Hi All,

After publishing the last update - more information became available on the position of various election candidates and councillors - so it’s time for another update! 

With Kings Pond residing in Ashdell ward, we believe this is a key battle ground. We need councillors committed to saving the pond and improving it in its current form. The only district councillor to unequivocally commit to this here is Louis Ward (Conservative). We are also delighted to have heard back from Jonathan Waugh (Independent) who has been elected town councillor for the ward and stated that he does not want the pond ruined. 

The Alton Herald reported this week that Labour have committed to at the very least review proposals for the pond. Whilst we are encouraged by this, it is not the abandonment of proposals we had hoped for so will continue to monitor the situation going forward. We however remain optimistic that they will do the right thing. At this time we’ve not had the chance to speak with any candidates or elected councillors personally but would welcome them making contact with any of the Save Kings Pond campaigners. 

Another key seat where a change in district councillor would be beneficial to Kings Pond is Whitedown where Aaron Brett (Conservative) has said: “I fully support, along with my fellow Conservatives the retention and protection of Kings Pond. It’s a beautiful open space and the type of area we need to protect”.

Meanwhile Dr Dami Sogbesan (Conservative) standing for Amery has made it a priority in their election pledges. 

Liberal Democrat candidates  have thus far not made any commitments on the future of Kings Pond. This is not unexpected as they were the biggest supporters and orchestrators of the horrific proposals we are campaigning against. 

As things stand the Conservatives are the only party committed to saving Kings Pond. At district level based on previous election results, they are also the only party statistically likely to depose incumbent Liberal Democrat’s who we believe pose the greatest threat to the future of Kings Pond. 

We know that for some (including me!), voting Conservative doesn’t feel right, however it is imperative that we elect the right people, ensuring that the space we know and love is preserved for generations to come. At a local level the person matters more than the political party they represent. 

We as a group have life long socialists among our ranks, even former Liberal Democrat supporters and come from a diverse political background.  We are however united in our view that the pond must be saved and we know that means backing the right individuals, even where this means voting for a party we wouldn’t normally support. 

In the simplest terms, the best way to save Kings Pond is to vote Conservative in the district elections on 4th May. Please don’t leave it for someone else to do - use your vote and be the difference.

Anthony

email: agfurnival@outlook.com