Following the statement made by Surrey Police on the 23rd April, Epsom Business Improvement District would like to make a public statement about the impact that recent protests and local unrest have caused.

Epsom is a lovely, welcoming, friendly and vibrant town. Named the “Most Courteous Town in the UK” in 2015 and frequently ranking as one of the best places to live in the UK . From its spa town era onwards, Epsom has always welcomed visitors from all over the world, it is proudly diverse and multicultural.

In a stark contrast, the events of the past 10 days have painted a very different picture. For Epsom’s economy and business community, it has been nothing short of disastrous.

The impacts of these actions have caused real damage to individuals and businesses.

Karen Pengelly, Epsom’s BID Manager said “Epsom has a Business Crime Reduction Partnership and crime reporting software in place and will be sharing all the intelligence, images and information with Surrey Police with the intention of identifying offenders who caused damage to our lovely town. Go Epsom is working with Epsom’s Pubwatch on a Best Bar None night time safety initiative, this started earlier this year. We will work with the Council, Surrey’s PCC, our MP Helen Maguire and other groups to overcome any damage done.

We will focus on the positives, Surrey Day is coming to Epsom this year on the 9th May, The Derby Festival in June and then a series of Family Fridays events throughout the summer.

There is much to celebrate about Epsom. We will continue our long established tradition of welcoming all. However, if anyone’s intention is to incite violence, spread hate or intimidate and abuse our hospitality, we will do our utmost to identify them and pursue legal exclusion orders against them”.