I have lived in Clarence Road in  Forest Ward for over 15  years and I am  very pleased to have been selected to represent my neighbourhood for Labour once again.   It’s been a great pleasure to have met so many people in the local community, through campaigning, engagement with local issues and  through simply living in this area. Most  agree that this s a really nice  area of Horsham, there’s  good access to the town and services , we have lovely countryside on our door step, and there is a real sense of community,  but there are certainly things that  could be improved. The public infrastructure is neglected in many areas, from over- flowing bins to potholes and broken pavements and too often it’s left to residents and volunteers to try to get things improved. Increasingly public services that people pay for   through their council tax  have   been  reduced or cut altogether, the  voluntary services that try to fill the gaps are drastically underfunded  leaving many  struggling to find  the service they need. The public services that people need and pay for should be available  and well managed,  whether that’s   housing service,  public transport  welfare services or refuse and environmental maintenance;  but too often they are not.     The council should be looking at ways it can use tax payers’ money to deliver  a decent quality of life in our town for all residents, particularly at  the present time when so many are struggling with the cost of living and need support . But this does not seem to be a priority for the councillors running our council. They seem intent on spending less and less on service delivery and at the same time charging us more.  And that’s why I think we need a change. I’m standing for election because I believe that the only way we can restore the quality of life we should expect in return for our council tax, is to put the priorities of the community before the idealogical priorities of Tory politicians and the interests of big business.  If elected I will consult residents on their priorities; I will speak up for those priorities and keep residents informed of the council’s response. I will work hard to  get the services our community needs.