Andy Muddyman and Charu Sood offer a bright future for Weybridge at the Elmbridge Borough Council elections on Thursday 3 May.
Andy is the sitting councillor for Weybridge Riverside. He is a former commercial pilot and helicopter flight instructor who now owns and runs an investment company based in Baker Street, Weybridge.
He says: “I have always had a keen interest in local issues and I’ve tried to bring the skills I learned in my business career to assist Elmbridge Council. I’ve served on the South Area Planning Sub-committee, the Full Planning Committee, and the Local Committee, liaising with Surrey County Council. I also represent Elmbridge residents on the Heathrow Community Engagement Board (HCEB). It has been a privilege to speak up for your interests these last two years but there is lots more still to do. I hope local residents will give me the opportunity to keep fighting their corner on important issues like housing, roads and aircraft noise.”
Charu Sood hopes to succeed Simon Foale, who is stepping down in May as Conservative councillor for St George’s Hill. She is new to council politics but not to public service. Charu is an active member of the community - she serves on the Committee of Brackley Residents Society, looking after maintenance of roads and footpaths, and is also a PTA member at Oatlands School as well as the mother of three girls.
Charu said: “We are lucky to have access to outstanding local schools, family-friendly amenities and green open spaces in Weybridge. I want to use my skills to make a difference to the local community. My priorities are ensuring a vibrant Weybridge town centre, promoting green initiatives to improve air quality and to make sure that much-needed housing development is appropriate for the area."
Elmbridge, under Conservative control from 2006-2016, enjoyed a reputation for excellent services and sound finances. We froze the council tax for seven years in 10, and achieved significant savings without impacting frontline services. The current RA/Lib Dem Administration has put taxes and service charges up, it sparked hundreds of complaints through its handling of a new refuse contract, but its councillors still awarded themselves a shocking 12.4% rise in their allowances.
It’s time Elmbridge got back to strong, responsible local government. We ask you to vote for Andy and Charu on 3 May. Conservatives will keep a keen eye on costs and ears open for what residents want from their Borough Council.