Ash Councillors Raise School Layby Closure with Their MP

Published on: 9 May, 2025
Updated on: 13 May, 2025

Ash Grange School

By David Reading

Concerns about the proposed closure of the layby outside Ash Grange School have been raised with MP Sir Jeremy Hunt by Ash Parish Council.

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 on 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.

However the parish council is opposing the plans, saying that the closure – if it goes ahead – will cause problems for parents who are dropping off and collecting their children from school and also mourners attending large funerals at St Peter’s Church.

At their April meeting, the parish council decided to raise the matter with Sir Jeremy Hunt, Conservative MP for Godalming and Ash, who then questioned SCC about the reasons for the proposed layby closure.

Sir Jeremy Hunt MP

The county council insists the closure is necessary for safety reasons, saying there was full consultation with Ash Grange School, Surrey Police and the council’s own parking team. SCC says the change is part of a strategy to encourage the use of public transport and make it easier to walk, cycle and scoot, contributing to Surrey’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

A spokesperson told The Guildford Dragon NEWS: “We’ve been working with Ash Grange School to improve safety for pupils, which includes plans for removing the layby, alongside repairs to paths and grass verges, and improved accessibility for bus users.

“The current layby narrows the footway, impacting those walking, cycling and scooting to school. Issues such as bus stop blockages, dangerous vehicle manoeuvres, parking on the bend, and engine idling have been observed right in front of the school, where children walk or play while waiting to enter and exit school. Additionally, the layby contributes to a wider road, encouraging higher vehicle speeds.”

The SCC statement added: “The layby has also been identified as a congestion source, with parked cars blocking access to the bus cage and shelter, forcing passengers to step between parked cars into the carriageway, while hindering mobility and pushchair access.

“Removing the layby will widen the footway in front of the school, making it easier and more pleasant for pedestrians and those scooting to the school, church, and museum. It will also facilitate buses positioning alongside the kerb for safer and more accessible boarding and alighting with improved bus shelter and Real Time Passenger Information.”

Sir Jeremy, after being informed of SCC’s reasons for the layby closure, told Ash Parish Council this week: “I sincerely hope their explanations help to reassure you, particularly regarding safety around Ash Grange School.”