A NEW independent candidate has stepped forward for the Wotton-under-Edge ward in the Stroud District Council elections.

The ward which comprises the parishes of Wotton-under-Edge and North Nibley has usually been contested by the three main political parties along with a candidate from the Green Party.

Alex Wilkinson stood last year for the Liberal Democrats but was narrowly defeated by the Conservative candidate. He has now made the decision to stand again as an independent.

He said: “I have come to the conclusion that there is too much of an influence of national politics at District level.”

Mr Wilkinson, who is a Wotton Town Councillor, as well as being president of Wotton’s Chamber of Trade added: “It has been frustrating to see the extent to which politics has crept into the local decisions that are being made on a regular basis which shape all of our lives.

“I want to work with all of our local communities in Wotton and North Nibley to improve so many things. I am passionate about the beautiful area in which we live and am totally committed to keeping it healthy, prosperous and safe – especially where our children are concerned; for example, with the provision of a safe path to and from our new skate park.”

The Wotton-under-Edge Chamber of Trade & Commerce was reformed in 2005 after a gap of five years. Mr Wilkinson is the current President.

Current membership of the Wotton-under-Edge Chamber of Trade and Commerce stands at 110, covering the entire range of local businesses from sole traders to public limited companies.

Acting as a voice for local commerce it works in partnership with other organisations to promote and develop business in Wotton and the surrounding area.

Alex Wilkinson has lived in Wotton for 11 years with his wife Claire and his children