The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth Decisions met on Friday 20 March 2026 to discuss petitions regarding road resurfacing and bus service reinstatement, and to consider proposals for the stopping up of land at Aldenholme, Weybridge and Fairmile Park Copse, Cobham. Decisions were made to arrange inspections for road defects and to proceed with applications to stop up land, subject to objections being resolved.

Road Resurfacing at Holywell Way and Mulberry Avenue

A petition was presented requesting urgent road resurfacing at Holywell Way and Mulberry Avenue in Stanwell. The petition highlighted concerns about potholes causing vehicle damage, posing risks to cyclists, and causing distress to residents, citing an instance where an elderly lady's ambulance journey was worsened by road conditions. Residents expressed frustration over the cost of vehicle repairs and the perceived lack of investment in Stanwell's infrastructure.

Councillor Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, acknowledged the petition's concerns, noting that the specific issue with these roads is their construction of concrete with a tarmac overlay, which is no longer considered a viable resurfacing method. He stated that a detailed engineering assessment would be conducted later in the year. In the interim, an inspector would walk both roads to address any immediate defects requiring attention. Councillor Furniss encouraged residents to report issues online via the council's website, assuring that reported defects would be addressed within specified timescales. He also noted that due to local government reorganisation, it was unlikely these roads would be resurfaced before the new unitary authorities came into effect. A request was made by a member of the public to meet with the inspector to clarify the extent of the road issues, which Councillor Furniss indicated would be possible if the divisional councillor agreed.

Reinstatement of Local Buses

A petition was submitted requesting the reinstatement of local bus services on The Drive, The Ridgeway, and Upfield in Hawley, which has left elderly and less mobile residents isolated. The petition highlighted the reliance of these residents on buses for essential appointments, shopping, and social activities. Concerns were raised about buses running full on diverted routes while the original routes remained unserved. The limited service of the 26 town bus, its lack of return service to The Ridgeway, and issues with wheelchair accessibility were also noted. The cost of alternative transport, such as taxis, was also a significant concern.

Councillor Jonathan Essex, attending as a substitute for the divisional member, supported the petition, emphasizing that the current situation meant residents at the end of The Drive, Upfield Road, and The Crescent had to walk significantly further to reach bus stops. He challenged the council's policy of leave no one behind, arguing it should apply to bus services. Councillor Essex also raised concerns that the Surrey Connect minibus service, introduced as an addition to existing services, had effectively replaced some bus routes, leading to a reduction in coverage.

Councillor Furniss stated that the council had not cut any bus services, but acknowledged that some services had been transferred to demand-responsive transport (DRT) or were commercial decisions made by operators. He committed to discussing options with bus operators, including Metrobus and Compass Travel, to explore the possibility of extending the Surrey Connect DRT service to cover the affected areas, particularly for wheelchair users, and to potentially extend its operating days. A written update would be provided to the petitioners following these discussions.

Stopping Up of Land at Aldenholme, Weybridge

The owners of Aldenholme, Weybridge, requested that Surrey County Council apply to the Magistrates' Court for an order to stop up highway rights over a piece of land to preserve the current road layout. Ian Taylor, Highways Information Team Manager, explained that the land was adopted as part of the estate's road infrastructure with the potential for future access to an undeveloped adjoining site. While current development proposals do not require this access, the developer wishes to keep their options open and has objected to the stopping up. Mr. Taylor clarified that the land's surface is vested in Surrey County Council, while the subsoil is owned by the residents. He explained that if the objection cannot be resolved, the Magistrates' Court would decide on the application, and the council would need to argue that the highway is unnecessary. A borough councillor, Peter Harmon, supported the stopping up, describing the land as a ransom strip that, if removed, would provide residents with peace of mind. Councillor Furniss added a condition to the recommendation, stating that if the objection was not resolved within six months, the application should proceed to the Magistrates' Court for a decision, particularly in light of local government reorganisation.

Stopping Up of Fairmile Park Copse, Cobham

The owners of Fairmile Park Copse, Cobham, also requested the council to apply to the Magistrates' Court to stop up highway rights over a road, with the aim of taking over responsibility for it. Ian Taylor explained that similar to the Aldenholme case, residents had acquired the title to the road. However, the owner of a property at the end of the road has objected, indicating they would withdraw their objection if granted full rights of access for potential redevelopment. Councillor Furniss made a similar decision to the Aldenholme case, agreeing to proceed with the application to the Magistrates' Court if the objection could be resolved within six months.

The meeting concluded at 12:54 pm.