Cllr Colin Davis

I hope to greet as many of you as possible tomorrow from 11am onwards, where I shall be opening the event to celebrate our glorious town’s change of name. No less a personage than the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey will preside over the formal name change ceremony at 2pm and our member of parliament Kwasi Kwarteng MP will unveil the London Stone (a replica restored to the stone’s original position.)

The London Stone is thought by many, including me, to have started life as a Roman alter stone. How very appropriate then, given the town’s original name was Ad Pontes (By the Bridge). “Upon Thames” is about the most literal modern translation I can think of. It will be a large family celebration and I am delighted at the media interest the event seems to have generated.

Come along, try a free boat trip, take part or watch the duck race, enjoy our fantastic bands and music, and stand in awe of the Roman Gladiators!

As few of  you will have missed, I was the subject of a standards hearing last Thursday and whilst found not guilty of bullying, two members sitting with an independent chairman concluded that I was guilty of showing disrespect to two lady members of staff and that I misused a parking space.

The local paper has made much of the fact that I was ordered to apologise on pain of a month’s suspension if I did not. I would like you all to know that I have always been ready to apologise to these ladies, but the peculiar nature of the rules is such that once their complaints had been made, I was prevented from contacting them in any way. The process took its course with lawyers involved on both sides, and after seven months and three hearings — the last of which lasted nine hours — I was required to give the apology that I wished to give at the outset.

There may be those of you who wonder, as I did, if a system of mediation at the outset might not have served the needs of justice better, rather than a lengthy procedure involving a good deal of time and expense on both sides.  Be that as it may, I have apologised in writing to both ladies concerned, and hope you will feel able to regard the incidents as closed.

I am currently involved in a number of major projects, which sadly have to remain under wraps for the time being, that will, I believe, bring prosperity and benefit to the borough on a scale not seen in recent years. As far as the incidents were concerned, they were two phone calls made whilst I was suffering from flu, relating to public service issues that I believed important. I have no alternative but to accept that I could have phrased my words better, but I truly had no intention to offend anyone. If you feel I have let you down, rest assured, I shall endeavour to do better in the future. It is a privilege to be a Spelthorne Borough Councillor and I shall continue to pursue  improvements to the borough, if a little more carefully!

So far Spelthorne is weathering the economic downturn better than neighbouring boroughs. Official figures for unemployment in this area demonstrate that the level is the same now as it was this time a year ago. In all of our neighbouring boroughs, both prosperous and less so, unemployment is up. That is a plainly significant fact, the cause of which is difficult to establish scientifically. I believe, however, that we are perceived as a borough with a thought-out economic strategy, unafraid to make radical choices, and apparently the envy of many. Recent economic meetings, both of the Spelthorne Business Forum and the economic development theme group, have entertained guests from boroughs in both Surrey and neighbouring counties keen to learn more from the lead we are setting. I don’t claim for a moment to know all the answers but I do believe Team Spelthorne as a whole deserves a slap on the back and can hold its head high at a critical time.

The borough is now lending support to a community-based project in Ashford, where local people are coming together and seeking government funding to flesh out a strategy based on recent initiatives that will hopefully transform Ashford town centre. It would be wrong of me to identify individuals but I am very heartened that support for the move seems to be coming from all areas of the local community. For my own part, I see the Ashford scheme as a potential template that could be rolled out with communities across the borough and as I know many Staines South residents shop in Church Road, Ashford, it is reasonable to talk about it here.

Commiserations go out to my cabinet colleague Penny Forbes-Forsyth, who recently broke her foot in a fall at her home, thus preventing her from continuing to chair the committee charged with organising the Staines-upon-Thames Day celebrations taking place on the 20th May. If the day is a success, it will be largely due to all the jolly hard work Penny and her team have put in already.

I was able to give the event a bit of a puff last week on BBC Radio Oxford when I shared a slot on their breakfast programme with the Mayor of Abingdon. Guess what? Abbington is changing its name to Abingdon-on-Thames! Another example, I guess, where Staines leads, others follow.

