COLIN SCOTT - Local Election Candidate for Old Woking

MAN OF ACTION: Colin Scott reported this graffiti and it was cleaned up

COLIN SCOTT'S PLEDGES TO YOU

Colin said: "My priorities for Old Woking is about local action, not falsely raising residents' expectations. My four pledges are:

[1] I will work hard to make Old Woking cleaner and greener

[2] I will work with the Police to cut crime and the fear of crime.

[3] I will make sure all local residents, old and young are included in the life of the village.

[4] I will fight for local people to get value for money they deserve from their Council Tax."

BLOCKED DRAINS - The one that soaks residents regularly at the top of Shackelford Road has now been reported to Surrey County Council by Colin. Residents living near to these two blocked drains told Colin that complaints had been made for 5 years and now floods have caused the road to break up.

THE MISLEADING Mr FORD

As the date of Old Woking's election draws near, there has been a sudden burst of activity from its Councillor, Mr Ford.

No wonder people get cynical about politicians!

So let's look at what he's saying on the three topics mentioned in his latest Newsletter. And let's also look at the truth.

Rydens Way

At Surrey County Council's last Woking Local Committee meeting, Tory Chair Mrs Val Tinney made it absolutely clear that Tory-controlled Surrey County Council will NOT provide any money for car parking around Rydens Way. Nor is there any evidence that they will release their highway land for this purpose.

The central green area in Rydens Way is owned by local property developers Lacey Simmonds. They will probably make a further planning application in due course, which will then have to be considered on its merits. If Woking Borough Council turns down the application, then Lacey Simmonds have the right to appeal to an independent inspector.

It is just plain daft to think that Lacey Simmonds will give this land away for a public green until they think they will not get a development on it.

Following the petition by the Rydens Way Action Group, Woking Council has undertaken to facilitate discussions between the Rydens Way Action Group, the County Council and Lacey Simmonds. Mr Ford wanted Lacey Simmonds excluded; given that they own this land, this is again silly.

Why is Mr Ford falsely raising local residents' hopes in this way? It is just a cynical ploy to gain re-election.

Speeed Limit and Lorry Ban

Mr Ford has sprung into life with a petition for a 20mph speed limit in Old Woking and a ban on lorries over 7.5 tonnes.

Good idea!! However, it was already due to be considered by Surrey County Council during 2007/8. So much sound and fury from Mr Ford, but nothing new!

Footpath on Old Woking Road

And the apparently hard-working Mr Ford has asked for a footpath on the Old Woking Road between Maybury Hill and White Rose Lane.

Actually, this is an idea stolen from local resident Norman Johns (elected last year for the former Tory stronghold of Mount Hermon East), who has been campaigning for this since 2003.

Norman says: " Most residents know that I have been working since 2003 to achieve a footpath on this 400 yard stretch of road. I am still working on it!

To date I have achieved:

• the cutting back of the tree cover [this has mostly stopped the traffic accidents at the junction with the Maybury Hill];

• improvements in the street lighting; and

• getting clearance to widen the section of existing footpath at the Maybury Hill end.

It would have been of great assistance if Labour Councillors had shown this enthusiasm when the Tories running Surrey County Council voted against the widening of the road and the building of this essential footpath.

Lorries are straying into Ford and Farm Roads when trying to get back onto the High Street. After requests from local residents, Colin has asked Surrey County Council to erect signs to prevent the disruption being caused in these streets.