A FORMER RAF reconnaissance photographer is set to contest the Shrub End by-election.

Vic Flores has been nominated as the Conservative candidate for the September 7 poll, which was called after Lib Dem Karen Chaplin stood down with immediate effect last month.

Mr Flores, a dad-of-two, contested the ward a year ago but came fifth in the all-up poll with 496 votes.

The 52-year-old attended Colchester Royal Grammar School before joining the RAF as a reconnaissance photographer for seven years.

He then ran a television production company, specialising in international sports, until three years ago.

Mr Flores, who has lived in the Shrub End for 25 years, has been vocal in his opposition to Colchester Council's decision to reject the controversial Tollgate Village plans and has voiced criticism over the authority's new waste collection system, which has seen some residents given wheelie bins.

He added: "It is the limiting of black bag numbers which affects recycling rates, not the bin we put the black bags in.

"The council could have made this change at no expense whatsoever."

Mr Flores is set to go head to head with Lib Dem Sam McCarthy, Labour's Mike Dale, Independent Mike Clark, Ukip's Bruno Hickman and Victoria Weaver, of the Green Party.