I would like to wish all of you a happy and peaceful New Year.
I would also like to extend my sympathy to residents who suffered flooding over the Christmas holiday. I know the Council, Serco and Emergency Services staff did all they could to help minimise damage to property but, despite their best efforts, some residents suffered water coming into their homes. My sympathy is with them.
I believe the economic climate is improving and that Woking Borough Council's Conservative Administration is delivering excellent services to residents and will continue to do so in 2014.
2013 saw successes with many important local schemes including the opening of the WWF UK Headquarters in Brewery Road; completion of the new Bedser Bridge; the opening of the new Linkable Centre; completion of the roundabout access to Bishop David Brown School and the new Albert Drive Sheerwater Access Road; the first phase of our Commercial Way upgrade adn the opening of new public toilets in the Wolsey Place shopping centre which the Mayor and I opened just before Christmas.
Our Town Centre regeneration continued apace with the arrival of important new retailers and restaurants. To meet the needs of local people, we have seen the start of 224 affordable homes being built at Moor Lane with around 163 for sale. In addition, work will start soon on the Hoe Valley site which will see 150 homes for sale. Negotiations also continue for th esale of Brookwood Farm to deliver 222 homes for sale plus 75 affordable homes.
In 2014, we will see the next phase of improvements to Commercial Way; the completion of the exciting new indoor Woking Market; further new shops and restaurants coming to Woking; completion of the new St John's Memorial Hall and Horsell Scout and Guide Headquarters; and commencement of the ASDA superstore in Sheerwater expected to open for Christmas 2014. We are also finalising plans for hte Bandstand Square development and anticipated return of Marks & Spencer to Woking for which a Planning Application will be submitted soon.
We will continue to support the economy of our town and deliver quality value-for-money services for residents and visitors to the Borough, while doing all we can to help the most disadvantaged families through our family support programme.
With very best wishes to everyone for 2014,
Cllr. John Kingsbury
Leader, Woking Borough Council