Farnham Residents Group is proud to present its manifesto for the 2026 West Surrey Unitary elections. Our ten pledges set out a focused, practical vision for shaping the new unitary authority. They are built directly on what you—local residents—have told us matters most.
1/ Councillors Who Truly Listen ‘Your voice at the heart of every decision.’
Local government works best when it listens first. Our candidates live here, work here, and care deeply about the town. We will:
- Hold regular open meetings and neighbourhood dropins.
- Continue to push for meaningful consultations before major decisions.
- Ensure transparency in every vote and every policy.
- Improve communication so residents know what is happening and why.
Your concerns shape our priorities for West Surrey.
2/ Putting People Before Politics ‘Community first, always.’
We are proudly independent. We commit to:
- No party whip.
- No national agenda.
- Decisions based on what is best for Farnham, West Surrey and its residents.
- Working constructively with all councillors, regardless of political affiliation, to deliver for the community.
3/ Protecting Farnham’s Heritage ‘Preserve our character, shape our future.’
Farnham’s heritage is irreplaceable. We will:
- Defend conservation areas and historic buildings & structures.
- Ensure new developments respect the town’s scale and identity.
- Work with residents, associations and local groups to oppose inappropriate development.
- Push for stronger protection of green spaces and resist overdevelopment.
- Promote high quality, sustainable design in all new building proposals.
Growth must enhance Farnham — not erode it.
3/ Tackling Traffic, Parking and Road Safety ‘Safer streets for everyone.’
We will push for practical, resident led solutions to Farnham’s longstanding road safety and traffic issues:
- Improve road safety particularly around schools and busy junctions.
- Support 20mph zones where communities want them.
- Work with police to tackle inconsiderate / illegal parking on pavements and double yellow lines and speeding.
- Reduce HGV impact on the town and surrounding villages and improve enforcement following the installation of the first HGV enforcement camera in Surrey on the Odiham Road.
- Continue lobbying central government for a longterm solution to the A31, including safe north / south crossing points for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists
- Deliver smarter parking solutions that support residents and local businesses.
- Support safer, cleaner and better maintained walking and cycling routes linking schools, community & sports facilities to neighbourhoods, public transport links and the town centre
- Work towards more accessible walking routes, introducing more dropped kerbs, championing the installation of missing sections of paving where possible.
- Further role out of schoolstreets, Farnham has the first two in Surrey and these are already improving the safety of children walking and cycling to and from school.
- Improve signage and wayfinding to help residents and visitors navigate the town more safely.
- Continue supporting services such as the Hoppa bus and other community / public transport and work to increase their usage.
Road safety prioritising the most vulnerable but also keeping traffic moving and creating alternatives to travelling by car.
4/ Cleaner, Greener, better Maintained Streets ‘Proud of every street.’
A wellkept town benefit everyone. We will:
- Improve street cleaning, tackle persistent litter hotspots and support community groups who care for our shared spaces.
- Campaign for better maintenance of verges, footpaths, cycling paths and public areas.
- Expand tree planting, wildflower verges and pollinator-friendly areas to improve air quality, support wildlife and biodiversity and enhance the look and feel of our streets.
- Increase the number of bins and dog waste facilities in key locations and ensure they are regularly emptied.
- Encourage community pride initiatives such as local cleanups and “adoptastreet” schemes.
A cleaner Farnham is a healthier Farnham.
5/ Fighting for Community Services ‘Protecting the local services we all rely on.’
We will stand up for essential services under pressure, including:
- Establishing a clear baseline for Infrastructure needs and ensure infrastructure is considered in planning.
- Encouraging new health, community and sports facilities as the population grows.
- Supporting libraries, family centers, youth services and community hubs.
- Strengthening support for older residents and vulnerable groups, supporting preventative services wherever possible.
- Working with partners to improve access to GP and NHS services.
- Enhance public transport routes and improve access and connectivity including trains.
- Supporting realtime bus information at key stops to make public transport more reliable and userfriendly.
Joined up support working with all partners delivery the best for residents.
6/ Investing in Youth and Community Facilities ‘Spaces to play, grow and thrive.’
Young people deserve opportunities close to home. We will:
- Improve sports, leisure and youth facilities, including leisure centres, playparks and dedicated spaces for young people.
- Support clubs, volunteer groups and community organisations such as 40 Degreez, Hale Youth Centre (established in 2022), the Chantrys Community and Youth Centre and Jubilee Hub.
- Push for improved, safe, accessible spaces for families and young people in all neighbourhoods.
- Improve safe cycling and walking access to parks, schools, sports and community facilities.
A strong community invests in its future, children and young people.
7/ Practical Environmental Action ‘Small steps, big impact.’
We believe in achievable, meaningful environmental progress:
- Reduce council emissions through smarter energy use and choices which will also reduce running costs.
- Support community recycling and repair initiatives such as Repair Cafés and Men in Sheds.
- Protect our much-loved green spaces that support such amazing biodiversity from Farnham Park to Tice’s Meadow and Brambleton Park.
- Promote sustainable transport without penalising those who rely on cars.
- Encourage biodiversity through planting, habitat creation and responsible land management.
Real change comes from practical action, not slogans.
8/ Value for Money ‘Avoid waste — spend well.’
Residents deserve efficient, effective and responsible use of public funds. We will:
- We have a plan regarding the integration of services currently provided by Waverley and Surrey that will increase efficiency and drive down cost, from road maintenance to managing our greenspaces and supporting the most vulnerable in our community.
- We will identify inefficiency, propose improvements and scrutinise decisions to ensure the best use of your money.
- Focus budgets on frontline services but also supporting early intervention and prevention to reduce the costs of statutory services, we will make decisions with the community for the community.
- Ensure every project delivers clear value to the residents of West Surrey.
- Improve financial transparency so residents can see how their money is spent.
- Make reporting issues like potholes, broken lights and flytipping simpler and more accessible and hold those responsible for delivery to account.
Your money should work for you and deliver for our community.
9/ Championing Farnham’s Diverse Local Economy ‘Back local, build local.’
A thriving local economy strengthens the whole town. We will:
- Support independent shops, markets and creative businesses.
- Encourage local procurement wherever possible.
- Promote Farnham as a cultural, craft and heritage destination.
- Work with businesses across West Surrey to build a resilient, future-ready economy with the necessary infrastructure.
- Expand support for events, markets and popup stalls to bring more vibrancy to the town centre.
Local businesses are the heart of Farnham — we will help them flourish.
