We asked Witham's Green hopeful James Abbott six questions, but only gave him 50 words to answer. These are the results:

1. What do think about the current Government-set house building targets in Witham? If you don’t agree with them, how will you fight them?

The targets are unsustainable and Green councillors did not support them when voted on in 2014. Localism has been turned on its head and councils are being forced to take levels of development which infrastructure and services cannot cope with. Instead we need new local affordable housing on suitable sites.

2. Apart from the NHS, what should be the government’s number one spending priority?

It’s a difficult question because there are so many important areas, such as investing in green technologies and public transport. If I were to pick one as a top priority it would be education. Our two priorities would be better funding for teaching and schools and ending university tuition fees.

3. What personally sets you apart from the other candidates?

All candidates who put themselves forward for parliament deserve respect; its a significant commitment. Having been a councillor in the constituency for 16 years and having family ties to Witham over many generations, I would suggest my main distinct platform is as the Local candidate for Witham.

4. Name a pledge you will fulfil, if elected, within 100 days.

To put the case for a Community Hospital or Walk-In Clinic for Witham to parliament at the first opportunity and take the campaign forward until it is achieved. It is unacceptable that a town and surrounding villages with a population of over 30,000 and rising does not have a facility.

5. What do you think is the biggest challenge Witham will face over the next five years (house building aside)?

Health services. The pressure on GP practices is growing and there is no Community Hospital. Developers are poised to build thousands of houses in and around Witham and still there is no serious offer to invest in health facilities. Far too many people have to travel to Broomfield or elsewhere.

6. Is there a policy or piece of legislation YOU would personally propose if elected which is not in your party’s manifesto?

Legislate to make fast food outlets and other significant sources of litter responsible for picking it up, or pay a charge to fund local authority clean-ups. The rubbish that their customers throw on to our streets and rural verges is a growing problem, costs taxpayers and harms the environment.

Oh, and if you wouldn't mind...10 quick questions

1. If I could give the younger me one piece of advice… don’t worry so much.

2. The first record I bought was… T Rex - Ride a White Swan.

3. My most embarrassing moment was… at primary school – and more than one!

4. The special talent I wish I had is… being able to play electric guitar properly.

5. My guilty pleasure is… Marmite.

6. My proudest moment was… our children being born.

7. What scares me is… breakdown of society due to war/environmental collapse.

8. If I had one day left to fulfil my bucket list I would… be in Iceland in summer.

9. If I was stuck on a desert island (and my family were at home) I would be there with… a satellite phone.

10. My most read book is… Norton’s Star Atlas.