A sign perhaps too, that local authorities across the country are coming to recognise something I have long maintained — it is inevitable that local authorities as large spenders should bear the brunt of the goverment’s public sector reductions. On the other hand, by the same logic, local authorities are ideally placed to make a positive contribution to growth. I believe every local authority, be it parish, town, borough or county, should audit every decision and every action they take with the simple question — how does this effect growth? It mattereth not whether the area concerned is economic development, social services, or some regulatory function. Everything we do effects growth. We have to make the effect a positive one.

It’s official: the festive season is well and truly over, but perhaps to emphasise it, last week’s edition of the Staines and Ashford news reminded me that it is never appropriate to rest on one’s laurels. Indeed, the laurels concerned had nettles amongst them. Not least, in a scathing attack from my local pub of all places, where it is felt nothing has been done to encourage economic development in Spelthorne save Staines-upon-Thames, which, in turn, is tosh.

Staines-upon-Thames is, of course, not tosh but certainly only a very small part of a much wider economic strategy. I am in the process of submitting a complaint to the Press Complaints Commission for there is much to say upon this topic and the Staines and Ashford News never troubled either myself or Spelthorne Borough Council for a solitary word in response to the unfair lamentations it published. The problem, as always, is one of communication. I thought I knew the gentleman concerned  reasonably well and had on several occasions invited him to join Spelthorne Business Forum. SBF, as it is known, is a fabulous business networking organisation run in partnership between the borough council and the business community. When I took over economic development four years or so ago, it had 200 or so members; it now has almost 1000. MEMBERSHIP IS FREE!

SBF hosts monthly evening events/get-togethers sponsored by venues where the food is free and all you have to pay for is the drinks. We give regular updates on what is happening on the current scene locally and provide and promote any opportunities for business development that seem relevant. The Chairman of SBF, Mike Wylie, is a veteran networker and shrewd business sage who makes much from mentoring. Our membership includes, at one end of the scale, BP/BAA and BA right down to my good friend Stephen Willoughby who is probably the newest and youngest addition to networking. SBF is growing and, as far as I am concerned, will continue to grow until every business in Spelthorne is a member.

SBF’s breakfast events include free river cruises and breakfast meetings at prestigious venues such as BP headquarters and Shepperton Studios.

We have spent most of the last year working closely with business community partners to produce a new business assistance package that I truly believe will prove a unique and national lead to beating the recession – announcement due shortly.

As a borough, all services are coordinated to emphasise our Thames-ness and create a winning marketable strategy for the future.

The angry man in the pub was right to this extent: Staines-upon-Thames on its own is not enough. Luckily, a great deal more is on the way, unfair criticism not withstanding.

Cllr Colin Davis, enjoying the Thames

Staines-Upon-Thames now seems as close to a certainty as it’s possible to get. I appreciate it has been some considerable time since my last post, although I have hardly been out of the public eye. As the Cabinet Member responsible for Economic Development, I see my role very much as champion of the business community. I have never understood why some folk view the business community as a race apart and don’t appreciate that business creating wealth creates prospects and prosperity for all of us. Let’s face it, with the exception of my mate, the vicar, how many of us are drawn to any sphere of endeavour out of pure altruism. Indeed, surely we would be failing our loved ones and families if we were. I felt it right and proper, and true to my own considered feelings on the subject that I should champion the cause of Staines-Upon-Thames, which I have loudly, in the local and national press, on local and international radio, and of course local and national television. There have been some odd moments. If I had had to guess which national newspaper would get the proposed new name wrong, it would not have been the Daily Telegraph!

I was very pleased when the officers informed me of the outcome of the consultation. Although some have sneered that just under 700 responses seems a pathetically small number of people, I would point out that when we went out to consultation as to whether Spelthorne should have a directly elected mayor, we had just 10 responses. Viewed against that, just under 700 folk taking the trouble to respond and indicating 2-to-1 that they want Staines-Upon-Thames is a tidal wave of opinion.

