A Government minister has called on people to make sure their views are heard if they want transport improvements in Sutton.

Northern Ireland Secretary and former Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers visited Sutton with Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Sutton and Cheam on Monday.

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Judy Okeke (senior manager) Marion Harper (CEO), Paul Scully, Northern Ireland secretary Theresa Villiers

During her trip she spoke to traders in Central Road, Worcester Park to find out the challenges they face and visited Age UK Sutton's headquarters in St Nicholas Way to see the work the charity does.

She also spoke to the Sutton Guardian about the importance of improving the transport network in the borough through projects such as Crossrail 2, which is planned to pass through Worcester Park but may not stop there, and the scheme to bring the Tram to Sutton.

She said: "One thing I will take away from my trip here is how important transport is.

"Crossrail 2 could be really important and I would encourage people to focus on the fact that many decisions regarding where it will stop are yet to be made there is time yet to make sure the voice of Worcester park is heard in that debate.

"In many places trams have had a transformative effect. Look at Croydon and Manchester where the Metrolink has had a radical impact. I would encourage everyone to join the debate about expanding the Tramlink to Sutton.

"Obviously it does come at a cost but it's a priority to the Government and that's reflected in the grant given to Transport for London. It's about making sure it can bring an economic benefit to the area."

Mrs Villiers had a look at Age UK Sutton's offices and spoke to service users, volunteers and chief executive Marion Harper. She also spoke to businesses in Worcester Park about what the Government can do to help them.

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Theresa Villiers talks to 71-year-old service user Richard Stout

She added: "It's been quite inspiring. The visit to Worcester Park was excellent and it was great to talk to retailers there and hear their ideas for revitalising the High Street.

"They are from intense competition and we want to give them as much help as we can.

"At Age UK I was able to find out how they are helping in one of the biggest challenges our society faces - more of us are getting older and there are more elderly people meaning the voluntary sector is having to do more to support the NHS."