Guildford Borough Council Executive Team 2015-2019

All Guildford taxis to take card payments from 1 April
Paying for your taxi journey in Guildford will be easier from 1 April. From this date all Guildford licensed taxis must have a card payment device and accept payments by credit and debit card. Contactless payments will be available and drivers will print a receipt to show you have paid.
Cllr Graham Ellwood, Lead Councillor for Licensing, Environmental Health and Community Safety, said: “We have made these changes to our l...icensed taxi service to make payments easier and more convenient for all and to improve safety for drivers by removing the need for them to carry large amounts of cash.
“This new payment option adds to our work with the trade making positive changes to protect public safety. We have introduced a livery for taxis, door signs for private hire vehicles and the requirement for drivers to complete a BTEC qualification.”
The policy was introduced in February last year, and is a mandatory requirement from 1 April. Passengers will still be able to pay with cash if they prefer.
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Dogbusters is our new service for lost and stray dogs.
Graham Ellwood, Lead Councillor for Licensing & Community Safety says:
This is necessary partly because our dog warden is now fully employed implementing the 2018 Animal Welfare Act which brings many new areas into legislation including breeders and professional dog walkers for example.
... We would like to thank Treetops our previous provider for all their cooperation and good service.
Treetops are not continuing partly because of a serious incident they experienced recently with people who refused to accept that their dog wasn’t at their Kennels (Police were involved).
Dogbusters have been vetted to the highest standard by GBC as Treetops replacement on a 7 day 24 hr basis.
Their contact details and charges are on our website (they return the dog to the owner).
They do not provide their address to avoid any repetition of the above and a mobile only because of the 24 hour nature of the service. The costs reflect the 24/7 service they provide and high standard of care.
Dogs not reclaimed will be rehoused and no animal will be put down.
Any operational queries can be directed to GBC’s Regulatory Services Manager justine.fuller@guildford.gov.uk
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Wider community use for Guildford Sportsground
Guildford Sportsground, located on Woodbridge Road, will see greater community use thanks to a new management company that Guildford Borough Council will set up with Surrey County Cricket Club and Guildford Cricket Club to manage the site. The Council is a trustee for the Guildford Sportsground and the decision was taken at a meeting of the Council's Executive (19 March).
Cllr David Bilbe, Lead Cllr for Enterprise and Economic De...velopment says: "Setting up a management company to operate Guildford Sportsground will help us meet our aim of increasing community use of all the facilities, including the recently refurbished Pavilion. It will also help save council taxpayers money as we aim to make the operation self-sustaining in the future. One of our key priorities as a Council is to improve sporting, community and recreational facilities and to encourage more people to take part in sport. The facilities at Guildford Sportsground will be open to all to hire for sporting activities and events."
The aims of the new management company will be to: - support greater community use of the sportsground and its facilities - use the site for the playing and promotion of cricket - operate the pavilion and grounds for sports, events and social activities.
Cllr Bilbe adds: “There is a long history of high quality cricket on this important site and this will continue alongside the wider community and social use.”
For more information about the Executive meeting on 19 March - or to watch the debate via our online webcast - please visit www.guildford.gov.uk/…/16717/Councillor s-and-Decision-Making
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Guildford Station Land and Rail Study
We are pleased to announce the completion of a comprehensive Land and Rail Study for Guildford Station.
The need for the study was originally identified in the Wessex Route Study 2015, however, Network Rail confirmed they would not be able to deliver it until 2024 so, to bring this important work for the town forward, the Council funded it.
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Bridge to replace safety hotspot level crossing at Ash
Plans to replace the level crossing at Ash station with a new road bridge and footbridge were further progressed at meeting of the Executive last night (19 March).
The Executive agreed to approve the overall capital scheme cost of £22.8 million (to be fully funded by grants and developer contributions) and to move the project from planning permission stage to the pre-construction stage which includes detailed design. Plan...
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New Kings College 3G pitch takes a step closer to being completed
The development of the new state-of-the-art third generation (3G) facilities at Kings College took another step towards completion after the removal of the old astroturf pitch. The much-anticipated project will see the installation of a full-size, all-weather, floodlit pitch, and new spectator area that can be used for Kings College School in the daytime and community, club and private hire in the evenings and ...weekends.
