Will Forster, the Liberal Democrat MP for Woking, has formally delivered a Petition to Parliament calling on the Government to take urgent action to make Old Woking High Street safer, after a series of dangerous incidents that have left residents living in fear.

The petition highlights serious concerns about the speed and volume of traffic on Old Woking High Street, particularly near St Peter’s Church. Local residents say they have raised concerns with Surrey County Council and Surrey Police about the road's safety for years, yet no meaningful action has been taken.

In the past couple of years there have been at least four incidents on the same stretch of road, all linked to speeding or loss of control. The petitioners are requesting the Government take immediate action to provide effective measures to slow vehicles or manage the flow of traffic in Old Woking. 

Delivering the petition in the House of Commons, Woking MP Wil Forster said:

“Many of my Woking constituents have concerns about the speed and volume of traffic on Old Woking High Street, particularly near St Peter’s church. 

“These concerns have been raised significantly following a car going through a property on Old Woking High Street.

“No one was seriously hurt, but a young family with a new baby received medical treatment has had to be moved out, has received medical treatment and is in temporary housing as a result.”

Speaking after delivering the petition, Mr Forster added that: “It sadly comes as no surprise that my constituents felt the need to create this petition. Despite the persistent danger to pedestrians, Old Woking lacks effective measures to slow vehicles down or manage the flow of traffic. Residents fear for their lives because of this dangerous driving. I urge the Government to listen and deliver improvements.”

Forster has a long track record on road safety in Surrey – having previously championed the Vision Zero road safety strategy during his time on Surrey County Council, which aims to reduce people killed or seriously injured on Surrey's roads by 50%, by 2035.

ENDS

You can watch Mr Forster deliver the petition here.

Will Forster, Liberal Democrat MP for Woking, has announced Government funding to create a Neighbourhood Health Centre in Woking.

Woking’s Goldsworth Park Health Centre has been awarded new Government funding to expand services and improve patient access.

The investment forms part of the Government’s new “Neighbourhood Health Service” programme, which aims to shift care out of hospitals and into local communities.

The improvements are expected to bring more services closer to home for Woking residents, easing pressure on hospitals while delivering more convenient, joined-up care. It will function as a one-stop shop for residents to easily access a range of health services.

The upgrade will see unused office space converted into clinical areas, increasing the number and range of appointments available to patients. A new lift will also be installed to improve accessibility across the building.

The funding comes as part of a wider national programme to modernise NHS infrastructure and improve community-based care, with dozens of health centres across the country set to be upgraded.

Will Forster MP said:

“I am delighted to confirm that the Government has agreed to upgrade the Goldsworth Health Centre into a Neighbourhood Health Centre. This will expand the services offered here to a one stop shop of GPs, nurses, physios, mental health workers and much more.”

“The building will be extended, with clinical accommodation added to the first floor, and a lift built to ensure everyone can access these new services. This investment is a huge win for Woking and a great get for the staff that run the centre.”

“Expanding services locally means residents can access the care they need closer to home, without unnecessary trips to hospital. I will continue working with NHS leaders to ensure Woking gets the modern, accessible healthcare it deserves.”

I recently spoke in Parliament about the growing crisis of homelessness, highlighting the incredible work of the York Road Project in Woking. For over 30 years, this local charity has supported people experiencing homelessness, providing emergency shelter, specialist support, and a pathway to rebuild lives. But despite the dedication of organisations like this, the situation is worsening. More families are being pushed into temporary accommodation, which is increasingly becoming a long-term solution rather than a short-term safety net. The human cost is devastating, with too many families left in limbo and, in some cases, in unsafe conditions.

I also raised serious concerns about decisions here in Surrey, where Surrey County Council has withdrawn funding from supported accommodation for single mothers and their children, leaving vulnerable families at risk of eviction. This is simply unacceptable.

Homelessness is not inevitable; it is the result of systemic failures in housing, welfare, and local government funding. We need urgent action from the Government to support councils, invest in social housing, and ensure no child is left without a safe place to call home.

I was out in Woking last week alongside Liberal Democrat President Josh Babarinde, speaking with residents and hearing directly about the issues that matter most to people locally. I am regularly out and about as spending time on the doorstep is one of the most important parts of my role as your MP. It’s an opportunity to listen, understand concerns, and have honest conversations about what’s working and what needs to change.

These conversations help shape the work I do both in Woking and in Parliament. Whether it’s local services, the cost of living, or broader national issues, hearing directly from residents ensures I am focused on the priorities that matter most to our community.

Woking MP Will Forster has demanded Surrey County Council reconsider its decision to end the free school meal holiday voucher scheme, warning that vulnerable children could lose an important safety net. Mr Forster raised the issue in Parliament on the 10th of March, warning the government of the risk it puts struggling families and their children in. He has also put forward a motion in Parliament calling on Surrey County Council to urgently reconsider the decision to end free school meal vouchers.

The scheme, which provides supermarket vouchers to families whose children receive free school meals during school holidays, has supported families across Surrey during periods when children are not in school.

Mr Forster said schools play a vital role not only in education but also in ensuring children’s wellbeing, including making sure they are receiving regular meals. The motion in Parliament is an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on Surrey County Council to urgently reconsider the decision as it will deprive children of a healthy meal. 

Speaking about the decision, Will Forster MP said:

“Schools are one of the most important places where we can make sure children are safe, supported and getting the nutrition they need.

“For many families, free school meals provide the reassurance that their child will eat at least one proper meal a day. During school holidays, the voucher scheme has helped bridge that gap.

“Ending this support risks leaving some of the most vulnerable children without that safety net.”

Mr Forster also highlighted the wider safeguarding role schools play in supporting children and families.

“Schools are often the first place where concerns about a child’s wellbeing are noticed. Ensuring children remain supported outside term time is an important part of protecting their welfare.

“I urge Surrey County Council to reconsider this decision and work with schools and local communities to ensure no child goes hungry during the holidays.”

Mr Forster said he will continue to raise the issue with Surrey County Council and push for continued support for families and children who rely on free school meals.

I’ve had a particular focus on issues in the eastern part of my constituency recently — campaigning on pharmacy provision in West Byfleet and calling for a banking hub following the announcement that Lloyds will close its local branch.

Pharmacy Provision in West Byfleet

I have raised concerns in Parliament about the lack of funding for community pharmacies and the impact this is having on residents in West Byfleet. Many constituents have contacted me about the ongoing difficulties with pharmacy provision in the area and the frustration at being unable to open a new local pharmacy despite growing demand. Community pharmacies are an essential part of local healthcare, and I will continue urging the Government to properly support the sector so pharmacies can continue delivering the services our communities rely on.

Lloyds Bank Closure

I was very concerned to hear that Lloyds Bank in West Byfleet is set to close, which would leave the area without a single bank branch. This risks creating a ‘banking desert’ for residents and local businesses who still rely on in-person banking services and access to cash. I have called for a review into establishing a banking hub in West Byfleet so residents can continue to access essential banking services locally, and I will continue pushing for a solution that ensures our community is not left behind.