One should not, however, dismiss all that has been raised by the “No” campaign as ill-informed fear of the unknown. They have rightly pointed out that if we simply change the name and did nothing else, little would change. I would go further — a great opportunity would have been wasted. Thankfully we have a number of projects at a comparatively advanced stage, including a new tourism website that we propose to launch next month. We have hugely expanded the networking aspects of the Spelthorne Business Forum, and to deal with problems caused by oversubscription for events, we now run evening as well as breakfast meetings so that everyone can in fact attend.

I am pleased to say, however, that whilst enjoying the limelight, I have certainly not turned my back on Staines South. This Christmas will see a Christmas tree planted close to the shops in Edinburgh Drive. I hope the festive touch will be appreciated by residents and encourage them to use the local shops whenever possible. There are now some Christmas lights along Edinburgh Drive, and that’s down to your Conservative Councillors as well.

On a more somber note, the aggregate company has come up with a fresh proposal for gravel extraction from the Manor Farm site, and the proposals will effect some of you if they are successful. Some of you may recall the tongue-lashing I gave the gravel extractors when this issue last came before Spelthorne’s Planning Committee, and it looks as though we may all have to pull together very hard and win the battle all over again. My fellow ward councillors, as well as colleague Philippa Broom, are committed to spirited opposition with which we will need your support. I would very much like to hear from anybody able to assist with campaigning on this issue, or for that matter, any other.

Lastly, some of you may have seen the Liberal leaflet opposing the Staines-Upon-Thames proposal and stating the Liberals have lots of other good ideas for helping the business community. Dear Liberals — you have been coming out with this sort of tosh for four years and have yet to provide me with a single idea, original or otherwise. Any chance you might surprise me this Christmas with just one idea? I won’t wait up…

Cllr Colin Davis on Staines Moor

For some of us, it’s a no-brainer. For some, apparently, a bete-noir. As keen listeners of local radio, or those who read the local newspapers will be aware, I have been championing the proposal to enhance the reputation of our beloved town by adding the words “Upon-Thames” to its title. I have done this at the unequivocal request of the local business community.

When the request came forward, I did not however raise the flag uncritically and without a good deal of research. A YouGov survey which was commissioned demonstrated that  nationally there is a clear and significant bias against Staines among the general public. A property survey showed that property prices in Staines are unnaturally low. The property research carried out was approved by a partner in Nevin & Wright Estate Agents, who concurred it was unusual for a town in Staines’ situation to have lower values to such an extent compared with nearby villages with a poorer commute to London. A detailed media analysis demonstrated that Staines suffers from negative reportage, often of an unkind and ill-informed nature. It should be no surprise therefore that recent media coverage of a possible change in name has been characterised by an air of incredulity, which typifies current media attitudes to our charming riverside town. The full report and the appendices may be accessed via Spelthorne Borough Council’s website.

The change proposed is not an aspirational attempt to belittle neighbours. Nor some form of social elitism. It is a truthful geographic statement to correct the impressions of all those who might otherwise visit or do business who don’t realise Staines doesn’t just have river associations, it is upon the Thames. For all those like me who may have wondered what the difference between something being “on” the Thames or “upon” it; “on” means on one side, while “upon” means on both. The proposed name change therefore is every bit as descriptive as Staines traditional Roman name, Ad Pontes (By the Bridge).

There is of course not the slightest doubt that all those of us who live here will continue to refer to the town as Staines, except perhaps when selling our houses. In the present economic environment, none can state with certitude what precise difference the name change will make, but it is worth noting that the request for this change has come from the business community, upon whom we normally require for economic determinants. I have however spoken to the senior management of all the major local employers, including BAA, British Airways, and BP. All have been kind enough to give me positive feedback on the proposal. I understand the Mayor, Sam Budd, is very supportive of the proposal and he has lived in the area and run a local business for well over 25 years.

