Chelmsford locals tell next Prime Minister to invest in NHS and control house prices

EssexLive spoke with people who live in Chelmsford about their top concerns for the next election. Most highlighted healthcare and housing as a critical issue needing attention.

Famey Smithers, 65, thinks more funding is essential for hospitals and doctors. She said: “The NHS is deteriorating very quickly, and there's a lot of people who are suffering with mental issues who need better support.”

More people agreed with her, including Andrew Willis, 69, who thinks the goal of a Government is to look after its people. He added: “And so the people's health is a big issue. Everyone says that the main parties are the same, but the NHS was invented by the Labour Party, whereas the Conservatives would like to enable healthcare more privately.”

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Danny Clement, 45, also says that healthcare is one of the most important issues, but he pointed to housing as a greater concern. Danny said: “In Chelmsford and across the UK, houses are unaffordable for a lot of people."

George Crowe, 30, supported Danny's view, mentioning inflation's impact on young homebuyers. He added: "Improving opportunities for young people to buy houses should be a priority."

Another issue raised was illegal immigration and border security. Matt Brock, 50, said: “I’m not against legal immigration, I didn’t want to leave the EU and I like the multinationalism that we have. But I do fear for the illegal immigrants who travel here, and I think we should toughen up the borders.”

The candidates who are standing to be MP in Chelmsford are: Vicky Ford - Conservative, Marie Goldman - Liberal Democrat, Reza Hossain - Green, Richard Hyland - Independent, Darren Ingroulle - Reform, Mark Kenlen - Workers Party of Britain, Mark Lawrence - Monster Raving Loony Party, Richard parry - Labour and Kamla Sangha - Independent.