A BY-ELECTION takes place on Thursday, for a seat on Northwich Town Council.

Three candidates are standing to represent the Northwich Bridge ward following the resignation of former mayor George Mainwaring.

The candidates are Andrew Cooper, from Hartford Road, in Davenham, Keith Hinde, from Riddings Lane, in Hartford, and Gaynor Sinar, from Drillfield Road, in Northwich.

The Guardian has given each of the candidates chance to say why they should win your vote.

 

Andrew Cooper, Labour:

I am standing for Northwich Town Council in the by-election on Thursday, December 12, and I hope I will be able to count on your support.

I have made my home in Davenham where I live with my wife Rebecca.

I have worked in Northwich as a software developer for seven years, helping housing associations provide a better and more efficient service to their residents.

I have been an active member of the Scouting movement for many years, and have served as a Scout leader and fundraiser.

My experience with Scouts has led me to have a strong belief in young people and what they can achieve for themselves and their community.

This is a critical time for Northwich.

There are huge opportunities for our town to grow in prosperity and create new jobs.

However, in celebrating these achievements we must not allow the concerns of the people of Northwich to be ignored. We must ensure that the interests of the community are always put first.

With your support, I look forward to bringing local people, businesses and community groups together to find practical solutions to the town’s challenges, and to make a positive difference to Northwich.

 

Keith Hinde, Liberal Democrat:

I have served the people of Northwich not only for most of my professional life but also though my membership of service clubs, Rotary and previously Round Table, and through my church allegiance.

I am married with two grown up daughters who were educated at local schools – including Sir John Deans – before going on to university.

I feel that Liberal Democrat principles of freedom, justice and honesty are just as needed at local level as they are at national and international level.

I welcome politicians working together in the public interest to achieve a stronger economy and fairer society.

For communities to thrive their representatives need to be open and accountable as well as responsive to local concerns.

For too long Northwich has suffered from being on the edge of planning concerns.

Did you know the proposal which resulted in the £10,000 basic tax allowance in 2014 started with a Cheshire Lib Dems motion at the 2009 Lib Dem Conference? It became Lib Dem policy and after 2010 election – coalition policy.

I am particularly pleased about last week’s measures to help young unemployed, small businesses, extra apprenticeships, keeping petrol costs down and free school meals to give younger children a better start in education. They will help build a stronger economy and a fairer society.

 

Gaynor Sinar, Conservative:

Ihave attended Northwich Town council meetings for nearly three years, and joined in with their work, helping to get finances together and attending meetings for projects such as the family fun day, Christmas light switch on, tree of lights and Artisan Market.

I believe if I were to become a member of the town council, I would be in a better position to encourage even more good work.

As a resident of Bridge ward, currently in Northwich town centre and previously of Castle, I am a governor at both Leftwich Primary School and High School, a board member of Cheshire Community Development Trust and the new chairman of the Northwich Business Improvement district.

Some of the things I have been involved in include starting the youth club in Leftwich and supporting residents with their individual concerns.

I am a keen supporter of next years Pedal Power event and support local retailers and art groups.

I am planning trained as the Cheshire West and Chester councillor for Davenham and Moulton.

Currently I am assistant executive board member for growth and regeneration and chairman of the health in-equality board.

I promise that I will work hard for Northwich Bridge ward, and appreciate the trust you place in me should you vote for me.