We asked Braintree's Green hopeful Paul Jeater 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 Braintree? If you don’t agree with them, how will you fight them?

The house building targets are unsustainable and fail to take into consideration whether the area's infrastructure (schools, hospital, public transport) can cope.

Green Councillors refused to support these targets when raised in 2014. The building of numerous settlements on green field sites or agricultural land would be strongly opposed.

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

Building homes to rent. Everyone deserves a comfortable, affordable home with secure tenure. There are many young people with little hope of being able to buy a home. The housing market is broken, we need to allow councils to borrow to build homes on brownfield & empty commercial sites.

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

I have no desire to denigrate any candidate although I may vehemently disagree with some of their views and party's policies. I have the skills acquired from a teaching career coupled with the political experience that comes from having been a councillor and working for a Member of European Parliament.

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

I will seek discussions with all relevant ministers and government departments and take the case into Parliament to divert some of the proposed transport budget to improving the rail line to Braintree. A hourly service to London is in no way adequate for the people of Braintree and surrounding area.

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

The town has grown significantly but the infrastructure has not kept pace. There are severe pressures regarding health services as exposed by recent local GP shortages. The proposed expansion of Braintree along with that of Chelmsford leads one to ask will Broomfield Hospital be able to cope with this growth.

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

At time of writing the party's manifesto has not been published but I would legislate to give the study of nature & the environment greater prominance in schools. So much time today is spent indoors, that many children are relatively unaware of the natural world and its wonders.

Oh and if you don't mind...ten quick questions

1. If I could give the younger me one piece of advice…Savour England's 1966 World Cup victory,you might not see another one in your lifetime.

2. The first record I bought was… All Day and All of the Night by the Kinks.

3. My most embarrassing moment was… tripping up step at cinema and showering my family with a bucket full of popcorn.

4. The special talent I wish I had is… I wish I'd learned to play a musical instrument.

5. My guilty pleasure is… bread, especially freshly baked.

6. My proudest moment was… (family events aside) seeing AFC Wimbledon return to Football League, it only took 9 years.

7. What scares me is… Climate change.

8. If I had one day left to fulfil my bucket list I would… scrap it, and take my family to Wells Next the Sea in Norfolk.

9. If I was stuck on a desert island (and my family were at home) I would be there with… my collection of Bruce Springsteen CDs, a player & solar powered generator.

10. My most read book is… Wisden Cricketers' Almanack