General

Tackling ice and snow

With snow falling over parts of Surrey, a fleet of gritters have been out spreading salt on roads. They are supported by a quad bike, an all-terrain vehicle and if the snow is heavy enough, an army of 51 farmers equipped with spreaders and ploughs. Residents can find out about services affected on the county council’s website. … Continue reading →

Drive to fill 100 council apprenticeships smashes target

A drive to fill 100 apprenticeship places at Surrey County Council in a year has smashed its target more than a month early. By the end of last month more than 110 apprenticeships had been arranged with the council following the initiative’s launch last April. Places were offered in areas such as youth work, administration, … Continue reading →

Eric Pickles meets South East 7 councils

Picture caption: Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles met the South East 7 group of councils to find out how they are doing more for less by working together. He visited as it was revealed the group aims to make savings of almost £75 million over the next two years. Quote: Surrey County Council leader David … Continue reading →

Surrey crowned council of the year

 Surrey County Council has been crowned local authority of the year – without even entering the national competition. The council scooped the top award at the Improvement and Efficiency Awards for its programme of Public Value Reviews (PVR), which unearthed nearly £280 million of savings and improved services. Surrey originally submitted an entry in the … Continue reading →

Surrey installs 60,000th streetlight

A scheme to rid Surrey of its night time orange glow and replace it with energy-efficient lights that shine brighter is set to reach a major milestone ahead of schedule. Rapid progress means the 60,000th lamp has been installed in Surrey County Council’s streetlight replacement project. Contractor Skanska Laing’s speedy work has seen 11,000 more … Continue reading →

Surrey Future launches to promote economic growth

Boosting investment in infrastructure is a key aim of a new group launched to promote economic growth in Surrey. Surrey Future brings together all Surrey’s councils and business leaders to take a co-ordinated approach to targeting projects for the next 20-plus years. Its immediate aims are: • Supporting the local economy by reducing roads congestion • Drawing … Continue reading →

New group aims to build on Surrey’s 7% economic growth

A new group is being launched to boost business in Surrey as new figures reveal the county’s economy grew by 7% in two years during the downturn. Surrey Future – which brings together business leaders, the county council and boroughs and districts – aims to help Surrey firms thrive and encourage new start-ups. Its launch … Continue reading →

Video: Walton Bridge on time and on budget

Construction will finish this summer on the first new major road crossing of the River Thames in more than 20 years. John Furey, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, gave an update on the new Walton Bridge during a site visit.

In pictures: The construction of Walton Bridge is on time and on budget. The metal structure is in place and work will now begin on pouring the concrete that will form the base of the road.

Showcase your talent here

The P&G Surrey School Games, Surrey Schools Have Talent, is back for 2013. An invitation is open to talented young performers to enter the contest for a chance to take part in the grand final at G Live on 30 June. Performers can showcase any talent they have, whether they are musicians, singers, dancers, acrobats, … Continue reading →

Three groups appointed to run Healthwatch together

Three groups have come together to take on the role of Surrey’s health and social care consumer champion. Surrey Independent Living Council (SILC), Citizens Advice Surrey and Help and Care have been appointed by Surrey County Council to act as a public voice. The watchdog group, which takes on the role on 1 April, will … Continue reading →

Surrey features in Guardian debate on cutting energy bills

Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Change and Efficiency Denise Le Gal and Senior Category Specialist Barry Purdy participated in an online debate organised by the Guardian about local energy saving schemes. They highlighted the council’s switch and save initiative to cut gas and electricity bills. To view the debate, follow this link. To register for … Continue reading →

Seatbelt research reveals children are not strapped in

Research has revealed 9% of children travelling in the back of a car are not strapped into a child seat, sparking a road safety warning. The study commissioned by Surrey County Council* also showed white van man is risking life and limb, with 16% of van drivers not buckling up and 31% of their passengers … Continue reading →

Blitz on worst roads following local people’s nominations

More than 310 miles of Surrey’s roads will be completely overhauled as part of a £100 million county council investment to tackle the root cause of potholes and grow the economy. Operation Horizon will replace 10% of the county’s highways over the next five years, targeting the worst roads in Surrey. Many of those roads … Continue reading →

Media invite – be the first to walk across the newest bridge over the River Thames

What Reporters, photographers and film crews are invited be the first people to walk across the only new road bridge built across the River Thames in more than 20 years. The spectacular Walton Bridge, in Surrey, will not open to the public until later in the year, but media are invited for a sneak peak … Continue reading →