From Angela Richardson In response to: Trans Protest on Guildford High Street Stonewall and a few militant transactivists owe transpeople who just quietly wanted to get on with their lives a massive apology They pushed much further than the Equality Act 2010 intended and then silenced any opposition with #nodebate The Equality and Human Rights Commission is working at pace to finalise guidance following the ruling by the Supreme Court Justices Equality means that the rights of one group does not usurp the rights of another it’s the practical application of Equality legislation that is sometimes challenging but not impossible Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" By Martin Giles – Photos by Lewis Hughan Trans Pride Surrey held a protest on Guildford High Street yesterday (May 3rd) against the recent Supreme Court Ruling on the Equality Act the Supreme Court said the terms “woman” and “sex” in the 2010 Act “refer to a biological woman and biological sex” – a phrase that has been criticised by LGBTQ+ groups for excluding trans women from legal protection that transgender women can be excluded from women-only spaces A contentious issue is the use of women’s toilets by trans women The day following the ruling Trans Pride Surrey commented: “Yesterday was a massive blow for our trans community here in the UK and this judgement will have wide-reaching implications “Already we are hearing of trans people being excluded from spaces and receiving loads of hate on the back of this.” Supporters were encouraged to take part in the protest on the Trans Pride Surrey Facebook page held outside the Guildhall on a busy Saturday made it difficult for pedestrians to get past at times and some were heard to complain Some pedestrians were seen to find it difficult to get past the protest One protestor with two placards remained in place making it difficult for people to get through Other shoppers trying to make their way through the crowds were seen shaking their heads in apparent disapproval The protest continued for at least two hours Numerous placards with various slogans were displayed and there was some chanting various political figures and at Harry Potter author J K Rowling A few police officers were spotted walking back and forth observing and ready to keep order but there was no violence and they were not seen to take any action The Dragon has approached Trans Pride Surrey for comment One of the two dead foxes found in a Merrow garden A Guildford resident has issued a stark warning to the community after discovering two dead foxes in her garden — and losing two cats in eerily similar circumstances — all within the past year who did not wish us to publish her surname and who lives near Bushy Hill in Merrow found the body of a young fox beside her car last Sunday morning followed by an adult fox found later that same day near her garden pond apart from a bit of bleeding at the mouth,” she said Her immediate concern was poisoning — especially given that her family’s six-month-old kitten disappeared three weeks earlier Another cat vanished almost exactly a year prior “We’re still mourning the loss of our beautiful little kitty,” she told The Dragon After struggling to get help from veterinary clinics and major wildlife charities Annelize eventually found support from Hydestile Wildlife Hospital Staff there encouraged her to report the incidents to DEFRA Despite the delay in getting a toxicology test Surrey Police’s Wildlife Officer contacted Annelize mid-week and encouraged the public to report similar cases — particularly where wildlife is found dead with no clear cause because no formal autopsy was done on the foxes there is no confirmed evidence of poisoning — and no investigation through Crimestoppers can be pursued at this stage the pattern of disappearances and suspicious deaths has caught the attention of the community Her original post on Nextdoor generated over 16,000 views and more than 100 comments Several residents shared similar stories of missing or deceased cats and foxes with one commenter recalling a string of fox poisonings in Leatherhead One particularly harrowing comment came from a woman in Horsham: “We believe our Lurcher died from eating warfarin that neighbours had used A baby rat came onto our patio bleeding from its nose… It’s a cruel world for many souls.” Annelize’s story is a painful reminder that wildlife and pets are vulnerable — and perhaps increasingly at risk “We won’t be getting another cat,” she said “It would be too painful to lose another.” She hopes her warning helps others think twice before letting pets roam freely “I regret not paying £200 to fit a tracker to our kitty,” she admitted If you’ve found deceased wildlife in unexplained circumstances — particularly without evidence of road injury — report it to Surrey Police’s Wildlife Crime Unit or the RSPCA If you have been affected by a similar case please contact The Dragon at skuchannydragon@gmail.com By Martin Giles “What we need is not ‘devolution’ but true decentralisation constitutionally embedded as in other countries with competences split among different levels of government in a permanent and uniform way across the country So wrote regular Dragon commentator David Roberts in response to Bernard Quoroll’s perceptive article: I Will Not Be Voting in the County Council Election Today. That is what we need but there is about as much chance of change as Nigel Farage becoming a Lib Dem Political parties crave power and both parts of the Conservative-Labour duopoly that has governed this country beyond living memory have increasingly resented the remnants of any power left in local authorities there is about as much chance of change as Nigel Farage becoming a Lib Dem” one of the few powers left to lower-tier authorities was deciding whether to approve But both major parties have grown increasingly frustrated with councils having the temerity to represent local opinion as opposed to the central government’s view Both parties have intentionally allowed an unprecedented increase in population without proper preparation or consideration No wonder we do not have enough houses (although how many we really need is a moot point) no wonder our roads are congested and our sewage systems overloaded faced with this and other examples of government ineptitude voters are seeking other solutions and other parties County Council election results May 2025 BBC We will never know how Surrey as a whole would have voted on Thursday but is very likely that the Conservatives and Labour parties would have lost significant support That is among the minority who even bother to vote See also: Independent Wins By-election With a Big Majority Some of you might have participated in the management exercise where participants have a sticker attached to their foreheads The group are then asked to discuss a topic First-past-the-post is inherently unfair…” The person with the “ignore me” sticker soon falls silent Why participate and offer ideas and opinions if no one listens the politicians who have ignored us then blame us for not participating the political parties want our votes but they don’t really want our engagement; we might point out how dumb or unrepresentative a lot of their decisions are taken only to satisfy the small number of party members First-past-the-post is inherently unfair but it certainly does not work when there are more than two dominant parties we already have a Government with a huge Parliamentary majority secured with just a third of the popular vote They do not have a true mandate for anything but are forcing huge changes to our local government with indecent haste and without even pretending to consult the electorate where the Labour Party secured only one seat and just 11 per cent of the popular vote in the 2021 county council election has been chosen to be in the vanguard of this Labour experiment The county is a guinea pig and the testing is to take place with the willing co-operation of the Conservative county council An aerial view shows the extent of the felling Tree felling on the Loseley Estate near Compton during the bird-nesting season is creating growing concern among local residents Yesterday a resident reported that there had been a second visit by Surrey Police who were investigating further at the behest the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU – a national police unit that gathers intelligence on wildlife crime) The Guildford Dragon NEWS was told by Surrey Police that when they conducted their initial visit they had been unable to identify any offences Although widely regarded as crucial to avoid disturbing or harming nesting birds and their nests felling trees during the bird nesting season is not inherently illegal The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects wild birds and it’s an offence to intentionally damage or destroy an active nest But obtaining specific evidence that birds are being injured or killed is difficult Aerial photo showing location of felling at Bummoor Copse (A previous aerial photo published showed an incorrect location The matter was raised with the Forestry Commission last month by local MP Sir Jeremy Hunt following a letter sent to him by a concerned resident “Thank you for writing to me – it may not surprise you to know that you are not the only person to raise their concerns about this situation “I brought this serious matter to the urgent attention of Richard Stanford both at the Forestry Commission UK and recently received a response.” the Commission emphasised key regulatory requirements that all woodland management must follow potentially signalling an investigation into recent activities at the estate It said: “We have clear guidelines regarding the timing of operations which must comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981” and highlighted obligations under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 relating to European Protected Species Extracts from the Forestry Commission response to Jeremy Hunt It also clarified that approved thinning operations must be “implemented evenly across the felling site” and cannot “exceed 30 per cent of the total number of trees or remove more than 30 per cent of the original canopy cover per operation.” The statement warned that exceeding this threshold “may constitute a breach of the Licence.” who have reported extensive logging since the start of April have expressed concern that operations appear far more extensive than standard thinning practices would permit The timing coincides with peak nesting season and bluebell flowering raising questions about compliance with wildlife protection laws The Commission’s statement also addressed restoration requirements noting that when natural regeneration is specified “ground conditions must be maintained to facilitate and secure natural regeneration.” Environmental groups point out that the area’s bluebell colonies which take 5-7 years to establish and represent part of the UK’s globally significant population may struggle to recover if soil conditions have been compromised by heavy machinery A photo taken of what appear to be felled oak trees in Bummoor Copse told the BBC this week that the trees removed posed a potential long-term risk to the public and properties or were diseased and that an ecological survey was also undertaken before the start of the works which would improve the long-term wildlife habitat of the woodland said: “We have all heard the large trees falling for weeks now Part of me dies inside each time I think about it That woodland was where I went in all joys and sorrows “Every day you used to hear woodpeckers and you can’t now All of our local ecological systems will be affected by this The birds in our