Council offers 'recession help'

A Surrey borough has pledged to take extra measures in response to the current economic climate.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council said it hopes the measures will help local businesses and residents get through "unprecedented times".

The measures include a plan to spend £21m in capital projects over three years to help create jobs and cap on all car parking charges

It has also set up a recession help section on its website.

Councillor Mrs Joan Spiers, leader of the council, said: "The economic downturn and the 'credit crunch' is foremost in all our minds at the moment.

"This is a national and international issue and we want to do what we can to respond locally to help our residents and local businesses to get through these unprecedented times."

The borough was "holding up well" so far, she added.