Dear Constituent,
With Parliament in Recess this week, I’ve been busy getting out and about across the constituency, from supporting our local pubs in Bordon to discussing future plans for community stalwarts like the Royal British Legion in Hindhead. It’s always great to stay connected with the heart of our community and hear your thoughts on how we can continue to thrive together.
In Westminster, I’ve been pushing for improvements like the Heathrow Southern Railway link and championing better broadband and mobile coverage for rural areas. Meanwhile, there’s some fantastic news for the region - Royal Surrey County Hospital’s new cancer centre has officially reopened, marking a huge milestone in the fight against cancer. As someone who was part of the fundraising efforts, it’s incredibly rewarding to see this vital service restored for the benefit of all.
We’ve also seen Heath End School achieve a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted, proving that our local schools continue to do an amazing job for our young people.
It’s been a week of positive progress for our area, and as always, if there’s anything else I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
RAISING A GLASS: URGING GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT PUBS
On Saturday, I visited pubs across the Hampshire side of my constituency, including The Woodlark and the Royal Oak in Bordon, the Holly Bush in Headley, The Royal Exchange in Lindford, and The Crown at Arford. It was a great opportunity to hear directly from pub owners, staff, and patrons about the growing pressures facing the hospitality sector.
Pubs are at the heart of our communities, but they’re under serious strain. The Labour government’s cuts to business rates relief, national insurance hikes, and duty increases are making it even harder for them to stay afloat. Rising costs are already squeezing many businesses, and the upcoming minimum wage increase will only add to the pressure.
I am determined to raise these concerns in Parliament and push for real support for the five pubs in my constituency. Local businesses need the right conditions to survive and thrive—not more burdens placed on them.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their concerns. Your voices matter, and I will continue fighting for the future of our local pubs.
Have your say: Fill out my survey and vote for your favourite pub here:
https://www.gregorystafford.co.uk/campaigns/support-our-pubs
SUPPORTING THE HINDHEAD ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
The Hindhead British Legion is not just a venue, it’s a cornerstone of our community, providing a vital space for veterans, families, and residents to come together. Despite the tough financial climate, Sarah, Wayne, and Pete are working tirelessly to keep it going, finding new ways to adapt and strengthen its future.
Rising costs, increased rent charges, and soaring energy prices have put immense pressure on the British Legion, as they have on so many local venues. But rather than giving in, the team is exploring innovative solutions to keep the doors open. When I met with them this week, we discussed plans to make better use of their large outdoor space, including the possibility of introducing padel courts - an exciting opportunity to engage the community and generate vital income.
I will continue to champion the British Legion and other local organisations, ensuring they get the support they need to thrive. Their determination to keep this much-loved institution running is inspiring, and I stand with them every step of the way.
PATCHY SIGNAL? POOR SPEEDS? - TAKE MY MOBILE AND BORADBAND SURVEY
I’m once again calling on residents across Farnham and Bordon to take part in my Rural Broadband and Mobile Coverage Survey, because reliable internet and mobile signal aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities.
Whether you’re working from home, running a business, or just trying to stay connected, poor digital infrastructure can be a major frustration - including where I am in Frensham. I want to hear directly from you about broadband speeds, mobile signal issues, and any other challenges you’re facing.
Your feedback is crucial. It will help me build a clear picture of where the biggest problems are and push for real improvements. When I invited the former Secretary of State for Science and Technology in October 2024, it was clear that rural connectivity needs urgent attention. Now, I need your input to make the case even stronger.
The survey is quick and easy to complete and it could make a real difference to the future of our digital services. Have your say today!
Take the survey here: https://www.gregorystafford.co.uk/news/new-survey-broadband-and-mobile-coverage-launched-farnham-and-bordon-constituency
SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN FARNHAM
Do you, or anyone you know own a fantastic small business that you are considering taking offline and into Farnham’s town centre?
Brightwells development in Farnham are offering a fantastic initiative to give one lucky business the chance to win a year’s free rent at Brightwells, in Farnham.
Please see their website for further details: www.brightwells-farnham.com/win/
HEIDELBURG MATERIALS: SKILLS, SUSTAINABILITY & INDUSTRY
This week, I visited Heidelberg Materials in Bordon to see first hand how they’re supporting local skills development, education, and economic growth - all while leading the way in sustainability and innovation.
As a major player in the construction materials sector, Heidelberg Materials isn’t just providing jobs; they’re investing in the future of our workforce. Their commitment to training and upskilling local people, particularly young talent, is helping to create a stronger, more resilient economy for Bordon and beyond.
I was especially impressed by their focus on sustainability and cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that industry growth doesn’t come at the expense of our environment. It’s exactly this kind of forward-thinking approach that will help diversify our local economy and secure long-term success for the region.