gardens rely on those woods Our natural heritage is something we share and should be cherished.” Compton Parish Council are now inviting residents to attend their Annual Parish Meeting at 7pm on Wednesday It is understood that the Parish Council has contacted Loseley Estate and the Forestry Commission It is expected that at the meeting residents will be able to hear what responses have been received as well as updates about various communications that some concerned residents have already had with relevant authorities and stakeholders since the tree-felling started almost one month ago The Dragon invited Loseley Estate to comment but no response has been received Sometimes it feels as though it is out of recognition Shops we thought would always be there have disappeared How many have fond memories of Messinger’s Jeffery’s sport shop and Importers coffee shop there has been a significant increase in some types of business not dreamed of just a few decades ago Stella Kuchanny looks at the changes based on a comparison between a survey conducted in 2011 and one she carried out recently a light-hearted survey of Guildford High Street painted a vivid picture of a shopping landscape heavily dominated by women’s fashion The article at the time noted that over 30 of the High Street’s 89 shops specialised in women’s clothing and phone outlets rounded out the core high street experience and the latest snapshot of Guildford High Street shows both evolution and some striking consistencies the huge and ongoing influence of online retail and changes in consumer habits Anthropologie – one of the upmarket stores on Guildford’s High Street Although the number of shops supplying women’s clothes has significantly decreased Perhaps shoppers in that sector still want to see before they buy and enjoy the personal touch reflecting continued demand for luxury goods Despite many reported closures in smaller towns nationwide Nationwide and Halifax still serving the town centre Coffee and casual dining also hold their ground now joined by modern eateries like Megan’s by the Castle The idea of Guildford as a destination for a shopping day out with lunch and a coffee still rings true The demolition of the former Debenham’s building is now well under way Perhaps the major change is the demise of Guildford’s two department stores Many seem to miss them and refer to their loss as a measure of Guildford’s declining retail health even though similar stores have been closing in many other towns Guildford High Street in 2025 features a stronger focus on health Wellness and grooming are now well represented with businesses like Space NK Fitness apparel brands like Lululemon also add to the lifestyle mix Overall in Guildford the number of barbers and nail bars (who had even heard of these a few decades ago?) has definitely grown The High Street itself has also diversified in other ways There are more home and kitchenware stores such as Neptune and ProCook (as with ladies’ fashion at the upper end of the market) while travel agents like Trailfinders and Kuoni still have a physical presence—a reminder that some services continue to resist the online tide The number of mobile phone stores has slightly decreased spaces once used by opticians or department stores have been taken over by trendy brands or reimagined into mixed-use sites The House of Fraser store in Guildford High Street closed in 2023 Have you ever wondered why landlords leave shops empty rather than lower rents to attract new occupants Surely it is better to get a reduced rent than no rent and be liable for expensive business rates But the large portfolio holders such as owner of the former House of Fraser premises seem to prefer to bear the loss rather than devalue asset values could swingeing penalty taxes deter landlords leaving premises empty The 2011 article asked whether the High Street should be left to the mercy of market forces or shaped through intervention In 2025 the landscape suggests that both have played a role While rising rents and changing footfall have pressured some independents Guildford has remained a premium destination for retail chains and boutique brands Some vacancies remain and “To come…” signs indicate turnover is still a reality What remains clear is that the High Street is no longer simply about shopping; it’s about experience the question raised in 2011 is still relevant: should Guildford’s retail core be curated more deliberately to serve a broader range of community needs and coffee precisely what keeps the High Street alive Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below… In my opinion it is no longer a high street The rot began with the destruction of the Lion Hotel In my long ago youth every Sunday you could watch a man turning over granite setts in the High Street the slaughterhouse was active on Tuesdays with cattle being driven thence The Playhouse cinema changed its offerings three times a week (double bills) MacFisheries and Dewhurst’s the butchers were always bustling Sainsburys in it’s pre-uglification had someone in the window patting butter out of a 50lb block Clarks shoe store was where you went to watch your feet glowing green with radiation and Fremlins had an elephant in the window whose head hypnotically bobbed up and down all day long So many pre-television sources of entertainment in the High Street of yore I seldom use Guildford town centre: it’s not the good shopping centre that it once was No fresh bakery (rememember the Boulangerie) no fresh butchers (like Rawlings in Cranleigh) There really is no benefit of going into town at all unless you want something like clothing With GBC intent on charging the earth for parking it’s now just as economical for me to order things online and pay for delivery It’s just as cheap to do that when I factor in fuel and parking charges Warren Gill could visit any Friday or Saturday market on North Street and frequent the excellent fishmongers stall or visit the bakery stalls on either North Street or under the arch off The High Street There are also a number of bakeries that sell a wide range of bakery goods including Ole & Stein and Gail’s For butchery try Flynn’s on Aldershot Road In addition the market has excellent fruit and vegetable stalls With regards to parking there are many options to suit all budgets as well as free two-hour bays within easy walking distance of the town centre most of which cost less than a takeaway coffee A Guildford resident and former soldier has sent in his letter of complaint to Guildford Borough Council for publication We forwarded it to GBC inviting a response which is included below I am submitting a formal complaint regarding the housing allocation and prioritisation practices within Guildford Borough particularly how they appear to disadvantage vulnerable local residents — including ex-service personnel — in favour of recently arrived migrants and resettled groups such as Ukrainian nationals and registered vulnerable applicant with PTSD and lack of support while trying to secure suitable housing through your services Despite my clear vulnerability and established ties to this community while individuals and families with no prior connection to Guildford or Surrey are visibly housed I want to be clear: this is not about prejudice or denying others safety and hidden homeless residents are left without housing while those newly arrived (including via resettlement schemes or illegal crossings) are provided support and accommodation it raises serious questions about fairness What policy or legal basis does Guildford Borough Council use to justify prioritising new arrivals including asylum seekers and resettled foreign nationals ahead of vulnerable British citizens who are already within the system What percentage of properties allocated in the past 3 years in Guildford have gone to asylum seekers or other migrants not previously on the housing register What specific support is in place for veterans and ex-forces personnel and why am I — someone with significant need — not being housed despite qualifying vulnerability I request a full explanation of your policy and how you are meeting your obligations to local vulnerable groups not just those referred under national directives We have thousands of asylum seekers arriving by boat every month nationally and housing pressure in the South East is growing If the system continues to ignore people like me — who have served the country and now rely on its support — then it is no longer fair or lawful Please treat this as a separate logged complaint The Guildford Dragon NEWS asked GBC for a response we provide homelessness support services to those that need it We always do all we can to support residents “We are aware of this complaint and will respond in line with our published complaints process “Anyone who is homeless or has nowhere safe to sleep at night can approach the Council for an assessment “The homelessness emergency out of hours number is 01344 949371.” The councils have just got a trouncing from the Reform Party I wonder why As an armed forces veteran I think this treatment of a fellow veteran is disgusting He has served this country and is now vulnerable he should be at the top of the housing list and should be housed immediately Bring on the delayed council elections and hopefully things in this county and the country will change Ian Clarke needs to send your questions as an FOI request Angela Richardson is the former Conservative MP for Guildford Excellent questions from Mr Clarke that require detailed replies He should submit an FoI request; it’ll be interesting to see the response The information for this bulletin comes from Surrey County Council and is written by them See interactive map here. Report potholes and highway issues here. Junction 10, M25 news here. Further information on Guildford Borough Council’s Ash Road Bridge works is available on the council’s dedicated webpage Join us at our Surrey Highways Open Day 2025 Get ready for a fantastic day out for the whole family After the huge success of last year’s event we’re excited to invite you to our second Surrey Highways Open Day – and this year it’s going to be even bigger hundreds of you joined us to see behind the scenes of Surrey Highways – and we had an amazing time Kids loved playing “hook a duck,” climbing onto real rollers and gritters and setting up their own mini roadworks on our giant play mat Grown-ups had the chance to chat with our teams learn about exciting projects like hydrorock drainage and road resurfacing we’re bringing back all your favourites – plus even more games and ways for you to get involved and have your say about the future of our roads and transport there’s something for everyone – and it’s completely FREE to attend Leader of the Guildford greenbelt Group at Guildford borough Council In response to: County Council Set To Formalise Two-unitary Proposal to the Government rather than three as preferred by the majority of Surrey boroughs and districts “will unlock further devolution in Surrey” “be most beneficial to Surrey’s future” he proposes “Community Level Boards” his reasoning being that such a proposal  “strengthens community level engagement” as people want “a real say in services and decisions that affect them” The proposed Community Boards have absolutely nothing to do with whether there should be  two or indeed the existing system of local government Cllr Oliver’s seeming Damascene conversion to community involvement could have been carried out under the existing county council system this is tantamount to an admission that two unitaries rather than three will inevitably lead to much more remote local government so something has to be done to give a semblance of community involvement It is