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…

County Council Leader Appeals to MPs Not to ‘Talk Down’ Children’s Services

By Emily Dalton local democracy reporter Surrey County Council has made an apparent U-turn on MPs’ engagement with cases involving Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The council has denied it is closing down channels of communication, and county council leader Tim Oliver has pleaded with MPs…

Guildford Plays Its Part in Campaign to Protect Bees

Guildford Borough Council marked World Bee Day by highlighting the important role bees play in the ecosystem and what the council is doing locally to help protect them. Bees support biodiversity and food production. However, despite their importance, pollinator populations are in decline, with habitat loss, pollution…

A New Superdrug is Coming to Guildford’s Ladymead Retail Park

By Stella Kuchanny Guildford shoppers are set to see a new addition to the town’s retail scene: a brand-new Superdrug store on-schedule to open on Thursday, May 29 at Ladymead Retail Park. While the town already benefits from a well-stocked Superdrug on the High Street, this second…

Two Candidates Compete for Seat on Ash Parish Council

By David Reading The residents in Ash South will go to the polls on Thursday, May 29, to elect a new parish councillor. The by-election follows the resignation of Sara Badger, an Independent who was elected in June 2023. Ms Badger cited health concerns as the reason…

MPs Unite in Criticism of SCC’s Handling of SEND Cases

By Emily Dalton local democracy reporter Surrey MPs have slammed the council for apparently closing down discussions on constituent SEND cases. In a rare case of unity between parties, both Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have written separate letters to Surrey County Council criticising its decision. The letter…

EasyJet to Run Its Full Half-term Flight Schedule Despite Strike Action

By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporter Gatwick Airport’s largest carrier easyJet is expecting to run its full schedule during the busy half term period despite industrial action taking place by their oil refuellers. Strike action by baggage handlers, which would have run at the same time, was…

Stoke Mill To Be a Pub If Plans Are Approved by Borough Council

By Emily Dalton local democracy reporter Plans have been submitted for a new pub in Guildford. The building on Woking Road could be transformed into a destination pub. McMullen and Sons, a Hertfordshire brewery and pub company, has revealed its vision to regenerate the iconic Stoke Mill…

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…

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…

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…

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…