Mary Reid

I was out door-knocking today, and one local resident told me that the Council does nothing for Chessington.

I can remember years ago when it really did feel as though this was the forgotten end of the borough - indeed I may have played a part in inventing that phrase myself. 

But all that has changed dramatically and so I reminded him of three current high value projects:

The Hook Centre - our exciting new hi-tech library and community centre - is taking shape and will be opening later in the year.

The Devon Way Centre, which will provide an activity centre for the elderly and greatly improved youth facilities, will emerge from a complete remodelling and refurnishing of the Hook Youth Club.

The complete rebuild of Chessington Community College using a £23 million grant (in picture with local councillors)

I think I should also have mentioned ...

Local councillors negotiated and made the Merritt Medical Centre happen.

There have been many other signs of economic and social vitality under the stewardship of the local Liberal Democrat councillors.

The two main local shopping centres, Hook Parade and Chessington North Parade, are thriving and have attracted popular supermarket chains. I can remember when many shops stood empty.

Chessington has two substantial business parks, and these provide plenty of jobs for local people, alongside the seasonal work at Chessington World of Adventures.

We welcomed one of the first Safer Neighbourhood police teams, and they will very soon double their numbers.

Some years ago, the Kings Centre was a significant planning gain for our community. It resulted from our vision for a unique partnership between a developer, the local Council and a church that was willing to invest time and money in the local community.

I could go on, but that's enough for now....