THE Liberal Democrats have attacked Conservative building plans and thrown their weight behind proposals for a leisure centre in Epping.

In Epping Forest district councillor Janet Whitehouse is standing for re-election on May 3, while other Lib Dems contest seats in Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Loughton St Marys, Nazeing, North Weald, Ongar, Theydon Bois and Waltham Abbey.

The two Lib Dem incumbents and the party's candidates have taken aim at the Conservative led council's Local Plan, which will see 11,400 homes built in the district over the next 15 years.

They have argued a lack of infrastructure to support the plan and the 'poor state of local roads' are evidence that 'Conservatives have failed to listen to local concerns and that they take residents' support for granted'.

Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Jon Whitehouse said: "I am proud of the range of experience and service that our team of Liberal Democrat candidates have to offer.

"Many of our candidates are already active community volunteers and would bring that knowledge of local people and issues onto the council.

"The Lib Dem group punches above its weight on Epping Forest district council - for example securing a change to the local plan to protect the library service in Epping – but a stronger opposition voice is needed to stop the Conservatives becoming complacent."

Although Lib Dem votes failed to block the Local Plan in December, the party has committed itself to fighting for transport improvements, 'genuinely affordable homes' and a more pro-active approach to parking problems as the wide ranging proposals swing into effect.

Another key campaigning point for the Lib Dems has been the proposed closure of Epping Sports Centre, which they have fought against and argued for the Local Plan to include alternative sporting facilities in the town.

"Epping deserves a sports centre of its own to serve the growing number of families and other residents in the town," said Cllr Janet Whitehouse.

"Epping has been the fastest growing town in the district and is set to grow even bigger because of the local plan.

"The Liberal Democrats will continue to work to protect and improve the local facilities residents need."

The Loughton Residents Association,The Conservatives, Labour and UKIP have also launched their election campaigns.