About Us

What is the group?


Holy Trinity Amenity Group is your local neighbourhood association, formed in 1971 to look after the interests of residents of the ward of Holy Trinity in central Guildford, Surrey. As such it acts not only as guardian of local amenities, but also as a focus for social events, for all ages, throughout the year.


What does it do?


Road Representatives meet four times a year to discuss issues which affect residents, especially planning. A newsletter is distributed to every household by Road Reps after quarterly meetings.



The aims of HTAG are:

  • To keep abreast of planning applications affecting the area and to represent members' interests on issues likely to affect them.
  • To represent the views of members on matters of concern to all residents of Guildford (ie regarding the conservation of the town).
  • To foster a sense of community in the area.


    What has HTAG achieved?


    • Since formation in 1971 the group has:

  • Examined all planning applications affecting the neighbourhood and the town's conservation area, and made representations when necessary.
  • Projected, planned and helped finance the landscaping of Milkhouse Court.
  • Cleared up litter from neglected sites.
  • Organised a tree survey of the neighbourhood.
  • Secured improved street lighting and signposting.
  • Taken active measures to press for a residents parking scheme.

    Apart from these achievements HTAG has succeeded in establishing a real sense of 'village' community within the town of Guildford. Residents are invited to participate in several events throughout the year. Regular events include an annual Summer picnic, the Halloween party, Theatre visits, Barn Dances and fund raising for local good causes. We also run a friendly Bridge Circle.



    • What can I do?


    Join us, and help us help this locality. To find out who your Road Representative is, go to the Road Reps page. Annual subscription is £2.00, or what you can afford. To join, complete the application form and return it with your subscription to your local representative.

    Visit our Historical Site on www.htag-guildford.org.

     

    A Personal View
    by Jean Bridger

    1970 was a year when major developments were taking place in Guildford and the town was described by a Council Officer as a "building site ready for redevelopment".

    In 1971 concerned residents in our Holy Trinity Area put out a flyer suggesting that an Amenity Group could be formed if there was sufficient interest. About 80 people turned up at the Friends' Meeting House and HTAG was fledged.

    The aim was to form a group that would be non-political and non-sectarian. It would be run by a small group of officers and Road Representatives (28 at this moment in 2003) who would meet quarterly to decide policy.

    All planning applications for our area, which borders roughly the Pewley Area and Charlotteville, Warwicks Bench and the High Street, would be inspected regularly and, when appropriate, representations would be made to the Council. Domestic extensions are not included as they are generally a matter for neighbours to settle.

    Causes that HTAG has taken up over the years include: -

  • Objecting to changes of use from residential to offices.
  • Achieving less development on the green of Stag Hill.
  • Ensuring a play area at Holy Trinity School at the end of Clive Road for out of school use.
  • A safe crossing over Harvey Road to Bright Hill, which was suggested by HTAG 30 years ago!
  • Landscaping the traffic island at the top of Bright Hill, and landscaping Milkhouse Gate.
  • Carrying out a tree survey in the 70's, which needs to be repeated now to see how many trees we have gained or lost.


    HTAG is respected by the Council as a moderate and well balanced group, and we are consulted regularly on important developments in the town. We take pains to inspect all planning applications in the High Street for shop fronts and advertisements. We comment on unsuitable proposals and back up the admirable guidelines that the council produces.

    Apart from all this, a very important part of HTAG's function is to encourage a community spirit. To this end we hold regular coffee mornings, rambles, open garden days, carol singing, theatre outings and outings for our "seniors".