People are concerned, but just how concerned our politicians are?

I refer to two items in the recent edition of the Leatherhead Advertiser (30th October).

On page 10 there is a report of the 'Giant Litter Pick' on 25th October. There is an impressive array of black (and other colour) bags outside of the Institute in the High street and by Teazle Wood. Perhaps the most staggering picture is of the assorted items being piled up outside Leach grove Wood. The list of finds in that wood given in the article is both surprising and worrying. It is clear that these woods have been allowed to become a vast fly-tipping area. The NHS body that owns it does not seem concerned and yet attempts over the past years by residents to have "Village Green" status accorded to the woods has met with opposition. Let's get something sorted out and not let these woods become a free for all fly-tipping area again.

In one of the pictures on page 10, we saw Cllr Tim Hall. It was, indeed, encouraging to see our County Councillor taking part in the litter pick. Sadly, however, not one of our MVDC councillors turned up. I appreciate that some may have had other commitments or not be there for some good reason. But all five them? More support, please.

The other page I refer to is page 29 "Opinion.' Four of the six letters on that page are expressing concern about the Green Belt. There is clearly concern about this issue. Also, not unsurprisingly, the letters show a certain scepticism about Sir Paul's recent statements and of the Government's attitude over the issue. Indeed over the past four years of the Coalition Government we have seen contradictory signals coming from Eric Pickles and George Osborne. As one writer observes: "One cannot escape the conclusion that this useless Government does not know whether it is coming or going." We can expect all sorts of Green Belt promises between now and the General Election next year. But shall we be able to believe them all?

Our Green Party Parliamentary Candidate calls for us to rethink "how we develop the economy by not putting all our eggs in the overloaded basket of the South East." AMEN!