FOUR Tory Haslemere town councillors have are calling it a day in the forthcoming elections.

The list includes two former mayors and one councillor who is standing down in a bid to become a Waverley borough councillor.

Former mayor Michael Barnes is among those who has decided to hang up his hat because he believes that "red tape prevents the council getting anything done".

"I don't want to put up with the red tape any more, I haven't got the time," he said. He felt his time would be better served through his work with the Haslemere Initiative.

A Conservative councillor for the past four years, he told The Herald that his recent experiences on the council had left him unwilling to continue.

He also expressed frustration that local people don't know where to go when they have a problem.

"I have a difference of opinion with the current mayor and some councillors on this," he continued. "They think it's great that people put themselves forward to be councillors, but what do they actually do?"

Mr Barnes doesn't believe that being a councillor necessarily makes it easier to help people.

"This is what concerns people in the street," he said. "Coming up to the election, councillors should be asked what they are doing for the town that couldn't be achieved without being a councillor."

And he questioned whether "most were in it for self-preservation or status".

"They think having 'councillor' before your name is important."

Mr Barnes made his comments after a Pepperham Road resident called him about a faulty street light which despite repeated requests had not been repaired.

Mr Barnes, who claimed to get the matter resolved within five minutes, blames local bureaucracy for such problems. He feels there should be one central point of contact for local people, instead of being passed about from one council department to another.

"Haslemere Town Council is just a post office, and Waverley too, a less efficient post office because it's a bigger organisation," he said.

"But it's not the individuals who are to blame, it's the structure that needs sorting out."

Another former mayor, Ted Orchard, a town councillor or more than 20 years, announced last year that he is hoping not to seek re-election next time round unless he feels it is necessary.

Another town councillor not standing again for the town council is Mary Foryszewski, who will instead be fighting for a Tory seat on Waverley Borough Council.

"I think I can do more for the town on Waverley," said Mrs Forsyszewski, who won her town council seat four years ago.

"I like to be able to get things done, and give people an answer," continued Mrs Foryszewski.

She is thinking of taking a degree and planning to work in the probation service or social services, following her 15 years working in the NHS providing community services to patients living in their homes.

Ian Bocutt also confirmed this week that he was not seeking re-election. Since he was elected the Hindhead councillor has been notable for his absence at meetings.

A question mark also hangs over Lib Dem town councillor Mark Lelliot,t who said he intends to stand for Haslemere Town Council but may not be able to do so for personal reasons.

Conservative councillors James Mackie, Michael and Fay Foster, Brian Howard, Patrick Kirkman, Jean Arrick and Peter Isherwood, all confirmed they would be standing again.

Current mayor Stephen Mulliner and Adrian Law were both unavailable for comment, as The Herald went to press.

Other Liberal Democrats, who have said they will be standing again are Michael Biddiscombe, Barbara Jeffers, Patricia Hills, and Jacquie Keen.

Last November two long-serving Waverley Conservatives, Ann Mugford and Jean Mansley, announced they would not be standing again.