Aly Fitch

28/02/2026

The Good, The Bad and The Paving Slab

Not everyone wanted this project. That’s been clear from the beginning. But now that it’s here and well underway, perhaps the more important question isn’t “who’s to blame?”, it’s how we respond when things don’t go perfectly.

The team on the ground have been nothing but professional and pleasant throughout this massive undertaking.

The paving slabs being used are made to order, and with a scheme of this size, being a couple of thousand short isn’t ideal, but it’s hardly a catastrophe. It simply means they can’t be produced quickly enough to keep up with demand.

Hearing the word “failure” being used feels misplaced. “Failure” is not a word I’m particularly keen on in this context. Large infrastructure projects are complex, and supply delays, while frustrating, are not unusual.

If a further one-day closure becomes necessary to resolve matters, perhaps a Sunday would minimise disruption for businesses and residents.

Some may question the origins of the project. Others may question its ex*****on. But it seems unfair to direct frustration toward those working day in, day out to deliver what they’ve been asked to deliver.

Sometimes… stuff just happens.

And whatever our views at the outset, we can still show a bit of fairness to the people doing the job in front of them.

27/02/2026

I absolutely find anything to do with protesting by using graffiti on a statue quite frankly abhorrent.

Defacing public monuments doesn’t elevate a cause, it diminishes it. Dialogue, debate, and democratic action are powerful tools, spray paint and destruction are not.

When a statue is vandalised, it’s not just stone or bronze that’s damaged, but a piece of shared civic space. Whether people admire or oppose the figure depicted, the act of defacement replaces conversation with confrontation.

27/02/2026

Woolmead, oh Woolmead , wherefore art thee, Woolmead?

It’s good to see a real wake-up on the Woolmead this week.

As I understand it a preferred bidder has been selected, and due process clearly had to be followed, professionally, it was a decision that could not in all respect be rushed, so I appreciate the time that has been taken on this project by those involved.

This is a significant moment for the town.

But let us not forget what we lost, and risk replacing it with something far worse.

I’m not convinced that more short-term or intermittently used accommodation is the right direction. Too often, that kind of model leads to a lack of permanence and community connection.

We already have many flats in Farnham, and they are like stepping stones rather than long-term homes rooted in the life of the town.

We should be leaning into thoughtful, character-led plans, protecting what makes Farnham special.

We don’t need more blocks but something in keeping with the heritage of the market town like the Lion and Lamb Yard.

If we keep building upwards and filling spaces with transient accommodation, we risk losing sight of what this town was, and what it should continue to be.

Woolmead deserves better and so does Farnham.

26/02/2026

It’s a real shame to hear that Hungry Boys at The Plough are giving up the burgers due to the current situation in town. They’ve built up such a loyal following and it’s always sad to see a local food favourite closing.

That said, I do feel that Farnham is now completely spoilt for choice when it comes to food and restaurants. I’d say there must be at least 50 places to eat, although that’s purely a guess, so I’m happy to be corrected if anyone wants to count them up properly!

With the evening parking charges recently brought in by the Council, plus the ongoing roadworks no doubt adding extra frustration, it can’t be easy for businesses.

Add to that the fact that the early part of the year is traditionally a quieter time when many people are spending less, and sadly it’s not entirely surprising.

Really hope things pick up for all our brilliant local independents, they’re what make the town what it is.

Let’s keep supporting them where we can.

26/02/2026

Report Online – It Works!

I reported an issue yesterday using the online reporting system, and it was inspected first thing this morning.

If you’re able to, please use the report online function, it’s quick, simple, and clearly effective.

If you’re not able to report it yourself, just let me know and I’m more than happy to lodge it for you.

You can report issues here:

https://tellus.surreycc.gov.uk/

Let’s keep things moving and get issues sorted quickly!

Report, view, and discuss local street-related problems.

26/02/2026

Yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, confirmed plans to abolish jury trials for some cases carrying sentences of three years or less.

Absolute Balderdash!

I’ve sat through many Crown Court trials. The moment the jury returns is one of the most powerful in our justice system, twelve ordinary people deciding a person’s fate.

I recall a case involving an ex-paratrooper. On paper, the evidence looked formidable. In court, once tested, it unravelled.
I quietly suggested the jury would return within ten minutes to acquit. Nine minutes later, they returned, not guilty.

Outside the courtroom was a very large set of steps, which he jumped as only an ex-paratrooper could, elated. It was the right verdict.

Judges are independent and highly trained, but they are human. Jury trial is not about mistrust, it is about shared responsibility and dispersing power.

Trial by one’s peers, rooted in Magna Carta, has endured for centuries for good reason.

