A THURROCK independent councillor says he welcomes news that elections now seem likely to go ahead this year and he is ready for the challenge.

Thurrock Nub News reported this morning (Friday, 5 February) that the government was minded to press ahead with local elections and that was confirmed as the day progressed.

Chloe Smith, constitution and devolution minister, said: "We are publishing a detailed plan to deliver May's elections in a safe and secure way.

"This is backed up by additional funding for councils, and practical changes to electoral laws to help both voters and candidates.

"Democracy should not be cancelled because of Covid.

"More than ever, local people need their say as we build back better, on issues ranging from local roads, to safer streets, to the level of council tax.

"As the government rolls out the vaccine to the most vulnerable, we will be able to leave lockdown and open our country up safely again.

"We will work with political parties to ensure that these important elections are free and fair."

That news was welcomed by Cllr John Allen, who represents the Tilbury St Chads ward.

He immediately took up the baton of campaigning and said "It has been confirmed today that local elections are to go ahead, with guidelines in place making them Covid-safe.

"That is great news for democracy and I am delighted to see preventative measures that keep people safe but allow them to express their will.

"If you are isolating or concerned about going to the polling station you can apply or a postal or proxy vote and because the decision has been made now there is plenty of time to do that.

"I myself will be standing as Tilbury St Chads' independent candidate not affiliated to any political party with my main consideration as always 'being focused on both my residents' and Tilbury's best interests."

And making the first move on the Thurrock local election trail he added: "I do hope that the good people of Tilbury St Chads ward again put both their trust in and support me for another term so I can carry on representing them and being their voice.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support and kindness throughout the last almost five years."

The government has announced there will be an estimated £92m of government grant funding to local authorities for this year's elections, of which £31m is directly linked to additional costs for making polling stations and counts Covid-secure.