The following article is a candidate profile for the Midsomer Norton Town Council candidate, Martin Thatcher. All views expressed are solely those of the author.

I was born and raised locally attending Writhlington School after which I joined the army as a Grenadier Guardsman serving in Northern Ireland, Kenya, Canada and London.

After this I joined the Fire Service and spent 25 years on the engines based in Bath. On my rest days back in 2000, I started a part-time local business. This grew steadily over the years and now that I am retired from the Service, this has become my full-time role.

I am married to Deb and we have two children. I have never been one for complaining about something yet standing back and doing nothing about it; I speak my truth and stand strong in my convictions but am not too proud to listen to others, take advice and admit if I am wrong.

Therefore, as I look around me and see our town declining and many people struggling, I feel my character is exactly what is needed in the role of not just a local Town councillor but also as an honest voice to represent our community as a BANES councillor. Like my wife, I hope I get the opportunity to do this.