The Guardian Series contacted all the parties putting forward candidates within the Epping Forest district to stand in the Essex County Council elections to provide a short summary on why people should vote for them.

Out of those, two Green candidates came forward, along with one from the Loughton Residents Association.

Standing for Loughton central, current seat holder, Chris Pond said: "I want to continue to do my best for Loughton, as I have done since 2005. Essex is a big county, and it's easy for councillors from Clacton or Chelmsford to forget Loughton is even part of Essex. I never let them forget our roads, schools, and social services are every bit as important as theirs"

Mr Pond will be standing against Angela Ayre of the Labour Party, Jonathan Hunter of the Conservative Party and Paul Hayden Rissbrook of the Liberal Democrats.

Standing in Waltham Abbey is Green Party candidate, David Plummer. He said: “Waltham Abbey needs councillors who’ll fight our corner and get the best for our area. We all know the issues: health and care services, public transport, housing, parking, green belt, education.

The government’s cut our County Council’s funding by 84% to 2020 – there’s nothing any candidate can do about that, no matter what they might say. However, councillors can still make a difference. A vote for me is a vote for somebody who already actively campaigns on those issues, helping make our community better for everyone. Actions speak louder than words. If you agree please support me with your vote.”

Mr Plummer will be standing against Ricki Gadsby of the Conservative Party, Robert Greyson of the Labour Party, Ron McEvoy of UKIP and Timothy Vaughan of the Liberal Democrats.

Simon Heap is standing for the Green Party in Buckhurst Hill and Loughton South. He said: “The funding for the county council has been drastically cut, but we still have choices to make about where and what we support. It is a tricky balance to strike. A vote for me will be a vote for a different viewpoint. A viewpoint that would encourage better public transport, protection for those things we hold dear, and better thinking before making a decision. If we stick with what has not worked, we can only expect the same. Vote for change.”

Mr Heap will be standing against Joseph Barkham of the Liberal Democrats, Valerie Metcalfe of the Conservative Party and Jason Phillips of the Labour Party.

You can follow the count and find out the results on www.guardian-series.co.uk.