Epsom and Ewell's new Mayor Humphrey Reynolds has praised the staff on Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) for their efforts during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In one of his first statements since replacing outgoing mayor Councillor John Beckett, Reynolds said volunteers, charity workers and EEBC staff had been "exceptional" since the outbreak of Covid-19 coronavirus.

"I want to state my thanks to the council employees who have done an exceptional job in a very difficult set of circumstances," he said.

"The response in so many areas has been very impressive. I've been very proud to once again see their strong commitment to this community.

"The staff have seen a huge increase in workload while having to deal with childcare issues and to work in different ways.

"A number of the teams have also been affected by colleagues having to take time off and self-isolate as they or members of their household have become ill or exhibited symptoms of covid-19," Reynolds pointed out.

He also singled out the housing team and waste and refuse collectors in the borough.

"We have excellent staff, who despite the current situation confronting the borough are coping and are providing an excellent service to residents," the mayor added.

Reynolds, a former Ewell councillor who became the borough's new mayor on May 14 and previously chaired the planning committee, described the title as a "great honour".