Dear Hutton South Resident, With the sad passing of our dear friend and colleague Cllr Mark Reed we lost a local community councillor who many local people (whatever their politics) hugely admired for his hard-work and personality.

Full statement

This by-election, vote to elect someone who will also put local people first in everything that they do.

I am honoured to be chosen as Conservative Candidate, as Mark was such a well respected figure locally and I want to carry on his legacy. I have served as a Brentwood councillor previously so I know what needs to be done to help you with queries and problems that you might have.

If you are anything like me, you’ll be seriously frustrated by what has being going on in national politics. Frankly, no political party has covered themselves in glory over the last few years. So I completely understand the temptation of not voting or perhaps to cast a protest vote. This election locally isn’t going to change what’s happening in Westminster, despite what some parties might say on their leaflets. This election is about what happens locally here in Hutton and Brentwood. Whilst some prefer to focus on national politics I am focused on LOCAL issues that matter to LOCAL people here :

✅ Protect our Greenbelt and oppose inappropriate development

We are lucky that Brentwood has beautiful countryside and green spaces. But with increased mandatory housing targets imposed by the Labour Government it is important that we do not see these destroyed. New housing should be in the right location and with the right infrastructure provided. I will fight to make sure that the interests of local people are considered and that natural habitats such as Hare Hall Shaw and Mosbach Pond are protected for future generations.

At the end of last year an expression of interest in a New Town was sent by our LibDem/Labour jointly run Borough Council. Conservative Councillors opposed this due to the lack of any public debate or scrutiny. Sadly Labour and the LibDems voted along political lines to ratify sending of the letter, doubling-down on a request for 10,000 houses locally.

✅ Keeping our much valued weekly black bag collection

I strongly oppose LibDem / Labour moves towards a fortnightly black bag collection service. There are many steps that they could have taken to encourage greater recycling, including widening the scope of materials that can be recycled and improving recycling for people who live in flats. I believe that their current plans will lead to increased fly-tipping and the risk of public health issues. Brentwood Conservative Councillors voted AGAINST the trial which reduces the services to local people at a time when council tax is being hiked each year.

✅ Make sure that our local community is kept clean and tidy

Many of the people I speak with tell me that some areas around the Borough look shabby and poorly kept. Overflowing litter bins and untreated weeds are compounded by litter and fly-tipping along roads such as The Avenue and the A12. These issues need better management by our LibDem/Labour run Borough Council. Local people deserve to see Brentwood kept clean and tidy.

Many of you have kindly completed and returned my Resident Survey which has proved a valuable source of your views and opinions. Thank you for so many replies.

Issues that you have raised with me include litter, fly-tipping, parking problems, road & footpath repairs and also the problems due to the pigeon infestation that persists underneath the Shenfield Railway Bridges. I will focus on these if elected as your local councillor.

With your support at these elections, I can work alongside Cllr Roger Hirst, Cllr Mellissa Slade and local residents to get things done for our area and help ensure your voice is heard at the Council.

Yours sincerely,

Thomas Bridge

Conservative Candidate
Hutton South By-Election

Email : thomas.bridge@boca.org.uk

P.S. your vote will decide whether we get a councillor who’s focused on what’s happening here in Hutton rather than on what’s happening in Westminster. Please lend me your support to make sure that we elect a LOCAL councillor focused on LOCAL issues to improve our community.

Promoted by Keith Barber, on behalf of Thomas Bridge, both of 19 Crown Street, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4BA.