AVELEY and Uplands was always one of our favourite wards. It was alway alive with candidates.
For years, it had a very strong Conservative presence with councillors such as Wendy Herd and John Cowell.
It had the first UKIP breakthrough with cllr Robert Ray. Then there was Tim Aker. It has had a large number of independent candidates such as Alan Field and Eddie Stringer, who made it very interesting.
It still has two Conservative councillors in Colin Churchman and David Van Day. Colin has always had Aveley in his heart and the feedback from residents is strong.
On that basis, the former mayor of Thurrock, Maureen Pearce, should win. Hardly a breath of fresh air but that’s democracy for you. At least Maureen is prepared to stand up and be counted.
The Labour candidate is Srikanth Panjala. He is such a hard working man, who will no doubt campaign tirelessly.
His work with the Neighbourhood Watch has been exemplary and one day he will be sure to be a councillor.
But not in May 2021.
YT prediction: Tory Hold
