Dear Sir,

Along with others I have been campaigning on behalf of Brandon Fleet, the Labour Party candidate for the Town Council Woodham Ward by-election, due to take place on Thursday 5th March. Firstly I would like to express my thanks to the many people who have opened the door and taken the time to talk with our team. You have engaged our campaigners, you’ve trusted us with honest opinions and you have given us insight into what more needs to be done.

While travelling around the ward it’s clear to see why people are so proud of the ward and why the problems we have seen and been made aware of are so important to people. Brandon’s priority is to continue these types of conversations in future, so a community in partnership with their elected representative can tackle such issues quickly.

My own compulsion to litter pick was in effect as we trudged in the rain, spotting the areas that need attention is all part of the type of campaigning we do. Litter picking as we go.

Brandon, like myself, cares for the environment but importantly we’re tackling this in a practical way. We are not above the small stuff and we never will be.

I’m pleased so many people have taken time to talk with us. Our eyes and ears are open and we hope that come 5th March, Woodham is open to Brandon continuing this kind of community engagement and action but in the meantime, thank you for the welcome you have given us.

Stuart Sutherland