Neighbours to help shape sinking homes plans

The future of part of Guildford where properties began sinking into the ground is the subject of a council survey.

Guildford Borough Council is consulting residents and businesses in the west of the town about "opportunities for future improvements" in the neighbourhoods.

The authority's Better Homes Programme has already launched with the aim of improving public spaces and council-owned homes in the Westborough and Park Barn area.

Several council-owned houses in the neighbourhood, some of which were later demolished, had been left empty due to subsidence problems.

The council previously said the condition issues were related to the properties' shallow foundations and age.

Officials said architects had been appointed but no decisions had been made yet on the programme of works and resident feedback "will help shape any future proposals".

A panel of 15 local people will be created to help shape proposals, according to the council.

Members of the public can answer the survey on the Guildford Borough Council website or at The Hive community centre on 11 November.

Council leader Julia McShane said views from the survey would "help us understand local priorities".

"This is the beginning of a conversation, and we encourage everyone to get involved and share their views," she said.

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