By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporter West Surrey should just “crack on” with changing its name to include South Middlesex, the secretary of state for devolution has said. The new authority is set to take over all services from Spelthorne, Runnymede, Guildford, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking…

Weyside Village Contract Awarded, Officers Warn of Delay Risks

By James Moules local democracy reporter A major update has been issued on the future of a huge regeneration project in Guildford. A £10 million contract has been awarded to get the next stages of the major industrial estate redevelopment works underway. Guildford Borough Council’s cabinet has…

Now the Borough Council Asks Government to Reconsider Grey Belt Rules

By James Moules local democracy reporter and Martin Giles (interview filming by Tom Brown) Guildford Borough Council is demanding the government reconsider its “grey belt” planning policy, amid fears it could open up vast swathes of the area’s green belt to development. The council, which is due…

Proposed List of Honorary Aldermen Rejected

A list of seven former councillors nominated to become honorary aldermen was rejected by a majority of councillors at Tuesday’s (November 3) full meeting of Guildford Borough Council . The list comprised: Angela Gunning (former Labour group leader who had given up an earlier Hon Alderman title to…

Guildford To Seek ‘Council of Sanctuary’ Status As a ‘Challenge To Prejudice’

By Tom Brown Guildford Borough Council is to seek accreditation to become a “Council of Sanctuary“. A motion proposed by the lead councillor for Community, Carla Morson (Lib Dem, Ash Vale), was passed by a large majority. Five Conservatives abstained, having had their amendment to consult electors…

Wildlife Group Launches £30,000 Wetlands Appeal in the Face of Climate Change Threats

Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) is asking people to support a new fundraising drive this winter to help restore and rewild wetland habitats that are suffering serious effects from climate change. SWT says this summer’s drought reduced water levels so severely that wildlife habitats were pushed to breaking…

What Do Surrey Residents Think About Having a Strategic Mayor?

Will having a strategic mayor for Surrey, akin to the Mayor for Manchester be a good thing? See: Chancellor Announces Surrey Mayor in ‘Final Stages’, During Budget Statement Guildford’s MP has said that she has her doubts and the leader of West Surrey Shadow Council has clarified…

Guildford MP Has Concerns Over Installing a Mayor of Surrey

By James Moules local democracy reporter and Martin Giles Guildford’s MP says she is “concerned” at the lack of public consultation over the introduction of an elected mayor in Surrey. Liberal Democrat Zöe Franklin told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that any devolution deal must provide…

Plant-based Alternatives to Dairy ‘Could Lead to Deficiencies in Nutrition’, Study Shows

Replacing dairy products, even partially, with unfortified plant-based alternatives may lead to a deficiency in vital nutrients, a new study from…

Services of Remembrance 2026

Services of remembrance to honour our war dead taking place in November 2026 Saturday, November 7 Charlotteville’s service of remembrance will…

Plans to Centralise West Surrey Meetings in Guildford Labelled ‘Rogue’

By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporter Moves to further centralise all of West Surrey’s major meetings – a plan described as…

Council Leader Warns of an Increase in Hate Comment

By Martin Giles Guildford Borough Council’s leader, Julia McShane (Lib Dem, Westborough), has warned of an “increase in propaganda” from people…

Van Driver Gives Police Officer a Lift As Suspect Flees on Bicycle

Surrey police have thanked a van driver who gave a police officer a lift as he was running after a suspect. Officers…