Letter: Residents Will See Through This Misguided Article

Published on: 22 Mar, 2019
Updated on: 22 Mar, 2019

From Julian Lyon

Former prospective Independent candidate for the borough council

Such a load of sychophantic nonsense dreamed up from some dysfunctional utopian dreamworld is represented in the Conservative’s election opinion piece Guildford – Surrey’s Vibrant Cultural and Recreational Centre.

Let me quote and explain.

“As set out in our plan for Guildford, and clear from the actions our council has taken, we are making sure that the arts and sport make a meaningful impact on the life of our town.”

This from the party that killed the Guildford Philharmonic; this is the party that has provided Spectrum as a venue that has not stood the test of time; yes, there are a few things to be proud of, but so many more to feel ashamed about. Hardly a ringing endorsement!

“G Live goes from strength to strength with this year’s results being the best yet with the highest ever attendance, and a record surplus. Your council has supported the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre to deliver youth theatre, and arranged to lease the Electric Theatre to the Academy of Contemporary Music which has ensured its future as a community facility.”

I would ask Bob Hughes what is the point of an “operational surplus” that contributes towards a larger grant paid for out of scarce council revenues? And what about some sort of payback on circa £1.5 million of depreciation on the cost of building the facility?

Mr Hughes should not talk about this as though it is a financial success – it doesn’t take any account of the alternative use values foregone – perhaps £20m for housing or a large number of affordable homes instead.

He claims, “Conservative councillors in Guildford have also:

“Developed an exciting vision for a new cultural and innovation hub by refurbishing the museum and delivered community engagement and outreach through ‘Your Stories, Your Museum’ and ‘Our History’.”

It is, in fact, an example of many years of failure culminating in a grand solution. Perhaps it is a good plan, but late and hardly something to celebrate (nearly managing to agree something after four years)!

“Funded Southern Pro Musica outreach into schools.”

Good, but of the funding provided to SPM, the first several years saw the SPM logo on concerts by private schools that would have happened anyway. And there are more examples of excellent groups missing out on support than those who receive it.

“Refurbished the Spectrum sports facilities, including repairs to the roof.”

Just remember this; the G-Live building is on a lease that leaves our council responsible for the external fabric, even when it has paid for the building and someone else is in charge!

“Worked with local residents to install a new children’s play area at Westnye Gardens in the town centre.”

And at the same time removing sports facilities from Onslow Recreation Area, Bannisters Field, etc.

“Delivered a new cricket pavilion at Woodbridge Meadows.”

Good. At what cost, and who benefits?

“Continued to fund the only Tourist Information Centre in Surrey supporting over £300 million of tourism activity giving our town five million visitors and sustaining 6,000 jobs in tourism.”

The TIC do a fabulous job but so do lots and lots of volunteers – hardly a Conservative victory.

“Provided a new War Memorial for service personnel post-1945 and their families.”

Not sure this is a lasting tribute, but credit where credit’s due

“Supported the Surrey Agricultural Society to deliver the County Show in Guildford.”

And any other colour of Council might not have done so? Bob Hughes should get real.

“Delivered an Annual Innovate Guildford Arts and Science Festival at G Live which attracts over 5,000 visitors. There were a number of benefits from the event including public engagement with science and strengthening business and university relationships.”

Good. What did this cost and why was this not a University of Surrey and Guildford College event?

“Protected community assets such as Wanborough Barn with local volunteer support.”

Whilst simultaneously selling others off or leasing them to private enterprises.

“Supported our local community through the Project Aspire grants programme, and awarded £300k in grants to community and voluntary organisations.”

Good, but how much more could have been achieved!

“Recently we launched the Community Lottery to increase funding for local community organisations.”

How much gambling can we cope with when people might have been prepared to contribute anyway.

“A Conservative council elected in May will continue to provide opportunities for increased participation in local cultural, environmental and sporting activities and encourage volunteering to help strengthen communities, increase civic pride and improve wellbeing.”

The Conservative Council elected four years ago promised to look after the green belt. The Conservative Association Bob Hughes chairs has deselected councillors who are known to and liked in their communities. The Conservatives have no right to claim any high ground in cultural, community and environmental issues.

“We will enhance sporting, cultural, community and recreational facilities, further develop Guildford Museum as a vibrant cultural hub and visitor attraction, progress a new sport and leisure facility to replace Guildford Spectrum and consult on a masterplan for Stoke Park to ensure it remains a vibrant community park and visitor destination.”

Nonsense, The Tories will break their promises, ignore consultations, impose their ideological wills and basically deliver a poorer Guildford whilst some of the party look to their personal political careers. This is a shockingly self-indulgent, misguided article that residents will see right through.

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