By Martin Giles Guildford’s MP Zöe Franklin (Lib Dem) has responded to the government’s announcement of a new review of the privatised water industry, repeating the Liberal Democrats’ long-standing calls for the regulator OFWAT to be replaced. The government has announced a new Independent Water Commission, which…

Opinion: Where Will the Chancellor Look To Raise Tax?

By Gavin Midgley A senior lecturer in Accounting at the University of Surrey who gives his view of next week’s Autumn Budget, the first from this Labour Government. There has been much discussion on whether the speculated increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions breaks the pledge to…

Paramedic Found Guilty of Causing Death by Careless Driving

A paramedic who lost control of his ambulance and collided with a bus stop, which resulted in the death of a pedestrian, has been found guilty of causing death by careless driving following a trial at Guildford Crown Court. Craig Chitty, 41, of Effingham, a paramedic with…

Council Refuses Proposal for Tower Blocks at Redhill Station

By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporter Plans to build the Redhill’s tallest ever high rise have been refused by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, a result that left residents cheering the “amazing” decision. Network Rail, together with its development partners Kier, who are currently building high rise…

Objectors Fear SCC Will Give Green Light to London Road Active Travel Redesign

By Martin Giles Proposed changes to the layout of London Road in Burpham are expected to be approved by Surrey County Council, according to a local campaign group, the London Road Action Group (LRAG). The stretch of road affected is New Inn Lane to Boxgrove Road and…

Mole Valley Adopts Local Plan with Yearly Target of 336 New Homes

By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporter More than 6,000 new homes will be built in Mole Valley with Leatherhead taking on the largest share after the district council approved its long-term planning bible. But the plan might still be affected by top down housing targets proposed by…

Ash’s New Road Bridge Is Named – and November 23rd Is Opening Day

By David Reading The new road bridge over the railway line at Ash is to be named Chester Bridge – suggested by the winners of a competition run by Guildford Borough Council. The council asked local residents to come up with a name for the new bridge,…

Class A in Underwear Leads to Jail Sentence

A stop and search by plain clothes officers in Farnham found a drug dealer with a supply of crack cocaine stuffed down his pants. Plain clothes officers were carrying out proactive patrols back in April when they spotted a high-performance VW Golf at a petrol station. Checks…

Farnham is Surrey’s First Town to be Awarded Plastic Free Community Status

Farnham has become the first Surrey community to be awarded Plastic Free Community status by Surfers Against Sewage in recognition of…

Councillor Says SCC Should ‘Stop the Drilling Now’ at Horse Hill as Directed by the Supreme Court

By Martin Giles Surrey County Council has clarified its position on planning enforcement action at Horse Hill near Horley and Gatwick…

Latest From the Sara Sharif Trial – Specialists Cross Examined

By Martin Giles This is the latest update of the continuing trial of those accused of the murder of ten-year-old Sara…

Dragon Interview: Patrick Oven, GGG Leader at GBC

This is the fourth in a series of interviews with, it is hoped, all the party leaders at Guildford Borough Council.…