Wokingham Today has reached out to all political parties with candidates standing in the forthcoming local elections. Every party has been offered the opportunity to provide a manifesto-style column to appeal to voters, and over the next week will be publishing those received. Today, it’s the turn of the Conservatives
Wokingham borough Conservatives are setting out a clear plan to protect our communities, safeguard essential services, and restore competent local leadership.
Only the Conservatives can beat the LibDems across Wokingham borough.
We oppose the proposed development of 3,900+ homes at Hall Farm, a scheme voted into the Local Plan by the Lib Dems, despite promising residents they were against it. This development risks severe congestion, flooding concerns, overstretched schools, and pressure on local services.
We are committed to keeping future development under control. The Local Plan update drifted for nearly three years under the Lib Dems, leading to planning decisions being taken by appeal. With Labour increasing housing targets nationally and the Lib Dems signalling support for even more development, we will work to prevent overdevelopment across the borough.
We will end Lib Dem financial waste and refocus spending on frontline priorities. Since taking office, the Lib Dems have cut highways maintenance spend and other services, spent money on empty properties and paperwork, and used reserves to pay for their mistakes.
Conservatives will invest in repairing roads, reverse policies that amount to a “war on motorists,” and ensure residents’ views are respected on issues such as 20mph zones. Unlike the Lib Dems, Conservatives will listen to you.
To support local businesses and commuters, we will continue advocating for one-hour free parking in town centres and deliver additional parking capacity at Twyford station.
Education remains central to our vision. We will prioritise strong local schools, improved SEND provision, and deliver long-promised projects, such as the new sixth form building at Emmbrook school.
We will continue campaigning against Labour’s £43 million funding cut to Wokingham borough and the risks this poses to local services.
We will also press for the new Royal Berkshire Hospital, which Labour delayed by over a decade after promising to build it during this parliament.
