News From Millmead

Published on: 16 Dec, 2020
Updated on: 17 Dec, 2020

Latest round-up of news from Guildford Borough Council.

Work begins on Walnut Bridge

Work began this week (Monday, December 14) on the new Walnut Bridge, which, the councils says, “will create a wider bridge across the River Wey and a landscaped plaza to offer an improved route into the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists”.

The project, which links Walnut Tree Close at the railway station to Bedford Plaza, the councils says “will be a safer alternative to the crowded pavements of Bridge Street for residents, commuters and visitors. It will also be a safer route to the town for the new residents who will be moving into accommodation further down Walnut Tree Close”.

Artist’s impression of the new Walnut Bridge.

The first stage of the project sees Bedford Plaza close, but the existing Walnut Bridge will remain open and access through to Guildford railway station will still be possible via a marked route. The bridge is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

As part of the scheme, new lighting and a newly-landscaped Bedford Plaza will make the area more appealing. The design includes places to sit and enjoy a peaceful moment at any time of day.

The scheme is a key part of the council’s Town Centre Regeneration Strategy and Sustainable Movement Corridor initiatives and the councils says it will include improving station and riverside access for pedestrians and cyclists, new landscaping, public art and open space for community events.

New Mayor and Deputy Mayor selected for 2021-22

Cllr Marsha Moseley.

Cllr Marsha Moseley and Cllr Dennis Booth have been formally nominated to become the new mayor and deputy mayor of Guildford for 2021-22.

They will be appointed at the annual meeting in May.

Cllr Marsha Moseley and Cllr Dennis Booth were both due to be appointed mayor and deputy mayor of Guildford, respectively, from 2020-21, but due to coronavirus a decision was made earlier this year to keep current mayor (Cllr Richard Billington) and deputy mayor (Cllr Marsha Moseley) in position for a further year until May 2021.

The council says it was felt it would be unfair on the new mayor and deputy mayor who would have been unable to attend the many community events and civic engagements that they would normally attend for a potentially significant part of the mayoral year.

This would have had a detrimental impact on fundraising for the new mayor’s charities and would have also prevented the new deputy mayor from gaining a practical understanding of the mayoral role before he was scheduled to become mayor.

Guildford Lido and gym to remain closed

Freedom Leisure, that operates the lido and gym, in partnership with Guildford Borough Council, has announced it will remain closed for this winter, but hopes to welcoming customers back for the summer season.

Money for businesses still available

Two government grants of up to £3,000 are still available to businesses affected by November’s four-week national lockdown.

Businesses are invited to apply to Guildford Borough Council for the grants. Click here for details.

The Additional Restrictions Grants Fund is available for rate-paying companies either in or who supply the hospitality, leisure, travel, culture, arts, holiday and tourism sectors which have not been eligible for other support schemes.

Businesses which continued to offer takeaway, click-and-collect or delivery services despite closure are eligible for a Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed).

Businesses can apply for one grant for each of their qualifying premises. Companies which chose to close, but were not required to, will not be eligible, along with those which are in administration, insolvent or have received a striking-off notice.

Businesses that have already received grant payments equal to the maximum levels of State aid allowed under the Covid-19 Temporary State Aid Framework, will also not be eligible.

Companies that are in administration, are insolvent or where a striking off notice has been made are not eligible for funding.

Applicants will need to supply its ratepayers reference, bank account details, company or charity number, VAT registration number, and information on funds received through state aid. Grant income is taxable and will need to be included in the business’s tax return.

Businesses can also get information and support through the Enterprise M3 Growth Hub, at www.enterprisem3growthhub.co.uk/.