Dismay at Guildford House decision

There was disappointment and dismay when Guildford Borough Council's Executive refused to guarantee continuing public access to the historic Guildford House. Many members of the public attended the meeting on 25 March, to hear the Executive's response to the recommendation from the Council's Corporate Improvement Scrutiny Committee that the Council should 'ensure continuing public access' when investigating alternative uses for the building. Although the Executive has made a commitment to retain the freehold, they have not ruled out possibilities such as a long lease to a commercial organisation which might not allow public access.

Councillor Anne Meredith, the Liberal Democrat Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, said "This is immensely disappointing. The Scrutiny Committee heard from eight public speakers and had a long discussion about the future of Guildford House and the proposal to move the Tourist Information Centre and Gallery to 170 High Street. There was cross-party agreement from all members of the Committee that the Council should make crystal clear its commitment to enabling permanent public access to Guildford House, yet the Executive refused to amend their decision."

Cllr Sarah Di Caprio, Lib Dem councillor for Holy Trinity, added "Residents will be dismayed at this decision. It seems the Conservative Executive have not learned anything from the town centre Shuttle Bus debacle, when they refused to listen and were faced with a huge public campaign as a result. Instead it seems they are prepared for another long battle if officers recommend an alternative use for the building which shuts the public out. It is clear that Guildford House is much loved by residents, and it must be saved as a community asset. There should be no question of denying public access."