I'm Huw Roberts and I am standing for election to the town council on May 6th in the North ward.

I've lived in Suffolk for 36 years, the last 16 in Hadleigh. For many years I worked for one of the world's largest digital marketing and creative software companies. But my real passion is local democracy, and I am now a parish clerk. I live with my partner Angela and Figgis the cat.

I've never stood for office before. I've attended most of the council's meetings over the last five years or so, probably more than any of the current councillors. It's sometimes been frustrating to watch but what really motivated me to stand was the council's recent removal of the right of councillors to ask questions in meetings. I've seen the council do a lot things over the years but I must admit that shocked me. I felt I couldn't just let that happen without doing something about it, so I decided to stand for election.

Hadleigh faces a number of challenges – the recovery of the high street and the council's finances to name two – and I believe that stifling public debate will only lead to poor decision-making and the erosion of public trust. Whatever local issues you care about: the High Street, volunteer groups, planning applications, housing, the environment, crime, support for local youth, sports facilities, the town's heritage, council tax – you should want your councillors to able to question on your behalf, and to see them doing so.

Hadleigh deserves a proper functioning council that listens to all points of view. I think some of the current council have forgotten the values they stood for when they were elected. I want to change that so we can do the best for Hadleigh, regardless of the party you're in, or what your special interest is.

I want the council to support the recovery of the High Street, and help volunteer support groups continue. Long-term financial commitments and plans made by the council have put its finances under strain despite a 13% increase in Band D council tax this year. The council needs a long term financial plan to make sure it can pay for large projects such as the Layham Road sportsground development and the cemetery extension, and ongoing commitments like the Guildhall.

I'm not a member of any political party, large or small. I will be an objective and independent voice, and I am ready to do my best for Hadleigh. I would be honoured to be given a chance to do that.

I'll post more on my Facebook page here...

I would like to hear from Hadleigh residents about what their concerns and priorities are. Please get in touch with me at: [email protected]