Pilgrims Hatch like many other areas in the borough is suffering regular drug abuse with dealers openly operating in several areas. My frustration has been what appears to have been lack of police response even when photographic / video evidence has been given. A resident contacted the police giving times and days of drug drop offs to young and vulnerable people but no response or action appears to have been taken. There have also been detailed reports of regular drug misuse in another area of Hatch. I was contacted by the residents who asked me to act on their behalf. I forwarded, as their ward councillor, the comprehensive list of the times the young people were congregating to the police.

The response was rather shocking as I was informed my evidence didn't count!! As you might imagine I wasn't happy about this and a complaint went to the new Chief inspector Ant Alcock.

Chief inspector Alcock rang me and gave an undertaking that he would treat seriously the problems reported and apologised for the past lack of response. However he did emphasise the importance of residents calling the police each time an incident occurs as to get action that will be supported by the courts there must be several complainants. He also encouraged the use of Crime stoppers as an anonymous route of reporting where a resident may not wish to identify themselves on the 101 number or web site.

I appreciated his advice and have informed residents in the areas of concern. Whatever route we need to go the people profiting by selling drugs must and will be stopped!

The Liberal Democrats fully accept the Government decision to postpone the Borough Council Elections until next year.

With the country facing an unprecedented crisis with COVID -19, local elections were an unnecessary distraction when fighting this virus and saving lives is far more important.

Our candidates thank you for your support, donations and the time you spent talking to them on the doorsteps.

Ever since his election in May 2018, Cllr Dominic Naylor has been working on improving the foot and cycle path network throughout the town, and is celebrating the creation of a new path as a great start to 2020!

Dominic said:

"The path takes you through woodland between London Road and Wharf road / Rollason Way, and offers a safer foot and cycle route, avoiding dangerous trips along privately owned Hubert Road where footpaths are missing at critical points, pot holes are rife and visibility is poor. I am so pleased to see residents able to reduce their journey time and leave their cars behind in favour of a walk or cycle. This was a personal election pledge for me, and I am proud to have delivered it less than two years after taking my seat as your councillor".

Martin Cuthbert has been selected as our candidate for the Warley borough council seat in May 2020.

He is a director for a local IT company and has lived in Warley for over 35 years. He lives with his partner and 4-year-old son on the Brackenwood estate.

Martin said:

"I am delighted to have been selected to stand in Warley. Having lived here most of my life, I know the area well. I have already been involved with a number of issues in Warley, including a consultation I undertook on local parking schemes.

Action by Lib Dem councillor Karen Chilvers has seen Brentwood Council offer a genuine warm welcome to assistance dogs and their handlers.

Last year, Karen noticed that the signs were not compliant with the law and only offered a welcome to Guide Dogs. Over the last decade, however, the spectrum of asssistance dogs now encompasses everything from hearing dogs to emotional support dogs and all are allowed access.

He has spent all his 21 years in Brentwood and is currently in his final year studying Politics & International Relations.

Brenner stated: "I am so excited to be standing in Brentwood South once again. If elected, I would cherish the amazing opportunity to work with the growing Liberal Democrat team in Brentwood and help improve and tackle issues across the borough. I already have great experiences through working with the party in past elections and through my studies, and will use them if elected as councillor.".

Shock revelations that will have a serious impact on libraries in Essex have come to light and county councillors Barry Aspinell and David Kendall have challenged the Conservatives at Essex County Council (ECC) to come clean.

These revelations suggest that extensive cuts in staffing are being proposed along with a major cull of books.

Dedicated and experienced councillor Karen Chilvers is to stand in her beloved Brentwood West ward on 7 May 2020, having first won it in 2007. Karen has worked tirelessley with residents since then and has a strong record of action and achievement.

Karen, 48, a marketing manager turned children's author, said

Cllr Karen Chilvers will table the following motion, seconded by Cllr Vicky Davies

"Fireworks cause considerable distress to our pets, wildlife and livestock. In addition, they cause distress to the sick, vulnerable and those with mental health issues. There are also concerns over their environmental impact.