Understand
Epsom and Ewell council (http://www.epsom-ewell.go...) estimates the population of the borough, centred on Epsom, to be 72,400 mid-2008.
The compact borough is mainly residential. Some office space and light industry form a corridor between Epsom town centre and the village of Ewell. East Street in Epsom runs through the heart of this commercial district. The town centre is dominated by the Ashley Centre shopping mall, which contains typical outlets such as Boots, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Monsoon, Next, Waitrose, Waterstones and WH Smith.
Epsom borders Reigate and Banstead at Epsom Downs. The Downs are an upland chalk ridge marked by steep slopes rising from the south. This rural enclave takes up a quarter of the borough's land area and is home to the famous Epsom Downs racecourse and grandstand, the venue of the annual Epsom Derby horseracing event in June.
