Christine Ball is standing in a by-election in Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey:
"I am a local resident having lived in the area for the last 10 years. As a resident of the ward I am familiar with many issues that affect us. I work as a Manager in a local High Street Bank and I have worked for the same bank since I left school.
As a single Mum I know all about juggling a career with conflicting pressures of motherhood. I believe in strong family values and know I could not have managed without the love and support of my own family. Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to be involved in several volunteering opportunities where I turned my hand to such diverse occupations as painting a community centre and helping disadvantaged youths. My priorities:
- Recycling - We have a good record on recycling, over 60%, which ranks us the 2nd highest in Essex – but we must get collections from our flats as well.
- Pot Holes - We must keep up the pressure to ensure Waltham Abbey gets its fair share of the £11 million pounds it has been given by the Government for Essex highway repairs.
- Town Centres – I will continue to promote our local shops and markets. We need to use them or face losing them!
- Council Tax and Car Parking Charges - Charges have been frozen for both council tax and car parking for the last three years despite reductions in government funding.
- Crime and Disorder - The Neighbourhood Inspector, has promised to increase the number of police officers and PCSOs working within the Waltham Abbey area. I will hole him to this pledge.
- Leisure - Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool is out-of-date and needs major refurbishment/repairs. I will work with residents to improve our facilities
Some of these issues have been ongoing for a good while and I pledge to you that should I be elected on May 2nd I will continue to fight for a satisfactory conclusion."