simply the most token of token gestures All that would be devolved under this proposal is influence and unfortunately it is only power that really matters None of us can do anything about the government plan to move from a two-tier system of local government to unitary authorities However a three-unitary Surrey would be infinitely preferable A casual glance at a map of Surrey will show there are three principal urban areas in the county Guildford and Godalming in the west/south-west By far the most logical solution would be to have three unitaries centred on these localities That would still provide some true semblance of localism People could vote on the basis of local issues rather than rely on some form of unaccountable “Quango” Cllr Oliver states “of course considerations must be given to the differing levels of debt the authorities would potentially inherit” The three most financially challenged authorities are bankrupt Woking Spelthorne in very serious difficulties and Runnymede fast heading the same way Guildford has only just recovered from being close to insolvency and may not yet be completely out of the woods To put all the financially challenged authorities together in the western unitary Three would have allowed Woking to be separated from the other two and put in a south-western authority with Guildford and Waverley Three unitaries would also allow authorities of around 400,000 population in each below the government ideal figure of half a million but allowing some leeway for the inevitable growth that will occur in the county’s population would be over the ideal figure from the outset So why is Cllr Oliver so keen on a two-unitary proposal it is the closest to the existing county council set-up and I strongly suspect the Tories at Surrey do not want to see a separate north-west Surrey Authority where they would be very unlikely to gain control though after yesterday’s local election results I strongly suspect this proposal is politically driven rather than considering what is the most democratic way for the government drive to unitaries to be achieved Two unitaries would undoubtedly be cheaper but considerable savings would still be made with three Since this is the biggest change in local government for 50 years getting it right should be the primary aim Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as the MyGuildford Account login The site will not function properly without these cookies and they can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences We'd like to set Google Analytics cookies to help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone For more information on how these cookies work please see the list of cookies used on this website Here is the full programme for two civic events to mark the 80th anniversary of  VE Day on Thursday 8 May the Town Crier will mark the official start of the day's commemorations with the VE Day proclamation in the High Street.  The Revd Canon Simon Butler will welcome assembled guests and members of the public for a short public flag raising ceremony.  From the balcony of the Guildhall a trumpet fanfare will accompany the raising of the VE Day 80 flag.  People are invited to Stoke Park from 8pm onwards for the evening celebration but people are also welcome to take their own refreshments The evening's entertainment will kick off at 8.45pm with a performance by professional singer Emily is thrilled to bring the spirit of the 1940s to life These will take you back to the days of victory and resilience.  The VE Day Tribute will be read by local actor as the Lamplight of Peace is lit by a local veteran This lamp represents the 'light of peace' that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war One of over one thousand beacons across the country Those gathered will be invited to sing the great British hymn "I Vow to Thee my Country"  This will be led by the Vivace Chorus as our community stands side by side in gratitude and honours the many sacrifices that secured our freedom. The event will close at 10pm "I encourage everyone to be part of this national moment You can join us at either of our civic events or participate in other local events being held around the borough "Let's come together as a community to reflect on the sacrifices made 80 years ago and celebrate the peace and freedom we enjoy today." the Honey Pot Café at The Hive will be decorated for VE Day and selling wartime inspired cakes We are grateful to Guildford Lions for supporting as marshals at this event Jelly Tree Productions are providing technical staging VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since we honour the past and celebrate a future built on unity love and peace." - Bruno Peek CVO OBE OPR VE Day events being celebrated in Surrey (opens new window) Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. United Kingdom a glowed-up café and modern energy efficient boilers When the sun is blazing and the weather starts to hot up, Brits tend to make a beeline for the nearest outdoor swimming spot. Whether it’s somewhere out in the wild or more man-made there’s nothing better than diving into the water in the peak of British summer.  The UK is home of heaps of gorgeous, historical outdoors pools Many are nearly a century old and need a bit more love and care than others to make sure that they continue to stand the test of time which closed in November so that it could undergo a £2m makeover Guildford Lido has reopened its doors for the summer season RECOMMENDED: The UK’s best heated outdoor pools.  The lido features a 50-metre (Olympic size) outdoor heated pool a paddling pool and just over four acres of landscaped gardens It’s refurbishment saw brand new changing rooms new energy efficient boilers and an upgrade to the existing cafe.  Guildford Lido has been around for almost 100 years and is one of the UK’s only remaining 1930s pools Back then, a dip in the pool cost between two and a half pence and five pence per person.  a general swim session will cost you upwards of £5.57 The pool will be open every day from the week from 6.30am to 8.30pm on weekdays and 8am to 6.30pm over the weekend.  said: ‘Freedom Leisure is committed to offering an exceptional experience to its visitors while promoting environmental responsibility ‘The new boilers are just one part of a broader plan to maintain and upgrade the facility ensuring it continues to serve the community for many more years to come.’ ICYMI: The 10 best cheap UK holiday destinations right now.  Plus: One of the world’s most walkable cities is in the UK.  Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! About Us Contact us Cam Steel is stepping up his rehabilitation from injury and Gus Atkinson will also be bowling a spell this morning Get notified ahead of each game in the upcoming season so you never miss a ball at the Kia Oval Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value" Copyright © 2025 Surrey County Cricket Club Terms Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Contact Built By Blayney Centre of Excellence for Women’s Cricket Need more information about Hospitality packages at the Kia Oval Complete the form below and one of our Hospitality team will be in touch within 48 hours of your enquiry Complete the form below to request a call from our Membership team Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" 10 Apr 2025 By Harmsworth This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth Who is Harmsworth? Guildford Borough Council has awarded McLaren Construction a £38.4m contract to build a new operations hub at the Weyside Urban Village regeneration site The scheme will consolidate the council’s services for waste collection engineering and the town museum archive into three buildings Designed to support the council’s 2030 net-zero goal the depot will use a ‘fabric first’ approach solar panels and a combination of blue and brown roofs The buildings are also intended to cut energy consumption reduce maintenance costs and provide flexible future use McLaren’s subcontractor team includes ICS for roofing and cladding; Bauder for the roof system; SCWS for steelwork; C&M Fabrications for secondary steel; Halsall for mechanical and electrical services; Stark for drylining; and Schindler for lifts The facility will be built on former scrubland east of the Slyfield Industrial Estate which was previously used as a landfill site The land has undergone decontamination and level-raising works above the Burpham water main Deputy council leader and lead member for regeneration Tom Hunt said relocating the existing depot would free up land for housing and help deliver services more efficiently “The facility has been designed with staff input and includes electric vehicle charging bays to support our transition to a greener fleet,” he said McLaren Construction managing director for industrial and logistics David Gavin said the depot would offer long-term value delivering modern workspaces despite financial constraints part of the wider Weyside Urban Village masterplan will enable development of around 1,500 homes alongside employment and community space Construction is expected to complete in summer 2026 This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth Who is Harmsworth?… Construction on the redevelopment of Leeds United FC’s Elland Road Stadium could… This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth McLaren Construction Midlands… Three people have been arrested as part of a Serious Fraud Office… Sign in or Register a new account to join the discussion A meeting of our Executive was held on the 24 April 2025 On the agenda was a review of the next phase of work on the Shaping Guildford's Future (SGF) regeneration project.  SGF is the town centre regeneration programme that has major benefits for Guildford's community It will develop a proactive regeneration strategy that will address the economic challenges and physical constraints facing the town.  It was agreed by the Executive that the project team will continue to work collaboratively with the Environment Agency (EA) and Surrey County Council (SCC) to progress the Guildford Flood Alleviation Scheme The Local Planning Authority is also working to agree its governance arrangement with the EA to progress the design of the flood alleviation scheme.     the Council's Joint Assistant Director of Planning will lead work to prepare planning briefs for the four strategic sites Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration "The Shaping Guildford's Future regeneration project will transform the area along the riverside The river is our town's most significant natural asset and the central focus for the regeneration putting us in a strong position to deliver on our key priorities This is an opportunity for us to make a lasting difference - to shape a better town to build on our strong local economy and create a lasting legacy for future generations."  and planning plays a vital part in securing a successful future for Guildford we can support consistent and high-quality development and deliver sustainable communities for our residents and businesses We'll continue to work with the Shaping Guildford's Future team and partner organisations to finalise the planning briefs for these four strategic sites and to plan for positive growth in our borough."  