THE county council elections next week have been put in the shade by the general election which takes place just a few weeks later.

Much of the focus – and indeed the publicity both local and national – has been on May, Corbyn and co.

But that’s not to say the county council elections in both West and East Sussex are not important.

Because they are.

They are very important.

And today we urge as many voters as possible to use their ballot.

Don’t be put off because you may be focusing on June 8.

The county councils have a vital role.

There is a general lack of understanding in some parts of society as to what responsibilities various layers of councils have.

County councils have massive budgets and key areas of responsibility include education, transport and social care.

Very often we hear of people blaming “the council” but do they know which council that is?

Is it the borough or district council?

Is it a unitary authority such as Brighton and Hove?

Or is it indeed the county council.

Budgets have been slashed at every level of government in recent years.

County councils have had a rough time although there is no doubt they had it very good for too long.

The Tories rule both councils at the moment.

In West Sussex they have a huge majority.

It is much closer in the east where they are the party with the biggest number of seats.

Make your vote count next week!