Leo Docherty explains how local Tories are giving the local community the competence, value for money and ambition it deserves
There are many reasons to vote Conservative in Rushmoor. From increased focus on law and order, to improved husbandry of our culture and heritage, to believing that individuals should take responsibility for their own actions. The list is long. But according to our local MP, Leo Docherty, they can be boiled down to three things – competence, value for money, and ambition. And these are the key reasons why you should vote Conservative on 2nd May and in the years ahead.
When ANHCA spoke with Leo in his parliamentary office in Westminster last month, it was clear the local Conservative vision is already delivering in spades for Rushmoor. This is reflected most clearly in the vast regeneration project underway in Aldershot. “Look out over Aldershot” said Leo, “and you’ll see a skyline full of cranes”. The Conservative-led council is overseeing a vast regeneration package worth over £100m, which seeks to redevelop the town centre and ensure it is modernised for living in the 2020s and beyond. It is a hive of activity and bustle.
Back in the 90s, town centres like Aldershot’s were dominated by the retail sector. Urban living has moved on however. The introduction of internet shopping means residents now want more from their town centre than just opportunities to shop. This has been carefully reflected in the town centre’s redesign. Not only is there still plenty of space for shops, but there are also local community spaces, as well as housing. It is also focussed on providing a town centre that is easy-on-the-eye, and reflective of the thriving community which Aldershot contains.
It has been the Conservative-led council that has been front and centre in driving forward this regeneration project. They are the ones who have held building firms to account, kept things within budget, and ensured that each stage is completed on time – something many said would be impossible. This harks back to the competence and value that comes with voting Conservative.
So what’s next? What’s the Conservative ambition and planned future for Rushmoor? Put simply, it’s about raising our gaze and ensuring Farnborough can also benefit from a large-scale regeneration project. As a result, driving forward the Civic Quarter Regeneration Project is a significant priority for the years ahead. Once completed, Farnborough’s town centre will boast a vibrant mixed-use space: residential housing, a leisure centre, 1.93 hectares of green space, housing, retail areas and much more. With valuable experience from Aldershot tucked under their belt, the dedicated and talented Conservative local officials are set to throw themselves into the project with as much vigour as they did with Aldershot’s.
But we can’t take this for granted. To ensure these projects are seen through to the end, and are delivered with the taxpayer’s value for money in mind, we need the right people at the helm. In Leo’s words, a Labour-led Council would “slam on the brakes,” stalling these important projects whilst focussing efforts on other spurious enterprises.
It is only through voting Conservative that we can ensure Rushmoor gets the competence, value for money and ambition it deserves.