Before we remove juries from more cases, we should reflect on what that safeguard truly represents.

25/02/2026

There is a striking contrast between Chichester’s town centre £0.70 hourly parking and the £1.40 we face in parts of Waverley.

While we all understand the pressures of a council budget, this isn't just about the loose change in our pockets, it’s a matter of principle.

One council treats a parking space as an invitation to stay, browse, and support the local economy. Ours seem to view it only as a revenue stream.

As we try to keep our high streets alive and thriving -

Why is Waverley taxing our presence?

When the cost of "showing up" becomes a deterrent, the council isn't just balancing a ledger, they are draining the very footfall our independent shops rely on to survive.

We love our towns, but we shouldn’t be penalised for visiting them.

It’s time to stop treating our town centres like toll booths and start treating them like the community hubs they are.

24/02/2026

A Thoughtful Look at the Woolmead.

There is visible progress at the Woolmead this month.

With the new hoarding now in place, it is clear that Homes England is moving closer to finalising a new developer partner for this key gateway site. After nearly eight years of the land sitting vacant, many of us are naturally eager to see the site revitalised.

As we look toward the announcement expected next month, it is an ideal time to reflect on the vision currently being proposed for our town centre:

The Infrastructure Mix - The 2018 plan currently being marketed predates many of our modern standards, including the current Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Since CIL is a primary way our town funds road improvements, such as the long-discussed safety works at Hickleys Corner, new school places, and healthcare, we should consider how a 138-unit project might be supported by our existing local services.

Housing for Farnham - Of the 138 units, the current breakdown shows that 76% are studios or one-bed apartments. This is a rare opportunity to ask if this specific mix meets the long-term needs of families, or if a different balance might better serve the town’s future.

A Landmark Gateway - As the primary entrance to Farnham from the East, this site has Gateway Status. We have a unique chance right now to ensure that whatever is built becomes a landmark we are all proud of, aligning with today’s standards for air quality and town-centre vitality that we all value.

The hoarding is a welcome sign that the site is finally being addressed. Let’s use this period of transition to ensure the final result is a project that truly belongs in 2026 and supports the Farnham we all care about.

23/02/2026

White paper release.

The Inclusion Trap.

The buzzword of the decade “Inclusion."

While the word sounds noble, in reality, we are seeing inclusion become a mask for exclusion. By pushing funds directly into mainstream schools under the guise of "extra support," it often functions as little more than a b**g. Too often, those funds are swallowed up by general mainstream budgets rather than providing the specialised, individual support a child actually requires. It’s a shell game where the money goes in, but the support rarely reaches the desk.

This perspective comes from the authority of seeing the system fail in slow motion. Imagine a child sitting under the noses of teachers for eight years before receiving a SEN diagnosis. For nearly a decade, professional educators can fail to even "twitch their nose" at the clear signs of struggle.

If the system can’t identify a child in need over eight years, it is clear that simply handing over more funding to the same mainstream structures isn't the answer.

Parents don't need "inclusive" slogans or vague promises. Parents need accountability, specialised expertise, and a realisation that the mainstream "one-size-fits-all" approach is often just a way to ignore those who don't fit the mold.

Parents need to know that funding is ring-fenced for the specific child it was intended for, rather than being used to plug holes in a failing system.

23/02/2026

At the peaceful hilltop of Air Forces Memorial in Runnymede, over 20,000 names are carved in stone, each one a life given in service.
The memorial honours airmen and women of the British Commonwealth who lost their lives during the Second World War and have no known grave. Designed by Sir Edward Maufe and maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it stands as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, courage, and duty.
Looking out across the Thames Valley, the silence here speaks volumes. Every name tells a story.

20/02/2026

Farnham, a gentle reminder…

From 5–15 March 2026, the town becomes a stage for stories as the Farnham Literary Festival returns for its fifth year.

For eleven days, over 60 events will unfold across twelve venues, bringing together writers, thinkers, performers and artists in a celebration of literature, creativity and conversation.

From bestselling authors and poetry evenings to theatre, film and inspiring schools events in partnership with Blue Bear Bookshop and Farnham Town Council, this is one of the cultural highlights of our year.

Events are beginning to fill.

If there’s something you’ve had your eye on, now is the time to book.

Support local venues.
Celebrate creativity.
Be part of the conversation.

🎟 Tickets & full programme: www.farnhamliteraryfestival.co.uk

Follow Farnham Literary Festival

18/02/2026

Way back I was always good at one thing…

And whilst I haven’t quite put it back into practice yet, I’ve definitely been eyeing up the barriers to see if it’s possible to…

Hurdle

Some skills never leave you, they just wait patiently for a comeback.