FIVE candidates are going head to head in Knutsford to be named as one of three to represent the town across the county.

Julie Tempest, Independent, Tony Dean, Hayley Wells-Bradshaw and Stewart Gardiner (all Conservative), along with Joe Godden (Labour) want to be one of three councillors sitting on Cheshire East Council.

On Thursday, May 7, town residents will vote three times (just twice for those living in the Bexton ward) for town council, borough council and for an MP.

This week we profile the Knutsford ward candidates standing for Cheshire East Council.

Tony Dean (Conservative) said: "A Chemical Engineer, I worked in the chemicals and chemical services industries, and latterly in the Environment Agency as a regional director.

"I have lived in Cheshire for 24 years and Knutsford for 20 years.

"In 2011, having taken early retirement, I was elected to Knutsford's Town Council where I have served for four years, latterly chairing the Environment, Events and Neighbourhood Plan committees.

"I am determined to help Knutsfordians design the future shape of their unique and historic town, via the Neighbourhood Plan process, and to maintain Knutsford's profile as a great place to live, work and visit.

"As a candidate for Cheshire East Council, I am hoping to be elected so I can join forces with others who are working to improve the services provided to its customers by the council.

"It is essential that this publicly funded service provider focuses on the customer going forward, becoming much more communicative and responsive to the community's needs and concerns."

Joe Godden (Labour) said: "I live in Warren Avenue in Knutsford and am really pleased to be standing for the Cheshire East Council Elections.

"I feel privileged to live in such a lovely part of the world, but I am also very aware that many people are struggling to find housing and a decent employment.

"I believe passionately that a fairer and more equal society is a better society to live in for all. I have worked in the social care sector all my life and seen first-hand the problems caused by inadequate services.

"Be that for older people, children and families or people with a mental health problems or a learning disability.

"These issues are not just ones that affect the few – most people will need help when they become old. We were promised when Tatton Ward closed that there would be a new GP led resource in Knutsford – what happened to that?

"I would fight to improve health, social care, housing and transport in the area. Why do we need to get to London any quicker than two hours, when it takes an hour to get to Manchester? The priority must be to improve rail links to Manchester and Chester and beyond."

Stewart Gardiner (Conservative) said: "When first elected to Cheshire East I was enthusiastic about changing the world, or at least our little corner and fighting for the rights of all Knutsfordians.

"My first battle was to save the subsidised transport for pupils at St Nicholas’ High School. Losing this fight made me angry, disappointed and disillusioned.

"However I am asking to be re-elected. Why? Because over the past three and a half years since that failure I have realised that being a councillor is not just about the big issues; it is also about helping people to get their street lights fixed, bins emptied, drains repaired or a planning problem resolved.

"Because for the individuals concerned, help with these little things meant a lot.

"If re-elected in May, I want to ensure any new development is in keeping with the town’s character and provides supporting infrastructure, push plans for a new medical centre, and to improve the Town’s Highway infrastructure.

Hayley Wells-Bradshaw (Conservative): said: "I bring a common sense attitude, a listening ear and a determination to fight for the best for our special town and all who live here.

"The first in my family to go to university, everything I have in life, I have worked hard for. Employed here in Knutsford for the past 16 years, my husband and I love the town so much we moved here in 2013.

"Now settled and happy, I feel the time is right to offer myself for election. I think it is important that working people are part of your team of local representatives.

"I believe in making every penny of taxpayers’ money – your money – go as far as possible. Innovation and new ways of working are vital to the delivery of quality local services going forward.

"I support the development of a new Heath and Wellbeing centre, and close liaison with all the local groups and organisation which have a stake in Knutsford’s future prosperity."

Julie Tempest (Independent) said: "On Thursday, May 7, you can vote for three candidates to represent Knutsford on Cheshire East.

"I’m asking you to give me one of your three votes for two reasons: 1) to ensure that I can represent the vast majority of us who aren’t members of a political party; and 2) I have a track record of being involved with community activities all year round so I’ll be a competent, hard-working and accessible councillor.

"The pressure is on to build more housing but Knutsford needs to be sure it will meet the actual needs of Knutsfordians, not property developers. We need to ensure the infrastructure and services - health, schools, public transport, sports and leisure - are in place to cope with that expansion and improve our own quality of life.

"I want to make sure that Knutsford gets its voice heard in Cheshire East, not just the larger towns such as Crewe and Macclesfield.

"The Knutsford Hosts, Knutsford Town Plan, Knutsford Promenades and Promote Knutsford Forum are amongst the things I do to support the town I've been proud to call home for more than 25 years.

"I'm Independent, I'm a doer, and I’m a woman – there aren’t enough of us on Cheshire East. I'll represent what the people of Knutsford want - not what a party decides you want. Leave your politics to the General Election - vote Julie Tempest for Knutsford!"