Five candidates are standing for a seat on Maldon District Council in the Heybridge West by-election, which is taking place next month.

Residents will head to the polls on 14 April to cast their vote, following the removal of former non-aligned Independent councillor Chrisy Morris from the district council after he was handed a suspended sentence on 28 February.

Mr Morris was given the eight month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, at Chelmsford Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of breaching a non-molestation order banning him from seeing a woman.

The district council usually elects all its councillors every four years, with the last election being in 2019.

There are currently 30 members in total, including 11 from the Conservative Group, three non-aligned Conservatives, 11 from the Independents and five non-aligned Independents.

Earlier this month, the council announced the poll for the Heybridge West by-election and the names of those running.

Simon Burwood (Independent)

Simon Burwood says he is standing as an Independent councillor "to put people before politics" and to "represent issues and the support for common issues across the district".

He said in a statement: "As someone who moved to Heybridge 25 years ago, I am passionate about the community and I have taken an active role in the ward. Having brought up my family here, I am keen to ensure that Heybridge is a great place for the future.

"I served on Heybridge Parish Council for four years, and during that time I was the chairman for two years. That opportunity showed me how much I enjoyed working with local groups and being a strong voice in representing residents' concerns.

"I have been active with the Heybridge Co-op Academy to run a weekly fitness program for residents. This has had a great impact on both physical and mental wellbeing and in 2019 we were nominated by Maldon CVS [Community Voluntary Service] for the Marvels of Mid Essex CCG Be Well award, which we then went on to win.

"As part of the local Rotary International, we meet regularly to support local, national and international charities and to socialise together. I have taken part in the annual Santa Sleigh runs and it has become a real highlight of the Christmas season.

"My focus is and always will be my local community. Heybridge is my home and I want it to be the best possible place to live and bring up a family and I want this to be an ambition for all local residents.

"I have a passionate belief in inspiring young people to strive to achieve their best possible potential. I also care about the environment and abhor littering and dog mess.

"Heybridge has been dramatically impacted by development in the past few years. I want to ensure that in the future any further development provides the services and infrastructure for local residents. We all need a place to live, however it needs to be the right place."

You can find the Maldon District Independent Councillors Facebook page here.

Nigel Miller (Conservative)

Nigel Miller said in a statement that he would act as a voice for residents by "caring and campaigning for the local community".

He said: "I have lived in Heybridge and Maldon for over 25 years, having first arrived in the town to take over the running of the White Horse public house on a short-term basis. I am still here.

"I fell in love with the area because of its beauty, history and the warm welcome extended. I see that as my best decision ever. Subsequently I worked for several local businesses, including Foulkes Electrical, eventually ending up with my current employer W D Coe Ltd.

"After 11 years I now have the privilege of managing the store that provides employment for local people. Being involved in a local business, I understand how important local businesses are to the prosperity of an area.

"As a Conservative I believe in promoting and supporting the economy, protecting the environment, operating in an open and transparent way, keeping council tax as low as possible and getting the maximum value for every penny of council taxpayers' money.

"I pledge to secure the future for you in Heybridge West by striving to ensure anti-social behaviour and crime is dealt with.

"I will work towards making Heybridge West a great place for families to bring their children up in safety and where businesses and enterprise will flourish creating local jobs."

You can find the Maldon Conservative Association's Facebook page here.

Richard Perry (Independent)

Richard Perry, chairman of Heybridge Parish Council and owner of the Mill House Hotel, has worked in the Maldon district for 22 years and says he is "standing against overdevelopment, traffic congestion, flooding and inadequate infrastructure".

A statement for Richard's candidacy says that, under his chairmanship, the Heybridge Parish Council portion of council tax has been reduced three times while he has been "a tireless campaigner against flooding issues and ill-conceived housing projects" and has raised money at his hotel for the parish council to use for events.

It says: "Many projects have still been able to be completed, such as more dog waste bins and free food parcels for the vulnerable. Money has been put aside for a speed reduction in Goldhanger Road and also an extension to Plantation Hall for a reception area and a useful community facility."

The statement continues: "We need councillors who will make decisions for residents and not make decisions for residents based upon party membership.

"Heybridge needs councillors who will actually turn up to meetings and stand up for residents and not be scared of being labelled politically incorrect.

"We need councillors who will fight for schools, hospitals, doctors and fight to stop cuts in vital services.

"Heybridge has been let down and has had thousands of homes forced upon us. If elected, Richard will fight against any future development that puts a strain on infrastructure, congestion and flooding."

It adds: "If elected, Richard will fight to keep the unique character of Heybridge and protect its semi-rural setting for future generations to enjoy. Tourism is a great untapped revenue stream and has job creation potential for the whole district."

You can find Richard's Facebook page here.

Paula Spenceley (Liberal Democrat)

Paula Spenceley says she would be a "strong voice" for residents as a district councillor, keen to improve infrastructure in Heybridge - including schools, GP surgeries and transport.

She said: "I know what a strong and positive community Heybridge can be. I also know that many residents are deeply concerned about how our area is changing.

"With work starting on the North Heybridge Garden Suburb, the need to campaign for better infrastructure for Heybridge has never been stronger. We need new schools and GP surgeries and improved transport facilities.

"I recently retired from a career in local journalism and teaching. I have been reporting on local councils for nearly 30 years, so I understand how local governmnt works. I want to put that knowledge and my communication skills to usefor my community.

"As your district councillor, I'll make sure you're kept up-to-date on all that's happening, listen to you, and be a strong voice for you on the local council.

"I am interested in getting things done, rather than indulging in the kind of antics and infighting we have seen recently at Maldon District Council.

"I am involved with a variety of local voluntary groups. You may have seen me running round Heybridge with the Rotary Santa Sleigh at Christmas, handing out sweets, or helping out with the Remembrance Day parade.

"I love being part of our community. Together, we have a huge opportunity to bring about positive change in Heybridge by making sure that the views of local people are heard and building on our existing sense of community."

You can find Paula's Facebook page here.

Matthew Wallis-Keyes

Matthew Wallis-Keyes is standing as the Labour candidate for the Heybridge West ward.

Maldon Labour was approached for comment.

You can find Maldon Labour's Facebook page here.