BROMSGROVE Independents are hoping to win the Beacon and Alvechurch seats in the upcoming Worcestershire County Council elections.
Councillor Kate Van der Plank is contesting the Beacon division which covers Barnt Green, Cofton Hackett, Lickey and Rubery.
And transport planning consultant Alan Bailes will be running for the Alvechurch seat.
Coun Van der Plank said: “We have a growing number of independent councillors in this area and residents can see we are really making a difference.
“I want to continue this progress and what I will promise – and have already demonstrated – is that I will listen and campaign hard on the things that matter to our communities.
“I’ll work hard to make sure our area gets its fair share of resources.”
Coun Van der Plank added that she has a ‘good track record’ of ‘getting things done’.
“I am willing to work with all parties on any idea, if it’s in the best interests of the people I represent,” she said.
“Party politics is just not relevant at local level and the petty bickering between the two main political parties is divisive and unhelpful.
“I have strong connections with communities in the Beacon division so I am really excited about the opportunity to represent this area, ensuring residents have an approachable councillor who will listen, get involved and put people’s interests before politics.”
Alan, who has lived in Alvechurch for more than 30 years, said: “It is important to have independent and community-minded councillors, fighting for the interest of local people, so we can create solutions to local problems.”
The pair, who want to see more affordable housing and better infrastructure, say they hope to imitate the success of Independent Coun Charlie Hotham who is stepping down from county level but continuing as a district councillor.
Their mantra is that people should vote for ‘the person not the party’.
The elections will take place on May 6.
