Bookham SOUTH

Nancy Goodacre

Nancy Goodacre, Liberal Democrat Party candidate for Bookham South

E: nancy@mvld.org.uk

I feel extremely fortunate to have lived in Bookham for 24 years with my husband and two daughters who went to local primary and secondary schools. I was initially drawn to the village because of the good schools, characterful High Street with a good range of shops, a library within walking distance and all surrounded by beautiful countryside virtually on our doorstep. I have seen considerable change in the village over the years, indeed our road alone has probably doubled in housing density in that time with infill, but the village has nonetheless essentially maintained its core character.

The ongoing increase in population density is bound to continue and I am concerned about how the current infrastructure of Bookham will cope with that. Mole Valley has huge housing targets that pose a real threat to the Green Belt. Where will new homes be built, will there be genuinely affordable homes for local people, and will those new homes be carbon neutral? People do need homes, but they also need good health and social services, educational and youth services, transport infrastructure (roads, cycle routes, affordable and reliable public transport, car-share schemes), waste disposal and recycling, leisure facilities and clean air. How can the council be considering rationalising essential services like the local library, which serves all sectors of a growing community, and closing recycling services when fly tipping is already clearly a problem.

I believe I have the experience to represent my local community on the council, ensuring local views are genuinely taken into consideration when deciding council policy. I have already been involved in various community activities, initially lobbying the council for improved playground facilities near my former home in Fetcham. At South Bookham School (now Polesden Lacey School) I was on the original committee to set up after-school childcare for working parents. I went on to be a parent governor at The Dawnay School with a particular interest in special needs provision. I was Chair of the Surrey Deaf Children’s Society, have been a Community Sighted Guide for Sight for Surrey and am currently a volunteer for the RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association). I like being involved in local issues, finding out what people need and helping to make change happen to meet those needs.

I studied modern languages at university and went on to work in PR and Marketing, spending the latter part of my career in business management. In my spare time, I love cycling and walking in the Surrey Hills, enjoy knitting and reading and I like to support local live music and theatre.

My priorities for Bookham South are:

• Protect our Green Belt
• Make planning work for our villages with more affordable housing to rent and buy
• Defend Bookham’s library and youth services from Tory cuts, keep our tips open and the buses running
• Fix roads and footpaths and keep drains clear to prevent flooding
• Free 30 minute parking to boost the local economy and review charging for open space parking
• Make green energy and sustainability part of Council decisions