Column: Ben’s Record – Titbits of Guildford News

Published on: 15 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 17 Mar, 2026

An occasional column written by the very well-known Guildford character Ben Darnton of Ben’s Record’s in Tunsgate.

Ben, who also publishes Guildford Past & Present, puts on the record titbits of Guildford news, discovered through simple observation and from keeping his ear close to the ground…

Loseley Estate blocked path

Blocked Hog’s Back Footpath

The blocking of a popular footpath, offering beautiful views southwards, has come up in conversation quite a lot in the shop recently.

See: Loseley Estate Confirms Permissive Path Closure But Viewing Platforms To Be Constructed

The consensus seems to be that the proposed viewing platforms would be used for anti social behaviour.

Well done The Dragon for leading on the reporting of this story. I thought the interview with Lorimer Burn was especially good. The video production, by reporter Izzy Trubshaw, looked very professional (see: Village Association Chair Pleads His Case to Keep Path Open).

The latest news of a possible compromise is hopeful and shows the value of parish councils in providing a platform for relevant debate.

See: Hope for a Compromise Following Parish Council Debate

Potholes can damage cars and even cause accidents if drivers take sudden avoiding action. Cyclists could be thrown of their bikes especially at night when potholes are not so visible. Ben Darnton

The state of our roads

This is another subject that comes up a lot.

Moorfield Road in Slyfield is particularly bad. Ironically, it is where all of Guildford’s car dealerships are now located. How long before a brand new car is damaged by a pothole before it has a mile on the clock?

Candidates for the new West Surrey Council will be coming for our votes soon. We should all challenge them on their plans to tackle the problem and, if from a national party, how central government should increase funding. If elected, promises should be remembered and councillors held to account.

Market Street flats

Still no news who will be moving into the shop in Market Street, that was formerly Reiss, but I understand there will be nine flats above, ready for occupation in the summer.

Prosperity

In recent weeks, before the Middle East war broke out, there was a generally good feeling in the town about the health of business and the retail sector. Empty premises on the High Street are few and the town’s economy seems pretty healthy. But history tells us economic well being is largely about confidence. so let’s hope the Iran conflict does not cause a wide-scale downturn.

Work on the Chapel Street side of new shoe shop, R M Williams, is giving a lift to the street scene.

High Streets across the country are evolving as online trading has its impact but I think people still realise what a great place Guildford’s High Street is. It has real character that people travel into the town to enjoy. The range of shops remains good, even if not so extensive as it once was, and the increase in coffee shops and restaurants reflects an increase in the use of the High Street as a meeting place a social centre, and that’s no bad thing

One shop being refitted for an Australian Boot company, R M Williams, is also giving a facelift to a corner of Chapel Street. Well done to them. I hear the shop is expected to open in April.

Debenham’s path

Last month I reported that Debenhams’ redevelopment was on pause and so it seems, until the summer at least. But part of the redevelopment plan is to have a path that would allow pedestrians to walk from the town bridge behind the new development, to be called “St Mary’s Wharf”, then over a bridge that would span the Mill Basin, before continuing behind the Yvonnne Arnaud Theatre and connecting with the bridge by the town lock and the towpath.

What a great idea. Let’s hope it comes to pass.

It should be good for the public and, with the extra footfall, good for the theatre, now under the very capable leadership of Joanne Reade. A win-win as they say.

Director Joanne is the kind of live wire needed. The survival of the theatre is really important and it seems to be in capable and dynamic hands with her.

Surrey is to be divided into two unitary authorities. SHBC

Local Government Reorganisation

This comes up in conversation only a little, considering the major change that it represents. Many are disinterested, fatalistic or simply have derisory views of all matters “council”.

It is felt that the changes represent a loss of local power, that there will be many at the council worried about their jobs but there is also a lot of uncertainty – how will it all pan out? There is some resignation that more council tax rises are inevitable.

Really, we all need to know more about the subject before we vote in May. We need local people representing us who know what’s going on, what are our problems and concerns. But even if they do will they have any actual power and access to funding to do anything?

Very welcome, vociferous support from a Turkish group at yesterday’s 3-0 win for Guildford City at The Spectrum.

Come on ‘The Sweeney’

Guildford City Football Club, nicknamed “The Sweeney”, have had a run of great results lately but it follows a terrible set of results in the first half of the season, so whether they can emulate Houdini and escape relegation remains to be seen.

The Sweeney deserve better support. Why not go along?

Many local residents remain oblivious to Guildford City FC. “Has Guildford got a football team?” I am asked, which, considering its proud Southern League history is a real shame; a football club can help generate real community spirit.

Part of the problem, I believe, is the venue. Spectrum is not ideal, as spectators are kept so far from the action. My eyes are quite good, I don’t need glasses, but I quite often take the binos so I can watch the bench remonstrating at the ref’s decisions.

They could do with more spectators. To increase the numbers attending, why don’t they give free tickets to local schools, Guildford College and University students. Bigger crowds create better atmospheres and give more support to the team. What has the club got to lose?