VOTERS are heading to the polls today (Thursday) to register their support for candidates in the Essex County Council elections.

There are four seats up for grab in Uttlesford and a total of 75 across Essex in 70 wards.

The Conservatives currently dominate County Hall, occupying 60 seats, while the Liberal Democrats hold another 11 and Labour two. Loughton Residents and an independent candidate have one seat apiece.

In Saffron Walden, incumbent Conservative councillor Robert Chambers will be hoping to hold on to a majority of just over 1,700 from the previous election in 2009.

Up against him are Richard Freeman, representing the Lib Dems, Labour candidate Jane Berney, UKIP’s Barry Tyler, Trilby Roberts, who is standing for the Greens, and Independent WeAreResidents.org candidate John Lodge.

Cabinet member for Children’s Services, Conservative councillor Ray Gooding, won the Stansted seat with a slim majority last time out.

But he could come under pressure from the Lib Dem’s Geoffrey Sell, also chairman of the parish council, Labour’s Ian Davies, Martin Wybrew for the Green Party and UKIP’s Peter Barclay.

Thaxted county councillor Simon Michael Walsh, standing for the Conservatives, faces competition from Lib Dem candidate Antoinette Wattebot, Labour’s Barbara Ann Light, UKIP’s Stuart Moore and John Dunkley for the Green Party.

Conservative councillor Susan Barker, who was victorious with a huge majority of just under 3,000 votes in the last election for the Dunmow seat, is up against David Morgan for the Lib Dems, Labour’s Terry Brandon, UKIP’s Alan Stannard and Karmel Stannard, who is representing the Green Party.

There is also a by-election for a Newport ward seat on Uttlesford District Council. The candidates are Peter Arscott, representing the Tories, Howard Bowman for the Lib Dems, Labour’s Denis Mongon and independent Joanna Parry.

An election for a seat on Hatfield Broad Oak Parish Council is also taking place. Mike Dowell, Christopher Roberts and Kenneth Swainsbury are all standing.

To find your nearest polling station, visit http://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/uttlesford/main.cfm?Type=LOCALELECTIONS&MenuId=1484

Stations opened at 7am and will close at 10pm tonight (Thursday).

The results of the count, taking place at the Lord Butler Leisure Centre in Peaslands Road, Saffron Walden, are expected to be announced at around 3am on Friday (March 3).

Reporter Sam Tonkin will be tweeting from Lord Butler. Follow @Sam_Tonkin, @swreporter24 or @dunmowbroadcast

Results will be posted on our website once they have been announced by election officials a full-round up will be in next week’s paper.