More detailed information can be found in the Executive report. (opens new window)  The vision for Shaping Guildford's Future (opens new window) Leaders from Surrey's district and borough councils met last week to review the interim findings from the ongoing work into local government reform in the county leaders considered a proposal outlining a three unitary authority model for Surrey A majority of district and borough councils expressed support for a three unitary model agreeing a preferred geography to enable further detailed analysis of the option to be carried out Surrey County Council continues to explore a two unitary approach Both the two and three unitary options will be included in the final report which will be submitted to government in due course Council leaders have agreed that the proposed three unitary geography can now be shared publicly Chair of the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Residents Association (Majority Group) and co-chair of the Surrey Leaders Group "It is important to stress that although this reflects a significant step forward in the process of shaping future governance in Surrey particularly in relation to the financial implications of any potential reorganisation "Conversations regarding the treatment of existing debt across the county are ongoing with the Ministry of Housing and nothing will be confirmed until these discussions are resolved." will use the proposed geography for a three unitary option as its basis in line with the outcome of the recent leaders' meeting District and borough councils across Surrey are committed to working together to shape proposals that put communities first want to hear from you It might have been moved as part of our website redesign Use our search bar to find the information you need, or browse from the homepage Below are some of our most popular pages that might be useful If you need any further assistance, please contact us In total 23 individuals and organisations received a Mayor's Award for Service to the Community 2025 "We are very fortunate that our borough is home to so many people who are happy to give their time freely to support a local need." "You do what you do without need for public recognition but these awards demonstrate that it does not go unnoticed It was truly heartwarming to read the nominations." Citations for each nomination were read out at the awards ceremony The citations revealed the incredible dedication of volunteers receiving award certificates Volunteers showed care and compassion for others by:  There was no shortage of passion to create a more fair and sustainable future Actions making a real difference to peoples's lives After a group photograph with the Mayor and the Leader of the Council guests enjoyed musical performances from  Award recipients then relaxed over tea and cakes The County Club generously supported this year's award ceremony "The County Club is proud to sponsor The Mayor's Awards for Community Service 2025 It's important that we recognise the unseen hard work done in our community." Read the full list of award recipients Wholenotes Community Choirs are a not-for profit organisation led by Alison Wrigley Performing is one way members can give back to their community.  Through the power of singing and music members also: This Grade I listed building is on the High Street in Guildford a gift shop and the Tourist Information Centre a successful lawyer who served as the Mayor of Guildford three times The works have restored this historic building to its former glory and helped to preserve it for future generations to enjoy Repair and restoration work on Guildford House began in 2021 The redecoration of the front street elevation began last summer marking the final phase of the restoration project "It is brilliant to see the renovation work on Guildford House has now been completed Our teams have worked hard over the past four years to carry out vital repairs and restorations to this historic building "The results are fantastic and I'm very proud of the work our teams have done Not only have original features been brought back to life but key structural repairs have also been made which means that the building can continue to be enjoyed by visitors for years to come." More information about Guildford House can be found on our website. The search is on for Guildford's best buildings The Guildford Design Awards are back for 2025 From grand developments to small but impactful projects Organised by the Guildford Society in partnership with us the awards aim to encourage and reward good design across Guildford.    The competition is open to projects completed between July 2023 and July 2025 plaques will be awarded to winners across ten categories "The Guildford Design Awards honour the talent and dedication of those who shape our town's built environment From new constructions to conservation projects we celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship that enhance Guildford's unique character we help to ensure the borough's rich heritage and future development go hand in hand." sustainable design in and around the borough recognised I'm looking forward to this years awards and the treasures it will reveal." Assistant Director of Planning at Guildford Borough Council "Good design plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable and thriving Guildford borough These awards are an opportunity to showcase the exceptional projects that contribute to our town's identity and quality of life." and media professionals will evaluate this year's entries •             Claire Upton Brown - Joint Assistant Director of Planning Guildford and Waverley Borough Council•             Marylyn Scott - Heritage & Art Consultant•             Martin Giles - Editor of The Guildford Dragon•             Ben Darnton - Founder Guildford Past and Present•             Nic Allen - Architect Member of the Guildford Society•             Gerry Lytle - Architect Member of the Guildford Society•             Peter Coleman - Architect Member of the Guildford Society (Chair of the Judging Panel) If you know of a building that deserves recognition You can also let the Guildford Society know via email Read full details and enter the awards This light-controlled crossing for pedestrians and cyclists will replace the existing uncontrolled crossing between Old Woking Road and Fir Tree Road The new toucan crossing will improve safety allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross at the same time It is named "toucan," as "two-can cross."  The new crossing is part of a wider series of planned highway improvements that form part of the Weyside Urban Village regeneration transport strategy These are designed to mitigate the impact of the development while  The full programme of highways works (opens new window) will be delivered over the next three years Works planned for the coming months will take place at: "Our priority has always been to deliver the necessary infrastructure to support the Weyside Urban Village ahead of its development This ensures the community benefits from improved roads and public spaces at the very start of the project.  "While we appreciate that these highway improvements may cause some short-term disruption The works are a crucial part of the wider infrastructure improvements we're investing in more efficient travel for all and support the long-term growth of Guildford." The Weyside Urban Village project team hold quarterly drop-in sessions where people can find out more about the project and ask questions.  The Weyside Urban Village regeneration scheme aims to deliver 1,550 high-quality new homes to help meet the borough's housing needs It is part of a programme for housing-led regeneration of sites that the Council owns Providing decent and affordable homes is one of the Council's key priorities  the new depot will be home to several council departments and services Housing services and some administration teams will also be based there The depot will also be equipped with green technologies that will accelerate our ongoing drive to become a more sustainable borough.  "Relocating the current depot will release valuable land for the development of much-needed new housing in our borough we've worked closely with McLaren Construction during a robust and thorough design process This means we're well-prepared before the construction of this important project begins "The new facility has been designed with input from the staff who will be based there and a focus on sustainability and improving operational efficiency.  less water and significantly reduce our carbon emissions The inclusion of electric charging bays for vehicles will also support a transition to a greener fleet "I'm delighted that construction can now begin." the new depot delivers comfortable and attractive working environments for a wide range of council functions while also achieving great value for money It should have a long and useful life for the council adapting easily as the range of services and technologies change." Construction of the new depot is expected to complete in summer 2026 the current depot site will be redeveloped as part of the Weyside Urban Village regeneration scheme This project aims to deliver 1,550 high-quality new homes to help meet the borough's housing needs It is part of a programme for housing-led regeneration of sites that the council owns.  Providing decent and affordable homes is one of the council's key priorities Discover how we're working towards a Greener ensuring everyone has a place to call home.  Local families will receive essential household appliances thanks to a donation by our construction partner at Chester Bridge in Ash.   The appliances were used in site cabins during development of the bridge and will now find a new home with local families.  "This fantastic donation by VolkerFitzpatrick will help local families who may struggle to afford these essential household items We're grateful to the team for working with us to support those residents who are particularly impacted by the cost of living."  Our Community Wellbeing Team will distribute the donated white goods to individuals and families referred to them for support.   The donation of white goods is part of the social value contribution VolkerFitzpatrick has made to residents in Ash and the wider borough.  Social Value and Stakeholder Manager at VolkerFitzpatrick "As the Social Value Manager for the Chester Bridge project I'm proud to share the significant contributions we've made to the Ash community over the past 18 months these efforts have amounted to a social value contribution of £13million - just over £5million of this went to the local community We're delighted to have made a positive impact and legacy to the residents of Ash."  In addition to the donation of white goods the VolkerFitzpatrick team and their partners:  made Easter donations and contributed to fundraising for a local scout hut  participated in career fairs to inspire young people to consider careers in construction and engineering  hosted three students for work experience placements on the build site  joined local charity SATRO to sponsor Construction Fest for schoolchildren  volunteered a total of 198 hours of student engagement   contributed £15,000 to fund a youth worker for a year supporting the reopening of the local youth club and providing young people with a safe space  employed a local workforce and collaborated with small and medium sized businesses in Guildford and the wider Surrey area  invited residents and schoolchildren to the bridge site to learn more about the project  resulting in the selection of Chester Bridge  provided Ash and District Local History Museum Society with a historical record of the project kept local councillors and residents informed through monthly newsletters and forums.  "Thanks to the hard work of VolkerFitzpatrick and our other construction partners and we have completed Phase 5 of this important infrastructure project for Ash."  You can find out more information our Community Wellbeing Team.  You can also read more about the Chester Bridge project.  For more information on construction and engineering specialist VolkerFitzpatrick, visit their website.  