Well-known names face tough council elections

20/04/2012 @ 04:42

Voters in the Welshpool area go to the polls on May 3 to elect a new county council with a some well known names in the town facing a battle to keep hold of their seats.

Several of the county’s long standing councillors will not be seeking re-election and although several seats in the area will be uncontested there will be fights for all three of Welshpool’s seats where councillors have faced mounting pressure over the town’s controversial one-way system.

Long serving councillor Ann Holloway, who is standing as an Independent, faces a fight to keep her Llanerchyddol seat with opposition from fellow town councillor John Morgan, who will carry the Liberal Democrat colours.

And two other town councillors go head to head for the Gungrog seat. Libereal Democrat Francessca Jump is being challenged by Conservative Steve Kaye.

There will be a three-way contest for the Castle ward with Phil Pritchard challenged by town mayor Estelle Bleivas and the Conservative’s Ian Bradley.

Amongst those standing down are Simon Baynes for Llanwddyn, Tegwyn Jones for Llansantffraid and Beryl Vaughan for Banwy and a total of 14 seats in Montgomeryshire will be uncontested.

In Montgomery, Nicholas Bardsley (C) will stand against Stephen Hayes (I) and in Forden Linda Corfield (I) is being challenged by Jan Chilton (C) with the proposed Leighton farm development certain to be top of the agenda.

In Trewern, Dawn Bailey (I), and Jessica Bradley (C) will be in opposition while Llanfair Caereinion sees a three-way battle between Sue Callery (LD), Viola Evans (I) and Christine Williams (UKIP).

Arwel Jones (I), Leigh Kellaway (C) and Nick Savage (I) are standing for the Llandysilio seat while Digby Davies (I), Nick Powell (UKIP) and Robert Gwynfor Thomas (C) will be in opposition for Llansantffraid.

David Oliver (I) and Joy Shearer (I) are standing for the Rhiwcynoc seat with Rob Harper (LD) and Michael Jones (I) contesting Churchstoke.

Returned unopposed are Peter Lewis (C), Llanfyllin; Eldrydd Mary Jones (I), Meifod; Darren Mayor (I), Llanwddyn; Aled Wyn Davies (C), Llansilin; Graham Brown, Llandrinio; William Barry Thomas (I), Llanfihangel; David Jones (I), Guilsfield and Dai Davies (I), Berriew.

The deadline to register to vote passed on Wednesday.