Motorists in East Horsley, Surrey, are being warned of delays as Howard Road closes on 9 and 10 October for investigation work on the railway bridge.

According to one.network, the works involve trial holes on the bridge deck ahead of planned resurfacing. Surrey County Council is responsible for the works.

A road closure and diversion route are listed, with drivers advised to allow extra time for their journeys and follow the signed diversion.

Motorists should check the latest roadworks information before travelling, as arrangements may change.

Multi-way traffic signals will be in place on Ockham Road South while essential repair works are carried out to the churchyard boundary wall.

Surrey County Council has scheduled streetworks on Ockham Road South from 10am on Monday 19 October until 11.59pm on Friday 30 October 2026.

The works involve repairs to approximately 15 metres of a Grade II listed churchyard boundary wall.

Traffic management:

• Multi-way traffic signals will be in operation.
• Signals are expected to be in place at all times during the works.
• Drivers should allow extra time for their journeys and approach the area with care.

The works are listed by Surrey County Council under reference S171 – 343026.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and consider allowing additional time when travelling through Ockham Road South during the works.

Surrey County Council has become the first local authority in the UK to introduce a new app designed to help blind and partially sighted passengers navigate bus stations more easily.

The Aira Explorer app enables users to connect via a live video call to a trained visual interpreter, who can guide them in real time using the smartphone’s camera. The service is now available at bus stations in Guildford, Redhill, Staines and Woking.

At these locations, the app can be used free of charge, funded by the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Fund. As well as helping passengers find their bus, interpreters can assist with reading timetables, directing users to staff, or guiding them into nearby town centres.

The initiative has been launched as part of Better Transport Week (16–22 June), which highlights how improved transport can better connect communities.

The project has been developed in partnership with organisations including Govia Thameslink Railway, Sight for Surrey, the Sussex Sight Loss Council and the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, building on similar support already available across parts of the rail network.

This trial forms part of wider investment in Surrey’s bus services aimed at improving accessibility, reliability and sustainability for all passengers.

More information is available on the Surrey County Council website.

In front of a full house of around 200 plus attendees with standing room only, Jonathan Wade, Senior Project Manager, National Highways, spent two hours at East Horsley Village Hall last Wednesday describing how he managed the mammoth eight-year scheme.

Working with a £300 million budget, his mission was to reduce both queues and collisions at a junction that absorbs an average of 270,000 vehicles every day, a figure that includes 80% of all A3 traffic at that point.

By far the biggest challenge was navigating the natural constraints surrounding the area, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, common land, and protected nesting habitats. Minimising disturbance to the heathland was another priority. To this end, the upgrade includes Cockcrow Bridge, the UK’s first heathland bridge, enabling wildlife to move safely between reserves on either side of the A3.

Cockcrow is one of eight new bridges constructed as part of the scheme, while five existing bridges were demolished. Four years after construction began, work is now almost complete. Jonathan reports that tailbacks are already reducing and annual collisions, previously running at around 240 per year, are expected to fall significantly.

To watch his talk in full here

Just an hour of your time can help make our roads safer.

Speeding traffic is one of the issues residents raise with us most often and with good reason. It affects safety, peace of mind and the character of our village.

One way you can all help tackle the problem is by joining our Speedwatch team. This small group of local volunteers carries out occasional roadside monitoring sessions to deter careless driving and remind motorists to keep to the limit.

The commitment is light, just the odd hour here and there, but the impact is meaningful. Hi-viz jackets and training are provided, and you’ll be working alongside fellow residents who share the same concern for our community.

With public budgets under increasing pressure, community effort plays a vital role in keeping East Horsley a safe and welcoming place. If you can spare a little time to join Speedwatch, please get in touch with our Parish Clerk This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If Speedwatch isn’t for you, there are plenty of other ways to get involved. Our Parish Clerk will be happy to talk through other volunteering opportunities where your time and skills could make a real difference.

Together, we can help keep our village safe, friendly and thriving.

East Horsley Parish Council is inviting residents and regular visitors to complete a short online survey to share their views on traffic speeds, road safety concerns, and potential improvements across the village.

East Horsley Parish Council is inviting residents and regular visitors to complete a short online survey to share their views on traffic speeds, road safety concerns, and potential improvements across the village.

This is not a vote on specific changes, but an opportunity to gather general feedback to help identify problem areas and gauge support for possible future measures. Topics include excessive speeds, pedestrian safety, road layouts, and traffic calming options.

