Who is standing in Thursday's Bridport Town Council by-election?

In the Bridport South ward, voters will also be asked to select a new member of the town council. A by-election is being held after Frances McKenzie announced she was stepping down as she could no longer commit to evening meetings. Below, we hear from the four candidates standing in the town council by-election.

DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION 2017: Who is standing in Bridport, Beaminster and Marshwood Vale?

BARBARA VOUSDEN - CONSERVATIVE

I believe I have the background and experience to be your Conservative town councillor.

My husband and I moved to Bridport in 2004 when I took over the hairdressing salon at Chancery House. I subsequently joined the Chancery House Trustees two years later, becoming chairman in 2008 and have remained in that role since.

As a self-employed professional hairdresser you could say I talk – and listen – for my living. Consequently I have a great insight into the problems and difficulties encountered by Bridport people – especially the elderly.

My strengths - a good listener, lots of energy, love a new task and have a sense of fun.

My weaknesses - chocolate and wine.

I believe I have a wealth of experience to give to the town council. I am very much a ‘people person’ and I will not shrink from a challenge.

If elected I will do all I can to improve the provision of elderly care, promote and encourage affordable housing and promote local business.

Please vote for me on May 4.

PHILIP COLFOX - LIB DEM

Philip Colfox comes from a local farming family. Philip was a founding member of the hugely successful Bridport Gig Rowing Club, which now has three boats and competes in national events. As a leader of the Chapel-in-the-Garden, Philip has helped revive and transform it into a welcoming place, building on Bridport’s strong community spirit which contributes so much to the town’s vibrancy and resilience.

Philip said: “I want to be a Lib-Dem Focus Team Councillor because they are the ones who listen to local people and get things done - recently saving the Youth Centre and the Tourist Information Centre”

The Liberal Democrat Focus Team on the town council is working in partnership with others to support voluntary organisations such as the Community Orchard Group, the Asker Meadows/New Zealand Group and the Friends of the Borough Gardens.

Focus team members also worked on the project to expand the hugely popular West Bay Play Area to make it fully accessible for all ages and abilities.

NICK BOOTHROYD - LABOUR

A professional musician, Nick made his home in west Dorset more than 25 years ago. His children grew up here and attended local schools. Four years ago he moved to Bridport and has since put down deep roots.

Nick believes the key issues facing Bridport are affordable homes, better jobs and opportunities for our young people, our health service and transport links.

Nick said: “If elected I will defend public services, challenge vested interests and do all I can to make Bridport a better place to live and work.”

He will work to achieve genuinely affordable homes to rent and buy – prioritise local needs over second-home owners and holiday rentals, a town that pays the real living wage, ensure that new developments provide high-quality employment opportunities, preserve the character of Bridport by support markets, and independent and artisan shops, insist on a greater say in local planning decisions, support Bridport’s vibrant artistic and literary scene which plays a key role in tourism and community cohesion and support a town shuttle bus – linking Bridport, West Bay and an upgraded park and ride.

ANDY JEFFERIES - GREEN

Andy Jefferies believes Bridport is uniquely placed in Dorset, and nationally, to be a model for community resilience in changing times - combining sustainable local business, a rich cultural and natural heritage, and ambitious and interested people of all ages. As Green Party candidate, he presents a progressive alternative to business as usual on the town council.

Andy has lived in Bridport for 12 years and has a long association the area. He works in rural economic funding, supporting small business and agricultural development in Dorset, and runs a sustainable tourism business operating in the area and beyond. He has two children in Bridport Primary School and the Sir John Colfox Academy.

Andy said: “We all know Bridport is special - that’s why we’re here and want to stay.

"With new opportunities for employment, business, housing, health and social justice the town has a bright, sustainable future that can work for everyone.”