Respected local councillor Chris Millington has been chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the forthcoming Essex County Council by-election.

Chris Millington chairs Harlow Council's Environment & Community Committee, which liaises with Essex County Council - the highways authority responsible for roads and pavements - on highways matters. Chris says:

"I was appalled when Tory-controlled Essex County Council recently decided, without consultation, to cut Harlow's highways maintenance budget by a staggering 30 per cent. This is bound to have serious consequences for the state of our roads and pavements - and can only be described, quite literally, as highway robbery.

"I put my name forward for selection as the Liberal Democrat candidate for this by-election so that I could take the fight for Harlow's roads and pavements to County Hall. I want to challenge the ruling Conservative administration there to give Harlow its fair share of highways cash."

The by-election, which will take place on Thursday 16 December, is caused by the recent death of longstanding county councillor Rene Morris. Residents of the former Little Parndon, Hare Street & Town Centre and Passmores wards will be entitled to vote.