is proud to accept the role of Honorary President 261 (Guildford) Squadron Air Cadets Cllr Hives met with Sqn Ldr Andy Brittain and RAF Air Cadets to accept the role and learn more about the Squadron The youth organisation offers a wide range of fun and challenging activities that improve the life skills of young people They can join the RAF Air Cadets between the age of 12 and 18 years Cllr Hives was particularly interested to hear from Flt Lt Brittain about the diversity of the Air Cadets Being a more inclusive borough is one of the key priorities of Guildford Borough Council Sqn Ldr Andy Brittain shared the story of a refugee He joined the Cadets barely speaking English With support from the Cadets and his determination teamwork and leadership skills are invaluable "Local community organisations and groups are vital in fostering a sense of identity and purpose "Cadet forces play an invaluable role within our community I've seen firsthand how this unit instils a sense of confidence in the cadets and teaches them how to develop professional relationships This is a valuable skill for their later years "My objective for 2025 will be to promote the activities of the RAF Air Cadets and all the cadet forces in Guildford." Last year the squadron successfully used Crowdfund Guildford to raise money for a new Flight Simulator The previous equipment was over 7 years old Cllr Hives is looking forward to seeing how the advanced cadets use this on his next visit We're proud to be a Ministry of Defence Silver Employers Recognition Scheme Award holder This shows our commitment and support to the Armed Forces Community.  More information about 261 (Guildford) Squadron RAF Air Cadets (opens new window) Use our search bar to find the information you need, or browse from the homepage If you need any further assistance, please contact us The budget sets out how we will deliver our services over the next three financial years It closely aligns with the key priorities we implemented in our Corporate Strategy last year The good news is that council finances have been stabilised We started the budget process in good time so were well placed to deal with the unfavourable local government finance settlement announced last December "We've come a long way in the last two years thanks to the dedication of everyone involved in the annual budget process I'm particularly grateful to the finance team for their ongoing meticulous and diligent work." "Recognising the financial pressures many individuals and families in the borough are facing I'm pleased that we've been able to continue funding for initiatives that help people who may be struggling This includes the Local Council Tax Support Scheme and our £40,000 discretionary hardship fund we will continue to work in the best interests of our residents."  Guildford's funding from the government for 2025-26 will remain at the same level as 2024-25 These will need to be met by reducing costs and increasing income.  A detailed review of existing budgets has identified some areas of savings and efficiencies together with a further review of fees and charges has meant that most cost pressures can be met while maintaining good quality public services Services were invited to submit growth bids where they are experiencing demand pressures or new expectations These were prioritised into three categories and presented for review by The Executive:  The council has not been able to fund all the growth bids However further reviews of service budgets are planned which could release funding in due course.  Having looked at all its services to check if costs are being covered fees and charges have gone up by at least 3.75% In a big change to two years ago reserves are back at a reasonable level At the end of 2024-25 non-ringfenced reserves are estimated to be around £17.7m "I'm extremely pleased that Full Council approved this year's budget Having successfully balanced the budget for 2025 to 2026 we still have some tough decisions ahead to balance our Medium-Term Financial Plan I have no doubt this will be achieved now we have an experienced financial team and strong controls in place."  Read General Fund Revenue Budget 2025-26 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2026-27 to 2028-29 (opens new window) Earth Day 2025 will take place on Tuesday 22 April It's a global event where millions of people will be doing their part to make smarter energy choices.  Our Planet" and focuses on speeding up the transition to renewable energy This is a crucial step in tackling climate change and building a more resilient future.  communities and businesses to look at their environmental impact and take positive steps to reduce it As climate change and pollution continue to threaten our planet Earth Day is a powerful reminder of our urgent need for action.  Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change "Earth Day is not just a day to celebrate our planet In Guildford we're committed to reaching our target of being carbon neutral by 2030 We want our residents and business to be part of that journey and support them in making more sustainable choices.  "I encourage people to try something new this Earth Day and explore the local resources available to help you live more sustainably We all have a part to play in creating a healthier impactful tips to help you lower your carbon footprint reduce waste and live more sustainably:  Top sustainability tips for Guildford residents  Cut down on single use plastics: Use reusable water bottles, coffee cups and shopping bags. Visit Local Zero Waste (opens new window) to find zero waste shops and suppliers near you.  Reduce your food waste: Plan meals in advance so you only buy what you need store food properly and compost scraps if you can Join local food waste schemes such as OLIO or Too Good to Go.  Look at renewable energy: Consider switching to a green energy provider or installing solar panels. Find out more about renewable energy help on our website.  Get involved locally: Join a community clean-up or tree planting event you can volunteer with local groups such as Zero Carbon Guildford.  Share what you're doing: Let friends and family know how you're becoming more sustainable and encourage them to join you!  Top sustainability tips for Guildford businesses  Track your energy use: Investing in smart thermostats can help reduce heating bills Replace halogen bulbs with LED ones; they consume far less energy Promote recycling: Make it easy for customers or colleagues to recycle correctly Label recycling bins clearly and look to work with sustainable waste partners.  Encourage green commuting: Offer incentives to staff for cycling to work or catching public transport.  Cut back on packaging: Work with suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging Offer discounts to customers who bring reusable containers.  Share what you're doing: Let your customers know about your green story and how you're becoming more sustainable As part of our response to the Climate Emergency, we've developed a Climate Change Action Plan to tackle our carbon emissions. You can read about it on our website. You can also read more here about our response to the Climate Emergency. A timetable for the preparation of a new Local Plan for Guildford was recently agreed by our Executive The Plan is a framework for the future development of the borough and last year we took the decision to update it "The Local Plan includes development sites and planning policies that will shape the future of our borough To be effective and deliver the right development the Local Plan needs to be kept up to date we'll look at how the needs of our residents and businesses have changed in recent years We must also consider the wide-reaching changes the Government has made to national planning policy and legislation and a significant increase in the number of new homes we must plan for in the borough." Our existing Local Plan states a need for 562 new homes a year This figure was reached using the methodology previously set out in national policy When Government policy changed and a standard method for calculating housing need was introduced announced by the Government as part of its publication of the National Planning Policy Framework in December 2024 results in an increased figure of 1,170 new homes a year for Guildford "We understand the increased local housing figure announced by the Government will be a concern to many residents the Local Plan is about more than providing much-needed new homes - it will shape the type and location of development for many years to come It is more important than ever to progress the new Local Plan This will put us in a strong position to shape our borough in a proactive and I am pleased that we are at a point where we can set out a timetable for the work." The timetable for the new Local Plan includes: "Engagement with our residents and other stakeholders will be critical during the plan-making process and there will be several opportunities for local people to share their thoughts and ideas We want to understand local issues and the needs of different groups within our community "We also need to carefully consider how we plan for growth in a way that protects our local natural and heritage sites is supported by the necessary infrastructure and ensures that our residents' health and well-being is protected and improved "The process to update the Local Plan will be challenging and will take several years we are committed to engaging with our residents local businesses and community groups to ensure we deliver a Plan and a vision that is right for the future of our borough." You can find out more about the Local Plan and how it will be updated by reading our frequently asked questions. You can also register to receive information on future Local Plan and planning policy consultations. religious and community leaders joined together on Sunday 19 January 2025 to renew their commitment to the principles of justice Reconciliation 750 was an interfaith event Read the Declaration in full (PDF, 242 KB)(opens new window) A Jewish community was present in Guildford before their expulsion by Queen Eleanor in January 1275 The interfaith event on Sunday marked the 750th anniversary of this solemn chapter in Guildford's history "Today's commemoration reminds us of the importance of confronting past injustices and ensuring such discrimination has no place in our Borough "Diversity is something we choose to value and nurture So let us continue to work together to ensure that Guildford remains a place where diversity is celebrated and where everyone feels they truly belong." reflects one of our key priorities of building a more inclusive borough "As we seek to better reflect the communities we serve we're open to working with all faith groups and those with no religious beliefs." "On this solemn 750th anniversary of the expulsion of the Jews from Guildford and Muslim and Hindu faith leaders come together to reaffirm our commitment to justice "Guided by the Guildford Declaration of Freedom of Religion or Belief and pledge to build a future rooted in coexistence and shared responsibility—sharing pride in the rich tapestry that makes up our community in Guildford." "This has been a powerful and sobering occasion as we've marked the 750th anniversary of a dark day in the history of our town - the expulsion of the Jews from Guildford by order of the then Queen Both Church and State were complicit in fuelling that injustice and today has been an opportunity to acknowledge that But perhaps its main value has been the opportunity to reflect on religious discrimination in all its forms - learning from the past to shape a better future." Visitors of all ages can explore vintage toys and games in a new hands-on exhibition at Guildford Museum educational and interactive exhibition - showcases some of the childhood objects from the Museum collection the Museum has become a haven of play.  says: "Play helps us to foster social and emotional skills fuels our imagination and feeds our creativity There's something on offer for all ages and interests in this exhibition - we're sharing toys and games that are old Come along and join in the fun!"  