Guildford council backs Stoke Park high ropes course

Guildford council is investing £150,000

A high ropes course planned for a Surrey park will be part-funded by Guildford council, it has been agreed.

Local firm Craggy Island is developing the £500,000 scheme at Stoke Park.

Guildford council said it had agreed to invest £150,000 of the total £500,000 to carry out work on a reception building, car parking and landscaping.

The council said the aerial adventure course would generate about £1m over the 25-year lease period for the authority.

The course, which will include a zip-wire and rope bridges, is subject to planning approval, with plans expected to be submitted before Christmas.

Craggy Island director Rob Mitchell said the aerial course would weave its way through the trees on two levels, one in the canopy and one attached to posts and tree trunks.

Councillor Matt Furniss, cabinet environment spokesman, said trees would be protected and a woodland maintenance programme would improve biodiversity.

He said the facility would be available to schools, youth groups and charities.