The uncertainty over Brexit has cast a long shadow over British life for more than two years and the local elections are the latest event to feel their effect. The Gazette reporters asked people if the national issues would affect the way they vote on May 2nd in the Parish and District Council elections.

Several local residents told the Ross Gazette that they will no longer vote as they feel it makes no difference to what happens. David Page said: “Since Brexit I have vowed never to vote again, it’s a disgrace.”

Sean Homes said “I will never vote in any election ever again. It doesn’t matter what you vote for, nothing changes.”

Other people have told the Gazette that Brexit has also swayed the way they vote. One couple from Cinderford said: “We have always voted Labour but we cannot this time as we don’t trust Corbyn. They added that they have had many arguments between themselves about who to vote for instead.”

Christopher Kirkham-Sandy has stood for election before and has worked in senior government.

In response to whether or not the current political climate has affected whether or not he would vote, Christopher told the Ross Gazette: “I will definitely vote in the Town and County Council elections. Brexit should not impact how we tackle local issues.

“The idea that we should abstain from voting because we aren’t happy with something is contradictory, you have to vote to change things.”

John Wicker, added: “Brexit has not impacted my decision, but the actions of some MPs have. I like to feel included in decisions, and I don’t by them. However I can see in the Ross Gazette that the Ross Councillors do a lot for the Town, so I will definitely vote in the local elections. Nevertheless I will always vote anyway, and I think everyone should.”

Donna Reid was another local resident who said she will not be voting due to Brexit and Gill Jones said that although she will probably vote she understands it is putting a lot of people off.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.