Voters in Colchester take to the polls next week as one-third of the borough council – 20 seats – are up for grabs.

We asked the major parties to outline their key local policies in the run up to the elections on Thursday May 22.

There are also two independent candidates standing.

Gerard Oxford is contesting the Highwoods seat. He is currently councillor for the ward as part of the Highwoods Independent Group, which forms part of the coalition administration.

Christina Perdicou is also standing as an independent in the Shrub End ward.

The election coincides with the European Parliament polls on the same day.

Votes in the Colchester Borough Council elections will be counted overnight on Thursday, while the European election will be counted on the following Sunday.