I believe 2014 was a great year for Woking.
The Poppies around the Borough remind us all of the sacrifices made by so many as we commemorate the start of the First World War; over the next four years we will continue to remember and add more Poppies in recognition of those who gave their lives for us to enjoy the freedom we have today.
If you get a chance over the holiday period do go and see the War Horse exhibition at The Lightbox.
the council has been busy making Woking a better place for all of us. No matter where we look, the Well Being Centre at the Vyne, the Children's Playground in Woking Park, St Johns Memorial Hall, the Cycle Hub at Woking Station, new homes in Moor Lane, Brookwood Farm and Hoe Valley, the Scout and Guide HQ in Horsell, the Indoor Market, the Sheerwater Access Road, the new Asda Superstore in Albert Drive, Carluccio's, Bill's and the new Surrey Hills sculpture in Wolsey Place have all helped to improve the look and feel of our town and the Borough.
We have seen new businesses come to Woking, local Surrey businesses relocate to Woking and existing businesses expand; all good for our economy with low unemployment and more job opportunities for all.
The Celebrate Woking activities have again demonstrated the strength of our community whether at the Party in the Park, the Beer Festival and the second even more successful Food Festival in Woking Town Centre which was a delight for all of us and the thousands of visitors to Woking to see and enjoy.
At the end of the year we bought Brookwood Cemetery, which was established in 1852, to secure its future and its restoration.
It is an historic and environmental gem hidden in our midst and I hope over the coming years that we will restore it to its initial glory for generations to come.
I believe it will be one of the most important legacies this Council will leave for its successors; I hope that in 2052 they will share my view.
The New Year holds further challenges as once again we face substantial reductions in Government Grant support. I believe we will be able to continue our successful track record of maintaining and enhancing services for our community while providing valeu for money to local residents.
During 2015 we will support the delivery of the Hoe Valley School to ensure secondary school places for local children, provide at least 100 new affordable homes at Moor Lane, Hoe Valley and Brookwood Farm, complete the Horsell Community buildings, undertake the development of the new First Station, progress our ambitiousVictoria Square development which will eventually secure a major Marks and Spencer store, and continue to work with local businesses to stimulate our local economy.
One major challenge that we face in 2015 is the review of the Green Belt. We are obliged to do so to comply with Government policies and our approved Local Plan.
Whilst I know it will raise many passions and concerns, we need to undertake the review to ensure that there is sufficient space allocated to meet projected housing and leisure needs up to 2040.
During the year we will be consulting on options and you will have a chance to express your views before any changes are made to the Green Belt. Please work positively with us for the benefit of future generations.
In closing I hope that we will all share a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Cllr. John Kingsbury