In December 2024 the Government announced it was reorganising local government in Surrey to create ‘unitary’ authorities. These would combine the existing responsibilities of the county (e.g. education, social care, highways) and boroughs and districts (e.g. planning, housing). Surrey County Council is proposing two unitaries whilst Guildford Borough Council is proposing three unitaries. The three unitary model is supported by nine of the eleven boroughs in the county.

East Horsley parish would be impacted as follows:

• two unitary model: we would be part of West Surrey which would comprise the existing Guildford, Surrey Heath, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Waverley and Woking districts and boroughs; or
• three unitary model: we would be part of West Surrey which would comprise the existing Guildford, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking districts and boroughs.

The advocates of two unitary authorities believe it will offer better value for taxpayers with stable finances protecting vital services. It will also simplify services with fewer points of contact and reduced confusion about which council does what. 

The advocates of three unitary authorities believe the approach is strongly local – it “actively fosters and encourages community empowerment, local decision making and strong place leadership” (Shaping Surrey’s Future, 2025).

An early engagement survey across Surrey showed that of 3,300 residents almost two thirds (63%) expressed a preference for three unitary authorities. Seventeen per cent preferred a two unitary approach, with 20% expressing no preference. Residents said their preference was for a solution that understands local issues and offers local decision making; saving money was a much lower priority. 

Underpinning both proposals is the assumption that Surrey’s stranded debt will be addressed to enable a successful transition to the new way of working. The Government has committed that the massive debts incurred by Woking, which totalled £2.6 billion at one stage, will be dealt with. According to the Minister of State (Jim McMahon) in June, “Government is committed to addressing that unmanageable debt so that any new councils formed out of reorganisation are sustainable in the long-term”. Government will provide debt repayment support but the full details have yet to be announced.

The impact of local government reorganisation on parish councils remains unclear.

Have your say

The Government is holding a public consultation which closes on 8 August 2025. The link to the online survey is: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/lgr#consultation1.

EHPC will submit a consultation response following discussion at the Council on 28 July. Initial views are that the three unitary model offers a geography that should have a better chance of reflecting our local priorities. Such a change programme should also be easier to manage given that fewer boroughs are involved and Guildford and Waverley already share an executive team.

Following this consultation Government will make a decision on the most appropriate approach for Surrey during the Autumn.

Online resources

If you are interested in finding out more there are several resources online:

Guildford Borough Council: https://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/27476/Have-your-say-on-the-future-of-local-government-in-Surrey

Surrey County Council: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/lgr#consultation1

Surrey Local Government Reorganisation Hub: https://www.surreylgrhub.org

A year on from receiving an invaluable contribution to the start-up costs from the Horsley Community Fund (HCF), founding organisers of the Horsley Repair Cafe, Andrew Franklin and Alex Veys, presented bunches of flowers as an expression of appreciation to HCF committee members Lesley Noble and Rosie Fonseca.  

For the second consecutive year, the Horsley Choral Society has taken top honours in their division at the prestigious Leith Hill Music Festival, held last weekend.

In a poignant moment for the group, the competition marked the final appearance of long-serving Musical Director Val Beynon. Under her baton, the choir delivered an exceptional performance, winning all three categories in their division.

East Horsley Parish Council congratulates the Society on this remarkable achievement, joining the many voices celebrating their continued success.

Horsley Choral Society's Autumn season begins on Monday 1 September, with weekly rehearsals held at East Horsley Village Hall from 8pm to 10pm.

If you enjoy singing, this is a perfect time to get involved! New members are warmly invited to come along for a few free taster rehearsals as the term begins. The Society also welcomes Elspeth Wyllie as their new conductor, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the choir.

There’s no audition required, and singers of all voice parts (SATB) are encouraged to join. All you need is the ability to hold a tune and a passion for singing.

Not only is singing fun, but it’s also been proven to support health and wellbeing, so why not come and enjoy making music with a friendly, like-minded group?

📞 For more information, visit: www.horsleychoralsociety.com
📧 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
📱 Phone: 07742 930574

After 14 years of dedicated service, Parish Clerk Nick Clemens will retire in July 2025 following his 70th birthday. Nick’s leadership has been central to the success of our Parish Council, and we thank him for his outstanding contribution.

Following a thorough recruitment process, we are pleased to announce that Hilary Gullen will succeed Nick as Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer. Hilary, currently Electoral Services Manager at Richmond Borough Council and an East Horsley resident, brings valuable local government experience. She will start in mid-May, working alongside Nick for two months to ensure a smooth transition.

We look forward to Hilary’s leadership as our Parish navigates upcoming changes in Surrey's local government landscape.

We’re pleased to welcome two new councillors to East Horsley Parish Council: Chris Hampson and Anna Mitchell.

Chris Hampson

Chris has lived in East Horsley for over a decade and applied to become a councillor to help preserve the village’s semi-rural character, while recognising the importance of appropriate development across the wider borough.

