Guildford MP Zöe Franklin lobbies for town’s status as “heart” of the new West Surrey Council

Following local government reorganisation, Zöe Franklin pushes for Guildford’s centuries old county town status to be reconfirmed.

Guildford’s Liberal Democrat MP Zöe Franklin is lobbying the new West Surrey Council leader for Guildford to retain its longstanding county town status as the new authority is formed in April next year.

The new Council, under its newly elected leader, Cllr Paul Follows, will take over the responsibility and budgets for all local government services currently divided between the six borough and district councils in the west of Surrey and Surrey County Council.

Zöe Franklin said:

“This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen representation and accountability and make sure the new authority best serves its 663,000 residents.

“I want to see Guildford retain its historic county town status as this major shift in local government takes place in Surrey.

"Guildford was granted status as the county town of Surrey by a Royal Charter issued by Henry III in 1257.

"Our Castle was the only royal castle ever built in Surrey. The iconic cobbled high street dates back to Saxon times, and today is a community hub for markets and independent shops alongside big names on the high street.

“I am hugely proud of The University and the Research Park, which together are a powerhouse taking our historic market town to a global hub for science, technology and learning. Guildford is also known as the “Hollywood” of the computer games industry.

"Publicly restating Guildford’s role as the county town in this new local government model is a fitting way to formally recognise its status as the cultural, economic and strategic heart of West Surrey.”

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