Latest news with #MattFurniss
BBC News
30-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Surrey: Two thirds of urgent utility works by water firms
Almost two thirds of emergency utility roadworks in Surrey were carried out by water firms in the last year, council documents report also said demands from utilities companies to dig up roads in the county are amongst the highest in the UK, with about 72 works being carried out every day over 12 member for highways, transport and economic growth at Surrey County Council (SCC), Matt Furniss, said works were "all too often" having a negative impact on Water said it is investing to modernise its network, while other companies which provide water in Surrey - South East Water, Thames Water and Affinity Water - have also been approached for a comment. SCC said water companies account for 64% of the total number of utility emergency works in the Furniss said: "Whilst we recognise that works on the highway carried out by utility companies are necessary, these works are all too often impacting negatively on Surrey road users."We're working with (the companies) to drive better traffic management, better coordination, and better resident communication. "This has seen a 37% reduction in the days utility companies are working on and impacting Surrey's road network." Councillor Furniss added that other measures, including a lane rental scheme, better signage and an increase in inspections, were also making a difference and that SCC had written to the Department for Transport (DfT) about making changes to reduce the impact of emergency utility works.A task force involving representatives from water, energy and telecoms firms has been set up to reduce the impact of roadworks. Streetworks UK, the trade association for utilities companies, previously said that firms and contractors work to the highest standards and comply with highways authorities on a cabinet meeting, the leader of SCC, Tim Oliver, said the situation is "massively frustrating for all residents", while deputy leader, Denise Turner-Stewart, said there is a lot of public interest."It's not just economic development or growth, it's also people's health appointments, people trying to get their children to school," she said. A spokesperson for SES Water said: "We're investing over the next five years to modernise our network – this includes reducing pipe bursts by 8%, rolling out smart monitoring technology, and replacing aging infrastructure before it fails."We're also working closely with Surrey County Council and other utilities to better plan and coordinate works."A DfT spokesperson said: "We know road works can be frustrating, which is why we are cracking down on utility companies and increasing fines for them if their works overrun or they fail to leave roads in a good condition."
BBC News
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Surrey A281 road reopens after lorry damaged listed building
The A281 (The Street) in Shalford, Surrey, has now reopened following repairs to a Grade II listed building after a lorry collided with road had been shut between Church Close and The Seahorse Pub since 29 May, with scaffolding put up to restore the damaged emergency Traffic Regulation Order allowed the road to be closed for 21 days from the collision for safety and work to take place."Everything [is] being cleared away and the road is being reopened as we speak," a spokesperson from Surrey Highways told BBC South East. The roof of the roadside cottage was struck by a passing lorry on 29 said the closure caused up to 40-miniutes in extra travel time through lights remain on the road between the junction with Dagley Lane to St Marys Church, as pre-existing works by Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) Furniss, Surrey County Councillor for Shalford, previously told BBC Radio Surrey that the recent closure allowed the gas distribution company to "speed up their work".This work has been ongoing since 12 May and is expected to end 18 July, according to Surrey aid with traffic flow, the local government office said working hours will be extended and the traffic lights will be manually operated between 07:00 and 19:00 BST.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Shalford: The A281 shut after lorry hit building to reopen
A main road through Surrey which closed after a lorry hit a Grade II listed building is set to reopen. The A281 (The Street), in Shalford, has been shut between Church Close and The Seahorse Pub since 29 May while repair work is carried out. Residents have faced a 40-minute diversion and said the closure of the "very busy through-road" has been an "absolute nightmare".Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councillor for Shalford, says the road closure "has been very difficult" but "we hope the roofing will be completed at the end of this week and the scaffolding removed as quickly as possible". Mr Furniss told BBC Radio Surrey the owner of the building had to repoint and replace a gable, with the involvement of Guildford Borough Council's conservation said: "Shalford has suffered for a couple of years now with significant amount of road works particularly with emergency utilities from Thames Water and SGN."But the good news about the closure it that SGN have managed to speed up their work."We've managed to coordinate other works into the single closure so a little bit of a silver lining there."Mr Furniss says he was not aware the owner of the lorry was known but the council will still be seeking compensation to cover all costs.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Road closed after lorry hit building to reopen
A main road through Surrey which closed after a lorry hit a Grade II listed building is set to reopen. The A281 (The Street), in Shalford, has been shut between Church Close and The Seahorse Pub since 29 May while repair work is carried out. Residents have faced a 40-minute diversion and said the closure of the "very busy through-road" has been an "absolute nightmare". Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councillor for Shalford, says the road closure "has been very difficult" but "we hope the roofing will be completed at the end of this week and the scaffolding removed as quickly as possible". Mr Furniss told BBC Radio Surrey the owner of the building had to repoint and replace a gable, with the involvement of Guildford Borough Council's conservation team. He said: "Shalford has suffered for a couple of years now with significant amount of road works particularly with emergency utilities from Thames Water and SGN. "But the good news about the closure it that SGN have managed to speed up their work. "We've managed to coordinate other works into the single closure so a little bit of a silver lining there." Mr Furniss says he was not aware the owner of the lorry was known but the council will still be seeking compensation to cover all costs. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Surrey County Council
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Surrey farmers able to bid for funding to aid growth
Farmers in parts of Surrey can now apply for grants from Surrey County Council to help boost of up to £120,000 is available to help farmers in the districts of Tandridge, Guildford and grants will aim to support ideas like opening farm shops, generating sustainable energy and "developing agritourism", the council suggests."As committed custodians of much of Surrey's fantastic countryside, farmers play a key role in everyone's way of life," said councillor Matt Furniss. A total of £360,000 is available from the government's Rural England Prosperity Fund for 2025/ council is calling it a "competitive process" and says it will "focus on supporting a small number of large-scale, high-impact projects".Applications can be made on the Business Surrey website and closes at the end of farmers and landowners can also apply for separate Business Growth Grants from the Surrey Economic Growth Fund, which are open until the end of May.
