A DOUBLE election, which features a by-election and a referendum, is set to take place in Dursley this week.

Voters will decide who will represent them at district level, and whether a new neighbourhood plan gets the go-ahead, in a ballot tomorrow (Thursday).

The by-election follows the resignation of Stroud District Councillor Alison Hayward.

Four candidates have put themselves forward to serve the Dursley community, in her place: Yvonne Dignon (Green Party), Trevor Hall (Labour), Richard Blackwell-Whitehead (Lib Dems) and Loraine Patrick (Conservatives).

Yvonne Dignon, a former teacher, wants to see action on the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which suggests that there are just 12 years in which to limit climate breakdown. She supports a transition to clean renewable energy.

Trevor Hall says he will provide a ‘strong voice for local people, whether that’s campaigning to save the 62 bus or standing up for local businesses’.

Richard Blackwell-Whitehead wants to support public transport, investment in housing, growth for local businesses and community groups.

Loraine Patrick says she likes ‘being able to fix problems’.

Her interests for the town include public transport, starting a Dursley Sunday street market, protecting green spaces, supporting local businesses and making sure that dumped items are removed from the streets.

On the same day, a referendum will be held relating to the adoption of the Dursley Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Voters will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question: “Do you want Stroud District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Dursley to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?

If more people vote ‘yes’ than ‘no’ in the referendum, then Stroud District Council will use the Dursley Neighbourhood Development Plan to help it to decide planning applications within Dursley.

The Neighbourhood Plan once adopted will then become part of the Development Plan used by the Local Planning Authority (Stroud District Council).