Borough Council News in Brief

Published on: 2 Aug, 2024
Updated on: 7 Aug, 2024

A distilled round-up of news initially issued in press releases from Guildford Borough Council

Two new strategic directors appointed

Guildford (and Waverley) Borough Councils’ new strategic directors will help lead the officer teams at both local authorities.

Julian Higson has been appointed for housing, communities and environment.

Ezra Wallace has been appointed for economy, planning and place.

Ezra Wallace (left) and Julian Higson.

Higson joined the councils in March as interim strategic director. He has 30 years’ experience spanning local government, housing associations and the private sector.

Wallace is currently director of policy and projects at Westminster City Council. He will take up his position in the autumn.

Young people see how road bridge build is progressing

Scouts, Cubs, Beaver and students from Ash Manor School have been to see the progress in the construction of the Ash road bridge.

Young people taking a look at the construction of the Ash Road Bridge.

Organised by the building contractor Volker Fitzpatrick Limited, its project manager Colin Bexley explained to the groups why personal protection equipment is needed on a construction site, what sort of engineering equipment is being used, and details of the installation of the bridge beams in May.

The young people also had the opportunity to walk up the south embankment to see the new bridge. They also walked along the newly completed section of Foreman Road, which opened on July 15.

Council properties for sale

The council is selling a Grade II listed building in East Horsley, with a guide price of £1.5 million.

Old Manor House, East Horsley.

The Old Manor House is currently arranged as eight flats with garages and communal gardens, but requires substantial refurbishment and modernisation in keeping with its Grade II listing.

The council says: “It’s a highly desirable detached character building is in a beautiful conservation area, close to shops and the nearby railway station.

“Having explored possible alternative uses and the cost to renovate the building ourselves, we’ve decided to sell it on the open market.”

Cemetery Lodge, Guildford.

Cemetery Lodge, within Stoke Old Cemetery, Weyside Road, Guildford, has a guide price of £550,000,. The detached house needs modernisation.

The council says the sales of these two properties will contribute to the £50 million asset disposal target set out in its financial recovery plan.

Both properties are listed with Clarke Gammon estate agents.

Charities invited to join council’s lottery

Guildford Community Lottery helps community groups, charities, and clubs raise money for their important work.

Good causes receive 50% of ticket sales. 10% goes to the council’s community fund and the rest goes towards prize funds and running costs.

Most not-for-profit groups can register. There are no upfront costs, it’s quick and easy to register and once approved you get your own webpage on the council’s lottery site.

New online booking system for council’s sports pitches, courts and campsites

The council says the online booking system will make it easier for residents and visitors to book, confirm and pay for sports and camping facilities.

Those making a booking will be able to see the status of it through their MyGuildford account.

If a booking costs more than £150 there is the option to pay online or receive an invoice.

There is a 10% discount if making a sports booking 10 or more weeks in a row.

Playgrounds revitalised

Two playgrounds in Park Barn have had a makeover.

Following consultation with people, the playgrounds now have updated equipment and durable surfaces, for children of all ages and abilities, plus “thoughtful” landscaping to enhance playtime, improve wellbeing with “spaces where everyone feels welcome and happy”.

The playground adjacent to Kings College, Park Barn Drive.

The playground adjacent to Kings College now features a double castle with two slides, comfortable seating, nine new trees and shrubs to attract more wildlife and to reduce road noise.

The playground off Woodside Road has a new spot with a goal for football, new plants and six trees to make the playground more inviting.

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