The ABC 'A Better Caterham' group heard recently that Caterham has made it to the South East finals of the Market Towns Awards for the fourth time. This year, the group's 'Shabby to Smart' project has been chosen as the Environment and Culture category winner. The group will now compete with three other projects for overall South East winner in July. The Shabby to Smart project led by Nigel Wilkinson, Random Greenway and Pamela Cosgrove, has resulted in a major facelift for the town centre. The group succeeded in getting a grant from the South East England Development Agency to do the work which was boosted by contributions from Tandridge District Council, Surrey County Council and Caterham Valley Parish Council. In addition to the main improvements to The Square in Caterham Valley, the project has also smartened up other areas of Caterham with new litter bins, benches and updated street lighting.

Caterham's active projects continue with the community bid for transfer of the Soper Hall and the third year of the Caterham Festival being held this summer.

Following the announcement, Chris Windridge the chairman of ABC, said: "I am delighted with the news! Well done to everyone who contributed to the key Shabby to Smart project and to the expanding activities that are now at the heart of our town."