Newly re-elected Reigate MP, Crispin Blunt, today laid out his constituency priorities for the coming term of Parliament commenting:

“I am delighted to have been re-elected as MP for Reigate. This will enable me to continue working on key local issues that I consider to be matters of priority.

“I will continue to press for improvements in local transport infrastructure. On the railways I will be pursuing the fairer fares agenda by continuing my dialogue with GTR and the Department of Transport arguing for the introduction of TfL zoning for stations between Coulsdon South and Gatwick. I will also be pressing for station, track and signalling infrastructure improvements and improved timetable scheduling to facilitate more frequent and reliable local services.

“Whilst continuing to object to any further plans for a second runway at Gatwick Airport, I will continue my work with local groups to create a more fair and equitable distribution of aircraft noise for residents across the constituency, pressing Gatwick Airport to look at options for dispersal and noise-relief under concentrated take-off routes.

“On the roads, I will continue my support for proposals for a fit-for-purpose interchange between the A23 and M23 at Hooley to ease congestion enable traffic from Merstham and Redhill to have access to the motorway system, as well as other local proposals to improve traffic flow, ease congestion and reduce air pollution.

“I will continue by stance against Green Belt development and advocate for sustainable Brown Field and infill development to meet our local housing needs and will continue to argue for changes in Government planning policy that support this imperative.

“I will continue to press for more schools in the borough rather than over expansion of existing ones, especially at a time of increased demand for places at both primary and secondary level.

“I will also press for the retention of key health and social services in the constituency and look for creative ways of maintaining these with the public sector funding environment. In this context I will also be supporting a fairer central government financial settlement for Surrey and for Surrey Police so that our local services are not unfairly disadvantaged in the coming years.

“Finally, I will continue my support for local businesses and continue to advocate for local employment into these. I will be encouraging the development of more apprenticeships to improve access to local employment and training for local young people. I will also pursue initiatives to enable businesses to add more social value by engaging and supporting local charities, projects and good causes.

“I will continue my close partnership with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and aim to work co-operatively with them on key local issues.

“I also look forward to meeting constituents at my regular surgeries and responding to their queries and concerns through my constituency case-work programme.”