Residents from Writhlington, Radstock, Clandown and Haydon will have the chance to vote for a new candidate on Radstock Town Council after a by-election was triggered due to former Labour Town Councillor, Jordan Ness’ resignation. The vote takes place on Thursday, 16th March. This week, we introduce you to the two candidates standing for the Writhlington seat.

Rob Langley

Rob Langley is a local man who has lived in Writhlington since 2003. He is married with two children who attend St Mary’s School,where he is Vice Chair of the School Governors.

Rob is also Chair of Writhlington Flower Show, where he utilises his experience in planning and organising fundraising events.

Radstock Town Councillor, Keith Tyrrell, (Writhlington ward), nominated Rob. He says: “I believe that it is very important to the residents of Writhlington and to many of the Radstock Town Councillors, that we have an Independent elected who has no political agenda with an existing political party.

“It is imperative that politics plays no part in Parish and Town Councils,which has been proven by the progress made by the existing Town Councillors, of which the vast majority are Independent.

“The added bonus with Rob is that he is a resident of Writhlington, together with fellow Councillor, Nick Toogood and myself, and will put the interests of the residents first.

“I fully add my support to Rob, and I would welcome his input and enthusiasm to Radstock Town Council.”

Matthew Shearn

“My name is Matthew Shearn, and I am your Labour Radstock Town Council candidate for the Writhlington ward.

“I was born and bred in Radstock, and have spent most of my 33 years here, and know the Writhlington area well, having been a former pupil of Writlington School.

“I come from a family who have had a long association with the Labour party – my decision to join the party was partly inspired by my late grandfather, who was a miner and was known in the area for playing for Radstock Town and Welton Arsenal.

“He talked about the sense of community in the mines where everybody helped one another, and how Labour helped improve conditions. This has given me a grounded view of politics, and has inspired me towards helping the community and bringing those values into everyday life.

“As a candidate, my aims include traffic-calming measures for Frome Road, tackling the problem of fly-tipping and making sure local projects and services get funded.

“This will be my first election, and I feel that I will be able to bring a new, fresh voice to the local council, and will do my best to make sure that everybody is heard.”