On a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon, yes we do get them occasionally, I knocked on the doors of homes in Waterside Road to listen to the concerns of the residents. I came away with a number of issues that residents are having with trees, house repairs, noisy cars and anti-social behaviour. These issues are the day-to-day work for and James and I and we also receive communications by email and phone from residents across the ward. Working with our residents to resolve their issues makes sure their voice is heard in Guildford Borough Council and we also work with Surrey County Council and other agencies such as Thames Water to resolve your concerns.

Another issue that was coming up on the doorstep was the new Weyside Urban Village. This project has been in development for many years and offers the prospect of much needed new housing. James and I will work hard to ensure that the 40% affordable and social rent mix will be delivered.

Working with our residents to resolve their issues makes sure their voice is heard in Guildford Borough Council…

This is much needed housing stock for Guildford but we are well aware that the development is causing disruption, especially to residents in Slyfield. James and I are in regular communication with the officers at GBC who are overseeing the project and will communicate any concerns to them. The new sewage works are progressing well, and the thump of the pile driving has thankfully finished. The new council depot and the demolition of the building at the entrance to the old depot is an indication that the development is underway. James and I are concerned to ensure that the whole community of Bellfields and Slyfield will benefit from this new development. Opening out the river to enable the whole of Guildford to access the river walk and a new SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) towards Jacobs Well will offer new opportunities for walking and recreation. The councillors are also concerned to make sure that all residents of Bellfields and Slyfield will benefit from the new recreation and community spaces in the WUV.

WUV, along with the new development in North Street and the development of the old Debenhams building are proof that things are happening in Guildford. Councillors across the council have spent hours in session debating the merits or otherwise of plans submitted by developers to ensure that we get the best for all residents of Guildford.

Attending committees is a large part of the councillors’ duties and another way in which we voice residents’ concerns to the council.

Attending committees is a large part of the councillors’ duties and another way in which we voice residents’ concerns to the council. I serve on the Licencing Committee and work with other councillors on cases regarding the licencing of businesses in Guildford and ensuring that the taxi and private hire cabs drivers are fit and proper persons to be entrusted with driving hire vehicles in our town. James is the chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee which examines council polices and decisions and gives the public and councillors the opportunity to hold the council to account. I also am a member of the Climate Change Board working with the officers of the council to deliver the net zero promise that it made to residents. I am also a member of the recently convened Heritage Task & Finish Group. This group is examining the ways in which the heritage assets of the council: the castle and museum and Guildford House can be better promoted and used by the residents and visitors to our town. The Executive, the planning committee and other committees concerned with the governance of the council and the full council meetings where major decisions and motions are debated in council to make Guildford the best it can be.

…if you have any problems that we might be able to help you with, please contact us.

Add in visits to community organisations, supporting the work that they do, and we are kept busy as councillors and I love what I do!

So if you have any problems that we might be able to help you with, please contact us. Our details are printed in this community magazine and also available at guildford.gov.uk.

We are ready and waiting for your call.

Cllr Amanda Creese
E: amanda.creese@guildford.gov.uk
T: 07814 441243

Cllr James Walsh
E: james.walsh@guildford.gov.uk
T: 07533 767227

Facebook: @guildfordlabourcouncillors