Ash Councillors Oppose School Lay-by Closure Plans

Published on: 21 Mar, 2025
Updated on: 21 Mar, 2025

By David Reading

Surrey County Council is being urged to reconsider its proposal to remove the lay-by outside Ash Grange School.

At its March meeting, Ash Parish Council decided to oppose the closure, which – if it goes ahead – will affect parents who are dropping off and collecting their children and also mourners attending large funerals at St Peter’s Church.

Plans for the permanent removal of the lay-by are part of roadworks planned for Ash over the next 18 months.

Surrey County Council says the overall aim of the works in Ash Street and Ash Church Road will be to improve pedestrian safety and make life easier for bus passengers. New bus shelters will be provided with real time journey information.

Detailing the plans a council spokesperson said: “Surrey County Council will be delivering a programme of proposed improvement works for five bus stops on the A323 Ash Street and Ash Church Road between the Jet petrol station and St Peter’s Church.

“The work aims to improve accessibility for passengers, make safety improvements for children and pedestrians, provide new bus shelters with real-time journey information, and enhance green space around some of the bus stops.

“We’ve been working with Ash Grange School to improve safety for pupils. This includes removing the lay-by so we can widen a footpath, alongside repairs to paths and grass verges, and improved accessibility for bus users.

“The bus stop improvements will be delivered in stages during the next 18 months to minimise disruption. Construction dates will be subject to co-ordination with other highway works.”

The lay-by outside Ash Grange School

Cllr Fiona White, a Lib Dem borough councillor for Ash Wharf and also chair of the parish council, expressed dismay when the plans to remove the lay-by were announced but said she was pleased that the changes would not take place until the autumn. She said she hoped the delay would provide an opportunity for discussions with Surrey Highways and a chance to reconsider the decision.

The parish council has agreed to write a letter of opposition to SCC saying that many residents agree with councillors that the closure is the wrong decision.

In a statement, SCC said other aspects of the road works will include a temporary “no parking” order along that part of Ash Church Road near the school. This will be in effect while the works are taking place.

Vehicles will not be allowed to park, load, or unload at any time on both sides of Ash Church Road, from the property line of No. 75 to the property line of No. 88.

SCC says the temporary order will be in effect 24 hours a day but will only apply when the relevant traffic signs are up.

Disabled drivers with a blue badge will not be exempt from this temporary no-parking rule.