The Liberal Democrats say they are ready to listen to the community as they strive to win seats at next month’s local elections in Hertsmere.

The Lib Dems last won seats in the borough back in 2007 but there are 18 candidates this year who are hoping 2019 will be their year again.

The current make-up of Hertsmere Borough Council is 34 Conservatives, four Labour, and one Independent candidate - after Cllr Gary Silver decided to leave the Tories last month.

Andy Lewis is the current chairman of Elstree & Borehamwood Residents Association (EBRA). Due to running in the elections, he has temporarily stepped away from the organisation.

Mr Lewis is running for as a Lib Dem nominee in Hillside ward, Borehamwood, where he lives.

He has been chairman of EBRA for six years and says his experiences within the community have helped him realise what matters to people.

He said: “I know exactly what people want, I know what they desire. People want to see their councillors out and about. With EBRA, I have proven that I am proactive, holding numerous meetings and helping solve issues within Elstree & Borehamwood.

“I really care about where I live. I want to make better use of section 106 money from housing developments to improve the community, I want to challenge overdevelopment in the area, and I want to protect our green spaces.

“If I look at my values, I am a centralist and they match up closely with Lib Dem values which is why I have chosen to stand as one.”

Andrew Melville has lived in north Bushey for 30 years and says he is passionate about being a “strong voice for the people”.

He said: “I have had many issues with the council that I have raised in the past but unfortunately have not been dealt with. I have across many people who feel the same so I want to be the person who speaks for them.”

The Bushey North candidate added: “The issues within our area range from transport links, and lack of medical facilities and affordable housing. The Hertsmere Liberal Democrats are passionate about improving transport and providing housing.”

The other Lib Dem candidates in Hertsmere this May are: Saif Al-Saadoon (Aldenham East) Paul Watson (Aldenham West) Sophie Aldridge (Hillside) Elaine Elliman (Hillside) Andrew Brass (Bushey Heath) Roger Kutchinsky (Bushey Heath) Jerry Evans (Bushey North) Paul Richards (Bushey North) Anne Diamond (Bushey Park) Judith Melinek (Bushey Park) Brian Silverman (Bushey Park) Holly Gunning (Bushey St James) Christopher Scobie (Bushey St James) Hannah Gunning (Bushey St James) Jonathan Brett (Potters Bar Parkfield) and Sachin Saggar (Potters Bar Parkfield).

The elections take place on May 2. All 39 seats are up for election. A full list of candidates can be found here.