Conservatives have set out a series of local pledges for Farnham, Haslemere and Waverley’s western villages ahead of elections for the new West Surrey authority.

The party said its plans focus on supporting high streets, protecting communities and addressing concerns raised by residents as local government reorganisation moves forward.

At the centre of the proposals is support for town centres.

A party spokesperson said: “Parking charges have risen by 40 percent under the Liberal Democrat-led council, affecting footfall and trade.”

Conservatives said they would introduce one hour of free parking in council-run car parks to encourage people to shop locally.

Concerns over development were also highlighted. Conservatives said higher housing targets and a lack of a strong local housing supply had left communities vulnerable to speculative building.

They added that proposals around so-called “grey belt” land were causing concern locally. The party said it would seek closer scrutiny of planning decisions and push for development to be matched with infrastructure such as roads, schools and services.

On highways, Conservatives said hundreds of miles of roads across Surrey had already been resurfaced and pledged to complete remaining work.

They added that a Conservative-led council would use new powers and savings to address road conditions and reduce disruption from utility works.

The party also said it would scrap garden waste collection charges, estimating this would save households about £80 a year.

Measures to support smartphone-free school days were also backed, with Conservatives saying councillors would work with schools to introduce restrictions in classrooms.

The proposals come as political groups outline their priorities ahead of the elections, which form part of changes that will see the new West Surrey authority replace existing district and borough councils.

The elections to the new West Surrey authority take place on Thursday, May 7. Photo ID is required to vote in polling stations.

Phoebe Sullivan, a Tory candidate for the Western Villages ward, said: “Like so many residents, I see first-hand the everyday challenges we face: road safety, traffic pressures, flooding, access to services, rural crime and the constant need to protect the character of our countryside.

“These aren’t abstract issues to me, they are part of daily life, and they deserve practical, determined action.”

She said she was standing for the new West Surrey authority because “as local government reorganisation takes place, our villages will need a strong, local voice more than ever”.

“There is a real risk that decisions become more distant, and that rural communities like ours are overlooked within such a large new council.”

She said her priorities were to “protect the character of our villages and commons, improve road safety and conditions, strengthen local services and transport links, tackle flooding and drainage, and support local businesses and rural enterprise”.

“Above all, I will work to ensure our communities receive the investment and attention they deserve.My approach is simple, to be visible, accessible and accountable. I believe in protecting what makes our villages special while making practical improvements where they are needed,” she added.

For a full list of candidates in the Waverley area, visit here.