The Liberal Democrats have opposed Surrey County Council's budget as "fundamentally flawed". Surrey council tax payers will continue to receive poor services over the next year, after the ruling Conservative administration adopted a budget that cuts bus services, pot hole repairs, gritting and road gully cleaning.
Councillor Ian Beardsmore, on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group, has strongly denied Tory claims that pre-meetings prior to the Planning Committee are open to all members. At no time has any Liberal Democrat member been invited to these meetings nor have they ever been informed that meetings take place.
Spelthorne Council is seeking residents' views on plans for a cycle path along TP26 'Linear Park' in Sunbury. (TP26 is Surrey County Council's reference number for the stretch of protected urban open space through Lower Sunbury that was once upon a time intended as a relief road.)
Spelthorne Liberal Democrats have reacted with dismay and anger at the decision by the Labour Government, supported by local Tories, to proceed with plans for a third runway at Heathrow.
Despite overwhelming local opposition, Spelthorne's Planning committee passed the application to build 143 flats on the Council owned Bridge Street car park site, right next to Staines Bridge. The seven-storey block will be sited only 4 metres from the bridge and will totally dominate the entry to Staines from the West.
The announcement by Spelthorne Council that it is asking its staff to reduce working hours and consider voluntary redundancy is a very worrying development. It is difficult to see how this can be achieved without damaging cuts to core services.
