1. Do you support plans to build 12,000 homes across Tendring?

Ukip will protect the Green Belt. I would only support large-scale development if it had support of a large majority, of local residents and those who would be impacted directly and indirectly. Ukip believes that planning permission for large-scale developments can be overturned by a referendum triggered by the signatures of five per cent of electors collected within three months.

2. What can be done to tackle the rise in crime and protect our local police?

No further police station closures and no reduction in front-line officers. I believe full sentences should be served and this should be taken into account when criminals are convicted and sentenced in court. Parole should be available for good behaviour on a case-by-case basis, not systematically. The interests of law-abiding citizens and victims will always take precedence over those of criminals.

3. How would you help to bring wind farm opportunities to Harwich?

Ukip supports a diverse energy market, including coal, nuclear, shale gas, geo-thermal, tidal, solar, conventional gas and oil. We will, however, repeal the Climate Change Act 2008, which costs the economy £18billion a year, and we will abolish green taxes and charges in order to reduce fuel bills, but there will be no new subsidies for wind farms and solar arrays.

4. How does your party plan to cut unemployment in the constituency?

We would review all legislation and regulations from the EU (3,600 new laws since 2010) and remove those which hamper British prosperity and competitiveness. We will introduce an option for students to take an Apprenticeship Qualification instead of four non-core GCSEs, which can be continued at A-level. Students can take up apprenticeships in jobs with certified professionals.

5. What can be done to tackle the high levels of deprivation in parts of Harwich and the surrounding area?

Some regions may have benefited from EU membership; however, to allow them to benefit, the rest of us have to pay more taxes and suffer more regulation. Leaving the EU would allow resources to be directed here in Harwich rather than paying for regeneration projects, building new roads or airports with UK taxpayers’ money in outposts of Europe.

6. What do you suggest to alleviate hazardous parking in the villages around Manningtree Railway Station and congestion at the underpass?

The county council and Highways Agency need to produce a plan to show how improvements to the A137 and feeder roads can be made to cope with increasing demand. The train operator needs to ensure car parking facilities are improved and commuter trains are provided with more capacity to meet growing demand. This could require upgrades to railway station platforms for more carriages.

7. What can be done to boost tourism in the constituency?

I support initiatives such as The Harwich Mayflower Project. I would like to see passenger cruise ships encouraged to the area, as this will have a knock-on effect in seeing increased demand for bars, restaurants and other attractions.

8. What are your favourite book, film and song?

Book: Robert Tombs – The English and their history. Films: Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Italian Job’ and Kes – too difficult to choose just one. Song: Waterloo Sunset – The Kinks.

9. Would your choice of tipple be a glass of champagne or a pint of beer?

A pint of real ale, but perhaps a glass of champagne after May 7!

10. What’s your favourite tourist destination in the constituency?

Evoking childhood memories; summer days, sailing, ice cream and the long sandy beach at West Mersea take some beating!