Communities offered chance to manage highway work in Surrey

Community groups will be given the opportunity to join forces with local councils in an effort to help improve Surrey’s roads.

A scheme giving borough, district and parish councils a bigger role in running services by freeing them up to manage highway verge grass cutting, hedge trimming and repairs to signs is about to be extended.

Plans are being finalised by Surrey County Council to hand greater local control over managing highways work after community groups and residents’ associations signalled their wish to get involved.

John Furey, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for transport, highways and environment, said: “Community groups told us they wanted to be involved and we’re happy to include them – it’s a great example of localism in action.

“Local people know local needs best and this will not only provide an even more tailored service for residents but will also allow us to focus on strategic issues that will see £100 million invested in improving the county’s roads through Operation Horizon and around 300 miles of the worst stretches torn up and many rebuilt from scratch.”

Liz Cutter, chairman of the Surrey Association of local councils, added: “Parish and town councils, and other local organisations are delighted to be actively involved in delivering these services in our local areas. We look forward to increased take-up of this work in the coming months.”

Money for projects will be awarded through Surrey’s 11 local committees.

The plans will be put before the council’s cabinet on Tuesday (28 May).