Letter: I Hoped Party Political Antics Would Disappear at GBC

Published on: 16 Sep, 2019
Updated on: 16 Sep, 2019

Guildford shuttle-bus

From Maddy Redpath

R4GV borough councillor for Holy Trinity and GBC’s older persons’ champion

What a shame the Liberal Democrats are continuing the political games left behind by the Conservatives. I mentioned the desirability of bringing back the shuttle bus on almost every door step and assisted living home I visited during our Holy Trinity ward council election campaign, in May.

I suggested the revival of the bus in two council meetings and was told it was “inappropriate” for the meeting and later told by a Liberal Democrat member that it was “impossible” due to Surrey County Council rules (both meetings were minuted).

So I can only assume that the Lib Dem press release announcement is intended to mislead the public, by claiming a initiative which was not theirs, in order to boost their party in the local media, just before an anticipated general election.

During the Residents for Guildford & Villages council election campaign we used the slogan “residents for residents” which confused many then councillors. “We are residents too!” they jeered, completely forgetting the second half of the phrase.

R4GV do not have any need for fake media or selective press releases as we have no interest in the national agenda or suggesting there is action when there is none. When we publish information it is solely for the residents of Guildford and surrounding villages, not to boost our profile in the press just before a general election.

I had hoped these political antics from GBC councillors would disappear with the removal of the one party regime.

But even with a hung council, the gamesmanship continues. If you are a member of a national party, it doesn’t matter what colour you are, the party says, “Jump!” and their local disciples simply ask, “How high?”

Responses to Letter: I Hoped Party Political Antics Would Disappear at GBC

Jan Messinger Reply

September 16, 2019 at 11:17 am

I agree with Cllr Maddy Redpath. I had high hopes that Guildford borough councillors would work for the best for its residents throughout the whole borough. I am delighted there are so many new councillors. Please let’s have the change we need in Guildford.

Our town centre is of real concern with many high street stores closing and independent traders struggling. The revival of town centre bus could be just one of many things the town centre needs.

I say to all councillors, leave your political colours outside Guildford Borough Council chamber and work for the residents, who still like to live in this borough.
John Perkins Reply

September 16, 2019 at 11:42 am

Well said Cllr Maddy.

She should not be discouraged. The party dinosaurs are already in decline and time will tell against them.
David Smith Reply

September 17, 2019 at 7:35 am

This shuttle-bus is not a new initiative – people have been talking about and recycling it since it was removed. I’ve seen its return mentioned in many manifestos.

It’s a sad day that RV4G are bickering over this. Is this the best that they can offer? Is this the scale of improvements the taxpayer can expect to see, a new shuttle bus?

I’d rather they spent their time working and even arguing over bigger projects like the town centre development, these flattened sites in Leapale Road look dreadful and Bedford Wharf.

I’ve seen nothing but bickering since May, in fact, one can criticise the old administration all one wants but at least they got things done. You were elected to deliver positive change, let’s see it happen.