An MP has said he would back a push for a village council as long as there is enthusiasm and support for it.

Community leaders have mooted the idea of a council in Banstead that would get a say over planning and could run youth projects and improve the environment through services such as litterpicking.

Banstead’s MP Crispin Blunt said volunteers would need to be energised enough to run the council and its creation would have to bring benefits to the area.

Mr Blunt said: "It’s very much a matter for the people of Banstead. I would be in support if that’s what people want.

"If people are willing to do that then obviously that’s a good thing."

He said some legal measures had given local councils more say as part of the localism drive and pointed to examples in the area.

Within Reigate and Banstead borough there is Salfords and Sidlow Parish Council and Horley Town Council.

Mr Blunt said public sentiment that Banstead remains the ‘forgotten end’ of the borough has been lessening over the years.

He said: "I make sure I give as much time to Banstead as the rest of the constituency. But I’m not able to wave a magic wand to make it go away."

He said the feeling was partly historical and geographical with the area tending to look to Sutton and London as much as Reigate and Redhill.

Nearly 40 years ago Banstead Urban District merged with the former borough of Reigate to create the current borough of Reigate and Banstead.

He added: "There is very definitely a strong Banstead community feeling.

"It’s an important part of the constituency."