It’s happening everywhere because people have gone shopping online. High Streets are changing and the Conservatives have been particularly slow to realise this in Guildford.  Imagination and passion are needed to put life back into the centre of our town.

Labour sees the town centre as a place where the community meets for leisure as well as shopping. We would develop it as a cultural hotspot, with more emphasis on festivals, markets and cultural attractions, and even free wifi as other towns such as Dorchester and Alton have done.

We’d make more of Guildford’s place in history by joining up its historic sites to tell its story.

• We will lobby ministers and landlords to reduce shop rents so that good businesses stay and new ones are encouraged to start up.
• We will support a more ambitious vision for our historic heritage and a vibrant museum.
• We will argue for a mix of affordable housing, space for small businesses and cultural attractions in the North Street area.
• We will explore partnerships to deliver free WIFI in the town centre.

Guildford Labour Party has been talking to the public about the future of the ‘Village’ site, and heard great support for affordable housing, an independent cinema and open-air attractions. We will continue to involve the public in decision-making.

Promoted by Sue Hackman on behalf of Guildford Labour Party both at 9b Martyr Rd Guildford GU1 4LF.