The local elections provide a platform for both reflection and forward thinking. Of course, we would all wish that our County Councillors will come up with something radically different from that which has gone before and Powys will lead the way with the best services, but in reality change is about evolution, not revolution.

However, there are some elements of our evolution in Powys that pose a great threat to our long term stability and give cause for radical and urgent, revolutionary action!

People are our greatest asset but they need homes and services. The retention of local services and the provision of affordable housing sit high on the agenda for a sustainable Powys. In recent years we have seen a sustained attack on both affordable housing and local services.

Many local businesses and services providers have ceased trading and the Labour Government in Westminster seems hell bent on diminishing our Post Offices whilst cash strapped Powys is trimming social services and closing public conveniences and small schools in an effort to balance the books. The Labour led Government in Wales has set changes in Business Rates that has stifled many local businesses.

Now I am a big supporter of Powys County Council and I want to see us move forward into a county that continues to deliver top class education in good schools that are accessible to families.

Both housing and local services are also within the remit of our county Council and it is those whom we elect on May 1 who will have responsibility to ensure that our local services are retained and affordable housing is made available to people – especially young families – in their own communities. People are our greatest asset.

If we allow our young folk to migrate from our communities we are denying the opportunity for vibrant and diverse communities to exist.

As things are at the moment, young people often feel there is nothing for them in the community they grew up in and since affordable housing does not really exist they take their wealth of skills and experiences elsewhere.

The people you vote in on May 1 will be the people who are faced with revolutionising housing and local services in Powys! Ensuring that affordable homes are built for the people who need them, in the places they need to live and that local services are properly supported to enable people in Powys to shop locally and buy locally produced food and produce. This will be your chance to make a difference, listen to your candidates – vote on May 1!