Chelmsford residents to vote in local election and on village's future just days before Christmas

Some Chelmsford residents will go to the polls just days before Christmas to vote in by-elections and a referendum on a village's future. The elections will be held next month on December 12.

One election taking place is to elect an Essex County Councillor to represent the electoral division of Stock. The other election is for a Chelmsford City Councillor to represent the South Hanningfield, Stock and Margaretting ward.

The by-elections come after Cllr Ian Grundy, given the nickname 'Mr Stock', died at the age of 85. Danbury residents will vote in a referendum on the Danbury Neighbourhood Plan on the same day.

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Cllr Grundy, who had lived in Stock for more than 24 years, had been receiving treatment for cancer when he died. He was described by Cllr Kevin Bentley, leader of Essex County Council, as an "incredibly well-liked" man with "a kind and calm presence".

Voters in the following areas will be able to vote for a new councillor to represent the Essex County Council Stock division: Bicknacre, Downham, East Hanningfield, Howe Green, Margaretting, Ramsden Heath, Rettendon, Runwell, Sandon, Stock, West Hanningfield, and Woodham Ferrers.

The Local Government Boundary Commission recently completed a review of the Essex County Council electoral boundaries. As the recommendations of this review have not yet been made into law, this election will take place under existing boundaries.

Residents living in the Danbury Parish Council area will be able to vote in an upcoming local referendum on 12 December. The Danbury Neighbourhood Plan has been developed by Danbury Parish Council. It covers the whole of the parish and includes planning policies on the environment, village character, development, and open space.

If the majority of those who voted in the referendum support the draft plan, it will be adopted and will become part of Chelmsford’s Local Plan. You can find out more about the plan on the Chelmsford City Council website. The results of all these polls will be announced on December 13.