The Kingston and Surbiton Conservative party has launched its campaign ahead of Thursday's local elections. 

The party has pledged to decrease council tax - if possible to below inflation - increase police numbers, and prioritise brownfield sites for new homes. 

The environment also features prominently in their manifesto, with plans to scrap replacement bin charges and install more bins in public spaces, in addition to introducing stricter controls on refuse contracts. 

And the party has promised to "end the war on motorists" by scrapping the 20mph limit on council controlled roads, and capping parking at £2 an hour - with the first free - outside shops and businesses. 

According to Gia Borg-Darcy, Chairperson of the Kingston and Surbiton Conservative Association, such measures are necessary to rebuild trust between the council and Kingston locals. 

She said: "Residents aren't being heard. We need councillors who work for the people who elect them, not for Lib Dem party lines. 

"Our plan puts residents first after eight years of being ignored. "After eight years of Lib Dem excuses, this is common sense that delivers for Kingston." 

Following the party's poor showing in February's Gorton and Denton by-election, where ex-Met Police officer Charlotte Cadden pulled just 706 votes and lost her deposit, voters may be sceptical about Tory chances of winning on 7 May. 

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But Borg-Darcy claims little should be taken from that result due to the differing political climates of Kingston and Greater Manchester. 

She said: "The by-election in Gorton & Denton was widely seen as a protest vote where residents wanted to punish the Labour Government but many also supported the party most likely to avoid a Reform victory. 

"Conservatives are a strong second locally and the only party with the support to beat the Lib Dems. A vote for Greens or Reform in Kingston risks a continued Lib Dem super majority. 

"On the doorstep, residents tell us they want change. We're confident because we're offering common sense and councillors who will actually work for residents." 

Kingston's local elections take place on Thursday, 7 May.