LEDBURY has been split into three wards for this election, and the wards are Ledbury West; Ledbury South and Ledbury North.

One county councillor will be elected for each ward, giving Ledbury three county councillors in total.

There are seven candidates, and the wards they are standing for, and their statements, are given below.

STATEMENT BY DEBBIE BAKER (Conservative) - CANDIDATE FOR LEDBURY WEST.

I have experience in the NHS and Social Care setting, admin for Kawasaki Disease Support Group, and Herefordshire Chatterbox. I have resided in Ledbury for 20+ years and have a family. I take an active interest in local politics. By standing as Candidate for County and Town Council in the West Ward I feel that I have time to commit to support Residents with any issues they wish to raise at these levels. As we have been split into three wards I believe we should all work together as a Team to represent our Town to the best of our ability.

STATEMENT BY ANDREW WARMINGTON (It's Our County) - CANDIDATE FOR LEDBURY WEST.

The Tory-led administration at HC has been run by a small, self-serving group of councillors who have pushed their own pet projects in Hereford itself and have at best neglected the market towns. I am standing for IOC as a non-party political movement to make HC work better for Ledbury. I stand for properly managed development that works for us, not just for developers, for the preservation of our already limited green space and our unique High Street and improving the infrastructure so that we can generate the kind of high quality jobs that will enable Ledbury to develop sustainably.

STATEMENT BY TERRY WIDDOWS (It's Our County) - CANDIDATE FOR LEDBURY SOUTH.

In 2014 I had the privilege to become one of your ward councillors and I am asking for your support to continue the work we have started.

Since joining the county council I have become closely involved in planning issues, sitting on the planning committee and the Neighbourhood Plan.

In this election I offer voters this expertise, along with my energy, pace, youth and understanding of local issues as we face the challenges of achieving sympathetic housing growth alongside appropriate economic development.

Ledbury needs councillors who will listen and work together effectively as a team.

Let's make a difference together.

STATEMENT BY MATTHEW EAKIN (Liberal Democrats) - CANDIDATE FOR LEDBURY SOUTH.

I live in Ledbury and am currently studying at college in Hereford. I am 18 and one of the youngest candidates in the County but, if

elected, I want to represent everyone. I think it is vital that all local

voices of all ages are heard by Herefordshire Council and Ledbury

Town Council.

I will work to secure better funding for local services throughout

Ledbury. I want to see improvements to the repair and maintenance of our roads and extended library opening hours. I will fight to defend the diversity of our independent businesses in Ledbury High Street

STATEMENT BY EMMA HOLTON (Conservative) - CANDIDATE FOR LEDBURY SOUTH.

I live in Ledbury with my young daughter. I grew up in Herefordshire, attending local schools.

As an experienced councillor in Wiltshire I served on the Planning Committee, dealing with large developments.

I want to bring my enthusiasm, energy and commitment to our community, in order to safeguard Ledbury’s status as a historic market town against unnecessary development; to ensure that local facilities are retained including the local Lawnside swimming pool, and to reinstate our emergency services in the town.

I want to encourage young people to participate in their local community, they are the future of this town.

STATEMENT BY PHILL BETTINGTON (Conservative) - CANDIDATE FOR LEDBURY NORTH.

I am standing again in support of residents and the issues they have. I am a Governor of Eastnor School; a Company Director; a Team Leader for a recycling company in Ledbury; a member of Health Scrutiny and Regulatory Committees.

I have been Mayor of Ledbury twice.

I will continue to support the road network through the viaduct to the new development; stop unnecessary over-development on Lawnside and open the Youth Centre for the Sports Clubs and youth. I will look after our open spaces, grass cutting and litter problems. I will support local traders and businesses and encourage tourism.

STATEMENT BY LIZ HARVEY (It's Our County) - CANDIDATE FOR LEDBURY NORTH.

Having been both a town and county councillor for the last four years, I remain committed to improving the working relationship between these levels of local government. This work has only just begun for Ledbury, e.g. now the Town Council can access county money to undertake local road repairs and grass cutting.

I want local people to have greater influence over how county money is prioritised and spent in the Ledbury area delivering our services.

With your support on May 7, I will continue to be a passionate champion for Ledbury and an effective advocate for its residents. Thank you.