HASLEMERE residents will go to the polls on Thursday, May 4 to elect their Surrey County Council representatives for the next four years.

Here we include personal statements by the five candidates vying for election in Haslemere:

*RICHARD HAMPSON - CONSERVATIVES

As former Army officer, I spent 14 years serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and the UK.  I passionately believe in contributing to the community and want to do so now by serving and working for Haslemere.

As your County Councillor it will be my top priority to ensure that Haslemere has a strong, credible voice in County Hall and that the concerns of residents are listened to.

We need to ensure that our roads are improved, local business supported and funding for our schools and hospital protected. I will use all of my energy and experience to make this happen.

*KIM HEMMINGWAY - LABOUR

Actress, writer, small business owner, national director of the Britain Australia Society.

“I stand with left wing pride for the NHS. I stand up to all the NIMBYs who say we cannot build more houses in Surrey. People tell me they can’t afford to live here, they just work here, I stand for changing that. If anyone out there lives and votes in Haslemere and believes that there can be a better, fairer future for all, not just the elite, please vote for me in May."

*JOHN ROBINI - LIB DEMS

I was born in Surrey, and now live in Haslemere. I have always been interested in Community affairs, and worked for Surrey Police for 43 years. I was a Councillor and Chairman for Witley Parish Council. I was elected to Waverley Borough Council where I was a member of the executive with a portfolio which included Community safety and Young people. I successfully introduced a youth council, a stronger and more robust CAB system, and other Community projects. If elected I will support the vulnerable, particularly the elderly and young, and develop better communication and strategies between departments and agencies.

*JON TAYLOR - GREEN PARTY

Jon has worked for more than 25 years on environmental challenges in Britain and around the world, helping communities to adapt to a rapidly changing world – and to develop sustainably – while protecting their natural heritage.

He has lived in Haslemere for the past seven years and is passionate about Surrey maintaining its individual nature, given its proximity to London, providing a safe and nurturing environment for families, a strong foundation for sustainable local businesses and jobs, as well as clean and reliable public transport.

Jon opposes rising populism and isolationism as well as austerity that hits those least able to bear it on top of the environmental hypocrisy of policies such as export expansion at Heathrow, and fracking for more fossil fuels.

He supports a hopeful, interconnected and sustainable future for Haslemere and Surrey.

*GAIL WEINGARTNER - UKIP

I drive buses for Waverley Hoppa Community Transport, when I get to talk to many Haslemere residents and do of course, hear their issues.  I strongly feel that a good mix of different party councillors is required and indeed sensible, for a council to effectively address the varied concerns and projects for its residents.  A majority of mainly Conservative, LibDem, Labour, Green or even UKIP councillors is not healthy, so please bear this in mind when you cast your vote.

As a founder member of the Pituitary Foundation, a medical charity, I definitely have the enthusiasm and tenacity required for the role of county councillor and would relish taking on our local issues.