In just two weeks ballot papers will be piling up in black boxes across the district, as constituents cast their votes on who will represent them over the next four to five years.

Last week the Reporter revealed the candidates for the 22 district wards, with six different party colours battling for the 39 seats, as well as a number of independent contenders.

Unlike the differing hues of district and national politics, parish and town council candidates are mostly unaffiliated with a political party – with some notable exceptions.

In Uttlesford, only eight of the 65 electoral areas are being contested, meaning candidates of the 57 remaining wards are councillors elect – and will take up their positions following the count on May 8.

The fiercest battles on a parish level are likely to be in Saffron Walden, where three of the four wards are contested.

Here party colours are out in full force, as sole Liberal Democrat town councillor Mike Hibbs will attempt to hold on to his seat in Audley ward, and Residents For Uttlesford make a bid to increase their presence on the predominantly blue council.

Town and parish councils have distinct responsibilties from those at district and county level. From this week, Saffron Walden Town Council (SWTC) takes on the running of the town’s public toilets. They are also in charge of Bridge End Gardens, Dorset Close and Jubilee Gardens, all of these previously run by Uttlesford District Council.

Both the Town Hall and Golden Acre Community Centre are managed by SWTC, as well as allotments, the Tourist Information Centre, and the town’s bustling market.

To find out more about the elections, go to uttlesford.gov.uk