The exhibition is a great opportunity for all the family to come along to Guildford Museum and try out Playtime There will also be a variety of free family activities taking place at the Museum suitable for children aged 2 years and above.  Come along to explore and play with the toys in the exhibition This drop-in session is suitable for children aged 3 years and above.   we'll open the Museum outside normal opening hours for a chance to see the Playtime This session is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years.   Pre-booking is essential - email heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk.  Join the Museum team for flextangle fun and make a colourful paper toy inspired by the exhibition This drop-in session is suitable for children aged 5 years and above.  The Museum is situated on Quarry Street and is open Wednesday to Saturday 12noon to 4.30pm (with last entry at 4pm).  You can find out more about the Museum and our other heritage sites.   Submit your nominations for those that have done outstanding work in the community to  You have until 5pm on Monday 17 February 2025 to submit a nomination Successful nominees will be invited to attend the awards event in April 2025 "We want to recognise the amazing contribution made by individuals and groups across our borough If you know someone who goes above and beyond to help their community or a group that makes a positive difference to local people "Your nomination can help us celebrate their achievements and inspire others to get involved in their local community." "The Mayor's award is also a great opportunity for us to work with other local organisations I'd like to thank The County Club for kindly sponsoring the Awards Ceremony again this year." "Recognising the unseen hard work done in our community is such a privilege The County Club is proud to sponsor the Mayor's awards and helping to make the event special for all the invited guests." "It was a real honour for Care for Guildford to be recognised in the Mayor's Awards for Service to the Community last year Zita Delaney and Jackie Smith to get the recognition they deserve Both Zita and Jackie have volunteered for over 30 years and have played a key role in evolving and managing our charity "The award was particularly important to us at a time when demand for our service continues to be at an all-time high." 25-26 SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW More radio clips > More videos > with AR Signs Web Design by Wida Group | 2025 The Nottingham Panthers This site uses cookies. By continuing your visit, you accept their use as set out in our Cookie Policy We use some essential cookies to make this website work We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK remember your settings and improve government services We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports The Environment Agency and its project partners are inviting local people to share their views and feedback on plans to reduce flood-risk in Guildford town centre Guildford has a long history of flooding from the River Wey and the Environment Agency continues working in partnership with Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council on a long-term sustainable strategy to reduce the high level of flood-risk to the town centre The partners are now in the appraisal stage of the project surveys and engagement will be carried out to help develop the preferred option for the scheme the Environment Agency is hosting an information afternoon on Saturday 22 February Guildford flood alleviation scheme project director at the Environment Agency We encourage local communities and interested groups to have their say as their feedback is invaluable in shaping our long-term strategy to manage flood risk to Guildford we will be holding a drop-in event where you can find out more and discuss the scheme with our project team we will also be hosting an online presentation following the public exhibition It will be another great opportunity to find out about our progress finding  a sustainable flood-risk management scheme and talk face-to-face with our experts The project partners shared early updated scheme proposals with the public in April 2024 they have further developed the scheme alignment in consultation with landowners and identified areas that will be lowered to create more space for water and habitat creation The flood defences will be visually integrated into existing and regenerated areas of the river corridor The scheme will also enhance the riverside environment and build better connections between Guildford town centre and the River Wey People can also e-mail guildfordfloodscheme@environment-agency.gov.uk with feedback or questions and to request to be added to the newsletter mailing list Check flood-risk and sign up for flood warnings by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or visiting gov.uk/flood Well-tested flood-protection plans remain in place for Guildford and the Environment Agency continues to work closely with other professional partners including Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey County Council The Environment Agency regularly maintains the River Wey to help reduce flooding including cutting back vegetation and removing blockages There is also a temporary defence management plan for Guildford which sets out how the Environment Agency can deploy temporary flood barriers in these areas if a flood warning is issued Journalists only: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk Follow us on X @envagencyse Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details Turned up super early as you never quite know what the M25 might throw up so lots of time to work out where the parkrun was in relation to the (free) cavernous parking available at the  Spectrum leisure centre Clue – just cross the busy road that you have turned off to the car park from (there are pedestrian crossings) and the parkrun start is over on your left The parkrun flag was immediately visible across the large but kind-of flat (well After an amusing exchange with the lovely RD about which is more urban  - Guildford or Thurrock (my adopted home - anyone feel free to join in with your own thoughts !) – I watched as SO many people arrived but the start is a very wide line-up alongside the long edge of a pitch so there were no difficulties starting off at whatever speed you wanted to and you reach a skateboard park on your right whose funky music (showing my middle age!!) wafted across the park which had a great beat to keep us going The sea of colours as people headed up that slope was beautiful – see pic they always feel longer than 5k (or is that just me?) and it felt more twisty then the map perhaps suggests but the weather was gorgeous and the volunteer marshals super encouraging (“come on fast legs” (not me) Passing twice an outdoor gym for anyone that fancies a little something extra within their parkrun and a mosying elderly chocolate Labrador that decided to wander across the mass of runners because there was a super interesting sniff on the other side completed a very enjoyable parkrun It IS slightly undulating as the course description says The finish is a short 200m downhill on grass – and who doesn’t enjoy a downhill finish © parkrun Limited (Company Number: 07289574) No part of this site may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner awarded by Christian environmental charity A Rocha A celebration was held in the orchard of All Saints’ ECO churches in the diocese of Guildford have been celebrated at a special event to mark World Earth Day The diocese has five Gold Eco Churches, awarded by the Christian environmental charity A Rocha UK — the highest among all Church of England dioceses Two-thirds of all churches in Guildford diocese have signed up to the Eco Church scheme 105 of which have received an award for their environmental work at which awards were presented for various community projects The orchard contains approximately 150 hedge saplings and ten fruit trees restored to develop natural habitats for local plant- and wildlife Representatives of the Gold Eco Churches — across urban and rural areas — spoke at the event about various projects designed to reduce waste congregations have chosen not to serve meat at church events said that she had “taken a stand” by encouraging her church to stop using disposable cups when offering hospitality She is encouraging the community to make other small changes in their daily lives such as not running the tap while brushing their teeth The Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson, said that speaking to fellow bishops from the Global South was a reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis Nicholas Reed Langen examines the Supreme Court ruling on gender We are a partnership of six diverse and welcoming congregations in the northern districts of Milton Keynes offering a rich tapestry of worshipping traditions – Anglican We are looking for a collaborative and caring priest with a genuine passion for working with others The Bishop of Gloucester seeks to appoint a priest to serve in this diverse and vibrant benefice Applications are invited from ordained ministers in the Church of England to lead the worship and spirituality of Tudor Hall School as school Chaplain Tudor Hall is a girls’ boarding school with a strong sense of community which was built on Christian principles Will you join us in singing the song of faith and justice in this thriving inclusive church and landmark building making a positive difference at the heart of the vibrant city of Bristol run jointly by Sarum College and The Church Times tickets available This online seminar, run jointly by Modern Church and The Church Times discusses the theology underpinning the drive for growth tickets available Non-subscribers can read four articles for free each month XFASTINDEX Guildford Borough Council has awarded a contract worth £38.4m to McLaren Construction to build a new operational and administrative hub for the council as part of the Weyside Urban Village Three new buildings will provide a centralised location for waste collection engineering services and the town’s museum archive will provide improved facilities for staff and for the delivery of council services The depot has been designed using a 'fabric first' approach to maximise energy efficiency and reduce ongoing maintenance costs. Included in the design are a combination of blue and brown roof systems, air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels The new depot is an early contribution to the Slyfield Area Regeneration Programme which will be a mixed-use development of approximately 1,500 homes along with employment and community uses on one of the largest strategic sites in the Guildford local plan The site for the new depot is on previously unused scrubland east of the Slyfield Industrial Estate now accessible via a new road and bordered by green spaces it has required clearance and decontamination Works were also required to build up the site level above the Burpham water main McLaren Construction’s managing director for industrial and logistics adapting easily as the range of services and technologies change.” Guildford Borough Council deputy leader Tom Hunt said: “Relocating the current depot will release valuable land for the development of much-needed new housing in our borough we’ve worked closely with McLaren Construction during a robust and thorough design process This means we’re well-prepared before the construction of this important project begins “The new facility has been designed with input from the staff who will be based there and a focus on sustainability and improving operational efficiency I’m delighted that construction can now begin.