Cllr Iseult Roche, Lead Councillor for Community Health, Wellbeing & Project Aspire, says:
“It is great to see the project progressing so quickly. The new pitch will deliver a first class facility that will give fantastic sporting opportunities to the school and the community to participate, learn and develop new sporting skills. We are really excited about the opening of the pitch and to see the new opportunities it will bring to the area.”
The new facilities represent an important addition to the school, providing first class facilities for school sports.
The new pitch will also provide a new venue for the schools partnership clubs, Guildford Saints, Worplesdon Rangers and Woking Football in the Community, to host club training, matches, community football programmes and holiday activities for juniors and seniors for both women and men’s football.
The new pitch is set to officially open on 11 May at a community opening event held at Kings College. The community open event is free for all the public to attend and will host a range of free, family, fun activities for all ages and abilities. People will be able to see the completed pitch and find out more about the programme of activities available.
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Collaboration at Slyfield to further regeneration plans
Plans to relocate the sewage treatment works at Slyfield Industrial Estate moved ahead when senior representatives from Guildford Borough Council and Thames Water met at the site this week.
Both organisations are close to reaching an agreement over the relocation of the sewage treatment works, which is owned and operated by Thames Water. The meeting follows the Executive’s decision last week to set aside £10 million to ...fund 50 per cent of Thames Water’s costs to relocate the works as well as any future spend covering Thames Water's legal and professional fees and design costs leading to the submission of the planning application for the sewage works.
Moving the sewage works will provide residents with a new improved treatment facility and make way for 1,500 new homes, two new industrial units and associated infrastructure by utilising brownfield land away from residential areas.
The new road currently being built at Slyfield will also benefit the borough by significantly easing traffic congestion in the estate and help to facilitate moving the sewage works and the Council’s depot.
Leader of the Council and Lead Councillor for Planning and Regeneration, Cllr Paul Spooner says: ‘Today is a significant milestone in moving ahead with the regeneration of this area. Getting closer to a final agreement is a welcome step in the journey of this project. Unlocking the potential of this site and utilising brownfield land is a key part of our Local Plan and will serve as a catalyst for unprecedented reinvestment in the area.’
Pictured from left to right are:
Lead Officer for Slyfield Regeneration, Michael Lee-Dickson Thames Water’s Head of Projects, Martin Hoff Leader of the Council, Cllr Paul Spooner Director of Planning and Regeneration, Tracey Coleman Thames Water’s chief delivery officer, Steve Spencer Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Matt Furniss
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New sustainable travel network for Guildford

Businesses and organisations across Guildford can secure travel discounts for their staff thanks to a new network launched by the Council as part of its air quality strategy action plan.
... Working with the easitNETWORK - easitGUILDFORD will offer discounts on train and bus travel, as well as reductions on other initiatives.
The aim is to make public transport and cycling realistic alternatives for commuters – and the discounts can be used for leisure as well as work trips, making the offers even more attractive.
Businesses across the borough are now being urged to sign up – so as many people as possible can benefit by getting cars off the road and reducing air pollution.
Cllr Graham Ellwood, Lead Councillor for Licensing, Environmental Health and Community Safety, said: “I’m delighted that we are now part of this new network which will provide initiatives and incentives, such as discounted tickets, for workers to consider more sustainable travel.
“As part of our work in tackling air pollution, it has the potential to improve the health of thousands of residents while making our borough less congested and polluted.
“Through our ambitious air quality strategy we are determined to encourage residents and businesses to do their part to reduce the levels of air pollution in our borough.
“I hope as many companies and organisations as possible sign up – the more that get involved the greater the impact.
Staff at organisations who belong to easitGUILDFORD can purchase an easitCARD, for a small cost, which will entitle them to a discount on Southern rail services.
The aim for the first year is to recruit at least five businesses and organisations representing more than 5,000 commuters to allow the network to run sustainably in future years.
For more details regarding easitguildford visit: www.easit.org.uk/easitguildford
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Adventure playground and gardens to open in town centre
Following an exciting redevelopment programme Westnye Gardens will open to the public on Saturday 30 March.
