Cllr Colin Davis

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.

Celebrating a "No" Victory with Family and Friends at St. Peters

Pleasing publicity this week, with coverage of the Great Debate on AV.  Won by the “No” campaign handsomely and with suitable style by Kwasi Kwarteng MP. The vote, 43 No’s, to 15 Yes’s, underlined the fundamental absurdity of the case put by the Yes campaign. There were some excellent contributions from the floor, indeed I made a small contribution myself. The debate was chaired by local “celebrity” vicar Rod Cosh, with some gusto.

Victors and vanquished enjoyed a civilised drink afterwards, providing a much needed break for those of us engaged more or less full-time campaigning.

As to the campaign trail itself, it is a positive pleasure to be meeting so many local residents, dealing with concerns on the one hand and accepting the occasional “thank you” along the way.  I think what heartens me most is the obvious appreciation most people seem to have of how well Spelthorne is working in this difficult financial climate. There is of course no doubt that as a local authority Spelthorne can and must improve its game, but when compared with other authorities, Spelthorne can hold its head high and its residents can be rightly proud of their Conservative Administration.

Beware however, the outcome of this election is not guaranteed. Our greatest enemy is complacency, please Vote Conservative and NO to AV on May 5!

My wife and I at the Spelthorne Conservative Association AGM

Wife Ellen and I have been working hard on the election campaign, in addition to the routine errands and oddball requests that accompany one’s life as a councillor. Also working hard on a number of economic development projects to be announced shortly after the election. In the meantime, I have been appointed Spelthorne Coordinator by the No2AV Campaign. I was delighted to be asked to run the campaign locally as it involves working closely with our Member of Parliament Kwasi, who is one of a small number of MPs selected by David Cameron to spearhead the No2AV campaign. The proposal to alter our voting system poses in my view the greatest threat to representative democracy since the Second World War. The AV system is misrepresented by its supporters as a form of proportional representation, which it is not. It is a system considered and rejected in the past not only by Sir Winston Churchill, but many other statesmen, including Roy Jenkins, who deplored AV whilst being much in support of PR. For the avoidance of doubt what is proposed is an extremely daft suggestion that right thinking voters of all political persuasions should consign to the dustbin of history in short order.

What has saddened me on the doorstep is the obvious confusion ordinary folk have as to the  nature of the proposal, let alone its merits. If there is a low poll on May 5, this could have serious consequences for our democracy.

Whether clear about the issues or otherwise, please attend a debate organised by me on behalf of the No2AV campaign to debate the relative merits of the AV proposal on Friday 15 April 2011. The No2AV campaign will be represented by Kwasi Kwarteng MP and the Yes campaign will provide a speaker of similar standing.

The event will take place at St. Peter’s Church, Laleham Road, Staines TW18 2DX. The debate will be moderated by Fr. Rod Cosh, Vicar of Staines, and there will be an opportunity to purchase refershments from a licenced bar

Penny Forbes-Forsyth, Jean Pinkerton, and myself stopping at the Edinburgh Drive cafe for coffee

The Local Borough Council elections for Spelthorne are now officially under way! And as if on cue, the clocks have changed to British Summer time, meaning there is a lot more daylight in the evenings for canvassing. The Staines South Ward team have already knocked on every door — if you were not in at the time, you would have received one of our “While You Were Out” cards. We will continue knocking on doors until we’ve spoken to every one we possibly can before Election Day on Thursday 5 May. If you would like to reach me before that, to discuss an issue or concern that you may have, please see my contact details on this website and I’ll be happy to help if I can.

In the meantime, our second In Touch is attached here. Please do read and see what Spelthorne Borough Council and the Staines South team have been up to.

New In Touch for Staines South

Colin at the CCA conference with the No To AV campaign

Whilst attending the Conservative Councillors’ Conference just outside Warwick, I had the privilege to meet senior members of the all-party No to AV campaign. They impressed me with their no-nonsense, common sense approach. If AV goes through, we’ll just see generation after generation of compromises and middle-roaders like Tony Blair and Neville Chamberlain, and lots of coalitions instead of the occasional hiccup. Add to that the nature of those who seem to want AV and it’s a no-brainer as far as I’m concerned. The hair in the photograph demonstrates the foolishness of going for the pretty shampoo in the hotel bathroom rather than one’s own chosen brand! Ignore me on hair products, please follow me on Voting No To AV!