Media centre faqs

Where is Woking? How big is the Borough and what's the population?

Situated in the heart of Surrey, Woking is a modern town located 25 miles to the South West of London. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are within 15 and 20 miles respectively and the M25 runs through the Borough, with the M3 and A3 in easy reach.

The Borough of Woking covers an area of 6,359 hectares (15,713 acres), with 60% being Green Belt and 473 hectares of Common Land (1170 acres).

The population of Woking in mid-2004 was 89,600, with a total of 36,941 households in the Borough.

More information about Woking is available on the About Woking pages, including in-depth population information and facts about Woking's historical roots.

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I would like to interview someone for an article/broadcast. Can you help?

Yes we can. There are number of informative spokespeople at Woking Borough Council who will be able to talk on a range of Council-related topics. If you would like to arrange an interview, please contact a member of the Marketing Communications team on 01483 743824 or email us.

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I would like to film in Woking, do I need permission?

If you would like to film in Woking you will need to contact the Marketing Communications team for permission and advice.

In the majority of cases, filming in Woking is encouraged and the team will be happy to assist you with any filming enquiries and suggest suitable locations.

In order to film, you will need to demonstrate that you have Public Liability insurance of £5 million or above, which has to be valid for the entire duration of your visit. Proof of this insurance, such as a letter from your insurers or your insurance brokers, will need to be emailed or faxed to us on 01483 743055, before any filming commences.

Woking Town Square is a very lively and vibrant place. If you would like to film in this location specifically, please check with the Town Centre Manager that this area is free from other events on the day you would like to film. You can contact the Town Centre Manager by email or phone on 01483 743487.

If you are intending to film any of the Borough's roads and highways, you will need to contact Surrey County Council for permission, as they are the leading authority for highways. Call 01483 518312 for more information.

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What is Woking famous for?

From literary legends to pop sensations, Woking has a lot to be famous for.

Famous author H.G. Wells lived in Woking and based the landing of the Martians from his famous book 'War of the Worlds' on Horsell Common in Woking. Woking has a few famous sons and daughters, including pop legends Eric Clapton and Paul Weller and culinary queen Delia Smith.

For more information on famous facts about Woking visit the Hall of Fame page.

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I have heard that Woking is leading the way with its green initiatives. What work have you carried out in the Borough?

Woking has a number of dynamic green initiatives which has placed it firmly on the environmental map - earning Woking Borough Council the reputation of being the most energy efficient local authority in the country.

Woking is believed to be the first UK authority to have adopted a comprehensive Climate Change Strategy and has achieved national and international recognition for its environmental work, which includes the use of photovoltaic cells, its creation of a CHP Station in Woking Town Centre and its Fuel Cell in Woking Park.

In recognition of its outstanding work in this field, Woking Borough Council was awarded Beacon Satatus for Sustainable Energy in 2005 and, in the same year, won an international award at the Low Carbon Leaders Award.

More information is available on Woking's Dynamic Green Initiatives page and on the Sustainable Development pages.

If you would like to arrange interviews with key people in relation to this topic, please contact the Marketing Communications team on 01483 743824 or email us.

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What is the political make-up of the Council and when are the next elections taking place?

Woking Borough Council  operates a cabinet system of government, with a Conservative Executive, which is accountable for decision-making within the Council.

Borough Councillors are elected in thirds over a three-year period - meaning that a third of Councillors are up for election each year, for a three year period. In the fourth year, there are no Borough elections, but there is a Surrey County Council election. The last election for Woking Borough Council was held in May 2008.

More information is available on the Council Constitution pages.

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What key responsibilities does Woking Borough Council have and what areas does Surrey County Council cover?

Woking Borough Council prepares the following services.

  • Community Services
    Responsible for sports and recreation, Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park, Centres for the Community, meals service, arts and culture, outdoor amenities and countryside.
  • Customer Services
    Responsible for customer handling, local land charges and marketing communications.
  • Environmental Services
    Responsible for waste collection, recycling, street cleaning, grounds maintenance, car-parking and land drainage.
  • Housing Services
    Responsible for tenant and leaseholder services, housing projects, housing development and advice, home support, housing grants.
  • Planning and Regulation
    Responsible for development control, planning administration, design and implementation, tree preservation orders, building control, enviornmental health and licensing.
  • Policy and Performance
    Responsible for policy issues and new initiatives, strategy development, performance monitoring and policy reviews.
  • Property Services
    Responsible for valuation and estates, building services, energy services and facilities services.
  • Resources
    Responsible for financial management, internal audit, Council Tax and business rates, benefits, ITS and payroll and Personnel.
  • Secreatariat
    Responsible for legal, administration, members' services and common services.

For more information on Borough Council services, visit the A-Z on our homepage or call the main Woking Borough Council switchboard on 01483 755855. If you have a media enquiry about any of the services, please contact the Marketing Communications team on 01483 743824.

Surrey County Council

Woking Borough Council is situated within the county of Surrey. Surrey County Council has a number of responsibilities across the whole of the county, including roads and transport, education and social care. Any media enquires on these issues should be directed to the Surrey County Council Press Office on 0208 541 8996 or 0208 541 9548. 

For more information on the services that Surrey County Council provides, visit their Council Structure and Services page or their A-Z of Services page.

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I need some general images of Woking Borough. Do you have a library?

General photographs of Woking Borough Council and the Borough will soon be available in the Media Centre on the Images page.

If you would like any other photographs, or a copy of the Council's logo, please contact a member of the Marketing Communications team on 01483 743824, or email us.

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I'm visiting Woking soon. Where can I find a map/further information about the Borough?

Woking is a fantastic place to visit. The Borough not only benefits from leafy countryside and attractive waterways but enjoys a bustling town centre and mix of entertainment, shopping and special events. Easily reached via excellent transport links, visitors will find Woking's pedestrainised centre easy to get around.

A printable map of Woking Borough and the Town Centre is available on the location and maps page.

Woking is also an excellent destination for disabled visitors. The shopping area is covered and level, and offers a ShopMobility service (01483 776612). There are around 40 restaurants that are wheelchair accessible in Woking, the Ambassadors Theatre complex has full access in their cinemas and theatre and there is free town centre parking for disabled badge holders. 

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Still unsure about something?

If we haven't answered your question, please contact the Marketing Communications team on 01483 743824 or email us, and we will be happy to help.