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk 56 minutes Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is undertaking early market engagement for infrastructure works. 17 hours Following a recent expansion into North America, Murphy Group has now entered Australia. 10 minutes Innovative tracked carrier manufacturer among 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise recipients 32 minutes Modular construction business Integra Buildings has received royal recognition for its approach to sustainability. 1 hour MTX Contracts has been selected as the preferred bidder to build a diagnostic centre in Pitsea, Essex. 1 hour House-builder Springfield Properties has promoted Darren Thomson to construction director for its north of Scotland operations. © 2025 The Construction Index [Company No ' + response[i].created_nice + ' ' + response[i].description + ' On Sunday 24 November Guildford came alive with a whole host of activities Visit Tunsgate Arch to sing along with the choirs or hear your favourite carols and show tunes played by the brass bands.  Join the Mayor of Guildford to enjoy the Rock Choir or meet characters and mascots in the parade up the High Street capture your free Christmas card moment in our Giant Snow Globe in Tunsgate.  Maybe you have a young explorer to venture into the ice cave?   Give a gift from Guildford this Christmas with the Experience Guildford Little Book of Offers Visit Guildford town centre on Sunday 24 November from 11am as the town comes alive with a whole host of activities enjoy a mulled wine and get in the groove with our Christmas Disco.  Interact with cheeky elves Shop till you drop in our varied range of town centre shops and boutiques There will also be a superb array of food drink and gifts on sale at the Christmas markets - grab a gift or festive treat in the Guildhall or on the High Street.  This event marks the start of a colourful town centre programme of events brought to you by Guildford Borough Council and Experience Guildford throughout the festive period "I'm so pleased that once again we're able to kick start Christmas in Guildford and bring some festive cheer to the town.  it's more important than ever for us all to come together and make cherished memories Our festive family fun day promises to do exactly that To bring some fun-filled joy and laughter to us all."  "With funding from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as well as partnership working with Experience Guildford and our arts and culture partners we're able to provide free entertainment and activities for everyone This fun family day will be full of exciting activities and surprises with a sprinkling of Christmas magic pop the date in your diary and get ready for some Christmas spirit!"  Discover full event times and listings on one of our partner websites Visit Surrey (opens new window) Experience Guildford (opens new window) Published date: 6 November 2024 and updated on 26 November 2024 22 April 2025: Virgin Media O2 has today confirmed that its 3G network will be switched off in Norwich, Telford and Guildford on 16 July, and in Torquay on 4 August, as part of the company’s plans to deliver faster and more reliable 4G and 5G connectivity for mobile customers. This follows the successful pilot in Durham which became the first city to have 3G withdrawn on 2 April While the vast majority of customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action as a result of the switch off the company has begun directly contacting all customers across the UK currently without a compatible handset to inform them that they will require a 4G SIM and device to continue using mobile data once 3G is switched off As part of the company’s plan to support the small number of customers who will be impacted known vulnerable customers have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge while all other customers who don’t currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price Virgin Media O2 also continues to engage with consumer groups and charities such as Good Things Foundation to draw on their expertise and help manage the transition effectively Customers who don’t upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off will still be able to use voice calls and send text messages as they currently do for now but they would not be able to use mobile data unwanted handsets are urged to recycle their device through O2 Recycle Not only will they receive cash in exchange but they’ll also be playing their part in protecting the environment with Virgin Media O2’s zero landfill policy meaning that these phones will be repaired or recycled for parts today carries less than 3% of all network data – a figure which continues to fall The switch-off of this older technology – agreed by the Government and all mobile network operators in 2021 – allows providers like Virgin Media O2 to reallocate mobile spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services and improve customers’ experience with faster data speeds more reliable streaming and higher quality voice calls Virgin Media O2 has upgraded 4G and 5G masts in Norwich and the company invests around £2m every single day into its mobile network to meet ever-growing demand for connectivity Customers of virtual network operators that use Virgin Media O2’s mobile network – such as Tesco Mobile and giffgaff – will also be impacted by the switch-off and are being contacted directly by their provider Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer said: “We’re switching off our 3G network to focus our attention and investment on upgrading faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will give our customers a better overall experience “Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this month we will now be switching off 3G in Norwich with the rest of the UK to follow by the end of the year “While we know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action our priority is to provide support to those who need it That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G handset to provide information about their next steps It is important these customers upgrade their handsets in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off.” you agree to Virgin Media O2 using your details for the intended purpose You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails For information about our privacy practices We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. 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Virgin TV customers can jump into the popular fitness app and enjoy exclusive access to over 500… Virgin Media O2 Business today publishes its Q1 Movers Index revealing retailers’ hopes for a Bank Holiday sales boost as 22 million… Blue Mondays will see more than two million exclusive rewards and prizes given away to Priority members this year (anything related to Virgin Media specific services) (anything related to O2 specific services) in her welcome speech paid tribute to last year's Mayor who had the original idea for organising the show:  "This event brings to life Guildford Borough Council's corporate strategy and one of the key priorities within it - for Guildford to become a more inclusive borough One where we share a vision of a community where everyone belongs and can thrive and in which we create an environment where every resident feels valued She went on to say: "I hope this show will be a living testament as to what we can achieve when we celebrate our differences and it will be a powerful reminder of how diversity enriches us all." set to original music and song by young asylum seekers was particularly moving and received a standing ovation Surrey Arts and Big Leaf Foundation had spent the day working on the project called Music Connects. The Music Connects project is funded by Youth Music This brings young unaccompanied asylum seekers together with the community.  said:"It's been really joyful to work with the young people today breaking down barriers through the medium of music and art." The Programme Manager at Big Leaf Foundation added:"The courage of these young people in sharing their story so honestly and with such craft acknowledgement and warmth that was shown to them on the night." Big Leaf Foundation, charity working with displaced young people will receive around £4,000 raised by the show We are committed to creating an inclusive borough and an environment where everyone has a voice saying: "Let's continue to champion diversity and make a meaningful impact together!" said: "I'm thrilled to be part of something so meaningful Bringing schoolchildren and professional companies together highlights what we have in common Meeta Joshi said: "I'm incredibly proud to call this community home." Thank you to all the acts which participated Here they are in order of performance: Victims who testified in the case also received compensation totalling £5,900 Mr Gray was also disqualified from keeping dogs for five years She was ordered to pay compensation of £39 to one of the victims Both defendants were also ordered to pay the Victim Surcharge The sentencing judge at Guildford Crown Court was satisfied that both defendants knew a licence was required for their activities and that they knew that what they were doing was illegal.  There were £124,000 of puppy sales from the business due to a sudden increased demand for puppies during Covid Although the judge accepted that the vet's bills were high he stated that this was a lot of income for a few months During the sentencing hearing that Judge commented that: He had no doubt that the business would have continued had the forces of law and order not intervened He noted that there was a £1.3 million property tied up in this business and that the defendants were turning this into a substantial business and an additional related building was being constructed He noted the defendants lied to the police and others by claiming the dogs were their pets And that they advertised the puppies using a variety of fake names and different phone numbers He commented that this was a big operation Lead Councillor for Regulatory and Democratic Services said:"The victims in this case include families who had bought puppies which became sick This is heart-breaking and costly for those dog owners We're delighted that we've been able to secure compensation for them but this will never truly make up for the emotional distress they've experienced "This case has taken five years to bring to a conclusion It shows the diligent work of our Animal Licensing team and their tenacity to see a case through I'm in awe of the hard work that our teams have put into this "I hope that this will shine a light on an industry that needs to be closed down permanently." By raising awareness of this case, we hope to prevent people inadvertently using irresponsible dog breeders. If you have any concerns about dog breeders in Guildford Borough, you can report your concerns online. More information about animal activity licencingStatutory guidance on animal activities licensing for local authorities (opens new window)   There was a 40% increase in purchases of wood burners between 2021-22. The Stove Industry