Local issues (Esher and Walton Liberal Democrats)

Esher and Walton Liberal Democrats <info@esherandwaltonlibdems.org.uk>

Local issues

Roads and pavements

Potholes

The state of the roads is the most frequently mentioned issue on the doorstep. Older people worry about tripping on uneven pavements. Cyclists put themselves and others in danger as they swerve to avoid huge potholes. Drivers damage their vehicles and make more noise as they go over badly maintained roads. Liberal Democrats have been putting pressure on Conservative controlled Surrey County Council to improve the condition of the roads and pavements.

Housing and overdevelopment

Construction site

There are concerns about the pace of development and particular about the insufficient capacity in local services to cope with a growing population. Pressure on health services, schools, roads and parking capacity, and the loss of open space, is a real issue as more and more housing is built. Of equal concern however is the lack of affordable housing for key workers and young people trying to get a foot on the property ladder in this expensive area. How do you think we should address these problems?

Local businesses

We have a range of small, independent traders as well as some big chains and many residents like the variety of shops and services on offer all of which will face challenging times as the economy enters a downturn. Is the balance right? Do we need to offer more support to small traders? Are business rates prohibitive?

Post Offices

post offices

Liberal Democrats have been campaigning nationally against the widespread closure of Post Offices - including those under threat in Elmbridge - as they are an important part of the local community.

Health services

With no A&E facilities in the constituency, the availability of health services is sometimes a problem. More housing has not been matched with more places in GP surgeries and there are too few NHS Dentists places locally. What do you think? Is local health provision adequate?

Environmental protection and flooding

River

With the Thames and the Mole flowing through the area there will always be flooding issues. Flood plains must not be built upon and Elmbridge Council, Surrey Council, and Thames Water must ensure that the drainage infrastructure is well-maintained. Have you had a problem?

Schools

There are a wide variety of schools across Elmbridge, but more housing development has not always been matched with more provision and there have been problems with admissions. For example one parent from Thames Ditton was only offered a place in a primary school in Walton making it impossible for the child to walk to school which the local authorities supposedly wants to encourage. What is your experience?

Transport

Closed ticket office

SW Trains are proposing reduced ticket office opening hours in most of the nine stations across the area. Liberal Democrats oppose this because it will reduce customer service and create safety issues at the quieter stations.

More development has also met growing congestion and traffic hot-spots and parking is a problem in the whole area. Should this be resolved through more local bus services (like the pilot being run in Esher) or better cycle routes across the area?

Crime and anti-social behaviour

Graffiti

Although Elmbridge has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, there are some localised concerns about youth disorder and petty crime like graffiti. There are programmes in place to tackle this, but is there something you think is being neglected? It is important not to stereotype all young people as trouble makers - the vast majority are not. Facilities and activities must be provided. What facilities would you like to see?