EAST Hampshire District Council candidates for the May 7 elections:

ST PETER'S WARD

Dr JAMES ABDEY (CONSERVATIVE)

MY family links with Petersfield stretch back to around 1900 when my great-grandparents lived at Rushes Farm, so it felt like coming "home" when I moved to Petersfield in 2007.

After completing my PhD, I am a lecturer in the field of statistics at the London School of Economics. I hope to apply my problem-solving skills and analytic take on life to ensure effective decision-making in council.

St Peters, the beating heart of our vibrant community, is symbolic of both the history and future of our town. It would be a privilege to contribute to the St Peter's ward.

LOUISE BEVAN (Lib Dem)

IN 2012, I moved back to Petersfield after working abroad. My priorities are to ensure that scarce district resources are allocated fairly and responsibly to priority projects that reduce social isolation and provide support to vulnerable groups, especially the chronically ill and elderly.

I was shocked that the decision to close Bulmer House was taken without a proper plan in place to provide alternative care for local people.

I'm passionate about the quality of our environment and want to encourage better respect for the town's facilities. I am treasurer of Petersfield Community Garden and would like see more similar projects in East Hampshire.

PETER DIMOND (UKIP)

I HAVE been a permanent resident of Petersfield for more than 50 years and have known nothing but Tory domination in Parliamentary and local elections during that time.

There has never been a credible alternative to vote for and I stopped voting. I, like many others, have looked for a way to express our views on local government outside the Tory dictate.

Now, in the United Kingdom Independence Party, I have found a voice that allows me to express my opinions together with those who may elect me, to speak on their behalf and deal with local issues without following any party line.

LUCY VIGNOLA (GREEN)

I HAVE been in and around Petersfield most of my life, having done my primary schooling in Liss and Selborne, and then running a local pub and restaurant business with my father for 10 years.

I now live here with my partner Iain and our two young daughters. I have launched several community projects in the area, including a 'Bring & Barter' event and raising awareness of the global transition towns initiative. As a qualified life coach, I am passionate about enabling people to take action in their lives.

TONY WATSON (LABOUR)

BROUGHT up in this area, I live within the ward in which I'm standing. I teach in the state sector locally and have held many senior positions during my career.

I would be proud to represent us at district level and would act in the interests of all. Petersfield is at its most vibrant when we come together and, as a Labour member, I would pay particular attention to issues affecting the most vulnerable, as I believe a true measure of those in power is how well they treat those least able to look after themselves.

ST MARY'S WARD

SIMON EASTON (LABOUR)

I HAVE lived in Petersfield for 20 years and would welcome the opportunity to serve on the district council.

My priorities are providing excellence on education and a strong NHS. The bedroom tax is unfair and unworkable and should be repealed. The number of people using food banks has increased and must be reversed.

Please vote Labour on May 7.

NICKY NOBLE (CONSERVATIVE)

I HAVE lived in the St Mary's ward for almost five years, after 16 years in London. It is a great place to live and I have family living close by, so I quickly felt part of the community and wanted to be involved in local activities.

I'm a working mum selling advertising space in a local paper, which means I help local companies grow by finding extra business for them.

I really enjoy getting things done and the sense of achievement that goes with it. Becoming your district councillor will enable me to support my community and work for Petersfield.

SANDY NOBLE (GREEN)

I AM standing in St Mary's ward because I believe it is a time for change. Politics as usual doesn't work, it's divisive and unfair and driven from the top. We need to restore our communities and make sure local politics serves local people.

As an ex-freelance worker in the book industry, I strongly support the living wage. I also want to keep the NHS free and open to all, and reverse creeping privatisation.

I moved to Petersfield two years ago and grew up in Grayshott.

GUY STACPOOLE (UKIP)

UKIP councillors are unique among political parties. We take our direction from local electors and not remote, political masters.

We have recently seen the way in which the current cadre of East Hampshire councillors feel able to act with a brazen disregard for the concerns of their local communities. Vote UKIP and you will challenge and change this shocking contempt.

Continuing as your district councillor, I would work to put power back into your hands on those vital issues which matter to ordinary people like you and I.

ROTHER WARD

BOB AYER (CONSERVATIVE)

I HAVE been a district councillor for 16 years and seeking re-election because I care about Petersfield and believe that my experience will be important during these difficult times for local government.

After graduation, I was an officer in the Royal Navy for 25 years, then a chartered systems engineer in industry. Our family came to live in Petersfield in 1974 and our children and grandchildren went to the local state schools. My wife, Hilary, is well known as both a district and town councillor.

I promise to continue working hard to represent your interests and concerns.

MALCOLM BINT (UKIP)

I LIVE in Petersfield, am active in local clubs and societies, I run local business The LED Studio, and I'm a STEM ambassador which  involves helping at The Petersfield School with its after-school science and technology club and other activities.

I am UKIP's East Hampshire vice-chairman and am also standing for Durham North in the Parliamentary elections.

PHILLIP HUMPHRIES (GREEN)

I LOVE living in Petersfield. I have lived here with my family for the last 18 years after moving from Liverpool.

