News From Millmead

Published on: 2 Oct, 2016
Updated on: 2 Oct, 2016

Latest news from Guildford Borough Council

Construction of six new gypsy and traveller pitches to go ahead in Effingham

Funding for the construction of six pitches for members of the Gypsy and traveller community, at Home Farm, Effingham, was agreed by the council’s Executive at its meeting on September 27.

Cllr Tony Rooth, lead councillor for housing and social welfare, said: “We continue to show our commitment to supporting all sections of the local community, and seeing appropriate accommodation available for all. We are working towards reducing social inequality, and I am delighted that the needs of the traveller community are being taken into consideration. I would commend ward Cllr Liz Hogger and Effingham Parish Council for their support for this project.

“The development will enable the travelling families of Home Farm to continue having access to appropriate health care, through the links already established, and to continue the education of their children in local schools.”

The development of additional pitches for the travelling communities of Guildford is a priority in the corporate plan. Funds of £880,000 will be provided by the General Fund, and a further £100,000 will come from the Capital Contigency to support the delivery of the project.

Key to this development is engineering work to improve the safety of the road junction of Dirtham Lane and the A246 Guildford Road, Effingham. To comply with the planning conditions of this development, we need to make improvements to the junction before the six pitches are occupied.

Get creative in Guildford at the world’s biggest drawing festival

Residents are being encouraged to get creative in a range of free, artistic events for all the family, as part of this year’s The Big Draw.

The Big Draw, which runs October 29, is part of a campaign to get the nation drawing. This year’s theme is STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.

Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith, lead councillor for heritage and the arts, said: “This is the fourth year that we have participated in the festival. Our aim is to offer inclusive opportunities for everyone, especially young people and those who do not normally have access to the arts.

“We invite people of all ages, levels and abilities to take part in activities. You can join in a wide range of creative events and workshops which encourage innovative ideas, and the chance to learn new skills. Some events this year include creating images inspired by music, at the Star Inn, to creating a group installation piece at G Live. All events are free – come along and try something new.”

You can also enter The Big Draw poster art competition, and have a chance to win £40 of art materials, by picking up a brochure from the tourist information centre, 155 High Street.

The competition poster can also be found in free copies of the September and October issues of the Guide2Surrey.

Ten Guildford venues are taking part in the event, which is organised locally by the council’s arts development team, supported by Guildford Arts. Venues include Watts Gallery, G Live, The Boileroom, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and the Electric Theatre.

For a full programme of events, visit www.guildford.gov.uk/thebigdraw

Have your say about how the council is run in the mayoral referendum

A borough-wide referendum on whether Guildford Borough Council should continue to be run by a leader or change to a directly elected mayor will be held on Thursday, October 13.

Sue Sturgeon, managing director of Guildford Borough Council, said: “All registered voters across the borough can have their say about how the council is run in the upcoming referendum.

“You are asked to decide whether you would like the council to be run by a leader who is an elected councillor chosen by a vote of the other elected councillors – how the council is run now. Or by a mayor who is elected by voters – which would be a change from how the council is run now.

“If the majority of voters are in favour of changing to a directly elected mayor instead of a leader, to avoid confusion, the name and the role of the current ceremonial mayor would have to change to the chairman of the council. If voters prefer to retain the current leader model, we will also retain the ceremonial mayor who is elected by councillors each year.

“I encourage you to vote and have your say – but how you vote is up to you.”

More informatio at: www.guildford.gov.uk/mayoralreferendum including the key similarities and differences between the current leader and cabinet model and a directly elected mayor and cabinet model.

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