It is vitally important that County Council elections are held this year and that we are given a vote on who our Essex County Councillors are in the areas of Saffron Walden, Dunmow, Stansted, Takeley, and Thaxted.

These elections will determine who represents our views and concerns during the transition period on everything from potholes to general highway maintenance, education, public transport, and local bus routes (such as those going to Audley End and Stansted Airport). This election is arguably as important as those for Parliament given the responsibility of Essex County Council, and how much of our everyday life is affected by areas that council is responsible for. 

We will need strong, locally focused voices at County Hall to ensure that our views are heard and that our area is not forgotten about or underrepresented during this period of change. Whoever is elected to represent us will have to work extremely hard to ensure we are best represented, and that we get value for money on Council Tax. 

This will not be a part-time role for whoever is elected.