewise, if you run any clubs, support or activity groups we want to here from you too. We do not charge to list events, clubs and groups so please make the most to use our site to promote your hard work.

Due to a visit by an expert who has been advising the Kiln Community Gardens group being done on Sat 30th November the usual first Saturday of the month work at both locations has been brought forward.

As a result of the works on the 30th November there will be no pond or garden dates in December.

we hope you will be able to join us on 30th November for the last date in 2024, if you can’t make it we look forward to seeing you in 2025

Our busy week moving house has just started! 🚛📚 

Redhill Library is closed all this week while we move from Consort House to the upper level of The Belfry. As you can imagine, that's a lot of books, furniture and sundries to pack, move and then unpack again...!

When we open at The Belfry on Monday 18 November, our opening times will be the same as at Consort House. Understandably, our Rhymetime sessions are having a very short break; our first Wednesday Rhymetime will be on again from Weds 20 Nov, and Saturday Rhymetime from Sat 23 Nov, as well as our other regular groups and activities.

However, please note that PCs and printing will not be up and running in our new premises until December - we will announce the date as soon as it's been confirmed.

For more information and updates, please see: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries/your-library/find-your-nearest/redhill

#LoveYourLibrary #RedhillSurrey #WeAreMoving 

@surrey.librariesuk

Just a quick update to let you all know the following updates on the community garden, pond and coffee morning.

Saturday 16th March

Help in the bushes coffee morning.

Following the success of the first coffee morning we are pleased to announce that we will be back on Saturday coming for the next coffeee morning. This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbours, have a chat as well as speak to the Kiln Community Gardens and Help In the bushes teams.

(Please see our post for more details)

Saturday 30th November (replacing the first Sunday in Decembe)

Kiln Community Gardens and Whitebushes pond

The team will be meeting a week earlier than normal due to the availablity of our pond restoration expert.

Other events

Details of the annual Christmas tree lights switching o celebrations will be announced shortly.

Please remember that there will be remembrance events on Sunday 10th and Monday 11th November at the local memorials including Shaws Corner (by The Hatchpub on the A25 and in Horley on the A23 by the Air Ballon Crossroads.

Update a longer list is on the police updates.

We have added a range of new events to the website but  always welcome information from event organisers wishing to publicise their events, support groups and clubs across East Surrey (Tandbridge, Reigate and Banstead, Mole Valley and Epsom & Ewell council areas)

please email webmaster@helpinthebushes.co.uk with any events, clubs or groups you want to publicise.

From Whitebushes Facebook group:

Just to let everyone know over the next couple of weeks there’s going to be bush and shrub cutting around the estate. If you could please be mindful of where you park if you park next to a bush that needs to be cut please could you be aware of where they are around (Whitebushes) will eventually get to your end of the estate.

Help in the buses note:

Surrey County Council have advised that a lot of this work will be completed using cutting equipment attached to vehicles therefore this will need more space than handheld devices but this will allow SCC to complete more work in a shorter timeframe.

RAILWAY IMPROVEMENT WORKS - Track renewal work in your area

I received this email about up coming work on the railway line from Network Rail.

I'm writing to let you know we need to do some essential work near your property. Work will be carried out continuously between Tuesday 19 November 2024 at 23:45 to Wednesday 20 November 2024 at 05:25. 

The work will involve installing new rails and sleepers that the rails sit on using cutting and welding equipment, on-track machinery, lighting, generators, other machinery and an engineering train, which regrettably are noisy pieces of equipment.

The roadworks section of the website has details of roadworks shared by Surrey County Council however we would like to highlight that there are currently roadworks on Pebble Hill and on Sat 26th Oct a running event taking place on Zig Zag Road Boxhill in the morning and into the earlier part of the afternoon.

Traffic disruption is therefore likely and you may want to leave extra time or divert via either the A24 or A217 to avoid these issues.

Due to the RAAC issues in the Harlequin complex our local library has for some time been temporarily located at Consort House.

Councillor Natalie Bramhill has posted today that this will be moving to the Belfry Shopping Centre on 18th November occupyiby a unit near Vision Express.

Naturally there may be some disruption to service whilst this move takes place. As soon as move information is shared we will update the website.

Details for the current library including the services offered are shown in the photo. The Consort House temporary library will close as part of this change.

Please remember that at 02:00 hours on Sunday morning we will see the clocks change in their autumn fallback to 01:00 as we return to Greenwich Mean Time.

if you are getting the 100 in the early hours 01:00-03:00 please check Metrobus website for clock change over service revisions.

We hope you all enjoy the extra hour!

