In the Gazette’s new general election year feature, we ask the main contenders to give their views on a local hot topic... this week, it's Grays town centre.

MP JACKIE DOYLE-PRICE - CONSERVATIVE

GRAYS has been neglected for too long and the council’s plans for improvement lack ambition.

The future of Grays rests in developing a night-time and leisure economy. The arrival of the new college offers an opportunity to kick-start renewal of the town centre. The council should be marketing investment opportunities to pub chains and coffee houses.

I’m disappointed how the council treats potential investors.Millions were squandered on a site for the community hospital. That land is empty and could be used to accommodate the Hathaway Academy. I would also get rid of our shabbymarket, while I do not like the proposal for an underpass, which would end up smelling of stale urine.

We can do much better.

TIM AKER - UKIP candidate

GRAYS town centre has great potential, but there is no point shying away from reality, some people do not feel safe in Grays. This is a real concern for those living locally.

Having grown up in Thurrock, I knowmany people feel less inclined to visit Grays, nowadays. In November 2014, more than 340 crimes were reported in Grays, compared to just 67 in Belhus and 71 in Chadwell St Mary. Local people want an increased police presence, especially late at night.

People need to feel safe, so we can work to improve our community. Other improvements must be better parking, fewer charges and lower rates to bring in new business.

POLLY BILLINGTON - LABOUR candidate

THE Standing Up for Grays campaign, backed by residents and businesses, is working to improve our town centre. I launched it with Thurrock Labour because others are talking Grays down. We need solutions, not slurs. Help us in build confidence in our town by “liking” our Facebook page.

The new college campus has boosted business and brought in more people. Planned changes to the one-way system are welcome - but there ismore to do. Local police need to tackle antisocial behaviour. Thurrock Council must improve parking and street lighting. I will campaign for a safer pedestrian rail crossing.

We also need to find a solution to the State Cinema. It should be an asset. For too long, our town centre has been seen as a lost cause. Together, we can change that.