Married with three children, Chris is also passionate about strengthening our strong sense of community. He brings a broad professional background in strategy, finance, operations, and procurement, and looks forward to supporting the Parish Council in its work.

Anna Mitchell

Anna and her family moved to East Horsley in the summer of 2024 and are thoroughly enjoying village life. She has a strong interest in all areas of the Parish Council’s work, with a particular focus on history, heritage, and sustainability.

As a committed sustainability advocate, Anna makes daily choices to reduce environmental impact and promote kindness to the planet. She enjoys gardening, running, walking, and spending time in nature. If time allowed, she’d be out horse riding or painting.

With a professional background in communications and marketing, Anna brings creativity, energy, and a positive mindset to her role on the Council.

Just ten months after its launch, the Horsley Repair Cafe has earned official recognition. Last Saturday at the County Club in Guildford, the team was honoured with a Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community.

Volunteer-in-Chief Alex Veys hailed the award as a resounding endorsement of all the hard work the volunteer team has put in since the Cafe opened in July last year.

With the first Saturday of the month approaching, the Repair Cafe will once again open its doors this weekend to residents of East and West Horsley. Locals are invited to bring in a wide range of household and garden items in need of repair, along with garments and other textiles that can be mended.

While repairs are underway, visitors can enjoy tea, coffee, and a delicious selection of homemade cakes and biscuits.

Free parking is available, as always, at Horsley Towers—courtesy of the management

Photo - Cllr Andrew Franklin, Cllr Aileen Aitcheson, Jonathan Hill, Carol Wilson, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, Major of Guildford

On Tuesday 24 March, The Friends of Effingham Junction Station carried out work at Effingham Junction train station. They pretty much finished clearing the area next to the access road including clearing the soil off the road and clearing the old footpath. While the East Horsley Parish Council (EHPC) awaits the arrival of a new warden, George’s Garden Services, based in the village, have been busy deputising (funded by EHPC). The border of the access road to Effingham Junction Station car park has been transformed. Previously, a dense mass of overgrowth, it is now free of everything long dead. Additionally, the public footpath flanking the car park fence is now once again clear having been buried for many years.

Thanks to sponsorship from funeral directors James and Thomas, the gravestone of Frank and Ellen (‘Nell’) Chown, has been expertly restored. The grave, situated in St Martins Churchyard, had become almost unrecognisable thanks to years of sap and other detritus from a nearby tree. Now, thanks to the efforts of Chris Bertram, funeral arranger at the East Horsley branch and K and S Memorials, professional grave and monument restorers for James and Thomas, the gravestone is now looking splendid with the inscriptions clear and eminently readable.

 Surrey County Council has confirmed that essential highway repair and maintenance works will be taking place on Downside Road, from 09:30 on Wednesday 23 July to 16:00 on Thursday 25 July.

The works will require a full road closure, affecting the stretch that provides direct access between Cobham and East Horsley. As a result, drivers should expect disruption and plan alternative routes during this period.

These maintenance works are part of ongoing efforts to improve road conditions across the county. While access for emergency vehicles will be maintained, through traffic will not be permitted.

For further information and live updates, visit the official roadworks map: one.network/GB143140589

Key details:

• Road: Downside Road

• Closure times: 09:30, 23 July – 16:00, 25 July

• Impact: No through-access between Cobham and East Horsley

As part of ongoing works to widen the approach to Ockham Park Roundabout and construct the new bridleway link from Wisley Lane towards Ockham Road North, a series of road closures will be in place over the summer. These works are essential to improving traffic flow and enhancing pedestrian and cyclist access in the area.

Closure Details

Monday 14 July to Wednesday 23 July 2025 – 24/7 Closure
Ockham Road North will be fully closed in both directions between Ockham Park Roundabout and Guileshill Lane from 6am on Monday 14 July to 6am on Wednesday 23 July. This closure will remain in place 24 hours a day.
Residential access will be maintained.

Wednesday 23 July to Wednesday 6 August 2025 – Overnight Closures
From Wednesday 23 July to Wednesday 6 August, Ockham Road North will be closed overnight only, between 8pm and 6am, in both directions between Ockham Park Roundabout and Guileshill Lane.
Residential access will be maintained.

Thursday 7 August to Friday 29 August 2025 – 24/7 Closure
A further full closure will take place from 6am on Thursday 7 August to 8pm on Friday 29 August. Ockham Road North will again be closed 24/7 in both directions between Ockham Park Roundabout and Guileshill Lane.
Residential access will be maintained.

Diversion Route

During all closures, traffic will be diverted via the B2039, A246, A247, and B2215 in both directions.
A map of the diversion route is available here

We thank residents and road users for their patience while these essential works are carried out. Customer & Communications Team | Balfour Beatty | Highways | South East. M25 Junction 10 Project Office, Portsmouth Road, Ripley, Woking, GU23 6FN