Elmbridge news
 Elmbridge proposes largest single‑year investment in play in years
On 4 February, Elmbridge Cabinet approved the Play Strategy Extension (2026 to 2029), a three‑year programme to upgrade and invest in play equipment in the borough, ensuring children and families benefit from enhanced play spaces across the borough.
The planned improvements include:
- Stoke d’Abernon recreation ground and memorial park
- Brooklands bike jumps, Weybridge
- Oatlands recreation ground, Weybridge
- Lynwood recreation ground, Hinchley Wood and Weston Green
- Thrupps Lane open space, Hersham
- Vaux Crescent, Hersham
- Cricket Way open space, Weybridge
 Fresh upgrades at Cobham recreation ground
We’re pleased to share that improvement works at Cobham recreation ground have now started.
Improvements include:
- a brand new zip line
- replacement play equipment for the existing slide tower
- new safety surfacing to replace older sections
-
outdoor gym upgrade
The works are expected to last 4 to 5 weeks depending on weather conditions.
 Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel sets out priorities to shape local climate action
On 4 February, Elmbridge Cabinet shared their support on a series of actions to combat climate change recommended by local residents.
The 18 recommendations have come from the Elmbridge Climate Change Citizen’s Panel, the first group of its type in the county to bring forward suggestions following a citizen assembly process.
The recommendations fall into three areas:
- Actions Elmbridge can deliver now.
- Long term actions as part of the new Local Plan preparation process.
- Measures for Surrey County Council, national government or the future East Surrey council.
 Air Quality Management Areas under review
Sustained improvements in air quality across Elmbridge means we are revoking all six of the borough’s Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs).
As part of our statutory duty, we regularly monitor local air quality to ensure it meets national objectives and remains safe and healthy for residents. National guidance requires councils to consider revoking an AQMA when pollutant levels fall to at least 10% below national air quality objectives for three consecutive years.
All six AQMAs in Elmbridge now meet this benchmark, and they can be formally revoked.
 Hurst Pool informative drop-in sessions
Hurst Pool will be closing at the end of March to undergo a full transformation, to turn it into a modern, sustainable and welcoming space for everyone who swims, trains or simply enjoys visiting the pool.
Working with Places Leisure, we invite you to attend one of our informal drop-in sessions at Hurst Pool, where you can explore the plans, learn how swimming provisions will continue during the temporary closure and share your thoughts with the team.
 More EV charging points coming to Elmbridge
Building on the existing provision in council-owned pay and display car parks, a rolling programme of new installations will be delivered across the borough. The next phase is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
The expanded network will support residents who do not have access to off-street parking, offering overnight charging options, while also allowing residents and visitors to top up their vehicles during the day.
 Elmbridge proposes a budget that invests in the community
We are proposing a budget that delivers real, tangible benefits for residents, investing in our communities, supporting those who need it most, and helping our borough thrive.
We are taking positive steps to make everyday life easier, including:
- freezing parking charges across all council‑run car parks
- delivering new water play splashpads in Cobham and Molesey as part of a £2 million investment
- allocating an additional £500,000 to the voluntary sector to support vulnerable residents facing rising living costs
On 4 February, Elmbridge Cabinet approved the budget. It will now go to the Elmbridge Council meeting on 25 February.
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