Latest news with #DonWhyte
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Runnymede Borough Council to apply new parking fee from September
A Surrey council has reversed a decision to revise its parking charges after a April, Runnymede Borough Council introduced a flat rate of £2 in the evening and £3 overnight, while town centre car park fees increased by 10p an the changes were announced the Egham Chamber of Commerce took to social media to criticise an alleged "complete absence of consultation" with businesses and the council has confirmed that, from September, a single £2 flat fee will apply for parking between 18:00 and 08:00 BST in council-owned car parks. Councillor Don Whyte, chair of the environment and sustainability committee, said: "We've listened to what residents and businesses have told us and we're making sensible changes that reflect their concerns."These new arrangements make parking more straightforward and more affordable, and they also help support the evening economy and local community activity."The council is also introducing a new evening parking permit costing £100 a year, payable quarterly. Up to 20 permits will be made available per car park.
BBC News
22-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Chewing gum task force gives council £25k to clean up streets
A local authority has received a £25k grant to help clean up its chewing gum-stained Borough Council in Surrey was awarded the money from the Chewing Gum Task Force, which is funded by major gum to Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the task force project, the annual gum clean-up cost for UK councils is around £7m, with about 77% of England's streets and 99% of its retail sites affected by the sticky Whyte, chair of the council's environment and sustainability committee, called it, "a small change with a big impact". Runnymede is one of 52 local authorities across England which successfully applied for a grant this in the borough will see targeted cleaning in key areas such as Guildford Street in Chertsey, Station Road in Addlestone and Egham High said: "We're pleased to take visible action against a type of litter that blights our high streets and public spaces."This funding allows us to invest in deep cleaning and local campaigns that not only improve the look and feel of our town centres but also encourage responsible behaviour."As part of the campaign, new gum removal equipment is being introduced and grounds maintenance staff are receiving specialist training to ensure the work is carried out effectively and safely. A low impact, eco-friendly steam method will also be used to avoid damaging paved surfaces, including sensitive historic stonework.
