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Local elections 2012: View from Harlow in Essex
Page last updated at 13:10 GMT, Friday, 4 May 2012 14:10 UK
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With its pubs, cafes, mobile phone shops and tanning salons Harlow is like many towns in the UK.
While some who live here describe it as ordinary, it's places like this that politicians need to win to stand a chance of running the country.
Traditionally, Labour is the party in power here but for around the last 10 years the Conservatives, or no overall party, has been in control.
In this week's elections though, Labour won and took control from the Tories.
The biggest problem for politicians there, as in many other areas, is voters being turned off by politics.
We spoke to people living and working in Harlow about their thoughts on Thursday's local elections.
Cameron Richardson, 26
"I vote Labour every year but I'm not really sure who to believe, whether the Conservatives have been doing a good job or not.
"There's no real candidate or party that's really going to do something.
"Politics has turned into a form of football management. If you don't get any results, get them out the door.
"There's no point in voting for someone if in three years down the line, there's no growth and shops are derelict.
"There's a lot of chit chat and talk, so I'm going to wait and see what happens. Actions speak louder than words."
James Cooper, currently unemployed
"I did vote and I voted Liberal Democrats. I tend to vote either Liberal Democrats or Tory.
"It's probably just more in line with what I believe in.
"I'm not sure that I agree with some of the Labour policies and the way they're suggesting they're going to run the council."
Matt Wood, 22
"I didn't vote and I don't agree with any politicians, they're all wrong.
"They all lie, don't they? I don't trust them.
"It's all a waste of time. None of them do what they say, so what's the point in listening to it?"
Andy Seymour, black cab driver
"I didn't vote and have no real enthusiasm for politics. I'm generally fed up with the whole situation.
"I compare it to the England football manager, who cares? I don't think it'll make any difference."
Donna Pilson, 31
"I didn't vote and to be honest I don't really know much about politics at all.
"What's the point? They all lie."
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See also
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Local elections 2012: Your views
02 May 12Politics
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England local elections 2012
24 April 12Politics
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Wales council elections 2012
24 April 12Wales
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Scotland council elections 2012
24 April 12Scotland
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