Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) is continuing to invest in practical initiatives that make neighbourhoods safer, cleaner and more welcoming in line with the aims of the Safer Epsom & Ewell programme which was launched in January. 

Safer Epsom & Ewell was established to address areas most affected by crime, anti-social behaviour and environmental issues, the programme combines targeted enforcement, environmental improvements and community engagement to create lasting positive change across the borough. 

A key element of this work includes preventing environmental crime, which includes fly-tipping, littering and vehicle-related anti-social behaviour in vulnerable locations. 

One recent project saw the installation of height-restriction barriers at all three vehicle entrances to Nonsuch Park. Funded through the London Borough of Sutton's Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Fund, the barriers help protect the park from unauthorised vehicle access and the environmental damage it can cause. 

Further improvements are planned at Long Grove Park, where mobility-compliant kissing gates will be installed using funding from Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. The Council has also approved a Strategic CIL Fund to deliver earth bunds and other protective infrastructure designed to prevent unauthorised vehicle access to open spaces and amenity land across the borough. 

Alongside these longer-term physical improvements, EEBC Environmental Enforcement officers provide a visible presence in local communities, tackling offences such as littering, fly-tipping, graffiti, fly-posting and dog fouling. Through a combination of education, engagement and enforcement, officers work to change behaviour and take formal action where necessary, including issuing Fixed Penalty Notices. 

Supporting these efforts are the Council's Environmental Response Officers and Street Cleansing teams, who respond quickly to remove litter, fly-tipping, graffiti and other environmental blight. Prompt action helps maintain the quality of public spaces, prevents further deterioration and discourages additional anti-social behaviour. 

Looking ahead, the Council will continue to strengthen its partnership approach by bringing together Environmental Enforcement and Environmental Health services to deliver coordinated interventions in areas experiencing persistent issues. 

Recognising that lasting change depends on active community involvement, EEBC is also developing plans to relaunch its Community Litter Picking Scheme. The initiative will provide more opportunities for residents to take pride in their neighbourhoods and play a direct role in keeping local areas clean and attractive. 

EEBC is also working with Surrey County Council, Go Epsom BID, local charities and businesses to explore proposals for transforming an underused site on East Street into a new pocket park. The project aims to create an attractive, accessible space for residents and visitors while bringing renewed purpose to a previously neglected area. 

Cllr Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said: 

"Creating clean, attractive and well-maintained public spaces is essential to the health and wellbeing of our communities. From protecting valued green spaces in or around areas susceptible to anti-social behaviour and crime, such as Nonsuch Park and Long Grove Park, to supporting residents who want to take an active role in caring for their neighbourhoods, these improvements and plans demonstrate our commitment to creating an environment that everyone can enjoy and be proud of. By investing in our public spaces today, we are helping to ensure they remain safe, accessible and welcoming for future generations." 

Cllr Alan Williamson, Chair of the Crime and Disorder Committee 

"The Safer Epsom & Ewell programme has shown the difference that can be achieved when enforcement, prevention and community partnership work together. Tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and environmental crime not only improves the appearance of our neighbourhoods but also helps residents feel safer and more confident in the places where they live. Through targeted interventions and close collaboration with our partners, we are committed to creating safer, stronger and more resilient communities across the borough."