Sir, A community strategy meeting arranged by Waverley Borough and Castle Ward councillors invited residents of the ward to discuss the most important worries and

concerns.

Priorities were recorded on large screens. Each resident then applied red stickers in order to identify their

considered priorities.

Towards the close of the evening it became apparent that Waverley Borough authority was neglecting the environmental and cultural needs of Farnham, lacking sympathetic understanding of the area's character and image of this

historic town.

Much has been said where the 'Borough' had to be advised when builders were

re-roofing a West Street

retirement complex in College Gardens with the wrong tiles and examples of many months delay in re-routing signs for Tourist Information Offices

re-location etc.

There has been much

disenchantment by the British public at large during the last few days. Is this due to

centralisation which lacks local proportional democracy?

A year ago last November another more major Maltings public meeting concerning the local NHS democratically elected to reject Mr Milburn's proposals for our local hospital project. That night people from all political and professional persuasions showed democratic community strength. They won.

Last week the people of Elmbridge, Surrey elected their own residents' association, without any party political dominance.

I, with a few others at the Maltings community meeting was so disenchanted with Waverley and felt that we should devolve from Waverley and control power locally.

Power to the parishes as mentioned in the 1997 directive!

The Herald "view" on its front page of May 3 suggests that the East Street

regeneration re-development is too important to become mired in the politics of divisions, as we run the risk of losing the very people who can transform East Street.

At the community strategy meeting, residents felt Waverley lacked understanding of our town and its style. They are nervous that East Street will end up as yet another mogul dominated shopping mall.

Is it possible to convene a residents' forum of voluntary and business people determining our own future?

D Homer

Austin Cottages

Potter's Gate, Farnham