The Gardens are situated in the heart of Guildford, across the River Wey from Debenhams. The new design, created by Davis White Ltd - RHS Gold medal Hampton Court Flower winners, includes a variety of traditional play equipment from wobbly bridges to a tree climbing net.... Young children will be able to play on the double width embankment slide and bounce around on the submerged trampoline. Other special additions include a brass rubbing post trail around the perimeter, a woven willow living pod and a magnifying post. Picnic tables and chairs and benches complete the scene.
Local councillors were given a tour of the gardens in anticipation of the opening event.
Leader of the Councillor and Lead Councillor for Planning and Regeneration, Cllr Paul Spooner said:
“The transformation of the Westnye Gardens has been truly remarkable. The new design and play apparatus has bought life back to the Gardens creating another little jewel in the crown of our stunning historic town centre. Our Parks and Leisure team have done an exceptional job in connecting children with nature. We currently hold 9 Green Flag awards for our green spaces and this is testament to their work. The project to revitalise Westnye is part of the Council’s Play Strategy, ensuring that all of our play facilities are of a high standard and granting children the opportunity to play freely.”
Deputy Lead Councillor for Urban Parks & Recreation and Countryside & Rural, Cllr David Wright said:
“It’s a wonderful space for families both local and those visiting to enjoy and serves as a good example of us listening and working closely with local residents to transform an underused area into something attractive and beneficial for all. Although the Gardens are equipped for young children we hope that perhaps other members of the community or those working in the town centre will be interested in visiting it.”
During the opening event, the Council’s Playrangers will be on hand from 12:30pm – 3:30pm. The Guildford Baptist Church are providing free refreshments and will also be open for families to use their facilities and also participate in some activities.
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Science and art come alive at Innovate Guildford on 23 March
Our fantastic science and arts festival, Innovate Guildford is back for its 4th year on Saturday 23 March at G Live. Building on the success of previous events, this year’s Innovate promises to be the best yet!
With exhibitors from across the local area, Innovate Guildford will inspire and delight people of all ages. There’s plenty for the kids to do and best of all the event is completely free.
... Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council says: "Innovate Guildford is a fantastic free day out for all the family. Guildford is a centre for innovation and it's great to see so many local companies taking part to showcase their projects and inspire the next generation."
Cllr Gordon Jackson, Lead Councillor for Innovation and Transformation adds: "There's lots on offer this year from photography workshops and Guildford Shakespeare Company's youth theatre to the chance to sit inside a McLaren supercar and a Formula Student electric racing car, so come and join us on Saturday 23 March at G Live."
Among the exhibitors this year are Surrey Satellite Technology, The Pirbright Institute, a pop-up Planetarium and the Academy of Contemporary Music. Visitors will be able to book for the small number of ticketed events, including photo workshops from Sharp Shots, when they arrive at the venue.
Plus we’ve got a special treat for computer gamers – Guildford’s megastar game company Media Molecule will be at the show with brand new entertainment!
The event, which is kindly sponsored by Autolawn and Kyan and supported by Experience Guildford and engineering firm Vision Triteq, will run from 10am to 5pm at G Live, so join us for a day out with a difference. Visit www.innovateguildford.co.uk for the full list of exhibitors and what's on during the day.
The University of Surrey are taking part in this year's event, showcasing some of the inspirational things they are achieving at the forefront of research and technology.
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Repair Café is on today at Park Barn Social Centre from 10-12.
The Repair Café is an international movement that encourages people to think about re-using and repairing items rather than throwing them away.
The Guildford Repair Café is run by a dedicated group of volunteers and is supported by us.
... The Café helps you to continue using and enjoying items you love. It also develops skills, reduces waste and CO2 emissions, and encourages a sustainable community.
What do you do with a wobbly chair or when the zip breaks on your favourite jacket? Throw it away? No way! If you have an item that is broken or needs adjusting, bring it along to the Guildford Repair Café! Come and learn how to fix items yourself with the help of our friendly team of volunteer repair experts, all free of charge.
