When I returned to Wokingham after several decades away, much had changed, some things had improved and others had dishearteningly stayed the same.
Notably, the local constituency MP who, bafflingly, is the same person who had just been elected when I left the town to go to university over 30 years ago…
I was delighted to see that many of the familiar landmarks remain, most notably the town hall, a redbrick monument to civic confidence and pride, saved in the 1960s from threatened destruction by my esteemed headmaster at Palmer School among others, and that also new recreation, shopping and cultural facilities have arisen, an indication of the dynamism that growth can bring to a town.
I have fond memories of the Ritz, but the new cinema is immeasurably more comfortable.
At the same time, however, the impact of 12 years of hard-right Conservative austerity are clearly to be seen, even in a town noted for its affluence.
Since it became possible to talk to people on the doorstep once more I have accompanied Labour councillors and activists in Norreys ward and elsewhere to ask about the problems and questions they have about council services, and more widely, about the hopes and aspirations they have for their community.
Both long-time residents and people who have newly chosen to make Wokingham their home.
I have been struck first by the politeness, tolerance and good humour of the people at whose door we knock on a Sunday – people have been overwhelmingly patient and friendly, living up the image of the English that is still, despite everything, cherished by many people abroad.
Second, I have been impressed by the affection and concern that people, both long-time residents and newcomers, have for their community and their belief in a better future for the town, the community and their place in it.
At the same time there are often repeated concerns which centre on the feeling that the town is growing without sustainability: that services, safety and amenities have not been expanded and are not being maintained to keep pace with the construction of houses – that access to a doctor, help from the police, social care and support for a vulnerable neighbour or relative is far more complicated and inaccessible than it was in previous times.
This is, of course, not unique to Wokingham but nor is it simply because of new neighbourhoods being built. Rather, this sense of distance is a direct consequence of the years of austerity since 2010 which has undermined the ability of elected local authorities to provide and administer many of the features and functions that we understand as being necessary for a good and fulfilling life – community amenities, clean, safe and walkable streets, services that empower and support everybody.
I have been impressed, as have so many, by the energy and commitment shown by Wokingham Labour in supporting and mobilising local initiatives to clean streets and community areas and to make our streets and roads safe for all users. It has been inspiring to see the enthusiasm and sometimes surprise of residents to see their councillors working year-round to understand what matters to the residents of their wards.
Local Labour in Wokingham has shown itself able both to speak and act in support of the vulnerable in our community and to work on ensuring that the priorities and concerns of the people of Wokingham are central in the planning and delivery of the essential services the council exists to provide.
Local Labour councillors and volunteers are making a consistent and important contribution to the area and also to the sense that the Council (and Councillors!) can and should be responsive to the questions and aspirations of people in Wokingham.
I would be proud to be elected to Council for my home ward of Norreys and to join the group of hard-working local Labour councillors working for our residents.
Marie-Lousie Weighill is the Labour candidate for Norreys ward
