Weekly update - 2 August 2010
This week’s update focuses on the council’s regeneration programme to keep the borough clean, green, safe and healthy for residents and local businesses.
Priory Park wins Green Flag Award 
Priory Park in Reigate has won a Green Flag Award for the second year running, confirming its position as one of the best green spaces in the country. The Green Flag Awards are run by Keep Britain Tidy, GreenSpace and BTCV to encourage excellent standards in recreational areas.
Councillor Julian Ellacott, Executive Member for Environment, said, “We aim to create a safe, clean and green environment for our residents and local business, to support thriving, sustainable communities and improve the quality of life for everyone living and working in the borough. Priory Park’s multi-million pound restoration has had a significant impact on the borough and we look forward to supporting our local communities through our extensive regeneration and restoration programme.”
Sovereign Centre Redevelopment
The council has allocated £50,000 toward the redevelopment of the Sovereign Centre in Reigate, which incorporates the newly-merged Reigate and Redhill YMCA and the Sovereign Youth Centre. The council
has also agreed to give the YMCA a substantial rent subsidy.
The council-owned Sovereign Centre opened in the late 1960s to serve the young people of South Park, Woodhatch and the surrounding areas. The redevelopment plan will support a varied programme of activities for children and young people in the borough and include new initiatives like dedicated play facilities for disabled children, youth volunteering projects, free counselling and more daytime activities for young families and under-fives.
John Jory, Chief Executive, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, said, “The council is delighted to be working in partnership with Surrey County Council and other local organisations to support the Sovereign Centre’s redevelopment. Local families are at the heart of our communities – the Sovereign Centre has an outstanding record of achievement and the redevelopment will ensure its valuable continuity of service to future generations.”
38 Neighbourhood Services staff receive NVQ awards
John Jory, Chief Executive, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, said, “Excellent service delivery relies on every member of the team contributing 110% each day. Our neighbourhood operatives provide vital services that positively affect the daily quality of life for our residents and local businesses. I am proud of our Neighbourhood Services team and their commitment to quality, as evidenced by these awards.”
The majority of these awards follow on the job assessments and in-house training by WAMAS (Waste Management Assessment Services) as part of the former government’s Train to Gain scheme.
Come and meet us
John Jory and Council Leader Cllr Joan Spiers welcome opportunities to meet with local businesses and partners. Please email mary.nicholls@reigate-banstead.gov.uk to contact them or arrange a meeting.
Last updated : 30/07/2010
