Rob Leach - Ward Councillor for Goldsworth East

Re-elected as a Ward Councillor for Goldsworth East in 2009.

Rob Leach wants to continue representing you in Goldsworth East

Rob has lived in Woking for 20 years, 15 of which in Goldsworth Park.

He has been a councillor for 4 years and a Member of the Council's Executive for 1 year . As a freelance training consultant, Rob has worked in the Home Office, Prison Service and a Young Offenders Insitiute which gives him a unique insight to the problem of offending in our society. He has also worked for the Medical Research Council and the National School of Government. He has done training work in post war Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia. In his spare time he directs a Drama Workshop for young people.

Message from Rob

I believe that the major successes in the town have been largely due to the Liberal Democrats championing and supporting causes that have made Woking one of the most sought after places in which to live. We do not shrink from any battle where there is good cause; and realise that struggles are rarely won by individuals. If you have local issues to discuss with me, please e-mail or telephone me."

Rob champions Basingstoke Canal

Rob campaigns for our "Woking green artery"

Rob has maintained a special interest in the ward's unique "green artery": the Basingstoke Canal. He successfully put a motion to full council welcoming the plans for resurfacing the canal towpath. The project to improve the towpath attracted substantial external funding and is now being enjoyed in all weathers by pedestians, cyclists and pram users.

Vandalism and Graffiti

Rob continues with a watching brief on the mindless vandalism and graffiti experienced by many residents across the ward. He has also organised meetings between the residents and the police.

There is no doubt that the only way to tackle this sort of antisocial behaviour is to have a high police presence and zero tolerance. Residents should not have to put up with, what is in effect, criminal activity. They have a right to a peaceful existence and a strong response from the police.

Our Lib Dem views on Mobile Phone Masts

Cllr Rob Leach is very concerned about the proliferation of mobile phone masts in Woking

I fully understand the fears which many people have about masts sited near their homes, schools or places of work. The Conservatives did a deal with the phone companies when they were in government to cut planning controls for masts, and now we have the ridiculous situation that it is often easier to get planning permission for a mast than it is for a conservatory.

In 2000, the chair of the Independent Expert group on Mobile Phones, Sir William Stewart, recommended that a precautionary approach should be adopted regarding the siting of masts until more detailed and scientifically robust information on any health effects becomes available. This is also the advice of the British Medical Association.

However, at the moment, many masts do not require planning permission at all, and councils are not allowed to take public concerns about health into consideration provided the mobile phone operators have a "health certificate" - clearance from the Radiation Protection Division of the Health Protection Agency.

Liberal Democrats believe that local people should have more say in all planning decisions affecting their community, including the siting of mobile phone masts. Effective public consultation is crucial.

Our Liberal Democrat Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, Andrew Stunell MP, has sponsored a Private Member's Bill in Parliament that would bring masts back under local planning control, and introduce a 'precautionary principle', giving extra safeguards for schools, homes, and medical facilities from the risk of excessive radiation. Unfortunately there are very powerful commercial forces against this, whilst the Treasury is also sitting on a very large licence fee payment too.

I can assure you that the Liberal Democrats will continue to push the government for a better planning system for mobile phone masts that takes proper account of safety and siting.

For more information on the issue of mobile phone masts, I suggest contacting Mast Action UK, at www.mastaction.co.uk or Mast Sanity at www.mastsanity.org (08704 322377). If you are concerned about the health issues then a useful contact is the Radiation Division of the Health Protection Agency, www.hpa.org.uk/radiation . For more information on the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme, you may want to contact www.mthr.org.uk.

Regards

Cllr Rob Leach