Guildford Borough is currently ‘governed’ by 48 councillors.  The majority party, which is Conservative, then elects an Executive that runs the council, supported by a Chief Executive.  Whilst the current system is not perfect, it is not clear to me why we need a Ken Livingstone-type figure for Guildford.  Perhaps the Trinity Party thinks that Michel Harper, who is a member of Trinity, should be the Mayor of Guildford?

The benefit of Guildford’s current system is that the position of Mayor is ceremonial.  He or she is drawn from any political party or none and is politically neutral for his or her year in office.  At present, the Mayor attends many functions and supports a significant number of local voluntary organisations in their important work in the Borough.  This valued work would fall away if the Mayor were elected.

It should also be noted that different council services in Guildford are provided by the Borough and County Councils.  A Mayor of Guildford would not be responsible for key local services such as education, social services and transport because these are the responsibility of the County Council, which would not be accountable to the Mayor.  In addition, an elected Mayor would be required to be paid a full-time salary.  As someone who is a part-time politician with a full-time job elsewhere, I question whether there is the support in Guildford for yet more taxpayers’ money to be spent on a full-time council politician.

So what is the real motive for the Trinity Party in trying to force Guildford Borough Council to hold a referendum for an elected Mayor, costing taxpayers £80,000 in the process?  They say the Council is out of touch – but proffer no evidence, yet the recent residents survey clearly evidences the satisfaction of the community with the Council. Could it be that Trinity, having twice tried to thwart plans for rebuilding the Civic Hall, wants an elected Mayor in place that may be more supportive of its aims (whatever they are)?  Perhaps Trinity feels that an Elected Mayor would want to see a casino in Guildford?  Or even think an elected Mayor would sell Stoke Park for a stadium?  Or perhaps Mr Harper wants the job himself?

Cllr Andrew French
Deputy Leader of the Council

May I reassure the residents and visitors to Guildford that there was never any intention of removing the beautiful flower beds that sweep around below the Great Tower in the Castle Grounds. I can well understand the “dismay” expressed by your readers as I agree the wonderfully varied flowers are  “a source of immense joy” to those who take pleasure in walking through and resting in the superbly tended floral areas.

We take a great pride in the borough’s achievements in South East in Bloom, remembering that we secured a Gold Award last year. Guildford Borough has its own Guildford in Bloom competition, entered by many residents, with the purpose of encouraging not only floral displays but also an awareness of the environment.

There will be changes, rose beds and flowering shrubs will feature in some of our parks, not to the detriment of our prime bedding plant sections, but rather add a new and exciting dimension. The displays will still be breathtaking and I know will attract admiration from near and far. In particular the Castle Grounds will continue to be alive with colour from an extensive display of bedding plants throughout the summer.

Cllr Mrs Jennifer Powell (People & Partnerships Portfolio)
Chairman, Guildford in Bloom

Sir - The Lib Dem candidate for Guildford is quoted by Andrew Gimson (News, May 2) as saying: "We've never had a Tory MP live in this constituency. They've always taken flats."

While I was MP for Guildford, my family lived in the heart of the constituency, where my wife Jane still teaches at a state school. My predecessor, David Howell, did likewise for many years. Lady Nugent, the widow of his predecessor, lives in the same village, 41 years after her husband retired.

Nick St Aubyn

Dunsfold, Surrey