March & April 2025 update from local councillors George Potter and Jane Tyson.

Local councillors George Potter and Jane Tyson write their regular update for Burpham residents:

Burpham Community Hub

After many years the Burpham Community Hub officially took over management of the community hall in Sutherland Memorial Park in November, and it is now available for hire by the public when not being used by the nursery. Booking enquiries can be made to: burphamcommunityhub@gmail.com

Community Cafe

Jane had a lovely meeting with the Burpham Community Hub to help plan the launch of the community cafe! Join us for tea and cakes on Saturday, March 8th, from 8.30am to 11.30am at Sutherland Memorial Hall (GU4 7LX). Funds raised during these weekly Saturday morning pop-up cafés will support the Hub’s goal of hosting an outdoor community cinema event in September 2025. Pour yourself a cuppa and stay tuned for updates!

Save the date: Burpham Village Fair

Burpham’s first village fair since lockdown will be held Saturday, 12th July, 12.00 – 3.00pm, to celebrate community groups, support local businesses, and enjoy a day of socialising and fun. More info: spacehive.com/burpham-village-fair

Community Grants

Part of George’s role as county councillor includes disbursing various grants to help fund community projects in the local area. This year he’s been glad to fund raised edges for Burpham Bowling Green, set up costs for the Burpham Community Hub, and contribute to the Brigitte Trust and Cherry Trees, both charities working in our local area.

Roads and footpaths

For the upcoming financial year George is really pleased to report that he has been able to arrange for the George Abbot underpass to be completely resurfaced, alongside other works such as the reconstruction of the pavement on Merrow Lane and the clearing back of vegetation along London Road between Weylea Avenue and The Cedars (which has already taken place).

George and Jane are also working with Merrow councillors and our MP, Zöe Franklin, to speak to Network Rail to address flooding and water leaking through the roof of the George Abbot underpass.

Bin Collection Calendar

The bin collection calendar for the year ahead is available online: www.guildford.gov.uk/bincollectiondays

We also still have physical copies of the bin collection calendar available, funded and produced by the Lib Dems, which we are happy to hand deliver to anyone who’d like one. You can reach us at george.potter@guildford.gov.uk or jane.tyson@guildford.gov.uk, or ring 07411 005115.

General Update

Lots of things happening across Guildford, from the North Street redevelopment to the borough council budget to community project grants and nominations for the Mayor’s Award. Since we do not have space to cover all those topics here you can find out all about them in the council’s ‘About Guildford’ newsletter: tinyurl.com/about-guildford-01-25

Drop In To See Us!

Our monthly drop-ins are on the first Saturday of each month, 10–11.30am, at M & R Barber + Brew in the Kingspost shopping parade. Whether you have something to discuss or just fancy a chat over tea or coffee, we’d love to see you.

Breaking News – – –

Just as we went to press we received the devastating news that the county council elections for this May have been cancelled by the government at the request of the county council leadership. We are both completely opposed to this theft of people’s right to have their say. A petition has been started against the cancellation, which we hope you will sign: guildfordlibdems.org.uk/let-surrey-vote

George Potter and Jane Tyson