Across West Northamptonshire, voters will elect 76 councillors in 35 different wards. More than 350 candidates are standing from ten political parties, as well as a number of independents. Find a full list of candidates here.
Chronicle & Echo has reached out the leaders of the parties to ask them about four topics that matter most to our readers.
Over the next few days we will be publishing a series of articles, detailing the responses we have received from some of the political parties competing for your votes on polling day on Thursday May 1.
First up is the hot topic of potholes and the state of our roads. We asked the leaders what their party intends to do to address the issue if they are elected.
We received responses from the Conservatives, the Green Party, the Heritage Party (which has one candidate standing in Dallington and Spencer), an Independent candidate, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition.
Below are the responses from those parties regarding the issue of potholes and roads, in alphabetical order of party name.
Chronicle & Echo also contacted The Social Democratic Party and The Labour and Co-operative Party - who have candidates standing in West Northamptonshire - but we did not receive a response.
If any independent candidates would like to offer their response to this issue, please email [email protected].
9. Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Katie Simpson, chair of the Northampton branch of the TUSC, said: "Potholes pose a significant danger to road users and are a direct result of budget cuts at the council level. Poorly maintained and uneven pavements also create hazards for pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities. Potholes appear to be a nationwide issue; for instance, one candidate in Yorkshire even campaigned under the name "Phil Potholes" to draw attention to the problem for his constituents. In Northampton, road repairs have largely been outsourced to Kier, plc., a company that exists to generate profit for its shareholders. We cannot rely on companies like this to prioritise our interests; they will prioritise their shareholders over road safety. We are committed to collaborating with trade unions that represent council workers to bring road maintenance back in-house. By hiring workers directly, we can ensure that roads are repaired properly rather than just patched up. We understand that councils are facing financial challenges, and we will advocate for increased funding from the national government. Our focus will be on adequately resourcing local council services rather than engaging in conflicts." Photo: Submitted