Alliance expects sales to rise even further this winter. Many people might turn to wood burning in the face of rising energy bills. But research states that wood burning is a more expensive way to heat your home than central heating. [1] It's also reported that air pollution results in over 36,000 people in the UK dying each year. [2] Breathing clean air is vital for our health Cleaner air measures provide benefits for our wellbeing as well as that of the planet There is new and mounting evidence that shows wood burning has a negative effect on your wallet "We're committed to building a community that values environmental responsibility Clean Air Night is a great opportunity for all of us to learn how we can collectively make a difference "The quality of our air affects everyone that's why we all have a part to play in improving it One thing we can do is cut down on wood burning and this is why it's so important to raise awareness of the impact it has on our environment." "There are many myths out there about wood burning That's why Clean Air Night is so vital in raising awareness of the facts and allow residents to make informed decisions about how to heat their homes "We have taken steps in Guildford to reduce the impact that wood burning has on our atmosphere but it remains a worrying fact that lighting fires in our homes is the largest source of small air pollution in the UK." Wood burning smoke contains fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) which enters your bloodstream when inhaled and causes health issues Burning wood is the most polluting way to heat your home Recent research reveals that even homes using newer 'eco-design' wood burners are three times more polluted than those without This information will be new for many people That's why Global Action Plan is running Clean Air Night to spark a conversation and raise awareness about wood burning across Guildford and beyond We have many smoke-controlled areas in Guildford These are areas where you cannot emit smoke from a chimney unless you're: You must not buy an unauthorised fuel for use in a smoke control area You can receive a fine of up to £1,000 if you break the rules Cllr Potter adds: "I hope residents support Clean Air Night by helping to keep our skies clear on Wednesday 22 January and for the rest of the year." Find out more about our air pollution and air quality management schemes in Guildford. Visit our website to find out if your property is in a smoke-controlled area An online survey is now open to gather public feedback on our Delivery Plan This outlines the most significant actions and activities we will undertake based on the key priorities in our new Corporate Strategy.  The Corporate Strategy is our long-term vision for creating opportunities for all in Guildford borough It serves as the foundation for decision-making influencing budget allocations and service delivery The strategy is built around five key priorities:  We have recently consulted with local businesses and educational institutions on our Delivery Plan and we are now encouraging all residents to have their say on the actionable things that they believe should be included in the plan.  emphasised the importance of public participation in shaping the Delivery Plan:  "As a council we're working hard to improve the lives of everyone who calls Guildford home.  "It's only by listening and understanding the needs of our communities that we can shape the future of our borough "Our key priorities provide the framework for achieving our vision but for this to be successful it's important our residents have their say." The Delivery Plan survey is open until the 14 March We encourage residents to take part to make sure their views are heard.  Complete the Delivery Plan survey (opens new window)  Read our Corporate Strategy  See all of our past and present consultations  Flashback looks at Dragon NEWS stories of a decade ago explained why she could not afford to continue serving as a councillor First published on The Guildford Dragon NEWS on April 19 22 councillors are standing down at the forthcoming election most probably because they wish to retire from the role but when The Guildford Dragon heard that one of them was Zoe Franklin (Lib Dem we were surprised and asked her to explain why I only agreed to becoming a councillor reluctantly persuaded that it would enable me to serve my local community I had been assured that being a councillor only takes up as much time as you allow it to but I quickly learnt that while that statement is technically true – for me it wasn’t Becoming a councillor opens your eyes to a whole raft of issues that you never even realised were there and once the job gets under your skin your desire to serve your community means you will find yourself allowing more and more time for council work – not because you have to certainly not because you’re paid to but because you want to For me being a councillor is a labour of love – with a good deal of frustration thrown in for good measure But after nearly seven years as the councillor for Bellfields I took the difficult decision to stand down from the council earlier this year and I’m doing so for two main reasons I know it’s a political cliche to say I’m standing down to spend more time with my family but for me and a four-year-old who’d really rather be doing something completely different to his brother there are new demands on my time as both my husband and I support them in their endeavours My eldest son has daily reading and homework too which we struggle to get done once we’ve picked up daddy from the station then I’m out the door to one meeting or another There’s also the simple fact that being out that many nights a week The evenings and weekends are on top of the daytime hours I put in I simply can’t afford to be a councillor financially In order to carry out my role properly I easily clock up 10-15 hours per week on casework That’s the equivalent of a part time job – but for the privilege I get an allowance of about £4,700 In recent years I have been a chairman of a scrutiny committee This has given me an additional allowance of £2,500 but with it has come additional work For me there has never been the option of working a properly paid part time job if I did I would have to cut back significantly on council work and I wasn’t prepared to do that Over the past seven years the cost of living has gone up but my husband’s wage has not kept up so I just have to go back out to work to help make ends meet Cllr Zoe Franklin with local resident Nikki King and community safety warden Garry Jones photographed at Moggy Pond in Bellfields The makeover of the pond was just one of the community projects with which Zoe was involved I write all this not for sympathy but to start a discussion There’s a lot of people who think local politics is an easy job that we’re all on the take or that the role should be done out of the goodness of your heart I can categorically say that the first two are totally incorrect As for the third I agree to a point – local political involvement should be driven by a desire to help and improve your local community But when people are put off standing or seeking re-election as a councillor because they cannot afford to since the council allowance will not sufficiently recompense them for the time they will not be able to work Guildford’s basic councillor allowance is amongst the lowest in the country and the cost of its 48 councillors accounts for less than a single per cent of the council’s annual budget Serving as a councillor must not be allowed to become the preserve of only those who can afford it That is not the way it should be in a healthy democracy We need people from across the spectrum of age If the council doesn’t have this mix in its elected councillors Guildford will not have a council that truly reflects the community it serves Surely that would be wrong and surely something should be done to prevent it happening The Mayor will present prizes to the winners of this year's Short Film competition for Schools at midday Students from secondary schools in each twin town have entered their two-minute films introducing someone Guildford entries are in the German language The panel of judges who had the tough job of choosing the winners included: A new panel to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the twinning will also be on display at Tunsgate This contrasts sharply with the devastation faced by Freiburg in World War II Earlier this week The Mayor of Guildford stood together with Freiburg citizens They remembered the many lives that were sadly lost or changed forever on the 27 November 1944. On that night Freiburg was bombed by The Royal Air Force The air raid resulted in around 2,800 dead and extensive destruction of the medieval city The Mayor reminded those at the service of the need to remain committed to supporting and protecting our fragile freedoms In her speech encouraging reconciliation and peace "I believe educating our young people about our shared history is crucial if we're to prevent mistakes of the past Let us never forget those dark days so that we learn from the mistakes of the past "Let us unite and focus on creating a more peaceful world As the Mayor presents awards to young film makers this Sunday The German mini-Christmas market runs from 11am to 3pm in the Guildhall Winners of the Short Film competition for Schools (opens new window)  fairly steeply undulating and affords wonderful open views across the city the surrounding hills and countryside as well as a clear outline of the distinctive 20th century square towered cathedral A short walk from Spectrum Leisure Centre where there is ample free parking for up to 4 hours takes you across the road and onto the field where the volunteers are already gathering Today we were treated to a blue sky and sunshine gloopy at times and plain puddly in the dip We had a lovely welcome from the 24 volunteers who were all thanked and individually named at the briefing primarily to meet up with parkrun tourist legend Matthew ‘Mellow Yellow’ Bennett at his home park run He made the effort to cycle several miles to run here for the 252nd time Matthew has 516 parkruns behind him (180 different locations) and although he no longer lives near the course last year he returned here to celebrate his 500th run with friends family and Facebook parkrun tourists who all wanted to share the event with him Sadly I’d missed it so this was a belated meet up The first lap is a mystery as you take in your surroundings see runners snaking along paths in the distance and even see the fastest race to the finish before you’ve even passed the funnel the first time The marshals were all unbelievably encouraging and enthusiastic The second lap is familiar and inevitably mentally shorter because you’re over half way The marshals were no less cheerful and were instrumental in helping me to my fastest time this year led dogs or chatted their way round the course 17 people turned up for their first ever parkrun Susanna Harrison took the highest age grade with 81.17% Yangguang Tian was first home in 17 minutes 54 seconds I particularly admired the buggy runners in the mud One father struggling with bogged wheels (and a toddler oblivious to the effort being put in behind him) said he felt like he had a parachute attached to his back and yet we all turn out on a Saturday morning whatever the weather to enjoy a community run before we can start our weekend completion of the Staying Alive Challenge (3 B’s and 3 G’s) and a chance to share stories with new friends Thank you to our Run Director Maddie Heslop and all the volunteer team for making it possible and so enjoyable Only 7 more sleeps before we do it all again