It only takes a few minutes to complete
Open to all East Horsley residents and regular visitors
Take the survey now

Why Take Part?

Your feedback will help the Parish Council:

• Understand road safety concerns across different parts of the village

• Identify priority areas for the next phase of traffic speed monitoring (planned for autumn)

• Consider whether further traffic calming or other safety improvements are needed

• Inform future discussions with Surrey County Council

Phase 1 Speed Survey Findings

In February 2025, the Parish Council carried out Automatic Traffic Counts (ATCs) at 10 locations, based on concerns raised by residents and to complement additional monitoring by Surrey County Council. Highlights include:

A246 (4 sites)

• Most vehicles travelled between 30–40mph; peak volumes were 33–35mph

• 90% of drivers stayed within the speed limit

• Over 50 vehicles per day exceeded 50mph

• Peak speeds exceeded 70mph at all four locations

Previous data from Park Horsley (bottom of the hill) showed average speeds of 46mph, with over 30 vehicles daily exceeding 70mph — some recorded at over 100mph.

Ockham Road North & South (6 sites)

• Most vehicles travelled at 25–30mph

• Average speeds were below 28mph

• 2.9% exceeded 35mph

• 1–2 vehicles per day reached speeds of 50–70mph

Planned Traffic Calming Measures

Some traffic calming works are already planned near Ockham Road North and Station Parade as part of local development agreements funded by Taylor Wimpey. These measures were not proposed by the Parish Council and have received mixed feedback from residents.

The current survey aims to understand whether additional or alternative safety measures are needed elsewhere in the village.

Let’s work together to make East Horsley’s roads safer — your input matters.
Click here to take the survey

Public meeting at East Horsley Village Hall – Friday 9 October 7.30pm

Updated 8 October 2026: Important - The meeting is fully sold out

Thank you for the tremendous interest in this important local issue. The meeting at East Horsley Village Hall is now fully booked.

If you do not have a ticket, please do not attend in person, as we are unlikely to be able to accommodate additional people.

Unable to attend in person? Watch online

With the help of U3A, we have been able to arrange a live feed of the meeting via Zoom. You may be able to watch on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Topic: What Does Grey Belt Mean for Our Villages?

Date: Friday 9 October 2026

Time: 7.30pm (London time)

Join the Zoom meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83538944218?pwd=8zek4rs9Lq23JaN0bMnXmVyk3SDujf.1

Meeting ID: 835 3894 4218

Passcode: 585788

Please note that online access may be subject to technical or capacity limitations.

About the meeting

Changes to national planning policy and Guildford Borough Council's Green Belt Assessment have raised important questions about the future of Green Belt land around our villages.

East Horsley Parish Council is hosting this public meeting to help residents understand the implications of the Grey Belt designation, hear from local representatives and explore what these changes could mean for our villages and their surroundings.

The meeting will include a panel of local representatives and an opportunity to hear their views and discuss this important issue.

What is “grey belt”?

The Government introduced the concept of “grey belt” through changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Guildford Borough Council has subsequently undertaken a Green Belt Assessment, which identifies land according to the extent to which it contributes to specified Green Belt purposes. The assessment forms part of the evidence being prepared for the emerging Guildford Local Plan.

The assessment includes land around settlements including East Horsley and Effingham.

It is important to understand that being identified as grey belt does not, in itself, mean that a site has been allocated for development or that planning permission has been granted. Any future planning proposals would still have to go through the planning process.

Nevertheless, the changes have prompted questions locally about what the new designation could mean for the countryside around our villages and how it will interact with existing planning policies and Neighbourhood Plans.

The meeting will provide an opportunity to hear directly from a panel including:

• Zöe Franklin MP
• Cllr Catherine Young, West Surrey Council
• Cllr Fiona White, Planning Lead, Guildford Borough Council
• Cllr George Potter, Guildford Borough Council
• Cllr Paula Moss, Effingham Parish Council

There will be an opportunity for residents to ask questions and have their say.

Parliamentary Petition

Paula Moss of Effingham Parish Council has recently launched a separate parliamentary petition.

The petition, entitled “Launch a rural proofing review & suspend the use of the grey-belt test”, calls on the Government to undertake a rural proofing review of the grey-belt test and to suspend its use for villages while that review takes place.