We have experts on DIY, woodwork, bike mechanics, electrical items (including portable appliance testing), sewing and upholstery who will show you how to make all possible repairs and answer your questions.
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Well done to Surrey Police for their hard work!

It is important that you vote in elections. The Local Elections in May is about your local area, we have an opportunity that happens only once every four years to elect a Council that delivers on key services such as making sure bins are collected, helping the homeless, providing meals on wheels and maintaining our fantastic parks and countryside.
A booming local economy and investment in Guildford Town Centre; ever-increasing recycling rates; planning for the homes we need ...to provide to underpin our economy and a clean and green Borough that preserves green space and rich heritage.
Guildford continues to be one of the highest-rated Councils in terms of resident satisfaction and we want to continue to offer you that service.
Make sure you register to vote #binsnotbrexit
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New museum – next steps towards a destination to showcase and celebrate innovation, creativity and place
The Executive considered the latest progress and next stage in transforming our museum into a major focal point for heritage and the arts at its meeting on 19 March.
Lead Councillor for Skills, Arts and Tourism, Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith says: “We aim to create a new attraction and cultural destination, based around an exciting and modern offer, which opens up the Castle Gro...unds and showcases our borough’s tremendous story and collections. We are involving residents, organisations and businesses in our plans to make sure we offer national exhibitions, as well the best of Guildford’s past, present and future. Their feedback has been an important part of the last year’s work, as we continue to make progress on this long-term and complex project.
“We have a unique opportunity to provide a destination that recognises Guildford’s status and position in our region and a new museum is part of a much bigger picture. It will provide a significant local and regional focus for heritage and the arts by linking with a wide variety of our own and other attractions across our area. Celebrating Guildford’s amazing innovation, creativity and achievements, from the past wool trade to satellite technology and the thriving gaming industry, will attract more visitors and boost our local economy. A vibrant cultural space also encourages inward investment and interest from new companies looking for a great place to locate their business and workforce.”
Regeneration of Guildford Museum is a complicated and challenging process, and projects of this scale, aspiration and investment take time and involve many different partners and stakeholders. Work so far has focussed on shaping the stories the museum will tell, ideas for events and activities, analysis of the site feasibility and developing a sustainable model for the future, all based on extensive audience research.
Cllr Nelson-Smith adds: “Demonstrating new and inventive ways to share our arts and heritage is just one strand of our ongoing innovation theme. Our innovation strategy, which will also be considered at next week’s Executive meeting, shows how we support, implement and encourage ground-breaking initiatives to benefit people across our borough.”
The Executive will consider the external fundraising options and next steps towards a possible opening of a new attraction in the summer of 2023.
For more information about the Executive meeting on 19 March - or to watch the debate via our online webcast - please visit www.guildford.gov.uk/…/16717/Councillor s-and-Decision-Making
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Helping Guildford Shakespeare Company find a new home
We support a wide range of arts, heritage and cultural organisations across our borough, including the Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC).
Cllr Nigel Manning, Lead Councillor for Finance and Asset Management, says: “We recognise Guildford Shakespeare Company’s tremendous value and contribution in helping make our borough a great place to live, work and visit. We provide both practical and financial support to GSC, so they...
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Registration is open for Team Guildford's free taster sessions
Last night, local Olympian Liam Heath MBE and 30 young people nominated to be Specsavers Surrey Youth Games Young Ambassadors, came together to celebrate a new programme of free sessions aimed at giving young people the chance to try a variety of sports and physical activities in Guildford.
The Young Ambassadors, who represented Team Guildford in the 2018 Games, heard how they could help promote the free local pre...
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The Mayor of Guildford Cllr Mike Parsons unveiled a portrait of Bill and Doreen Bellerby at the Council offices this evening.
Tributes were led by Leader of the Council, Cllr Paul Spooner in honour of their achievements and service to Guildford.
Friends thanked Cllrs Marsha Moseley, Matt Furniss and officers for their help in installing this tribute

An early view of the new Westnye Gardens which will open to the public on Saturday 30 March following an exciting redevelopment programme.
The new playground was supported by Cllr Alex Chesterfield with local residents and was tested yesterday by the Executive on Guildford Borough Council