THE Reform UK parliamentary candidate for the new Taunton and Wellington constituency has heard residents' concerns regarding roads, healthcare, and education.

Charles Hansard will be pitted against Gideon Amos (Lib Dem), Rebecca Pow (Conservative), Brenda Weston (Labour), and Ryan Trower (Green) in the general election set to take place on Thursday, July 4.

After introducing himself to Wellington locals at 80th D-Day anniversary celebrations, Mr Hansard said: "It was a great opportunity to meet everyone and, with my colleagues, put Reform UK firmly on the map.

"So many approached us to say they had become disillusioned with politics.

"That there had not been a natural home for them until now.

"The response to Reform UK, along with our three main pledges for Taunton and Wellington, was immensely encouraging.

“In Wellington, like much of the country, there are many obstacles facing residents today.

"We all risk damaging our vehicles, or worse our health, as we swerve to avoid the ever-increasing number of potholes on our roads.

"Many people spoke of sending bills to the council for damaged wheels and suspension.

"As motorists, we are legally bound to operate vehicles of good mechanical order on the highway.

"Councils should be held to the same standard, and forced to keep their roads regularly maintained.”

Mr Hansard added that problems accessing NHS dentists, and a lack of funding for local schools were both clear issues in Wellington following his day speaking to residents.

“Oral hygiene is vital to our society and health and accessing treatment at an NHS dentist should not be a postcode lottery," he said.

"As another of our pledges, it needs to be addressed immediately and at a speed of change I am determined to drive through.”

“Finally, the shocking issue of school funding and how that is affecting families.

"I listened to parents and teachers, all of whom had the same thing to say… there is such an enormous lack of money filtering into schools that children are being held back in their learning.

"Even a headteacher approached me, explaining in detail the financial stress the school was under."