AN ELECTION will be held for two town councillors in Haverfordwest’s Portfield Ward this December.

There are five candidates contesting the two seats on the council.

They are: Richard Blacklaw-Jones, Anne Elliott, Peter Lewis, Roy Thomas and Jonathan Twigg.

Each of them gives their reasons for wanting to join the council below in their own words below.

Richard Blacklaw-Jones, 60 years old, lives in North Street, practised as an osteopath in Haverfordwest for many years, independent candidate

 

“I want to help with the regeneration of Haverfordwest and to help the town council do its part in this.

“They have started to do more things along these lines recently and I want to support them.

“I have been involved in a lot in the town over the years as an individual and as part of groups.

“I was a member of the Round Table for some years and worked as their carnival secretary for two years.

“This town has been good to me and my family. The more I have put into the various things in the town the more chance my daughters have of finding employment and a life in the town.”

Anne Elliot, retired, lives in Castle High, independent candidate

 

“I would like to achieve some cohesion between all of the different groups of people in Haverfordwest who strive to do things for and in the community, whether they be charities, support groups, small businesses et cetera so that a comprehensive spirit of togetherness was engendered, so that all people felt that they were aiming for the same goal.

“I like to think "outside the box", perhaps looking at insurmountable obstacles and finding ways around them; making things happen and giving people something to be positive about in the town: working towards making Haverfordwest the jewel at the heart of Pembrokeshire.”

Peter Lewis, 77 years old, retired teacher, lives in Portfield, independent candidate

 

“I am really concerned about the way in which the town council is directing energies and spending money.

“They have raised the precept rates by 19 percent last year which is at a time when people are struggling and I don’t think the money is being well-directed.

“I want to protect what is good in the town and support common sense of further developments like the revived carnival.

“What I would like to achieve is what was good from the past is consolidated like twinning, the museum and the racecourse, and what is sensible for the future is supported.”

Roy Thomas, 72 years old, retired manager for multi-national company, lives in Portfield, independent candidate

 

“I am disappointed in the way the town council has gone forward since the last election.

“There is a number of things I have not been happy with and I felt perhaps I can help with my experience and knowledge of being on the council previously.

“I would like to see the council more transparent to the community, something I feel has been lacking recently.

“I was concerned about the huge rise in the budget precept last year and I would like some justification for that.

“Over the next few years the town council is facing some big challenges and experience and knowledge would help them along.”

Jonathan Twigg, 51 years old, owns a training and management business, lives in Portfield Gate, Welsh Conservatives candidate

 

“The town is a fantastic place to live, work, and raise a family. My three children attended Fenton Community School, two now in Haverfordwest High and as someone who lives in the area I understand and share the concerns local people have.

“I have worked to nurture and develop young people across the town in different sports, and I am passionate about making sure the Town Council's assets are utilised for the benefit of everyone.

“I have strong views on how the Greenfield sites within the ward should be managed and promoted.

“As a newcomer to political office, I would be bringing a fresh approach, a clear vision and deep commitment.”

The election will take place on December 6.