East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth has expressed satisfaction that his enquiries have revealed the identity of a property development company which has been seeking views in Lingfield about housing need.

A firm called WS Planning had circulated every home in the village asking for their opinions about local housing need, but had failed to say who they were representing. Peter had attempted to discover the identity of WS Planning’s client but had been told that this was confidential.

Soon after Mr Ainsworth had issued a press release urging local people not to give information to unidentified recipients, WS Planning issued a statement revealing the name of their client.

Peter added: "I would advise everyone across my constituency to be very careful about giving personal information and opinions to this type of anonymous questionnaire. Always ask who is asking for information, and why, before replying."