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council planning committee rejected the planning application tonight for the redevelopment of Redhill railway station Following a long planning committee meeting at the Town Hall which was well supported by members of the public.

the planning application received approx 2,000 letters or comments objecting to the proposal for 255 flats with limited parking and the ease of connecting between rail, bus or taxi significantly reduced.

Thank you to those who attended the first Whitebushes community coffee morning today over 30 people came and supported the event which will become a regular occurrence on the third Saturday of the month at the village hall from 11:00 to 12:30

Congratulations to the staff from East Surrey Hospital Emergency Department who won the charity football match at the Redhill Football Club ground 4-2 against the team from South East Coast Ambulance Service. 

A great match with excellent performances from both side in this match in aid of the charity Calm

The Y Bus is a new mobile youth service bringing activities and support to young people in their local communities. The Y Bus has a small seating area inside and is fitted with a games console, iPad, TV and free WiFi. With its own generator and kitchen facilities, it can run a microwave and a toaster and provide hot drinks and other refreshments. It will provide a focal point for activities, as well as information, advice and guidance on issues such as staying safe, peer pressure and mental wellbeing. 

Look out for the Y Bus and their youth workers in Whitebushes on Wednesdays at 18:00-20:00.

All of their youth workers have completed an enhanced DBS check.

Stay Connected: 

Follow the Y Bus location on Snapchat: YMCAYBUS

Twitter/X:   @YMCAESYouth

Facebook:  YMCAEastSurreyYouth

Important information from Couny Cllr Baart:

Further to my earlier email, I have now heard from our Contractors, Ringway as follows:

At the depot we don’t have any rubber matts but the footway was closed because it isn’t safe placing anything over the sinkhole.

Sinkholes are generally larger in the inside then on the outside and if pressed will collapse further potentially creating a larger hazard and risk for the public walking over it.

The foot closure gets manned once a day and corrected if taken down under the job number 589341.

Sorry for the inconvenience and hopefully BT will officially take over soon.

Official pedestrian diversion:

This will involve going across towards the hospital then crossing over to the north side of the roundabout before returning using the traffic light controlled crossing.

Please do not remove the barriers as this is protecting a sinkhole which can extend across the area under what appears to be a safe surface making it at risk of collapse.

Volunteers from help in the bushes invite you to join them for a cuppa at their first monthly coffee morning 

We have been made aware of a current scam on social media that offers 'Free bus travel for 6 months with Key Smartcard'. This is not a genuine offer and we urge you not to click on any links or provide personal data. The offer is being made by multiple handles and accounts and via sponsored posts. Some posts may contain images that may look like products from Metrobus and Brighton & Hove Buses such a Keycard. If you see an offer like this please do not click on any links and report the post in the usual way. Thank you.

🦞 GIRL POWER TO HIT KILN BROW 🦞

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY 05 OCTOBER 2024

Redhill FC have the fastest growing Girls game in Surrey going from 8 players to 120 registered in under two seasons!

This Saturday we will celebrate this amazing growth with over 50 (YES 50!) of these players representing their teams on our mascot event day for Redhill’s game against Epsom and Ewell.

We would love a big crowd in to cheer on the Girls and their half time penalty shoutout competition.

Teams represented include Ladybirds, Black & White Pandas, Owls, Raccoons, Meerkats, Badgers, Robins, Rooks, Ravens, Lionesses and even some of our U15s too!

Our work with the Girls game doesn’t stop at the club. We work in partnership with schools and community groups volunteering our coaching to get Girls into sport.

And…we are just about to launch our Women’s team with their first fixture coming soon!

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible supporting the Girls this Saturday at Kiln Brow. 

For any information on opportunities for Girls & Women at Redhill FC then feel free to email femalefootball@redhillfc.co.uk 

Redhill FC & The Lobster Army!

#UpTheLobsters 🦞 

REDHILL FC…IN THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY!

Venue: Kiln Brow RH1 5AE

Date: Saturday 05 October 2024

Kick Off: 15:00

£9 Adults; £5 Concessions; £2 16-18s; and U16s FREE

As we head into the weekend, we know some of you might be popping into town for a spot of shopping.  

Whether it’s a new jumper or a present for your family, we hope you have a lovely time and we want to share a few top safety tips to bear in mind while you’re browsing the shops.

Remember, we’re here if you need us. Whether it’s conducting patrols in our towns, with both uniformed and plain clothed officers, or engaging with businesses to share security advice, we’re working to keep you safe on our high streets. 

If you spot one of our officers out and about, make sure to say hello. To report a crime, call 101 or contact us online by using this form: https://www.surrey.police.uk/contact-us/report-online/ If it's an emergency, always call 999. 

