ZZZ Harry is local and he cares. A testimonial from a grateful local resident

Harry was grateful to receive from a local resident this unsolicited appreciative summary of a few of things that have been achieved since he was first elected as a local councillor two years ago.

Land grab 

I would say this is one of Harry’s greatest achievements. Harry worked with local residents to defeat chancers who tried to buy plots of green community land then blackmail the residents into repurchasing them as car park spaces. Harry created a process with the auction house and by working closely with the authority and his process has now been replicated across Surrey. We have managed to save all 4 plots of land within our district due to Harry’s quick thinking.

Finger Posts and restoration work

Harry has been on board with this from the beginning.  He was approached by residents who wanted to see the historic Ashford Common sign post restored, then finding out about the one in Shepperton too. Harry has found funding for this project and supported the whole way through and dealing with Surrey County Council to help move things along.  He has also been very encouraging to the team as we have faced so many hurdles.  We have got to know Harry really well over these last few months and found him very down to earth and approachable.  He knew that one of the team was also looking for milestones and himself noticed the one on London Road, Ashford which is now accounted for and updated with the Milestone Society.  He really has been a team player throughout and shares our passion for resorting historical pieces.  

St Saviours Food Bank

Harry has been a big supporter and organised a substantial grant to enable the team there to build a new kitchen so they can provide educational food courses and meals for food bank users. Harry continues to support this worthy cause and has been very proactive .  

Infrastructure

Harry was approached by another resident with regards to a waterway in Sunbury and came onboard to look at ways to reintroduce or use this waterway for the good of the environment and to possibly stop flooding in certain areas.  Harry now has a good rapport with the Environmental Agency and they communicate often with updates to this particular project.  It has opened a door to discuss other issues when they arise.  Harry is also very vocal in objecting locally to the sewage being pumped into the rivers and will fight this continually until something is done.

Flooding

Harry has been involved with a housing estate that floods regularly when it rains and is on the case with Highways as their previous attempts have failed to stop the flooding. So much progress has been made within 18 months when this issue was ignored for decades.

Ashton Lodge Care Home

Harry visits the home regularly and provides all the support he can.

Crownage Court forecourt

A piece of land just before Sunbury Cross forecourt had been a mess for several years and attracted anti social behaviour. Raised paving slabs which were a trip hazard and in very poor condition. Residents had spoken to other councillors in the past but they could not seem to find the owner so things were left.  Harry found the owner and held them to account. Within 3 months there is now an attractive safe forecourt which will complement the new community hub when it is built next year.

Youth Services

Harry has had the pleasure of visiting Staines and Ashford Youth Clubs on several occasions. He understands the importance of providing  youth with somewhere to polish their social skills and learn different activities.  He has also been very interested and supported the work of local residents to improve Kenyngton Manor Recreation Grounds.  A group of Mums got together and have achieved amazing things and got new play equipment installed. It is now well used and visitors love it.  Harry has also visited a few local schools to discuss and try to improve conditions. He has also spoken to the children about the importance of democracy in morning assembly and supported a group of kids on an environmental project. Harry directs some of his funding to boys brigade in Ashford common to arrange day activities for the kids.

Last summer Harry scheduled a meeting with the Shepperton Studios' community engagement officer, during which he made the request that all youth opportunities be distributed to youngsters across Spelthorne. I am happy to say Shepperton Studios have stuck to their word and shown their dedication to our community. 

Parking

In several different locations Harry has listened to residents that cannot park on their own drive due to other vehicles blocking the road and has raised this to Surrey County Council.  If things quieten down and patrols become less, residents will report to Harry and he is back on the case again to make sure it is patrolled often. All these locations have seen an improvement due to Harry being so proactive. 

Policing/Crime/Anti-social Behaviour

Residents regularly turn to Harry as they do not feel protected and things need to improve. Policing is a mess throughout the country but Harry continues  with his work with Surrey Police to improve services and more patrols on the streets. Only last week I saw him on a patrol with a new community police officer.

Surrey Highways Grass Cutting

Harry agrees with most of us that the grass cutting is not satisfactory and agrees that we are paying more council tax for a lesser service from when it was Spelthorne Borough Council.  This is an area that needs much improvement and another thing that Harry is forever taking on Surrey CC and being the voice of the residents.

Surrey Highways and the state of the roads and paths

We have seen a great improvement on some of our roads since Harry's election. Cadbury Road has been transformed and Sunbury Cross roundabout will now receive line refreshment work in the next financial year after Harry put pressure on Surrey to act due to the rise in collisions This issue had been previously ignored.

Fly tipping

Another thing Harry is on top of, working close with Spelthorne and the police  which has seen a major reduction of fly tipping across Sunbury and Ashford Common.

Standing up against the large Developers. Recently Harry along with his Sunbury common colleagues saw off a planning application to build 100’s of retirement places on the land behind the Running Horse.  

Volunteers 

Harry recognises the help of Volunteers in Spelthorne, not least the litter pickers who go out in all weathers to keep our roads clean.  Harry sent some of his funding to buy this wonderful team new pleasure new equipment.

Helping the disabled

Harry invested more of his money into creating access for a resident with mobility issues to have access from her home to the local park. This was extremely difficult before Harry stepped in due to the state of the pavement and the cars parking on the grass verges.

Coffee and Conversation

Harry has funded the creation of Coffee and Conversation. This group was formed because of Harry reaching out when first elected and two years on we have locals young and old socialising together. Some of the visitors are widows and younger ones struggled with social skills. This group has grown and continues to do so much good for so many people. Another of Harry’s success stories. 

Summary

Harry lives in Spelthorne so understands the problems we  have first hand.  He loves it here as much as we do.  If Harry got voted in as our MP this would give him a lot more weight to get things done.  I know there is other stuff he would like to push like the Oyster card but currently he does not have the authority. If Harry was elected the whole of Spelthorne would benefit and not just Sunbury and Ashford Common.

He is always happy to have a chat to discuss any matters concerning you.  He is very approachable, a good guy and family man. Let’s not blow this major opportunity for positive local change.