Council Leaders Spread the Word to Guildford’s Farthest Ward

Published on: 6 Aug, 2018
Updated on: 7 Aug, 2018

Left to right: Guildford Borough Cllrs Paul Spooner and Matt Furniss with Effingham Parish Council chairman Ian Symes

By Chris Dick

The leadership duo of Guildford Borough Council (GBC) took their message on Guildford’s future to Effingham last week (Tuesday, July 31, 2018).

Leader Paul Spooner (Con, South Ash & Tongham) and his deputy Matt Furniss (Con, Christchurch) attended the Effingham Parish Council (EPC) meeting at the King George V village hall.

The two councillors gave a rapid overview of the GBC Corporate and Local Plans, including infrastructure requirements. They explained how the council planned to develop Guildford, widen the two-lane part of the A3 from Stoke roundabout to the A31 (Hog’s Back), fund three new railway stations and improve bus services.

One parish councillor pointed out that, on the very day of the meeting, the local bus service between Effingham and Guildford had been halved to an hourly service. Cllr Furniss remarked that: “Even though there is a reduction you’ve still got a bus service. Congratulations… Use it because if you don’t use it, it will just go.”

A question and answer session followed. Subjects included: the weight given to Neighbourhood Plans (NP) by GBC, to who might be responsible for increasing parking facilities at local railway stations.

The councillors explained that Neighbourhood Plans are given full weight in considerations at the borough council but not currently, it seemed to them, by planning inspectors at appeals and inquiries.

Parish councillors and residents made up the 22 members of the audience.

On station car parking, Cllr Furniss said Network Rail is responsible for its car parks but appears reluctant to invest in them, particularly when that may involve buying land. Referring to the two Ash stations nearest his home, Paul Spooner added that there were only six parking places at one station and none at the other.

The council leader also took the opportunity to lay to rest the controversial suggestion of three-week bin collections. The idea had been discussed and rejected by the council but during the process, some parts of the press had got hold of the story and published it.

Pointed questions were asked on the defence of Effingham village and its Conservation Area from inappropriate development, by Effingham Resident’s Association (EFFRA) chairman, Vivien White, and its secretary, David King before EPC Chairman Ian Symes asked Cllr Spooner to match-fund the Berkeley Homes Section 106, £2.64 million to rebuild the King George V village hall and sporting facilities.

Cllr Spooner quipping that he was having second thoughts about liking Cllr Symes said he could not immediately agree to the request but jocularly added that he might consider it.

The audience showed the appreciation to the councillors for personally attending the meeting with a round of applause.

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