For many years, I have been deeply involved with the performing arts in the town and for the last five years I have been a trustee of the Sustainability Centre at East Meon.

I am fed up with the Punch and Judy show that politics has become with self-interest and short-term thinking seemingly the priority. I believe the Green Party stands out as a party with a rational view of the future which puts people and planet first.

BILL ORGAN (LABOUR)

I'M a volunteer adviser at the local CAB. This gives me an insight into the social problems of the town.

For the past six years I have been a co-opted member of Petersfield Town Council. I believe I have contributed fully to it, representing local views intelligently.

At town level, commonsense and local knowledge are the main attributes. At district level, it is more political but I would be there to represent you. A slogan to abolish the need for EHDC council tax sounds impressive. Somebody must ask why and who will pay. I would do it for you.

CAUSEWAY WARD

BEN BENTLEY (CONSERVATIVE)

I LIVE in Petersfield with my wife, Amy, and two children.

I grew up in Rogate until leaving to join the Army at the age of 17. I spent 11 fantastic years serving in the UK and abroad while taking part in multiple tours of Afghanistan, along with Bosnia and Kosovo.

I left military life behind five years ago and now work as a telecommunications engineer on military and government projects. If you elect me as your district councillor I will ensure I represent all the residents of the Causeway ward, working tirelessly with all relevant authorities to find long-term solutions.

LIZ BISSET (GREEN)

LIZ is married with two grown-up boys and until recently worked as a learning support assistant at Petersfield Infant School.

She is very much involved in the community, serving on the committees of Petersfield WI, the open-air swimming pool and the twinning association, and helping with Scouts and at school fundraising events.

Liz feels strongly about the worsening equality which we see in our society and have always believed that everyone has something to contribute to a better, more sustainable world.

COLIN BRAZIER (LABOUR)

I'VE lived near the centre of Petersfield for six years.

I was a musician in the Army after leaving school but have worked for the railway for 25 years. I'm currently a controller for South West Trains, which involves shifts so 'm acquainted with the fact that lots of people don't always work 9-5.

I'm also an executive committee member of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association and am on various transport-related committees. I am particularly interested in public transport issues (including local bus services) and current affairs. I also enjoy travelling, classical music and photography.

CICELY ROBINSON (LIB DEM)

Cicely believes that young people should make their voices heard and contribute to their local communities.

Now in her third year at university, Cicely went to school in Buriton and Petersfield, learning rural skills along with the usual maths and science.

Cicely is a Lib Dem because she believes in a fair society, where all children have the best possible start in life and all members of our communities are given the chance to fulfil their potential.

She will work for a sustainable approach to housing and transport that meets the needs of residents young and old, and one that protects our environment.

BELL HILL WARD

CASPIAN CONRAN (CONSERVATIVE)

I AM a 20-year-old university student who has lived in the Bell Hill ward for more than 15 years.

I believe passionately in the defence of individual liberty and the pursuit of a freer, fairer Britain where honest work receives just reward and opportunity is available to all. I also contribute to political blogs and a magazine.

Local issues include the development near McDonald's and the protection of the green spaces behind Bell Hill ridge. There also needs to be a lot more effort in dealing with sound pollution from the A3 for affected homes.

DEENA EVANS (UKIP)

I WAS brought up in Mauritius and moved to Hampshire 12 years ago.

I stand for UKIP because we should only allow immigration for those who will add value to our economy and we should scrap income tax on the minimum wage.

As a local business director and recruiter, I see those who prefer to claim benefits rather than seeking work while those in need often do not receive appropriate assistance.

I will campaign for careful local development, taking account of the overall needs of the community, including local employers, and I will work for transparency and accountability in local government.

ANNA GLANVILLE-HEARSON (GREEN)

I PUT my name forward for the district council elections because I believe that Petersfield needs a good shake up.

With pressure from the community and political will from councillors, Petersfield, like the transition town of Totnes, could easily become a flagship for best practice in sustainable community development. We need to address traffic, sustainable innovative development and recycling.

I am a freelance business consultant working on contracts for large projects. I have a keen interest in permaculture and sustainable development.

THOMAS SPENCER (CONSERVATIVE)

I HAVE lived in Hampshire all my life and my wife and I moved to Petersfield in 2012.

My degree is in real estate and I am a chartered surveyor.

I hope to help improve the business performance of the council and I will also be able to offer an informed view with regards to business, economic and planning matters.

I would be proud to represent the residents of Bell Hill. I've been so taken with the community here and am keen to do what I can to contribute to this. I hope I can count on your vote on May 7.

BETH VAUGHAN (LABOUR)

I'M a mother with two children at Herne Junior School in Petersfield. Having moved here four years ago, from London, I feel privileged to enjoy the friendly community spirit of the town, the resources, and the beauty of the area.

I think politics matter, and we are fortunate to live in a society that encourages us to debate opposing ideas. Such debate can lead to positive change, and it is important we have representation from different people, with different views, from different parties, on our councils.

I would love the opportunity to make a positive difference to town life.

LISS WARD

STEVE BARTHOLOMEW (GREEN)

STEVE has lived in South East Hampshire for more than 30 years – currently in Liss.

