AS SOME of Launceston’s residents prepare to vote for a new town councillor, those standing for election have given voters some insight into who they are.

On March 16, residents are set to have their say on who will be stepping into the seat for Launceston North Ward on Launceston Town Council.

The vacancy arose following the resignation of Cllr Jamie Ranson.

Two residents, Steve Haynes and Kimbo Wade-Hall, have announced that they will be standing for election.

Both individuals have provided a the Post with a profile, letting voters get to know more about them.

I’m standing as an Independent for Launceston North. I’m a school teacher, a father of six, and I live in Lanstephan. I believe our town deserves elected representatives who will put local residents first.

If elected, I would promote greater council transparency and accountability. I believe residents need open decision-making and councillors who will listen to them. I will offer regular ‘meet the councillor’ events in North Ward, and I will argue that all future elections have poll cards issued so that democracy is properly promoted in Launceston.

Many residents have been telling me how young people are struggling to get into work, and it’s a concern I too have experienced as a parent. Youth provision, community spaces and training are all vital if our young people are to succeed. One of my clear priorities will be to support schemes to improve youth job prospects.

I’ve heard many concerns about the need to revitalise our town centre. We need a strong local business community to help our town flourish. I will support practical initiatives that will bring visitors to Launceston and foster good relations with local business people. I will also seek to promote and support the many small businesses that are scattered across Launceston North ward.

When listening to people on the door, you’ve spoken to me of concerns about the state of our roads, specific traffic issues (speeding and parking) that no one wants to resolve, difficulties with housing, worries about crime, litter blowing through streets, Lawrence House museum ever opening again, the lack of access to public toilets for people working in the town centre, significant worries about children at Launceston College, barely getting through the cost of living crisis, worries about holding onto your job or your business, a feeling of having been forgotten. I will seek to speak of such concerns in town council and to other representatives and public bodies, and to work with others to try and find actions that will address them.

At the same time, I have met people who love living in Launceston North ward, who value their neighbours, and enjoy the beautiful place where we live. Promoting your sense of community and supporting projects that build on your local knowledge are also things I would seek to do as your elected representative.

My name is Kimberley (Kimbo) Wade-Hall, I have been married for 27 years and have two daughters. I am also a business owner in the town centre. I am standing as an Independent candidate as I believe the town council is there for the people of the town regardless of political beliefs.

My reason for standing for Launceston Town Council (North Ward) is to bring fresh ideas and a different perspective for the future of our historic Town. Ask relevant questions and try to get the answers the town's residents are looking for. From social and affordable housing to development opportunities to encourage various, relevant and diverse businesses to the town which will bring better job opportunities to the town. Building more houses does not solve the problem of an overcrowded college and overwhelmed doctor’s surgery, a better affordable infrastructure needs to be in place.

Having worked with the cadets for nine years, five of which in a senior role in Cornwall, it has opened my eyes to the need for more provisions for under eighteens.

Being married to a soldier of 22 years who’s now a veteran of 14 years, I am a Trustee of the Launceston Veterans’ Centre at Edymead Hall. I would also like to keep the town’s commitment to the Veterans through all the different community projects opening their doors for them and explore the possibilities of everyone working together under Cornwalls commitment to the Forces Covenant.