HASLEMERE town mayor John Robini has announced he is to stand for election to Surrey County Council next month.

A former Surrey Police crime prevention officer of some 43 years’ service, Mr Robini was elected the Lib Dem councillor for Haslemere Critchmere and Shottermill in 2015.

He has served as Haslemere mayor since May 2019, and is expected to take the chains as mayor of Waverley for 2021/22.

Launching his second bid for Haslemere’s county council seat, having polled 28 per cent of the vote to finish second behind Tory Richard Hampson in 2017, Cllr Robini said: “I have lived and been involved in the local area of Haslemere for many years. It is a jewel in the south of England. Not just for the countryside, but at its heart there is a loving and caring community.

“Without all the volunteers helping to run the many buildings and events, it would be much poorer. Events such as markets, the festival, the charter fair and many others would not happen. The museum, the place-to-be youth centre, Haslewey and many others would struggle to provide our rich culture of diversity.

“However, not everything is rosy. Over the past two years I have managed to get more funding into Haslemere rather than being unfairly spread across other parts of the borough. It has been obvious to me this fight must continue to ensure the town and community we love is properly supported.

“For example, despite opposition we are fighting developers who want to build on our greenfield sites, preferring to build on the brownfield sites first.

“It does not end here, though. Over the past few years, Surrey County Council youth facilities, family support groups and social services have been cruelly cut, exposing the most vulnerable.

“They have allowed roads to deteriorate, and are now trying to cut the fire service.

“Enough is enough. I have decided to stand as a Surrey county councillor to defend Haslemere’s community, particularly those most vulnerable.

“We need to look at alternative ways of delivery instead of just using excuses to cut costs. People must come first.”

* A final list of candidates for the May 6 elections will be confirmed tomorrow (Friday) and published in next week’s edition of the Herald – with all local candidates and parties to be profiled in coming weeks.

But we’d love to know what issues you would like to see addressed at the ballot box.

Email your election wish lists to [email protected] or write to us at 114-115 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7HL.