He is an active member of Petersfield Orchestra and Petersfield Squash Club and a keen cyclist.

Steve joined the Green Party in May 2014 after becoming disillusioned with 'traditional' politics and became secretary of the local party on its formation last September.

Politics is changing and the Green Party can make a real difference in building a sustainable and fairer future. It's time to get stuck in and help make it happen. I'm standing for the Green Party in the Liss ward to do just that.

KEITH BUDDEN (INDEPENDENT)

I'M an independent candidate in this election as I wish to be your local representative for Liss at EHDC, not your local politician.

I have been chairman of Liss Parish Council since 2013 and was the driving force at leading Liss in developing a neighbourhood plan. My priorities are to ensure the neighbourhood plan is delivered, that vital bus services are protected, that the recreational facilities in Liss are improved, and that work is done to protect the village from flooding.

Finally, I'll make sure Liss receives its fair share of developers' contribution funding from new developments.

ROB EVANS (UKIP)

I HAVE worked in Liss for four years and lived in Liphook for 15 years.

I was a local councillor for seven years and campaigned for the South Downs National Park and against sprawling developments.

I stand for UKIP because I oppose uncontrolled immigration. We should allow only people that add value to the economy. We should scrap income tax on the minimum wage. This is fairer and motivational.

If elected I will campaign for development that reflects the needs of the community and the national park, engage with local people and groups, respect local businesses needs, and promote transparency of Local Government.

ADAM HARPER (GREEN)

I LIVE in Petersfield and work for a local business.

I'm active in the community having been involved in the Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan and the East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership. I was a founder member of the Petersfield Community Garden.

I believe I can provide better representation on the council, I will listen to your concerns and ensure action is taken. The council can and must do better for residents of East Hampshire.

MIKE KENDALL (CONSERVATIVE)

MY wife and I moved to Hill Brow in 2008 after I retired as solicitor to and a director of West Sussex County Council.

I joined Liss Parish Council in 2014 and have led on the West Liss Pavilion project and in setting up a flood action group for the village.

My experience as a planning lawyer has been useful on the planning committee and I helped review the internal governance arrangements of the parish council using my past experience as a senior officer in local government.

I welcome the opportunity to represent Liss on both the district council and the parish council.

HOWARD LINSLEY (LABOUR)

HOWARD has lived in Liss for 18 years.

He has served as a parish councillor since 2000 and as chairman for three years. His contribution to the founding of the national park and the inclusion of Liss was acknowledged.

He recognises the housing shortage in East Hampshire which often forces young people to move away and believes more housing, including social housing, should be built in appropriate places.

Howard has a good track record of standing up for Liss and believes that it is time for strong voices to represent the village on EHDC.

Regular surgeries will allow him to keep in touch with your issues.

FRANCIS MACNAMARA (LABOUR)

FRANCIS is chief executive of a national charity whose aim is to cut crime by reducing re-offending rates.

He is also a professional musician and as the leader of the Hanging Tree Band has freely supported many local charity events in Hampshire and neighbouring counties.

Francis has lived in Liss for 26 years and believes that his wide local knowledge would be a great asset when representing the village.

He will work with Howard Linsley to consult the residents of Liss and keep them informed.

A regular surgery will be run to hear constituents' issues and problems.

ROGER MULLENGER (LIB DEM)

I HAVE lived in the Liss and Petersfield area for 30 years and am experienced in business, as a school parent governor and until recently an active parish councillor.

I have gained a good knowledge of the problems that many residents face through 12 years as a Liss parish councillor and the experience of my wife while working and volunteering in a local advice organisation.

I'm currently chairman of the South Downs National Park local access forum and sustainable communities fund panel.

I support conservation and countryside issues, managing an ancient woodland and being a voluntary walk leader for the U3A and a holiday organisation.

LAETITIA PIENAAR (CONSERVATIVE)

I HAVE been a resident of Liss since 2005. Having raised young children here who are now teenagers, I have come to know and love the village, its people and the surrounding countryside.

I have reached a stage in my life where I have time and skills to invest in the village's future and would very much like the opportunity of doing so.

Although I have not previously stood for election I can promise that I will serve the people of Liss with integrity and passion and strive to listen to you if elected on May 7.

FROXFIELD & STEEP WARD

NICHOLAS DREW (CONSERVATIVE)

HAVING lived here for many years, and with a young family, I want to make sure that our beautiful countryside is preserved and protected, even as we rise to meet the challenges of the modern world.

The economic issues facing your local council have been challenging, but even so we have kept council costs low and frozen council tax for a number of years.

If re-elected, I shall continue to ensure that your views have a strong voice at the district council, while working on local ward issues and supporting our local groups and sports clubs.

JAMES MAKIN (UKIP)

MY background is in IT systems (design development and support) for manufacturing companies.

I am dismayed that our politicians seem willing to pay any price, twist any fact, make and then wriggle out of any promise in order to ensure our incorporation within the grandiose, self-serving and unaccountable EU.

Only UKIP will strengthen British democracy, restore our sovereignty, and defend our freedoms. It's that simple.