Cath Smith (Lib Dem)

Cath Smith believes that the role of localism needs to return to local government.

Working with the parish councils of Blunsdon and Highworth is vital to be a councillor who will represent Highworth and Blunsdon effectively.

Cath will be an accessible local councillor who will not hold ineffective surgeries, where one or two members of the public are aware enough to turn up, but will be active in talking to residents on the doorstep about their concerns.

Cath will be active in finding out your views, not passive like many Swindon councillors who wait to be told about issues.

Steve Weisinger (Con)

Following the sad death of long-serving Conservative councillor Doreen Dart, I would like to build on her impressive record as a strong voice for all local residents.

The new, larger ward of Blunsdon and Highworth brings new challenges, but I have the right experience to be an effective borough councillor for the whole area.

I have been a town councillor for 12 years, including two terms as mayor of Highworth.

I’m a long-time resident and former school governor, and my daughter attends a local school.

I have the positive, local experience to make a difference right across Blunsdon, Highworth and all the villages and parishes.

My track record includes delivering improved local bus services and securing funding for local leisure and community facilities.

If elected, I will continue this vital work, focusing on keeping council tax down while securing the best possible services and facilities for all fellow residents.

Phil Beaumont (Lab)

As the current deputy mayor of Highworth, the vice chairman of governors of Highworth Warneford School and as a Highworth resident for the last 37 years, I believe I have the experience and knowledge to provide the local voice that the people of Highworth and Blunsdon ward desperately need.

If elected as your local councillor, some of the issues I will be leading on include: l Working with the town council to ensure local people are properly consulted on any changes to the Highworth Rec l Finding improvements to the area’s increasing traffic problems l Giving local people a say in the future of their area and protecting treasured community facilities through establishing a community plan for the local area.

Under Conservative leadership, residents living in the Highworth and Blunsdon area have been taken for granted; I would put a stop to that if elected.

Andrew Day (Green)

I joined the Green Party (then known as the Ecology Party) in 1983, because it was the only political party with credible policies addressing the real issues.

Since then, the party has grown to the point where it has a highly effective Westminster MP (Caroline Lucas), two MEPs and a substantial number of councillors.

While larger conventional parties, whether singly or in coalition, continue to rely on wishful thinking instead of proper rigorous science, the Green Party consistently champions the sustainable low-impact technology essential for the long-term survival of our planet’s complex biodiversity.

I have consistently supported sensible local and national schemes for renewable energy, because I believe this technology is the key to providing Britain with affordable, safe and secure energy supplies.

I am a supporter of several campaigning organisations, including Greenpeace, Amnesty International, League Against Cruel Sports and Oxfam. Locally, I am active in Swindon Animal Concern.

John Lenton (UKIP)

John Lenton says he is delighted to be standing as UKIP’s candidate for Blunsdon and Highworth ward in the council election on November 15.

He has lived in Swindon for the last nine years, working in the security industry. Before that, he served for 12 years in the Army with the 1st Bn. Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Regt.

He says: “I believe that people should always come before political parties and this will be my attitude in representing Blunsdon and Highworth in Swindon borough council.

“I believe that we should have a real say on all the issues that affect us at a local and national level.

“I will make sure that local residents are represented in all aspects of planning connected with Blunsdon and Highworth. This will ensure that no major planning application would go forward unless it is agreed with all residents in the ward. Please give me your support”.

Also taking place today are the elections for a police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire. The candidates are: Paul Batchelor (Lib Dem), Clare Moody (Lab), Liam Silcocks (Ind), John Short (UKIP), Colin Skelton (Ind) and Angus Macpherson (Con)