29 May 2008

Works to improve the Millbrook area of Guildford town centre get under way on Monday 2 June. The three-month improvement scheme will create a new open space for pedestrians to enjoy and will involve closure of the pedestrian subway under the A281.

The works include:

• the closure of the pedestrian subway, removal of ramps, walls and railings. A temporary pedestrian crossing will be in place while this work is carried out.
• significant widening of the existing pedestrian crossing
• paving the newly created open space

Cllr Jenny Wicks, Lead Councillor for Environment says: "These improvements will help enhance the environment of this busy corner of Guildford town centre and make it a space that residents and visitors can enjoy."

David Munro, Surrey County Council’s Executive Member for Transport, said: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Guildford Borough Council to make this important part of Guildford town more pleasant for residents and visitors."

The number of people using the pedestrian subway has dropped significantly since the nearby pelican crossing over the A281 at Millbrook was built. As the subway was difficult to keep clean and maintain, the decision was taken to remove it and provide a widened safer crossing into the town centre, at the same time creating new open space in the town centre.

The improvement project is jointly funded by Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council.

This initiative is part of Guildford Borough Council's commitment to improving residents’ local surroundings, by focusing on issues that matter most to them such as a cleaner, safer and greener environment.