Protect your phone

Always keep an eye on your phone to protect it from opportunistic thieves. A tactic we’ve seen involves criminal approaching someone in a coffee shop or café then placing a piece of paper over the victim’s phone on the table while chatting. The thief then picks up the paper along with the phone and walks away. We’re encouraging people to be aware of their surroundings and avoid leaving phones unattended, or on display while not using them.

Pickpockets

It can take a pick pocket less than 10 seconds to walk away with your phone. Here are some helpful tips:

• Carry only what you need (Cards, ID, Mobile phone) in a wallet and/ or tucked safely into your pockets.
• Shorten your bag strap to carry it tightly between your elbow and body. Keeping your bag close to you gives less room for your possessions to be spotted and pulled out.
• Avoid being overloaded with bags. Don’t carry too many bags and risk becoming a target. Make regular trips to your car, or go shopping with someone to help carry the bags.
   

Keep an eye on your surroundings at the cash machine

If you need to take some cash out at the ATM, make sure to protect yourself from thieves:

• Look out for devices attached to the machine
• Be aware of people hanging around ATMs, they might watch you enter your PIN or distract you while withdrawing cash
• Cover your PIN and when you’ve left the ATM, put your card and cash away immediately 

If it doesn’t look or feel right, then stay away and if possible, go inside a bank to withdraw cash.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council, will be available to take your questions on Tuesday 17 September between 4pm and 6pm. If you have questions or ideas that you would like to put to him or bring to his attention, this is your opportunity. Appointments must be pre-booked and can either be virtual or in-person. You have to be a resident or work in the borough to get an appointment. To book, please email: leadersurgery@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.

Surrey Police is taking part in a surrender and compensation scheme for zombie-style knives and machetes launched by the Government on Monday (26 August).    

The scheme is a one-month surrender period for owners to hand in their weapons to the police and claim compensation, which will run until 23 September. These items will be illegal to possess, sell, manufacture and transport from 24 September. 

The surrender and compensation scheme is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to tackling serious violence and strengthening police powers to act. Changes to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 will add zombie-style knives and zombie-style machetes to the list of prohibited offensive weapons. 

Under the scheme, these items can be surrendered to police. Lawful owners will be able to claim compensation for the items in most cases, if the total value of the items is more than £30. Claims can be submitted to Surrey Police using a form which is available here on the Government website. 

Items can be surrendered at these designated front offices across Surrey:

• Guildford Police Station, Margaret Road, Guildford, GU1 4PZ 
• Staines Police Station, 22 Kingston Rd, Staines, TW18 4LQ 
• Caterham Police Station, Timber Hill Road, Caterham, CR3 6LD   

People surrendering items must ensure that the items are safe to handle while travelling to the police station and while on police premises. They must be contained in a manner that allows them to be transported without causing distress or alarm to other members of the public.  

Items must be wrapped up and placed in a sealed bag or box. They must not be carried openly at any time.

Carrying bladed articles in public without a good reason or lawful authority is an offence.  

Carrying the items according to these instructions and accompanied by the claim form will allow individuals to claim that they have a ‘good reason’ - namely that they are about to surrender the articles at the nearest designated police station - if stopped by the police. Once in the police station, the person mustn't take the item out until requested to do so by a police officer or member of police staff. 

Further guidance and information is available here.

Following the request for a neighbourhood watch scheme survey being requested by a resident we have had a survey open for 1 month to allow people to have their say.

22 responses were received by the deadline:

A comment was receive that showed support but the respondent  felt the estate was already safe.

Six comments received:

1. Uneccesary and just creates busy bodies

2. May be we need a few dotted around the estate, especially near the shop.

3. All round the estate

4. Near the park and near the shop

5. Denton Close - scary drivers down there

6. Kiln Walk

This question was included as it is information that the scheme administrators ask when approving new schemes.

The others were all from Kiln Walk (apologies for missing this location on the list)

There were six comments left:

1: Rubbish idea. Seem to be too many busy bodies on thr estate as is. More initiative around youth facilities would be beneficial though

2. Needs some monitoring camera

3. I hope this will work but I don't think there's enough respect from some of the other residents to actually make a difference

4. Great idea, my work means I can not be an active member

5. Lots of posters

6. No

This question was added following a further request via Facebook 

This information is being added to our safer neighbourhood section for future reference

Following recent difficulties in being able to provide you all the news we wanted we have for posts, from 1st August 2024 changed the format of the news sections to also be able to include photo and a link tab to websites or other pages on the site whilst allowing us more articles to be published.