The petition's stated argument is that the current tests used to identify grey belt do not adequately take account of the particular function of Green Belt land around villages. It calls for planning policy to recognise the importance of Green Belt purposes, village settlement boundaries and made Neighbourhood Plans when planning applications are considered.

Petition reference: 780361

The petition is open until 21 March 2027.

View the petition on the UK Parliament website

Help us keep our village looking its best by joining our Autumn Village Litter Pick on 26 September, from 10am to 12pm.

Volunteers should meet at the Parish Council Notice Boards at 10am, in Station Parade, Bishopsmead Parade and at Effingham Mini Mart on Forest Road

Equipment will be provided, so there’s no need to bring your own litter-picking equipment. If you prefer, please bring your own gloves.

Whether you can spare the full two hours or just a little of your time, everyone is welcome. Your help will make a real difference to the local community.

To take part, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or sign up online at easthorsley-pc.gov.uk/litterpick.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Residents and visitors are invited to discover the rich history and heritage of the Horsleys this September through a programme of five free guided walks organised by the Horsley Heritage Group, supported by East Horsley and West Horsley Parish Councils. The walks will take place from Monday 14th September to Friday 18th September 2026 and offer a fascinating opportunity to explore historic buildings, local landmarks and some of the area's most distinctive architecture

Each walk focuses on a different aspect of local heritage and will be led by knowledgeable guides who will bring the stories of the Horsleys to life.

Programme of Walks

Monday 14 September – East Horsley Conservation Area
A two-mile walk around the East Horsley Conservation Area, including visits to St Martin's Church and Horsley Towers. 

Tuesday 15 September – Old Houses of West Horsley
Explore The Street in West Horsley and discover an extraordinary collection of medieval houses, many of them more than 400 years old. 

Wednesday 16 September – The Horsleys Grand Tour
A 3.8-mile tour taking in some of the Horsleys' most notable landmarks, including Horsley Towers, West Horsley Place, St Mary's Church and St Martin's Church. 

Thursday 17 September – The Chown Houses Walk
Learn about the distinctive Arts and Crafts-style homes developed by Frank Chown during the 1930s while exploring some of East Horsley's leafy residential roads.  

Friday 18 September – Lovelace Bridges Shorter Trail
A 3.2-mile walk exploring part of the unique Lovelace Bridges trail

Booking Information

All walks are free to attend, but places must be booked in advance. Free Tickets are now available via TicketSource. All walks will start at 10.00am and group numbers are limited to 18 persons per walk

Bookings can be made through the East Horsley Parish Council TicketSource page:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/east-horsley-parish-council

Whether you are new to the area or have lived here for many years, these walks offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the people, places and stories that have shaped the Horsleys over the centuries.

We are delighted to announce a new community event for residents of East and West Horsley – the inaugural Horsley Village Picnic.

Taking place on Sunday 28 June, from 1pm to 5pm at Horsley Towers, the event promises an enjoyable afternoon for all ages in the beautiful surroundings of the croquet lawn.

Visitors are invited to bring along their own picnic and relax with family and friends, while enjoying music, children’s activities and refreshments available on site.

Horsley Cakeathon

Residents are also encouraged to take part in the Horsley Cakeathon in support of Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and Wellbeing Care.

• Free entry
• Categories for adults and children under 16
• Cakes will be sold after judging to help raise funds for the Hospice

Whether you are an experienced baker or simply enjoy getting creative in the kitchen, everyone is welcome to take part. Register here: Bake

Hearts & Ribbons Walk

In partnership with Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and Wellbeing Care, visitors are also invited to join the annual Hearts & Ribbons fundraising walk through the stunning grounds of Horsley Towers, including the recently reopened Lovelace Tunnel.

Bring family, friends — and even your dogs — for a wonderful community walk while supporting a very worthwhile cause. Register here: Walk

We look forward to welcoming residents from across East and West Horsley for what promises to be a fantastic community afternoon.

East Horsley Parish Council is pleased to announce that Jonathan Wade, Senior Project Manager at National Highways, will be giving a presentation on the challenges and progress of the major project to transform the M25/A3 Junction 10.

The presentation will take place at East Horsley Village Hall on Wednesday 25 February at 7.30pm.

Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about this significant infrastructure scheme, including the imminent opening of the UK’s first heathland bridge across the A3.

Please save the date and come along to hear first-hand about this major rebuild and what it means for our area.

Image: Work underway on the major rebuild of the M25/A3 Junction 10, one of the largest motorway improvement schemes currently in the UK. Credit: courtesy of National Highways