Police station closures and protection of Green Belt land were high on the agendas of voters in Epping this afternoon.

The Guardian spoke to residents who had voted in district council and Essex Police and Crime Commissioner elections at a polling station at St Johns Road today (Thursday, May 5).

Sheila and Alan Smith both voted Liberal Democrat. “I do feel they do the right thing around here”, Mrs Smith said.

They said the most important issues facing the area are the closure of Epping police station and construction on Green Belt land.

Mrs Smith added: “We do not want to lose the Green Belt. Although we know there are going to be houses somewhere, we do not want too much of it.”

Tim Cole, declined to say who he was voting for, but said local issues were at the heart of his decision.

Mr Cole added: “Council tax, the police station shutting and street lighting are all important- the lights go off after 1am in residential areas now.

“It is local issues first then national as far as I am concerned.”

Susan Savage, who voted Conservative, said: “There are so many things that need to be addressed, like the need for better parking and the traffic that pours through Epping.

“For the police commissioner election, the Conservatives were the only people who put a leaflet through my door.

“If these candidates cannot be bothered to tell you what they believed in, then why should I vote for them?”