A BY-ELECTION will be held in Berkeley following the sad death of councillor Penny Wride.

Four candidates have put themselves forward to serve the Berkeley Vale ward, as part of Stroud District Council.

Residents will be able to vote for their preferred choice on Thursday, February 28.

Among those standing is Labour’s candidate Liz Ashton.

A former mayor of Berkeley, Liz has campaigned on behalf of the town for decades.

She said: “A lot of changes are being put forward for the Berkeley Vale area, with new homes on the horizon and the potential to see new jobs developed at the docks and college sites.

“I will listen to local people’s concerns about the developments – it’s vital to ensure those living in Berkeley, Sharpness, Wanswell, Cambridge and Slimbridge receive the best possible deal to benefit their communities if and when any new housing is accepted.

“I shall continue to campaign for improved transport links to Dursley, Gloucester and Bristol, as well as for improved local services for local doctors and schools.”

Lindsey Green is standing for the Conservatives.

She said: “One of my main reasons is that I am done with moaning and thought that it’s about time that someone started to take a proactive approach to our local issues.

“One thing that I am passionate about is making sure that future generations like my own three young children get to grow up in this awesome area and to be proud of our community.

“I also care about the amazing work that Cllr Penny Wride has done throughout the years and hope to be able to carry on the good work that Penny has done to help her legacy to live on.”

Mike Stayte will stand for the Liberal Democrats.

Mike has been both a District councillor and a Slimbridge School governor in the past.

He is also currently serving as a local magistrate and has been a Slimbridge Parish councillor for the past eight years.

He said: “With so many proposals for development under discussion it is important that local voices are heard. If elected I will work closely with town and parish councils to ensure that local views are put forward clearly and with vigour.”

Mike's plans for the area include more affordable homes, sustainable council services, job creation, better transport, plus support for recreational areas.

Tom Willett is the Green Party’s candidate.

Tom said: “I am pleased to have the opportunity to offer my support to efforts to strengthen local communities and support local people’s access to services and sustainable employment. I believe it is important to protect the beautiful countryside we live in, and to support local people in having a voice in plans being made for the District. Green leadership at Stroud District Council has improved recycling and set a vision for a Carbon Neutral district by 2030.”

“If elected I would work hard to ensure local views from Berkeley Vale are heard at Stroud District Council, and that future plans for transport and for new housing developments fit with our local needs."

The by-election will take place on February 28, between 7am and 10pm.

Polling stations for this ward are in the Stagecoach Inn, Berkeley Town Hall, the Salutation Inn, Stone village hall, Sharpness village hall and Slimbridge village hall.