FOUR candidates have put themselves forward to serve the Dursley community, as part of Stroud District Council.

Residents will be able to vote for their preferred choice at the upcoming Dursley by-election on Thursday, November 15.

The poll follows the resignation of Stroud District Councillor Alison Hayward.

Among those standing is Labour’s candidate Trevor Hall.

Trevor formerly worked at Lister’s and Cam Mills.

He said: “I represented people when I was the shop steward at work and I look forward to representing people now I’m retired.

“I will be a strong voice for local people, whether that’s campaigning to save the 62 bus or standing up for local businesses.

“People know they can trust me to stand up for them.”

Richard Blackwell-Whitehead is standing for the Lib Dems.

He said: “My ambition is for Dursley to be one of the best places to live in the district.

“I will support investment in our housing, growth for local businesses and thriving community groups.”

Richard is also interested in improving public transport in the area.

Loraine Patrick, who is already Gloucestershire County Councillor for Dursley and a town councillor, will stand for the Conservatives.

Loraine has been a district councillor for Dursley before, which she says she ‘enjoyed immensely’.

“I like being able to fix problems,” she said.

Loraine interests for the town include seeing the restoration of the 62 bus service, or equivalent, starting a Dursley Sunday street market, protecting green spaces, supporting local businesses and making sure that bulky items of dumped rubbish are removed from the streets.

The Green Party’s candidate is Yvonne Dignon, a retired teacher and community volunteer.

As a former teacher, Yvonne says she recognises the importance of community and saw ‘first-hand how Government action or inaction affected her students and their life chances’.

She is also interested in renewable energy.