A significant opinion is of course yours, the people of Staines. At a meeting of the Spelthorne Cabinet last week, the Cabinet formally approved putting the proposal for a consultation (something we are not required to do by law, by the way). The consultation period starts on the 1st October, and concludes on the 31st October. A decision will then be made.

It is only right that I deal with such arguments as have been advanced against the idea. They are cost — to all intents and purposes it will be cost neutral. New signage will be funded by sponsorship from local business, notepaper will be replaced and amended only as old stationary runs out. Most modern businesses, including your Borough Council self-publish wherever possible. As all delivery related services are geared to postcodes, which will not change, the name change will not require you to alter any personal documentation.

It’s been said that the name “Staines” is one of considerable antiquity and will be sullied by the change. Try though I might, I can’t see that.

Some people think the name change is part of some elitist gentrification programme. It isn’t, but we will be making a number of other changes in concert, including the establishment of a new tourism website and the provision of additional boat services, all at minimal cost, to optimise the river association, in the minds of potential visitors.

In short, the change will cost nothing, if it fails in its objectives we shall have lost nothing. But, should it succeed, then we shall all congratulate ourselves for having done something to help the local economy in a time of serious financial difficulty, when the alternative was to do nothing.

Many great statesmen have observed that perception is everything. I think it would be bold therefore indeed for any to suggest the change will make no difference at all.

I suppose a cynical cove might realistically conclude that whenever an act is flagging slightly or needs a bit of a boost, Staines is a nice cheap, fat target. On the other hand, Hard-Fi are a truly local band, and their stuff does seem to sell. With three million albums sold, it’s not surprising they have little time to actually spend in Staines, and dare I say it, get their facts right.

I don’t know how many of you saw the Times last Monday (I had it thrust under my nose by an outraged constituent). An amusingly written story did a profile on Hard-Fi explaining how difficult it was living in Staines, which is a ghost town, shops and bars closing, including Thorntons and Habitat, etc. All very eye-catching, all very untrue. The band themselves are very popular and my younger friends assure me that the band members are nice people with the best interests of the area at heart. And their music is good (to the younger ear, at least).

No doubt all true, but negative comment in national newspapers is the last thing Staines needs, and there has been far too much of it. Staines suffered not at all in the recent riots, and is suburban, not urban. Although our record for high street closures is much better than the national average, negative reportage like this may well affect decisions in boardrooms made by those who have simply never visited the area. Wherever I go within Staines, I detect increasing support for a name change to Staines-upon-Thames to help us set the record straight nationally, and create conditions for growth. I wholeheartedly support the concept, but ultimately, it is up to you to make your voices heard if, as I am confident, the Council decides to put the matter out to consultation before the end of the summer.

On a separate note, I have been approached by many good folk for my opinion about the views of David Starkey. I have always believed that everyone should be entitled to air their views, although whether all of the evidence points in the direction Dr. Starkey has indicated, it is in my view premature to conclude. I do think however that over many years proper debate on sensitive issues has been stifled by political correctness and pre-decided conclusions reached for reasons of political philosophy.

Staines is marked by its tolerance on the one hand, and its zero-tolerance for criminal behaviour on the other. Of course there are exceptions, but that is the general rule around these parts, and that’s the way I’d like it to stay.

With Cllr Penny Forbes-Forsyth enjoying a wonderful afternoon at Laleham Village Fair

It’s been a very busy time since my last post. Return to the Cabinet with slightly more responsibilities, I am focusing keenly on the future. Meanwhile, the Staines Business Community’s campaign to restore the town’s reputation to its river roots continues apace. The eagle-eyed amongst you might have noticed the local BNI chapter changing its name to “Staines-upon-Thames” BNI, all duly reported on London Tonight, including an interview which taught me the short sleeve shirt approach suits slim guys best. Note to self: start slimming!

