FARNHAM residents will go to the polls on Thursday, May 4 to elect their Surrey County Council representatives for the next four years.

Here we include personal statements by the four candidates vying for election in Farnham Central:

*JO AYLWIN - LIB DEMS

Jo Aylwin is deeply rooted in Farnham, which is her hearth and home. Jo is a founder of The Bishop’s Meadow Trust, the charity that successfully raised money to buy the water meadows to keep them as a vital green lung for the town. If elected Jo will bring the energy she has given to various community projects to being your councillor, including: continuing to work to improve our environment; defending our schools, keeping them flourishing and providing the education our children deserve; supporting ways of making savings that do not attack some of the most vulnerable in our community.

*PAT FROST - CONSERVATIVES

I am an experienced Councillor having had the privilege of serving on Surrey and local councils for a number of years. I am married to Bob and we run a small company in Wrecclesham.

I have been able to apply my council and business knowledge to assist constituents and local groups. I hope to continue to do this in the future.

I have delivered schemes such as resident parking, roads re-surfacing, school places and campaigned against unsuitable development. As your County Councillor I will continue to campaign on your behalf, especially for a much needed town centre traffic scheme.

I will continue to be a strong voice for Farnham Central.

*ANDY MACLEOD - FARNHAM RESIDENTS

Surrey County Council’s poor performance in maintaining and developing Farnham’s road system, the worsening traffic congestion and air quality, problems with school places and social care for the elderly and young people demonstrate that Farnham needs and deserves strong independent representation at County Hall. Councillors whose only interests are those of Farnham’s residents, not the current ruling party.

This is a local election, which should be decided on local issues. Farnham Residents councillors will be totally focused on ensuring that Farnham’s growth is kept at a sustainable level and that its infrastructure and services are upgraded in line with growth.

*FIONA SCIMONE - GREEN PARTY

I’m an artist, forest school practitioner and baker/co-founder of S Mary’s sourdough bakery. I’ve lived in this area all my life, attending Farnham Art school (UCA) and later teaching there, following in the footsteps of my grandmother.

I’d like the opportunity to take the longer view and to invest in initiatives that build strong community, well-being and improving people’s lives: good housing, local food growing schemes, clean air, healthy soil under our feet and ensuring strong protection for our wildlife and green spaces. Also, I want to support Farnham’s small independent businesses drawing on it’s roots as a craft town.