Shoe Leather

After the demo this morning in Lower Sunbury, it was off to Ashford for some doorstep politics. It is noticeable at this election that people are more clued up and ready to ask the tough questions than I have known at previous elections. The level of engagement is great, and candidates certainly need to have concrete policies to hand and not just bland statements. As the Lib Dems have a raft of policies for me to call on, and clear priorities that we want delivered by a new Parliament, it is fantastic to share and debate them with voters. I had many great chats today about issues ranging from the economy, tax, Runway Three, education and crime.The running theme is that many voters are choosing us in Spelthorne for the first time, and the message is that our national campaign and local hard work are paying off. There is still a long way to go, but we are clearly having a very positive impact.

Out and About

I spent much of today checking out various issues and discussing them with campaigners. Diane and Tony over in Staines have been consulting residents on the new CPZ proposals (controlled parking zones), and I came to see the problems for myself. I then went to Ashford to the hospital and the college, the youth centre and a school in Sunbury with Ian, and met Richard, Lawrence and Caroline in Charlton village to talk about the proposals that Surrey have put forward for the waste and recycling centre. It was a really good day keeping up to date across the constituency with a range of key issues. It is really heartening to see Lib Dems across Spelthorne working so hard to listen to local people and represent their concerns. We really do work hard and get things done. Next up I think will be Stanwell and Moor, Shepperton and Green, plus Littleton and Laleham. I know there is plenty to tackle there too!

Brooklands College

News of the closure of the Ashford campus of Brooklands College was a bombshell. But weeks later, students are in many cases none the wiser as the the future of their education. Vocational courses will continue at Weybridge, but A levels will go altogether. Those doing a combination of courses seem to be particularly badly affected, as co-ordinating A or AS levels and a vocational course at 2 different colleges will be a nightmare. I will be writing to Colin Staff, the principal, this week to try and get some answers for the parents and students who are contacting us looking for help.