UP BEAT

Voting locally

WHEN IT COMES TO VOTING IN ELECTIONS Christchurch Ward has a good record, especially at local level. Guildford Council Executive has recommended that the Council applies to be a pilot council for all-postal voting at the next Borough Elections in May 2003. This is suggested as a way to increase the turnout rate across the Borough. At present any elector can get a postal vote for any reason, temporary or permanent, but few apply. Andrew Hodges supports this application to be a pilot, as increased engagement with the public in local democracy has to be good for the community

Mobile phone masts

WHILE APPLICATIONS CONTINUE TO COME IN, the Planning Committee continues to struggle with them. Unfortunately the sensible idea promoted by Guildford Conservatives to have an officer dedicated to phone mast applications was not approved. However, we have high hopes for the success of the Phone Mast Summit, to take place on 11 November

Community planning

WERE YOU ONE OF THE 100 PEOPLE to attend the meeting on community planning for Christchurch, Merrow and Burpham? The main issues which were raised that concerned those present included more affordable housing, traffic congestion, better public transport, and better recycling facilities, and the young people present made a plea for more facilities, in particular a football pitch. Do you have any other issues you think should be taken into account, as the Borough compiles its plan? If so, let Andrew Hodges know.

Friary Extension plans

ONE OF THE MAJOR PLANS for the town centre were considered by the Planning Committee in September at a special meeting. The Committee recommended unanimously that the plans should be refused. Strong cases were put forward both for and against approval. The scale and design of the development and its impact on the historic town as well as the traffic problems were among the reasons that councillors voted for refusal.

Integrated transport

FROM 29 SEPTEMBER combined train and bus tickets will be available for Guildford travellers

Andrew Hodges wants to hear from you and is willing to see residents at mutually convenient times. If you wish to meet with him to discuss any matter, please do not hesitate to contact him.

Your local Conservative team:

On Borough matters