Hinchley Wood, Claygate and Oxshott - Anthony Sheppard

Anthony Sheppard has lived in the Hinchley Wood, Claygate and Oxshott county division since 1988. He recently retired from a career with a major telecommunications company, much of it spent in the Wholesale division, working on product development and strategy. Having served as a school Governor in Claygate, he is now a Parish Councillor. He is Chairman of the Parish Council's Environment Committee, Vice-Chairman of its Highways & Transportation Committee and represent Parish interests on the Elmbridge Audit & Standards Committee.

Anthony Sheppard writes:

Your Liberal Democrat Focus Team is now looking forward to the County Council elections in 2009, and also to the European Parliament election. Surrey County Council has been dominated by the Conservatives almost throughout its history, a situation where complacency and sloppy decision making can all too easily creep in. Currently, there are 58 Tory members, 12 Lib. Dems., 2 Labour and 8 Independents or Residents. Liberal Democrats are the main opposition group and will take every opportunity to strengthen their position to provide more effective criticism and engagement in Council decision making. The Claygate - Hinchley Wood - Oxshott seat is held by the Conservatives with a majority of only 33 votes.

Liberal Democrats at Surrey County Council opposed the ruling Conservative administration's 4.8% rise in Council Tax and condemned a cut in roads and schools maintenance spending, while money is being allocated to war chests for future initiatives.

Highway maintenance remains an area of concern to us all in Surrey and one to which Liberal Democrats will be giving close attention. There is some good news in that a county-wide maintenance plan was adopted on 2 May, but the fact remains that the 2007/8 budget was underspent at a time when communities were struggling to get essential repairs done by SCC and this year's budget for highway maintenance is the lowest for 5 years. David Munro, Conservative Executive Member for Transport, said: "Highways remain a priority for Surrey residents and therefore for this council…We still believe there is some way to go before we are at the level we want for the highways, but every year we are getting closer to the mark." There is a very long way to go!

You can read more about Liberal Democrat activities in the County at

Surrey Lib Dems website.