Mass RA resignations

Yesterday's Epsom Guardian carried a letter from Mr & Mrs Beeken, residents of Auriol ward. It reads as follows:

I have today informed Councillor Leach that my wife and myself no longer wish to
be members of the Residents' Association due to his efforts against the
disabled. This is not about money but more the treatment of people who are in a
far worse position than us. In next year's elections we will both be voting for
one of the main party candidates and we urge others to do the same. My wife
Marian and I have lived at this address for more than 30 years.

So even the RAs own members don't agree with their current path under the leadership of Councillor Robert Leach. It seems that Mr & Mrs Beeken are not alone. An examination of the statement of accounts submitted to the Electoral Commission by Stoneleigh & Auriol RA shows that between 2008-2009 that particular RA lost over 400 members. A massive drop.

At that last election the RAs secured, for the first time ever, less than 50% of the vote. It seems their decline continues.