There is a clear geographical divide in the ward of Shaw on the western edges of Swindon proper.

Modern, late-20th century housing estates run right up to the boundary of the borough, where they then immediately become agricultural fields in the area of Wiltshire Council.

But in the eastern half of the ward, green abounds. Much of that is the woodlands of Shaw Forest park, but it's not all a bucolic idyll - Barnfields Solar farm is constructed on top of an old landfill site and now generates electricity to power the waste treatment plant at Waterside Park just across the railway line.

Another large area is taken up by a buffer zone between the houses and industrial estates of Shaw and Swindon sewage farm, just across the ward boundary in Mannington and Western.

Another break in the houses in the western part of the ward is created by Shaw Ridge Linear Park, several acres of fields running form the primary school in the centre of the ward to the boundary with the ward's southern neighbour Lydiard and Westbrook.

The ward is represented by three Conservative councillors. The sitting member up for re-election this year is Coun Nick Martin, who shares the ward with his wife Coun Mary Martin.

His experience as a councillor goes back to 1983, and has represented Shaw for 21 years.

In the election he fought in 2015 Coun Martin achieved a round 50 per cent of the 5711 votes cast with 2,857, nearly double the 1430 votes given to his nearest challenger, Michael Heal standing for Labour.

The party's candidate this year, Simon Firth will be hoping to do better this year, though. He stood against the "other" Coun Martin in Shaw last year, and came within just 180 votes of unseating her.

With the national Conservative government facing mounting criticism from both its opponents and many of its own MPs, Mr Firth might hope he has a better chance this year than his party did at 2015, when the Conservatives also won the general election.

It is likely that turn out this year will be down in comparison to a national election year.

Also standing in Shaw are the Green party, with Ken Kimber. In 2015 the party's Nigel Kimber came last of five candidates, and Ken Kimber, last year, improved that performance to come fourth of five, though ironically with fewer votes.

UKIP's candidate Adrian Costello will be hoping to improve on last year's showing where the party's Shaw candidate came last. The party stood no candidate in 2016, but came third in 2015 with 13 per cent of the vote. The Lib Dems are not standing in Shaw this year.

The Candidates

Adrian Costello - UKIP

Young or old, rich or poor, I can say from the heart that every individual matters to me. For this is the reason I am standing as a candidate and representing my local residents of Shaw.

If elected I will be working for you. I will do my utmost to raise your concerns and push for a solution.

Together we can make Swindon a better place to work, rest and play.

Some concerns of residents are: the diminishing mental health facilities and support despite Swindon’s growth and expansion plans and the closure of our children and youth centres across the town. Children need a good start in life and our youth need a support base.

Simon Firth - Labour

I have fond memories of growing up in Swindon, but times have changed, and under successive Conservative administrations the town has become left behind, with increased taxes, reduced services and a run down heart.

I am determined to help make Swindon a place where people of all ages will want to live again: with a flourishing 21st century technology industry, a program to make us sustainable, and a vibrant culture and leisure offer that people can enjoy.

I would be your Labour representative for Shaw on Swindon Council, alongside your Conservative councillors. I would seek to ensure concerns from all residents are heard. Common issues are making roads safer and less congested, reducing littering and the threat of crime, school places, surgeries and community facilities.

Ken Kimber - Green Party

I have lived in Shaw for nearly 30 years and worked in schools in Swindon and Wiltshire as a teacher of special needs and am a part-time lecturer at New College.

Like many other West Swindon residents, I have been appalled by housing developments that ignore the wishes of local people, and proposals for roads that will only increase congestion and reduce safety.

I joined the Green Party because I believe it is the only party proposing real action on climate change, and has a vision of a fair, just and equal society.

Swindon needs a distinct and different voice on the council to represent the views of local residents, protect local services, stand up for the environment, and hold other parties to account.

Nick Martin - Conservatives

A retired internal auditor, I’ve lived in Middleleaze since 1994. First elected in 1983 and councillor for Shaw since 1998. A West Swindon parish councillor and former LPA governor.

I have dealt with thousands of residents’ requests. I was part of the campaign that saved Shaw Forest and turned it into a wonderful park. I chaired the committee that oversaw the £7m restoration of Lydiard Park including the lake, the walled garden and theplayground. I am delighted the park and conference centre are doing so well under council management.

I did much of the original groundwork for Middleleaze field and volunteer with Peatmoor Copse group. I will continue to keep Shaw clean, green and a great place to live, work and bring up a family.