Businesses like Heidelberg Materials are driving real change, and I look forward to supporting their efforts to make Bordon a hub for skills, innovation, and opportunity.
NAVIGATING THE PRESSURE OF INCREASED HOUSING AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK
On a recent visit to the South Downs National Park, I met the Chair of the National Park Authority and other key voices who work tirelessly to protect our green spaces while managing the pressures of new development.
Our discussions focused on the Labour government’s increased housing targets for East Hampshire and the crucial need to ensure that environmental protections remain a priority. The South Downs is not only an area of outstanding natural beauty but also home to three rare ground-nesting bird species, making it vital that any new development is carefully managed.
One initiative I strongly support is the ‘Take the Lead’ campaign, which promotes responsible dog walking to help protect local wildlife. With such a sensitive ecosystem, small actions, like keeping dogs on leads in key areas, make a big difference. I’m pleased that both the local authority and I fully back this important work.
VISITING LOCAL BUSINESSES IN BORDON
Last weekend in Bordon, I carried out some very important constituency business - grabbing my favourite hot chocolate from Acorns Coffee and Cake and a delicious panini from Stuff’d - MPs need fuel too, you know!
While enjoying my chocolate fix, I had a great chat with Dayne from Acorns about the challenges facing small businesses. I make it a point to check in with local business owners regularly; it’s essential to ensure they have the support they need after a tough few months. Plus, any excuse for a great hot chocolate…
Over at the Shed, I bumped into Councillor Tree, where we had a friendly chat about his recent vote alongside the Conservatives on Hampshire County Council’s budget resolution. It’s always good to see that, even across party lines, we can agree on one thing - working for the benefit of East Hampshire and our brilliant local communities.
So, whether it’s debating council budgets or debating which cake to have with my coffee, rest assured I’m always out and about, working hard for our area.
CONNECTING TOWNS TO HEATHROW AIRPORT
After raising the Heathrow rail link for Surrey's towns in Parliament on 6th February, I’m pleased to see renewed discussions on this vital project.
Plans for the Heathrow Southern Railway (HSR) are moving forward - an exciting step towards improving transport links between Surrey and one of the world’s busiest airports. This project will enhance connectivity for constituents along both the London Waterloo to Portsmouth and Alton train lines, while also driving economic growth in our area.
I’ll continue to push for better transport links that benefit both local commuters and businesses, ensuring our region stays connected and competitive.
‘GOOD’ WORK HEATH END SCHOOL !
A huge congratulations to Heath End School in northeast Farnham for successfully maintaining its ‘good’ status following a tough Ofsted inspection in early January.
Although Ofsted has moved away from one-word ratings, this achievement is a clear testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of the school’s staff and students. It’s fantastic to see Heath End continuing to provide a supportive environment where students can thrive and succeed.
Well done to everyone involved - this success is well deserved!
GREAT NEWS FOR ROYAL SURREY HOSPITAL
I am delighted to share some positive news from one of our local healthcare providers, the Royal Surrey County Hospital. The Royal Surrey Cancer Centre has officially opened following a multi-million-pound transformation, a project I was proud to help fundraise for, including through initiatives like last year’s Farnham Cycle Ride, which raised over £3,000 for the hospital’s charity supporting its cancer unit. This redevelopment has created a modern, welcoming, and well-equipped space for cancer patients, doubling clinical capacity to meet growing demand while maintaining the highest standard of care.
In further good news, the hospital trust has reported a £1.6 million surplus for the last financial year. This is a significant achievement, especially given the financial pressures facing the NHS, with deficits more than doubling nationwide, according to the Nuffield Trust. Despite these wider challenges, the Royal Surrey has maintained both high-quality care and financial stability - testament to the dedication and resilience of its staff and leadership.
Our community plays a vital role in supporting the hospital, and I am grateful to everyone who contributes to its success. I will continue to advocate for the resources and investment it deserves in the years ahead.
THIS WEEK’S SURGERY AND CASEWORK BREAKDOWN
This week, I've been busy helping constituents with a range of issues, from plans for EV charging points in Haslemere to visa updates and immigration queries. I continue to push for better broadband and mobile coverage, regularly writing to providers about fibre broadband installation plans. My survey on rural broadband and mobile coverage is still available on my website—your feedback would be invaluable for future actions.
One constituent reached out after apparently receiving a £25k CIL bill from Waverley Borough Council, and I’ve written to the council to get an update on their appeal. I’ve also been in touch with a Local Integrated Care Board on behalf of a gentleman who, after being discharged from hospital, was unable to access neuro-physiotherapy due to the lack of a local team.
If you have an issue that you think I can help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