All joking aside, the debate continues and certainly names are important. I notice from my postbag that a large swathe of those living in Staines South proudly adorne their letterheads with the words “Laleham-upon-Thames”. Given that little, if any, of Staines South ever formed part of the ancient village parish, it is right to assume that those who do so consider that a Staines address has unfortunate connotations about it. Or perhaps it is simply that like all Staines dwellers, they hanker for their historic Thames roots by which Laleham is now popularly known?

Certainly Laleham, which ajoins Staines South, is a bright jewel in the Borough’s crown and it was a delight to recently attend its annual Village Fair in company with fellow counncillors, including my Staines South Cabinet colleague, Penny Forbes-Forsyth. The weather was perfect, all the stalls were great, and I especially enjoyed the Dog Show. The pony rides were obviously popular, and it was lovely to see so many local organisations all pulling together.

Congratulations to the successful Conservative council candidates on May 5! It was a hard-fought campaign, with a close result in many wards. I would like to thank the residents in Staines South for returning both myself and Jean Pinkerton to office for another term, and for electing Penny Forbes-Forsyth to the council for the first time.

Now it is time to focus on the coming political year and perhaps right to spare a moment or two for the guy who should have made it, but didn’t, my friend and colleague, our Leader, John Packman. John was defeated largely because he spent so much time helping others.

In Staines South, we were incredibly organised, won a prize for canvassing more voters than any other Conservative team. We actually canvassed in areas in addition to our own, including Stanwell North, Laleham & Shepperton, Staines Town, and Sunbury East. I offered the same help to Ashford Town, and sadly John Packman declined the offer, commending me to help those in real trouble. It was a sacrifice in the tradition of Robert Falcon Scott, after all, John only lost by a handful of votes. He orchestrated the successful campaigns of no less than 32 Conservative Councillors out of a total of 39 candidates. John gave me my first real break in politics and although I know there were times when he found my maverick tendencies a trifle alarming, he always offered me encouragement and was ever ready with a kindly word.

I was very touch by the number of personal tributes I received from ordinary folk like myself who are just fed up with political correctness and the dishonesty inherent in Labour’s Fat Cat politics. It is nice to celebrate individualism and to show common cause with lifetime Labour supporters in scotching forever, or this parliament at least, Liberal hopes for destroying our ancient and honourable first-past-the-post system.

I have no inside line on who the next leader of Spelthorne Conservatives will be, but I know that it will be a committed and honourable  person with a well-defined sense of political right and political wrong, but most of all, a scorn for political correctness and a desire to return this country in short order to its traditions of tolerance, good order, and discipline in all things. My fellow Conservative councillors are each  of them blessed with individual talents that might make a good leader from any one of them. I for one should be proud to serve with whomsoever is selected.

Colin Davis with Cllr Isobel Napper, Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Cllr Jean Pinkerton, Penny Forbes-Forsyth, C Cllr Denise Saliagopoulos and Cllr Jack Pinkerton, as well as a local resident

One cannot summon sufficient superlatives to properly describe this year’s ultimate feel-good, the Royal Wedding. Ellen and I enjoyed a delightful late breakfast of Buck’s Fizz, salmon and scrambled egg whilst observing goings on at the palace and attempts at stealing our breakfast by the cats. Both events went off without a hitch. Breakfast good, Royal Wedding better.

Time then only to assemble our goodies and head for Rosefield Road (just by the station, off Kingston Road) where the residents had prepared a magnificent street fest party that I’m sure we will all long remember. Everyone who attended, including a brief visit from uniformed police officers, demonstrated the congeniality and tolerance for which our nation is rightly famed. A fellow candidate attending the party remarked “We do pomp, circumstance, and pageantry better than any nation on the face of the planet!” How right she was.

Kwasi Kwarteng MP and County Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos were present enjoying all the fun, having I gather visited a number of such parties during the course of the day. I admit it was all I could do to cope with one such party, and congratulations to all the organisers including my fellow councillors Jack and Jean Pinkerton.

On Friday, we were truly one nation and our hearts beat as one. I sincerely trust we can rekindle that spirit in a positive way in the difficult days and years to come.