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 six candidates vying for election in Farnham South:

*JIM BURROUGHS - UKIP

Since 1999 Farnham is our home: I’m a family man, with three children and one grandchild. I run a taxi business and am active in the Vineyard Church. Farnham is a great town, it needs both preservation and better provisions.

Farnham needs a sustainable plan that works for both business and the community. A new plan cutting costs, welcoming new initiatives, protecting our heritage.

Local people must have a say and impact on schools, roads, policing, the NHS and lower council tax.

A UKIP vote is for the future, for an independent voice.

I will be your voice.

*ANDREW JONES - LABOUR

I AM a gardener and I consider myself fortunate to live in Farnham. Beautiful countryside a short walk way. A fine town with a fine heritage. However there is too much litter and fly-tipping. The street lights are turned off. School budgets are not sufficient. Air quality is poor. Our roads a disgrace and provision for affordable homes pathetic. I support the neighbourhood plan but there is much wrong with it. I will not neglect Farnham at County Hall. The time for point scoring is over. Farnham deserves much better now and in the future.

*WYATT RAMSDALE - CONSERVATIVES

I especially would like: improved road surfaces, safety features and by-passes, high quality school places, better services for children and older people. But Surrey County Council is receiving less money from central Government. We need Councillors who: understand finance, can do detailed investigations to identify potential efficiency savings, hold officers to account to improve processes, contribute in the debate with central government and most importantly who can ensure that Farnham gets its share.

I’m a chartered accountant with significant experience achieving business change and improved financial management in government organisations; including investigating local authority support services to achieve financial savings.

*MARK TURNER - LIB DEMS

I believe Farnham is ready for a liberal fightback. When I moved here with Anna and my two children in 2013, we discovered an open, welcoming community. We are diverse, and tolerant, and proud of it. Let’s keep these values alive!

I’ve been a journalist, campaigner and aid worker. Now I want to shine a light on the hidden corners of our county council. We need to fix Surrey’s finances, for health, social services and schools, and we must protect our environment. The Tories have taken Farnham for granted for years. With the Liberal Democrats behind us, let’s take it back.

*JOHN WARD - FARNHAM RESIDENTS

He who pays the Piper Calls the Tune, hence those who are supported by national parties Vote the Party Line. As a Farnham Resident, not subject to whipping, I can vote for what I and you believe is right. I will strive to improve care for our elderly, mend unsafe pavements and potholes and get something done about HGVs that clog roadways and pollute Farnham’s air. I will attempt to get Relief Roads actually built and reduce fly-tipping by removing restrictions on household rubbish. I will not be Lobby Fodder but will represent you. Please give me that chance. www.Farnhamresidents.com.

*MARK WESTCOTT - INDEPENDENT

Remote, out of touch, insensitive to local concerns, inaccessible, inefficient and expensive. These are typical responses when I ask residents their opinions of Surrey County Council. Hardly surprising when County Hall isn’t even in Surrey, but in the London Borough of Kingston upon Thames, more than 15 minutes by bus beyond the County boundary. Why isn’t it in Guildford, they ask, along with our Cathedral, Surrey University, The Royal Surrey Hospital and employing local people? My ‘big idea’ as an Independent is to work constructively towards cross-party consensus to establish a new County Hall in Guildford. Local, for local people.