By David Reading The planned opening of the paddling pool at Stoke Park has been postponed by Guildford Borough Council because testing has shown the water to be contaminated. The pool was to have opened yesterday (May 24) in time for the half-term break but last-minute tests…

Millions of Taxpayer Money Recovered from Railway Fare Dodgers

By Esme Campbell Taxpayer money totalling £3.4 million was recovered by South Western Railway (SWR) revenue protection work in the 2024 financial year, the company revealed. Around seven million of the £152 million annual journeys taken on SWR are made without a valid ticket, costing the network…

Another Surrey Council Is Fighting Off Bankruptcy

By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporter The desperate fight by Surrey Heath Borough Council to fend off bankruptcy crystallised further this week after it agreed to sell a car park and land in order “to keep the lights on”. The council, which neighbours Guildford borough the the…

Danish Brands Add Nordic Charm to Guildford’s High Street

By Stella Kuchanny Vikings are not thought to have reached this part of England but today there is a sizeable community of Danes living in Guildford and a growing number of Danish stores are bringing Scandinavian style and substance to Guildford’s shopping scene. From stylish furniture and…

County Council’s Lead Member for Children’s Services Steps Down Following Criticism

By Emily Dalton local democracy reporter Surrey’s lead for children’s service has announced she is stepping down from her role and will not be standing for re-election. Councillor Clare Curran has stepped down to become deputy cabinet member for children services with a particular focus on SEND…

Pub Chain Wins High Court Battle Over Customer’s Injuries

JD Wetherspoon was not liable for injuries a man sustained at the company’s Guildford pub when two members of the door staff restrained him, the High Court ruled this week. The court ruled that the staff were independent contractors rather than employees of the pub chain. Wetherspoon’s…

Forest Management Can Influence Health Benefits  

The recent outcry by Compton residents following the felling of trees in in Bummoor Copse has shown what an importantant part forests, woods and even individual trees can play in our lives as recreational amenities, an escape or as familiar, perhaps reasuring individual, long-living, landmarks. See: Tree…

Dragon Interview: New Guildford Mayor Howard Smith

If you did not already know the Borough of Guildford has a new Mayor, Howard Smith, a Labour borough councillor who represents Westborough ward. In an interview with Dragon editor Martin Giles, Cllr Smith explains how he is a true Guildfordian and how his ambition to become…

Guildford Museum Shares Jekyll’s Boots with British Library for New Exhibition

A special object from the Guildford Museum collection is on display in a new exhibition at the British Library in London.…

Freiburg Artists Coming to Guildford

Four working artists from Guildford’s twin town Freiburg are bringing a selection of their artworks for an exhibition at Guildford House…

Highways Bulletin May 26 – Godstone Sinkhole Update

The information for this bulletin comes from Surrey County Council and is written by them. See interactive map here. Report potholes…

Conservation Groups Say Government Policies Are a Threat To Wildlife

By David Reading Surrey conservationists are accusing the Government of “an assault on nature” – claiming that proposed legislation governing development…