The Borough of Elmbridge in Surrey has long been regarded as a very affluent part of the country and has been dubbed the Beverley Hills of Britain because of the high concentration of rich and famous residents. Elmbridge is made up of sixteen areas/wards and each of these is represented by three councillors. However, what is surprising to some is that of the forty eight elected councillors, twenty do not represent the usual national parties but are from local residents’ associations or are independent. This is not surprising to the residents themselves who have consistently shown at the ballot box that they want their local councillors to be independent from national politics with their overriding party interests and to be accountable locally.

Esher is one such ward – a community of over 3,700 households covering Esher, Lower Green, West End and Hersham Riverside. All three elected councillors, two of whom have served as Mayor, are representatives of the Esher Residents Association (ERA).

The ERA was formed in 1976 by concerned local residents who strongly believed that residents needed a voice on the council. Acting together with other local resident association councillors, known as the Residents Group, they have been able to represent the people of Esher and Elmbridge and strived over the years to protect its valuable Green Belt as well fighting bad development. The ERA like other resident associations has a committee made up of volunteer residents all of whom give their time and effort for the greater good of the community.

Could residents’ associations such as the ERA exist without its councillors? Yes they could but without them they would be toothless. Residents’ associations such as the ERA rely on their volunteers so if you are sufficiently concerned about your community and want to try and make a difference please get in touch.

If you live in the Esher Ward you can contact the ERA via email helloesher@esher-residents.com / hellohersham@esher-residents.com We would be delighted to hear from you.

Simon Leifer, Esher Residents Association