FOUR candidates are fighting to take over Craven District Council's Skipton East seat following the recent death of Independent councillor Janet Gott, described as a champion of the people.

The by-election will take place on Thursday, and polling stations at the Parish Church School in Brougham Street and Greatwood and Horse Close Community Centre will be open between 8am and 9pm.

The count will take place at the community centre after 9pm.

Labour candidate Mike Green works for a housing association that specialises in sheltered housing in Bradford. He has lived in Castle Street for the past five years and says he enjoys living in Skipton.

His experience in local politics has included a spell as councillor in an area north of Bristol. He said he believed that with a Labour Government shaping the future of the country it was important to have a Labour councillor on Craven District Council.

Mr Green added: "My chief experiences as a local councillor were in housing and finance, and I would hope to be useful in those areas if elected. I am also interested in helping young people to develop their full potential and would want the council to support that."

In his spare time Mr Green, who is 48, enjoys keep fit, music, books, cinema and writing.

The Independent nominee Mel Seward said: "I firmly believe that the political party cancer of spin doctors and control freaks should have no place in our local council at Craven District. Political party antics in local government plain and simply do not work."

Mr Seward added that as an Independent he would represent everyone irrespective of politics and wanted to approach all issues with an open mind, ensuring good value services.

He said: "By working together towards a common cause without political bias we can deliver a better environment, a more prosperous economy, provide employment opportunities for all age groups and significantly improve the quality of life for all residents of Skipton and Craven district."

Chris Harbron, 28, the Conservative candidate, has lived in Skipton for the past 24 years. He is a well known resident in the East ward and attended Greatwood Primary and then Aireville Secondary School.

Mr Harbron worked for 12 years as a technician in the highways laboratory for a local quarry company. After being made redundant last year, he returned to education and is studying for an information technology HND.

He said: "I want to serve and represent the people and the area in which I was raised. I know the hardship and the difficulties many people find themselves in and I want to help them by speaking out for them."

Mr Harbron said his main tasks would be to work in partnership with all agencies to create employment and well paid local jobs for residents, provide modern, safe recreation facilities, fight to retain green field sites, and to introduce as a priority low metro rail fares from Skipton Station.

The Liberal Democrat candidate Mark Wheeler said: "Rather than make vague promises or grand gestures I will guarantee one thing. I will listen to the people of Skipton East ward and be their voice in the council chamber. I will be available to discuss and take on issues that are important to you."

He added that it was not too much to want safe, clean streets and he would endeavour to achieve this aim.

Mr Wheeler is married with three children. He is an active member of Glusburn Community Primary School governing body, and regularly turns out for Skipton Town football club.

He concluded that he was keen to fight for issues that affected Skipton East residents and would actively work with fellow Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Wood to address any ongoing problems.

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