Conservative councillor David Lewis is seeking re-election in Oxshott and Stoke d'Abernon in the Elmbridge local elections on 2 May.

He says: "I was honoured to be elected as an Elmbridge Borough Councillor in last July’s by-election and join Andrew Burley and Oliver Chappell as one of your three councillors for Oxshott & Stoke d’Abernon. Since then, I have been an active member of the South Area Planning, Audit & Standards and Licensing Committees.

"On the Planning Committee, I have been involved in some difficult decisions. I have helped a number of residents resolve a wide range of planning issues. I recognise the need to build more homes, at a higher density, within Elmbridge but at the same time, I am adamant that this must be done in a manner that does not destroy the character of our communities.

"I have lived in Stoke d’Abernon with Mary, my wife, for more than thirty years. My three children attended the Royal Kent School in Oxshott. I was a senior manager in a large multi-national energy company until my retirement in 2017. I have found that the skills and experience that I gained in my working career have been invaluable in my role as a councillor.

"I have always been active in our local community. I continue to be involved in numerous voluntary roles. I am a trustee of Stoke d’Abernon Charities, a director of the Walton Firs Activity Centre in Cobham and I have recently joined the Friends of Oxshott Heath committee. I am also a trustee of my former company’s Pensioners’ Benevolent Association. I have two Labradors and I am out and about with them in the ward each day. I am determined to protect our open spaces and Green Belt.

"Last July, I said that if elected, I would be a voice for Oxshott & Stoke d’Abernon. I restate that promise. I will continue to listen to your concerns, act as your representative and be accessible to all residents. If re-elected, I will work to ensure that Oxshott and Stoke d’Abernon continue to be attractive and thriving communities in which we all want to live and work."

Key issue: Blundel Lane

David says: "Last July, I promised that I would press for a feasibility study to be conducted to examine options for improving access and safety for all users of the Blundel Lane Railway Bridge. I am delighted to report that following pressure from myself and meetings between Officers of EBC and SCC, the Local Committee has agreed to make funds available to conduct a feasibility study into traffic management options during 2019. I do not pretend that it will be easy to find a permanent and fundable solution to improve this crossing but the traffic management feasibility study is the first necessary step in this process."

David's 6-Point Plan

1. Planning. The drive to build more homes at a higher density is a major issue in our ward. I will support residents when planning applications threaten to change the character of our communities whilst ensuring decisions are fair & policy compliant.
2. Protecting the Green Belt. The Conservative Administration is committed to protecting our Green Belt and open spaces. I will work with my fellow councillors to develop a new Local Plan which achieves this objective.
3. Communities. I will continue to encourage a sense of community in Oxshott & Stoke d’Abernon. I have been a strong supporter of the new village signs which are due to be erected after the elections.
4. Stopping Unauthorised Encampments. Last summer, unauthorised encampments caused widespread misery for residents. In November, the new Conservative administration at Elmbridge was granted a 3-year injunction which will deter such incursions in the future. I will work to prevent unauthorised encampments in our ward.
5. Leatherhead Road. Last Autumn, I ensured that a new pavement by The Bear was built, providing a pedestrian link into the village. However, I am acutely aware of residents’ concerns regarding the A244. I will continue to work with our Surrey County Councillor, who is responsible for highways, to make improvements.
6. Blundel Lane Railway Bridge. When the traffic management feasibility study which I fought for is complete, I will work with interested parties to develop a safety and access improvement plan