General

VIDEO: Surrey leader heralds savings, calls for spiralling demand to be recognised and stresses the need for devolution

Leader David Hodge used a Full Council meeting today to herald savings and call on the government to recognise spiralling demand for adult social care and school places while also emphasising the need to devolve more services for the benefit of Surrey’s residents.

Surrey set to get 819 more pothole-proof roads

Surrey County Council has revealed the 819 pothole-proof roads that are due to be built over the next three years. A total of 177 roads have been lined up to be reconstructed this financial year as part of the council’s Operation Horizon project. Laid end to end with the 143 miles already resurfaced they would … Continue reading →

Surrey chairman joins royal celebration of autism charity

CAPTION: Surrey County Council Chairman Sally Marks joined HRH The Countess of Wessex to help the Jigsaw Trust, which supports people with autism, celebrate its 15th anniversary. The countess took a tour of the new facilities for adults at the trust’s school in Dunsfold and unveiled a commemorative plaque. QUOTE: Mrs Marks said: “I was … Continue reading →

BBC interview with Surrey leader about airport expansion

Listen to Surrey County Council leader David Hodge telling BBC Surrey’s Jack Fiehn that investment in local infrastructure is needed before any new runway is built at either Heathrow or Gatwick.   Audio courtesy of BBC Surrey

ROUND UP: Surrey school wins top eco award; Surrey deputy leader hails apprentices

Surrey school wins top eco award A Surrey primary has received the prestigious Green Flag award for its efforts in making the school more environmentally friendly. Godstone Village School, who had previously been given the Bronze and Silver awards, was presented with the honour by Mike Goodman, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and … Continue reading →

Heathrow expansion means more than 70,000 new homes and 56 schools

More than 70,000 new homes and 56 new schools will be needed if Heathrow is expanded, aviation experts have heard. Surrey County Council leader David Hodge told a Runways UK conference: Expanding the airport could require up to 70,800 homes to be built in the local area* over the next 15 years That would mean a need … Continue reading →

VIDEO AND PICTURES: Work gets underway on Surrey’s Eco Park

Work has started on the construction of a new Eco Park to treat thousands of tonnes of waste from Surrey households and put it to good use. As the the first spade was driven into the ground at the site in Shepperton, Mike Goodman, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, outlined the … Continue reading →

Tour de France record-breaker to ride in Surrey

Australian Tour de France record-breaker Rohan Dennis will cycle on Surrey’s roads next month. The BMC team rider recorded the fastest ever average speed in Tour de France history for an individual time trial in Saturday’s opening stage. He is the latest big name confirmed for the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic on Sunday 2 August. Last … Continue reading →

Response to Airports Commission report

Following the release today of the Airports Commission’s report on expanding capacity, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning Mike Goodman said: “While we recognise the economic case for expanding either Heathrow or Gatwick, we can only support expansion if it is accompanied by the necessary investment in local infrastructure and environmental issues are addressed. … Continue reading →

Surrey leader takes on one of most influential roles in local government

David Hodge has become the first Surrey County Council leader to secure one of the most influential roles in local government. He has been elected leader of the Conservative group at the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents nearly 400 councils in England and Wales. At the same time, the Surrey leader has been installed … Continue reading →

Council prepared for high temperatures

A small army of Surrey County Council staff is primed to work around the clock to ensure vulnerable people stay safe as temperatures soar. With heatwave conditions forecast for this week hundreds of social workers and care staff are standing by to make extra calls and visits to frail and older people across Surrey. Residents … Continue reading →

IN PICTURES: HRH The Duke of Gloucester opens Guildford Fire Station

Plan ahead for Armed Forces Day

Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to Guildford tomorrow for the Armed Forces Day national event. The annual commemoration, which recognises service men and women of the British Armed Forces, will see people from all over the country descend on the Surrey city. Surrey County Council Chairman Sally Marks and leader David … Continue reading →

County council signs off plan to make countryside sites self-sufficient in six years

Surrey County Council today signed off a plan to make countryside sites generate enough money to be self-sufficient within six years. The Cabinet approved a proposal to work with Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) to explore commercial opportunities to cover the cost of managing the county’s countryside by 2021 and pay for improved facilities. The proposals … Continue reading →

ROUND UP: Official opening of Guildford Fire Station; Still time to apply for community cash

Official opening of Guildford Fire Station  The official opening of a new fire station in Guildford will take place this Friday (26 June) with a host of guests attending including HRH The Duke of Gloucester, Surrey Chairman Sally Marks and Cabinet Associate for Community Safety Services Kay Hammond. The station, based at Ladymead, includes better … Continue reading →